Coffee to Cocktails: Holiday Eggnog
My holiday beverage of choice is eggnog, hands down. As a child, I always looked forward to seeing the carton of 'nog in the 'fridge during the holidays, another small but significant detail that contributed to the magical feeling of Christmas as a kid. Since it's pretty much the official beverage of the holiday season, I've come up with not one but two riffs on the sweet, creamy concoction to jingle your bells all the way to January.
Simply make the eggnog base - three ingredients, three minutes - and use it to make a skinny version of your favorite Starbucks latte, or pour some over ice for a Christmasy cocktail. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up or something to take off the edge in the evenings, this recipe has a little something for egg-rybody.
(It only took 11 months for the lame mom jokes to kick in).
EGGNOG COFFEE-TO-COCKTAILS BASE
1 1/2 cups lowfat eggnog
1 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons sugar
Combine all three ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until mixture is warm and slightly frothed.
FOR COFFEE:
Prepare espresso or strongly brewed coffee (1/2 - 1 cup), then pour one cup eggnog base into mug. Top with a sprinkling of nutmeg, and/or a dollop of whip cream. Adjust ratio of coffee to base depending on how sweet you like your morning joe!
FOR COCKTAILS:
Pour one-and-a-half cups eggnog base into highball glass or stemless tumbler. Add one-and-a-half ounces bourbon or rum and stir. Top with a sprinkling of nutmeg and add a cinnamon stick for added flavor and garnish.
**Cool eggnog base in refrigerator prior to serving if you prefer a cold cocktail**
Cheers to you and yours this holiday season!
xxBrooke