25 Days of Christmas Cocktails - Homemade Eggnog with Rum and Kahlua

Unlike most of the other cocktails featured this month, this is not a quick mix -- not that it’s complicated per se, but there are several steps.  I promise you, it’s oh so worth it.  YUM.  From Cookswithcocktails, serves 6-8.

• 6 eggs separated
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups light cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ¼ cup whipping cream
• 1 cup rum
• 1 cup kahlua
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 vanilla bean

1.       Beat egg white until frothy, gradually add in ⅓ cup of the sugar and beat till stiff peaks.

2.      In another bowl beat whipping cream till stiff peaks.

3.      In yet another bowl beat egg yolks, add the remaining sugar and beat some more. Add the milk, light cream, rum and Kahlua. Mix well but gently.

4.      Pour all the ingredients into one big bowl or the bowl you’re going to serve the eggnog.

5.      Gently fold the egg whites and whipping cream into the eggnog and mix thoroughly but very gently. A whisk helps.

6.      Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the sticky seeds into the eggnog mixture. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir again.

7.      Chill and sprinkle with nutmeg or cinnamon when you serve it.

8.      If you like, rim the glasses with cinnamon and coarse sugar.