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Try This Eggnog Recipe for An Aussie Christmas
What is eggnog, how to make eggnog, and how to give the traditional Christmas cocktail an Australian twist with an iced latte eggnog recipe – it’s all here.
As much as we love our sunny Australian Christmases, there are some Christmas traditions that are synonymous with a cold, snow-dusted December. Like the iconic Christmas eggnog.
But who says you can’t enjoy this classic Christmas cocktail down under?
Try our iced eggnog latte to enjoy all the flavours of Christmas in chilled form – with a coffee kick. But before you learn how to make eggnog, let’s find out what is eggnog and its origins.
Why is eggnog such a quintessentially Christmas drink?
The origins of eggnog can be traced back to medieval Britain where a warm, milky ale called posset was popular. When it was adopted by 13th century monks, it became a drink made with eggs and figs, but by early modernism, eggnog became a drink for the wealthy, since milk, eggs, sherry and spices were all expensive commodities.
Americans adapted the European recipe by exchanging the sherry for the more accessible rum, and this is what drove eggnog into mainstream culture.
Eggnog is traditionally enjoyed around Christmas time as traditionally, it’s a hot beverage – perfect for cold Christmases of the northern hemisphere.
Historically, people tended to save their alcohol for special occasions, which is why homemade eggnog started making an appearance around Christmastime as a treat. And since this time of year is pretty heavy on the desserts as well, ingredients like cream and spices are rife. The spiking of eggnog with alcohol is what keeps the dairy from spoiling.
Interestingly, this Christmas cocktail actually caused a riot! The Eggnog Riot, otherwise known as the Grog Mutiny, happened in New York during the Christmas of 1826. Apparently, a large quantity of alcoholic eggnog (spiked with whiskey) was illegally smuggled into West Point Military Academy causing an eggnog-fuelled brawl.
How to make eggnog — the iced latte edition
This eggnog recipe adds a twist to the classic, with the addition of iced coffee to suit our sunburnt Christmases. It’s delicious, and easy – you’ll never look at store bought eggnog again!
Iced latte eggnog ingredients (Serves 2)
- 80ml (1/3 cup) bourbon (we recommend Wild Turkey Longbranch)
- 55g (1/4 cup) caster sugar
- 60ml (3 tbsp) water
- 125ml (1/2 cup) strong espresso coffee, cooled
- 1 egg yolk
- 125ml (1/2 cup) thickened cream
- 125ml (1/2 cup) milk
- 2 cups crushed ice
- Whipped cream, to serve
- Cinnamon sugar, to dust
Method
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Take off the heat and chill.
- Combine the sugar syrup, coffee, egg yolk, cream, milk and bourbon in a blender and blend until combined.
- Divide ice between two tall (375ml) glasses and pour over the eggnog.
- Top with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon sugar to serve.
This latte eggnog recipe lets you dream of a White Christmas while dangling your feet in the pool. It’s tradition — the Australian way.
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