Make your own eggnog
Jonathan Goodall shares his recipe for eggnog, the traditional Christmas drink that’s a velvety mixture of egg, milk, cream and brandy.
Jonathan Goodall shares his recipe for eggnog, the traditional Christmas drink that’s a velvety mixture of egg, milk, cream and brandy.
By trying classic recipes I’ve long known about from Dickens and Shakespeare, but never tasted, I’ve been exploring the spirit of Christmases past. I’ve so far been wary of drinks containing eggs and dairy produce, but I decided it was time to give them a try.
Eggnog – a descendant of the medieval posset, a mixture of ale, eggs and hot milk – takes its name from the practice of adding beaten egg to a noggin (a wooden mug) of beer. Since the 17th century, rum and brandy have become the mixers of choice rather than beer.
A quick-and-easy, cold eggnog can be made by mixing all the ingredients (see recipe, below) in a shaker with some ice, but this misses the point, like cold cocoa.
The recipe I’ve given here requires whisking and washing-up but the sweet-smelling froth, like snowdrifts flecked with nutmeg, is worth the effort. Adjust the sugar and cream according to taste. Eggnog is a soft, fluffy drink with a deep concealed bite. Think of a cashmere cardigan wrapped around a crocodile.
Me, I’m an eggnog convert. On tasting it, it was as though I’d discovered a secret recipe for home-made Baileys. It’s that good.
(Hero image credit: Getty)
Find out about Saga's gastronomy holidays here...
They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and Saga’s thoughtfully crafted food and wine holidays are perfect if you like trying new flavours and exploring traditional methods of cooking.
Enjoy a 4-bottle case of hand-picked wines from Vintage by Saga - just £15.96. Perfect for cosy autumn evenings & good company.
Ingenious speakers, brilliant earbuds, nifty note takers - our expert picks his top tech gifts.
Our choice of the 6 best cookbooks to buy for Christmas, filled with delicious inspiration.
If you want your home to look festive rather than frightful, we have the best advice on how to dodge decorative disasters.
From “bauble-bearers“ to festive “wambling” our lexicographer has a host of words that capture the spirit of Christmas.
Our money expert looks at your choices, from giving money to setting up a pension.
Crisp and golden, a Yorkshire pudding is essential for a great Sunday roast. Try our super-easy recipe.
We review the best supermarket Christmas puddings available in 2025, with selections from the likes of Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and M&S.
Are Christmas cards going out of fashion? Not according to our survey.
