Nothing captures the essence of holiday celebrations quite like a glass of homemade brandy eggnog. This creamy, spiced cocktail has graced festive tables since the 13th century, evolving from its humble origins in medieval Britain as "posset" to become an American tradition during the holiday season. When the beloved drink crossed the Atlantic in the 18th century, colonists transformed it into what we now know as eggnog, using simple ingredients like fresh eggs, warm milk, and heavy cream.
George Washington served his own version of eggnog at Mount Vernon, and the drink became so beloved it sparked The Eggnog Riot of 1826 at West Point Military Academy.
1906 Boozy Brandy Eggnog Recipe
Beat sugar and egg yolks of eggs very lightly. Add milk and cream, then the brandy, and last, the well-beaten egg whites. This eggnog will keep for several weeks if set in a cool place, and additional egg whites can be stirred in as it is used.
The Broome family recipe comes with a wise motto:
"Never mix liquors or they will mix you"





Traditional Homemade Eggnog - The Modern Way
Today, I'm sharing a classic homemade eggnog recipe that captures the rich heritage of this festive drink while being perfectly suited for modern holiday parties.

1906 Boozy Brandy Eggnog Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk or Electric Mixer
- 1 Microplane or Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 6 punch glasses
- 1 Glass Storage Pitcher
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated - use room temperature eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar - for the egg yolks
- 6 tbsp sugar - for the egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups whipping cream, chilled
- 2 cups whole milk - do not use low fat
- 1 - 2 cups brandy or rum - exact amounts are up to you
- grated nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until very light and pale in color (about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer)
- While continuing to beat, slowly add 3 cups chilled whipping cream, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup brandy or rum (choose one, remembering the Broome family motto!)
- In a separate clean bowl, beat the 6 egg whites with 6 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cream mixture
- Finish with a generous grating of fresh nutmeg on top
Tips For Success
1. Use room temperature eggs for better volume
2. Add the alcohol slowly to prevent curdling
3. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor
4. Don't overmix when folding in the egg whites
5. Taste and adjust sweetness and flavor before chilling
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. When making eggnog at home, be sure to use pasteurized eggs.
Yes, it actually improves with age up to several weeks.
Egg Yolks create the rich, custard-like base of eggnog. When beaten separately, they become thick and pale in color, creating a creamy foundation that helps give eggnog its signature texture.
Egg Whites serve a different purpose - they're whipped into stiff peaks to create a light, fluffy meringue that gets folded into the drink, giving eggnog its characteristic frothy texture.
The strength of brandy eggnog varies depending on the ratio of alcohol to eggnog used and the preparation method. For a balanced drink that most people will enjoy, use:
- 1:4 ratio (1 part brandy to 4 parts eggnog) for a milder drink
- 1:3 ratio (1 part brandy to 3 parts eggnog) for a stronger version
Freezing homemade eggnog is not recommended as it can affect texture and flavor.
es, all ingredients can be proportionally reduced.
Yes, there are several effective ways to reduce the sweetness of eggnog:
- Adjust the milk-to-cream ratio by using more milk than cream
- Using powdered sugar instead of regular sugar tends to make it less sweet
- Add a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
Add the alcohol last, after all other ingredients are combined and whisked. Pour the spirits slowly while continuously stirring. Keep the eggnog well-chilled when adding alcohol.
This classic brandy eggnog recipe connects us to centuries of holiday tradition while delivering a luxuriously smooth, perfectly spiced treat, especially on a cold winter night. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this eggnog recipe will surely become part of your holiday tradition.
Share your eggnog-making adventures in the comments below, and don't forget to pin this festive cocktail for your holiday gatherings!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!