Boozy Chai-Spiced Eggnog Wins Every Holiday Party
Diana Yen is the cookbook author and food stylist behind The Jewels of New York. Below, she spices up the classic eggnog with chai tea for a party cocktail that will have taste buds singing with joy.
Chai Bourbon Eggnog. (Photo: Diana Yen)
Chai Bourbon Eggnog
Serves 6-8
Eggnog is the perfect thing to drink during the holidays because the booze and warm nutmeg help take the chill off. We added an even bigger punch to our version, giving it the twist of deep and spicy chai tea. Wake up your taste buds with a tall glass of this creamy concoction around a warm fireplace.
6 cardamom pods
4 star anise
4 cloves
4 allspice berries
4 black peppercorns
4 eggs, separated
1/3 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 whole vanilla bean
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
4 ounces bourbon
Crush your own spices a more rich, fresh flavor. (Photo: Diana Yen)
In a mortar and pestle, lightly crush the cardamom pods, star anise, cloves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat four egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar and continue to beat until it is completely dissolved.
In a medium saucepan, place the milk and heavy cream. Use a paring knife to split the vanilla bean lengthwise, and remove the seeds using the back of the knife. Add the vanilla bean pod and seeds to the milk mixture. Add the cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, ginger, and crushed spices, and bring to a simmer over low heat without boiling, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, and gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, to bring them up to temperature, without curdling them. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F. Remove from heat, leaving spices to steep and cool for 20 minutes. Stir in the bourbon. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a mixing bowl.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the remaining egg whites to soft peaks. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Whisk the egg whites into the milk mixture, until the egg whites are distributed, but mixture is still frothy. Serve in glasses and garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.
Bourbon-infused chai eggnog will be a guaranteed hit at your next holiday party. (Photo: Diana Yen)
More delicious cocktails for the holiday season:
Perfect Cocktail Pairings to Go With Your Favorite Holiday Movies
6 Festive Cocktails for Christmas Parties
The Easy Way to Make Cocktails for a Crowd
