Sweet and creamy; aromatic with festive spices of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves; deeply warming with rich alcohol notes - was there ever a better drink to soothe and comfort us in the depths of winter than eggnog?

Surprisingly, given how delicious it is, many people have not tried this classic Christmas drink. If you’ve tried the Starbucks eggnog latte but always wondered what the real thing tastes like, then try our fabulous - and very easy - recipe below. We’ve taken all the traditional eggnog ingredients and given it a modern twist, with the addition of a little gin! (It’s a gin-spired move, if we do say so ourselves!)

So, what is eggnog?

Well, it’s a simple combination of cream, alcohol (usually rum, sometimes bourbon or other alcohol, as in this recipe). And yes, the recipe does include eggs - but don’t let that put you off; just think about ice cream or custard! Just like those (extremely yummy) treats, eggnog is a sweet, creamy drink that the eggs simply make richer, more luxurious and with a lovely smooth mouthfeel.

In other words, this cocktail is almost like a boozy, melted Christmas ice cream. Ahhh, now we’ve got your attention!

This easy recipe makes six servings. That said, it can be prepared in advance, too, so you can double or triple your batch and enjoy it throughout the festive season - the eggnog mix without the egg whites can be left in the fridge for up to two weeks but the egg whites (without the sugar) will need to be frozen and defrosted on the day you’re ready to serve your eggnog.

Merry Christmas, gin lovers!

Gin-Laced Festive Eggnog

(Serves six)

3 eggs
75g caster sugar
250ml whole milk
200ml double cream
120ml brandy
60ml gin
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp grated nutmeg
Cinnamon stick or star anise, to garnish

Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Mix the yolks with 50g sugar, whole milk, double cream, brandy, gin, vanilla, cinnamon and 1/3 tsp grated nutmeg. Whisk well and put in the fridge. In a separate bowl mix the egg whites with 25g sugar and beat until foamy and soft. Add this to the Eggnog mix and gently stir to combine right before serving. Use the remainder of your nutmeg as well as your cinnamon stick to garnish.