Gourmet’s Classic Eggnog

A large bowl of homemade eggnog sets the tone for a Christmas party in a way no other drink (or food) can. It’s one of the most classic Christmas cocktails for a reason. And this classic eggnog recipe—which makes a creamy, boozy drink with a fluffy cap of whipped egg whites—is a keeper. It’s flavored with both brandy and rum, and the only other ingredients you need are pantry staples.

The key to the best eggnog is to beat the egg yolks and sugar until the sugar has dissolved and the yolks are light in color and thickened. Then you’ll slowly mix the alcohol and dairy into the egg mixture and chill it before folding in the whipped egg whites for a frothy finish, topped with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. While making traditional eggnog used to be considered slightly laborious (since you have to whip the yolks, then the whites to stiff peaks), using a stand mixer (or even a hand mixer) makes assembling this holiday drink a breeze. When your mixing bowl gets very full, you can switch to a wire hand whisk and a rubber spatula for the last steps.

Serve with festive snacks and an assortment of Christmas cookies to set the mood for any holiday season soirée.