January 22, 2025 11:04 pm

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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

  • 1 pint milk
  • 1 pint cream
  • 12 eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 pint best French brandy
  • 2 teaspoons fresh grated nutmeg

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

1906 Boozy Brandy Eggnog Cocktail Recipe

This 1906 Broome family eggnog recipe is a rich, boozy holiday drink that combines simple ingredients into a luxurious cocktail. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill 1 hour
Course Drinks
Cuisine English
Servings 6 people

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
Keyword brandy eggnog recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Tips for success

  • variations

  • serving suggestions

  • Storage

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

Is Eggnog Safe to Drink?

Yes. When making eggnog at home, be sure to use pasteurized eggs.

Can I Make it Ahead of Time?

Yes, it actually improves with age up to several weeks.

Why Separate the Eggs?

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.

How Strong is it?

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
 

Can I Freeze Eggnog?

Freezing homemade eggnog is not recommended as it can affect texture and flavor.

Can I Halve the Recipe?

es, all ingredients can be proportionally reduced.

Can I Make it Less Sweet?

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

How Do I Prevent Curdling?

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!

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