My Grandmother's Eggnog (The Realest Deal)

We're all decked out for the holidays and, like anyone, we look forward to your every visit this holiday season. Invariably around this time of year, the discussion turns to eggnog. The stuff you buy in the store is generally terrible. Ronnybrook farms makes a good commercial version and most can be sufficiently doctored with bourbon and spices to make them palatable, but they're nothing like the real McCoy.

My Grandmother's Eggnog (The Realest Deal)

It must be made in advance and then chilled.

You can keep it in the fridge and pour individual glasses at will. Spike or don't spike at the last minute. Always grate fresh nutmeg right before serving.

You can also set it out in a punch bowl at a party. Grate cinnamon and nutmeg over the bowl. We usually put a glass bowl inside another bowl full of ice and water to keep it cold. You can either spike the punch bowl or leave the bowl un-spiked and leave various bottles around so people can spike it how they like.

This nog works with almost any spirit: Spiced rum is great (try El Dorado), Irish Whiskey like Tullamore Dew (what I grew up on), Bourbon and Brandy are also classic and, believe it or not, Mezcal works an amazing Feliz Navidad if José Feliciano is on the radio.

For the Custard

• ½ cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 cups whole milk (scalded - That just means boil the milk for a minute)
• Cinnamon Stick is optional.

For the Whites

• 3 egg whites
• 1/8 tsp salt
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean in custard overnight)

Make the Custard:

• Beat ½ cup sugar into egg yolks
• Add ¼ tsp salt and stir in milk slowly
• Add Cinnamon Stick
• Cook in double boiler, stirring constantly, until mixture coats spoon.
• Add vanilla beans if using beans at this point. Steep overnight is best.
• Cool completely

Beat the Whites:

1. Add 1/8 tsp salt to egg whites and beat stiff
2. Add ¼ cup sugar and beat well

Finish and Chill:

1. Add whites to custard with vanilla extract if not using beans.
2. Mix thoroughly and chill (Four Hours in Refrigerator).
3. Spike as desired - see above.