Maggie Beer's Eggnog Recipe (2024)

December 16, 2013 By Sara McCleary Updated November 29, 2020 - This post may contain affiliate links

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The lovely people of Book World sent me a copy of Maggie’s Christmas to have a little look at. They are also offering one lucky Belly Rumbles reader a $100 book bundle. Ho Ho Ho, it really must be Christmas.

I am a big fan of Maggie Beer, have been for years. I love her approach to food and produce in general, and find that her recipes are easy to follow, generally easy to make and for me, have a no fail rate.

Her latest cookbook, Maggie’s Christmas, is pure Maggie. Filled with personal stories about the recipes, Christmas living in the Barossa, holiday and New Year recipes.

Many of the recipes in the cookbook caught my eye. Two I will be making myself for our Christmas day family lunch; White Gazpacho with Blue Swimmer Crab & Walnut Flatbread.

The gazpacho is packed full of flavor with the use of lemon juice, verjuice and sultanas. Served chilled, I thought that they would make a great addition to my spicy crab shots I made for Christmas last year. The Walnut Flat Bread seems very easy to make and will accompany an simple cheese plate, lifting it into something quite special.

Obviously I wanted to make a recipe to share with you, I chose simple eggnog. I’ve never made eggnog before, even though it has been something on the ‘to make’ list (longer than Santa’s nice list) for many years. You can serve Maggie’s recipe hot or cold. Due to the warm Sydney climate at present, I chose ice cold.

Be warned this eggnog is not for kids. The ⅓c of brandy in this recipe packs a punch. A tasty tasty brandy punch! Obviously you can leave it out, but really would you want to?

The eggnog is rich and creamy and I suggest serving it over ice. This is the perfect tipple to make wrapping the kid’s presents on Christmas Eve that slightly more enjoyable. Then again dear reader, you are probably more organized than I am.

Printable Recipe

Maggie Beer's Eggnog Recipe

Recipe Author: Sara McCleary

Maggie's eggnog brings a gorgeous brandy cheer to Christmas.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Christmas

Cuisine Beverage

Servings 8

Calories 384 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 8 free range egg yolks
▢ 125 grams caster sugar
▢ 500 ml milk
▢ Ice cubes
▢ 500 ml chilled double cream
▢ 80 ml brandy
▢ Grated or ground nutmeg to taste

Instructions

Whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar together in a bowl until pale and thick. Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until just hot, then slowly whisk into the egg yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking continuously.5
Pour the egg yolk mixture into the pan. Return the pan to a very low heat and cook stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, for 3 minutes or until the mixture coast the back of the spoon. Do not let it simmer or it may curdle. (Be careful not to overcook the egg or it will scramble; have a bowl of ice alongside the stove in case you need to quickly cool the mixture down.) Immediately pour the eggnog through a coarse-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl. Stir in the cream, and then stir in the brandy. Pour into a serving jug and serve warm or chilled. Add nutmeg to taste.
See Also
Oven-Baked Grouper Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com German Apple Cake (Apfelkuchen) Recipe - Frugal Mom Eh!Vegetable Soup Recipe Vegan Mushroom Wellington Recipe

Measurement Notes

All measurements are Australian metric standard. All measures are level, and cups are lightly packed unless specified. 1 teaspoon = 5ml / 1 tablespoon = 20mls / 1 cup = 250ml /4 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

The recipe's nutritional information is an approximation based on an online calculator. It is meant solely for reference purposes. If you're looking for precise details, be sure to double-check with your own research.

Calories: 384kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 282mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 144mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1235IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 0.5mg

Did You Make This Recipe?I do a happy dance when people share how they went. Tag me on Instagram or Twitter @bellyrumbles & #bellyrumbles

Maggie's Christmas Competition is Now Closed: As mentioned Book World are giving one lucky Belly Rumble’s reader the chance to win a $100 book bundle which will include Maggie’s Christmas.

Entries are open to Australian residents only, you can enter as many times as you like. Entries close 11.59pm Friday 20^th December. Good luck!

Sara xxx

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Sue R
December 22, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Darn I missed out 🙁 I had close to 200 emails to get though! Merry Christmas anyhow.
Reply
Daisy@Nevertoosweet
January 04, 2014 at 1:17 pm

Happy New Year lovely 🙂 Damn really wished I saw this post and maybe I would've had the chance to win the voucher hehe I'm a fan of Maggie Beer too! The eggnog looks and sounds awesome will need to save it and use it for Xmas this year! OMG it really is 2014 🙂
Reply
- Reae Kate
  November 01, 2022 at 1:51 pm
  
  Just commenting saying i'm reading your post in now, 2022. haha
- Sara McCleary
  November 11, 2022 at 11:07 am
  Hi Reae
  Yup, this one was published quite a while ago, 9 years lols.
  So glad that you dropped in and found it.
  Cheers, Sara
Cass @foodmyfriend
January 04, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Mine has to be eggnog too. My boyfriend makes it and this year he had to buy a bowl and whisk in Queensland so we could make it in our hotel room on christmas day. haha!
Reply
Gareth
January 04, 2014 at 7:49 am
Happy New Year Sara,
Love the photos, what camera and lighting are you using? So crisp and great styling too. Mmmm eggnog, I reckon this could make a good ice cream too.
G
Reply
Iron Chef Shellie
See Also
Easy Yorkshire Pudding Recipe (Small Batch)
January 02, 2014 at 6:34 am
Happy New Year!!
Looks great! I don't think I've ever had eggnog. I think it's mainly the "egg"-ness as I have never been a huge egg fan, but it's slowly changing! x
Reply
Tracey M
December 19, 2013 at 12:56 pm
My mum always used to make a yummy summer punch for Christmas - especially nice for a hot summer Christmas! I am putting the pressure on my chooks tomorrow though for some more eggs... I want to try eggnog!
Reply
Liz @ I Spy Plum Pie
December 18, 2013 at 11:38 pm
I've never made eggnog before, but this looks delicious! I'm a fan of champagne at breakfast on Christmas day, and a fruity punch for Christmas drinks prior to Christmas. I'd never turn down a co*cktail though!
Reply
Kim m
December 18, 2013 at 4:36 am
I love fruit punch with ginger ale, juice, ice, floting strawberries and whatever else we have on ahnd, delicious and very summery.
Reply
Jacq
December 18, 2013 at 1:28 am
Mmm I made eggnog a couple of years ago and was surprised at how much I liked it, though I don't think I had as much brandy in mine! One of my favourite Christmas drinks (maybe more of a Christmas in July drink here...) is mulled wine, love that it's packed full of spices and it definitely warms you up!
Reply
Ross S
December 17, 2013 at 1:08 pm
I'm rather partial to mulled wine - but only if consumed apres ski in Canada or Europe.
Reply
Mary @ beyondjelly
December 17, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I'm an eggnog girl... Made the mistake of making it one year, and my family now expect it every year in industrial quantities. 🙂
Reply
Benjamin Travia
December 17, 2013 at 8:32 am
A special Swedish soft drink called 'Dryck Julmust' which is spicy, tasty and sweet. I once bought a bottle from IKEA in December and fell in love with it. Tantalisingly Christmassy.
Reply
Mel
December 17, 2013 at 1:58 am
When in Australia a really great cold rose. If somewhere cold then nothing's beats a mulled wine! I made eggnog for Xmas in July for the first time- it was a big hit and really tasty. I made too much and turned the rest into icecream!
Reply
cat
December 17, 2013 at 1:42 am
I've only ever had the store bought kind but Maggie Beer's sound delicious. Might give it a try 😀
Reply
Bron
December 17, 2013 at 1:01 am
although I do love a glass of eggnog, my favourite Christmas drink is a glass of good champers!
Reply
Grace
December 17, 2013 at 4:16 am
I've always been a little daunted by the idea of drinking raw eggs but I think the addition of brandy might make it easier to swallow..
Reply
Helen (Grab Your Fork)
December 17, 2013 at 2:53 am
This sounds like the perfect partner recipe to the xmas pav to use up all those leftover egg yolks!
Reply
nags
December 16, 2013 at 11:49 pm
the only kind i have tasted is with raw eggs and that generally puts me off. i like the gently simmering mentioned here. so christmassy!
Reply
Claire
December 16, 2013 at 11:24 am
Mine is egg nog. I did attempt it one year without success. And we have family friends who make a very potent batch each year. I normally buy a carton from the supermarket.
Reply
Monique
December 16, 2013 at 9:43 pm
I looove white wine sangria! It's so refreshing and light and doesn't feel so filling when there's vast quantities of food to eat!
Reply
Amanda@ChewTown
December 16, 2013 at 9:32 pm
I've not really been a fan of eggnog, but I'm sure Maggie's would taste gorgeous. My favourite christmas drink is a bottle of sticky wine with a cheese place and duck liver pate!
Reply
Muppy
December 16, 2013 at 11:11 am
I've never made eggnog either, always intrigued when watching Christmas movies and they have it, sounds wonderful actually, drinking custard!
I have to say my fave Chrissy drink is punch, love a classic version, lots of memories.
Reply

FAQs

How much brandy do you put in a quart of eggnog? ›

Add The Right Amount

Here's your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.

Learn More ›

What makes eggnog so thick? ›

Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage.

See Details ›

What is the best rum for eggnog? ›

Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum

"When choosing a rum, I personally find a spiced rum to be the best for the flavors incorporated in eggnogs," he said. "Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum is best for its quality and flavor profile.”

How to make eggnog better? ›

Here's my game-changing (and free!) trick for turning it into a delightful holiday drink: I shake the eggnog in a co*cktail shaker with lots of ice—with or without alcohol—to dilute it a bit, make it light and frothy, and make it extra cold.

What is the best brandy for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink.

Get More Info Here ›

How much brandy should you pour? ›

As a general rule, shots of liquor are 1 ½ ounces, while a “neat” pour (a spirit served solo in a tumbler) is slightly larger at two ounces. This two-ounce pour also applies to most single-spirit drinks ordered “on the rocks” (with ice) or “up” (stirred with ice to chill and dilute, then strained).

Discover More ›

What's the best alcohol for eggnog? ›

Hardcore choice: Bourbon or whiskey eggnog

The subcategory of bourbon typically features a smoother taste with less burn, which pairs well with a dessert drink. Notably, whiskey in all its forms is the strongest alcohol choice to put in your eggnog, so proceed with caution.

Find Out More ›

Why isn't my eggnog thickening? ›

To make it thicker, use less milk. 1 cup of whole milk will make a smooth eggnog, but if you know that you like a thicker eggnog, stir in only ½ cup of milk.

Why does aged eggnog taste better? ›

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

Read On ›

Can you just add rum to store bought eggnog? ›

If you're looking for a traditional approach, spike store-bought eggnog using your favorite liquor like brandy, bourbon, or rum. This super-simple recipe makes six 6½-ounce servings.

Show Me More ›

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Discover More ›

Is dark or light rum better for eggnog? ›

If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.

Discover More Details ›

How long will homemade eggnog last? ›

It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

Discover More Details ›

Is eggnog good for you? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Explore More ›

How do you get lumps out of eggnog? ›

Any remaining tiny lumps or grains could be removed by passing the custard through a strainer.

Show Me More ›

How do you add liquor to store bought eggnog? ›

The golden ratio for this little holiday cheer is 1 to 5. Just to be clear, that's 1 part booze to 5 parts eggnog (definitely not the other way around). And once you've mixed it all up, ensure you serve it with flair. Top each glass with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and maybe a cinnamon stick for added flavour.

Explore More ›

How much alcohol do you put in a glass of eggnog? ›

Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.

Know More ›

How much brandy do you pour in a glass? ›

Fill glass at an angle.

snifter glass will measure out a 1.5 oz. portion when held horizontally.