Diet

Holiday Cocktails for the Hostess Who Hates to Cook

Spare your guests the food coma and provide holiday cheer in liquid form instead

by Allie Flinn | 4 COMMENTS

PHOTO 7/10

'Twas the Night Before Christmas If your only experience with eggnog is the store-bought stuff, take the classic winter beverage to a whole new level with this homemade version. Eggnog and its predecessors (betcha didn't know that versions of eggnog have been around since the middle ages) were an essential winter libation because, as mixologist Tristan Stephenson, author of The Curious Bartender, explains, "alcohol warms the blood, sugar provides energy, eggs supply protein and the fat from the milk and cream gives the drinker the necessary 'layers' to survive the winter season." These days, we can't really claim the custardy drink is essential for survival -- but it certainly makes decking the halls more fun.

Eggnog
Serves 1
Ingredients:

2 eggs, separated
2 ½ oz. sugar
5 oz. Hennessy Fine de Cognac
3 ½ oz. whole milk
2 oz. double/heavy cream
Grated nutmeg, to garnish

Begin by whisking the egg whites to soft peaks in a heatproof bowl and with and electric hand mixer, or in a stand mixer.

Bring half a saucepan of water up to the boil and place a stainless steel bowl on top. (Make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water -- it needs to be warmed by the steam only). Add the egg yolks and sugar to the bowl and give them a good whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

Add the cognac and begin to whisk -- it's really important that you don't allow the liquid to boil, that is unless you like alcoholic scrambled eggs. Next, add the milk and cream and stir everything together. Check the temperature with a thermometer or probe, it should be around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pour the warm mixture into the egg whites, whisking as you go. Pour into glass mugs and grate some nutmeg over the top to serve.

Excerpted with permission from "The Curious Bartender: The Artistry and Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail"
By Tristan Stephenson
Ryland Peters and Small, $24.95; www.rylandpeters.com
Photo credit: Photography by Kate Whitaker and Peter Cassidy

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Brunch That Comes Before the Thanksgiving Dinner Gorging

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage