December 6th, 2011 
How do you feel about lush, creamy, thick, rich eggnog? Yeah, me too. What about that same eggnog spiked with brandy, dusted with pumpkin pie spice, and poured into an ice cold martini glass? Even better. And I’m telling you, your guests will feel the same way.
Photo Credit: www.northernvirginiamag.com
This drink works just as well with the store-bought stuff (I like Southern Comfort’s Vanilla Spice version), but you just can’t beat that homemade taste of true eggnog, or the feeling of pride behind your answer of, “I made it myself,” when your friends and family rant and rave about the best holiday drink they’ve ever had. Worried about the extra effort? Don’t. The nog takes about 20 minutes, and can be made ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, pull out your frozen martini glasses, stir some brandy into the equation, and garnish with a pinch of that good ol’ pumpkin pie spice. Now that’s what I call effortless.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart
From Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food
(Serves 8)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice, plus more for garnish
- 8 cups whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3 cups brandy
Instructions:
1. Set a large fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl. Place bottom of bowl in an ice bath; set aside. Off heat, in a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, and pumpkin-pie spice. Gradually whisk in 4 cups milk, taking care to incorporate the cornstarch. Whisk in egg yolks.
2. Whisking constantly, cook over medium heat until the first large bubble sputters, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute more. Remove from heat; immediately pour through sieve into bowl. Stir in remaining 4 cups milk. Let cool completely in bowl still set in ice bath.
3. Just before serving, stir in brandy, and ladle into glasses; garnish with pumpkin-pie spice.
