ma101722eggnog_winter05_peppermint_eggnog_vertIt’s hard to think of a drink that’s more festive than eggnog. With some nutmeg sprinkled on top, you’re pretty much guaranteed a one-way ticket to a gluttonous winter wonderland. And who wouldn’t want that? So, for Christmas Eve, cozy up by the fire with a glass of this frothy goodness, and make it extra special by adding some booze to it. Cause that’s just how we role.

Peppermint Eggnog Cocktail: (5 servings)

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons more sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 12 peppermint candy canes, broken into pieces
  • 3 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Peppermint sticks, for garnish

  1. Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, salt, and the extracts in large saucepan over medium-low heat until combined. Pour in milk in a slow, steady stream, whisking until fully incorporated. Raise heat to medium. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer and is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 30 to 35 minutes.

  2. Pour milk mixture through a fine sieve into a medium bowl. Set bowl in ice-water bath; let mixture cool completely. Transfer custard to an airtight container, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

  3. Process candy canes in a food processor until finely crushed. Sift in a strainer to discard dust. Transfer to a shallow dish.

  4. Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Let cool 5 minutes. Dip rim of each cup into melted chocolate, then crushed peppermint. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes.

  5. Remove custard from refrigerator; set aside. Put cream into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; mix on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into cold custard until combined. Fill cups with eggnog. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint, and garnish with peppermint sticks; serve.

Recipe and image from Martha Stewart.