Christmas In A Glass

Creamy, sweet, and full of holiday cheer, eggnog is a traditional Christmas tipple. It is very rich, and possibly better suited to cooler climates, but nothing says Christmas like a wee glass of eggnog on December 25.

There are as many versions of eggnog as their are families, but Jamie Oliver’s is a cracker (yes, that’s a deliberate Christmas pun). You start by infusing milk and cream with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla beans, which should get the tastebuds tingling, and it’s then spiked with bourbon or rum.

Make it ahead of time to allow all the flavours to combine, then chill and top it with fluffy egg whites. Divine!

Serves 8

• 3 cups (700ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy or double cream
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
• 5 eggs, separated
• 2/3 (130g) cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (175ml) Bacardi Dark Rum, or bourbon

In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add bourbon or rum, and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.

Before serving, beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.