Nog Nog! Who's There?

Holly! Holly who? Holly-days are here, which is the perfect season for a warm beverage to soothe the soul (and perhaps family gatherings). Put your hot toddies aside; we're going to conduct some experiments with something a bit creamier.

Eggnog can be downright disgusting, and having read the labels of what's sold in most grocery stores, it typically is. That's why I recommend going organic. Thankfully there are now a number of companies that produce organic milk, and also make organic nog for the holiday season (there are also soy-nogs). The third, and probably most enticing option for finding nog is of course to make your own! It's a piece of cake to prepare, and would taste the freshest. Here's the recipe:

• 6 oz organic milk
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1 whole egg
• dash of nutmeg

You then shake all of these ingredients, ideally with ice in it, and strain it to get rid of the ooze. Then you've got yourself a glass of eggnog! Seriously, it's that easy. That serves one, so if you're planning on having more, make it a big batch! The recipe we'll be sharing is one I like to call the Misses Claus.

• Homemade or organic eggnog
• a shot of rum*
• a 1/2 cup of black tea
• sprinkle or grating of fresh cinnamon
• topped with whipped creme

When picking your rum, be sure to know what kind of outcome your looking for. Since there is already black tea in this particular drink, you could be wanting something a little lighter, in which case I'd recommend Flor de Cana, or Cruzan. However, if you're jonsin' for a full-on nitty gritty captain's quarters egg-head-splitting cup o' creme, then I'd go for Ron Zacapa or...Gosling's. *shiver*

Voila! You'll be rockin' around the Christmas tree in no time. If you or someone you'll be hosting is dairy free, or just doesn't enjoy the visceral quality of eggnog, something from the folks at Art In The Age might suit them a bit better. Take a peek at one of their comforting holiday drinks, featuring their spirit called SNAP, a delicious kicker that's easy to sip. They recommend adding ice, but I actually prefer it heated by the cider, should you choose to warm it.

Of course any warm 'n tasty boozy beverage can be made either noggy or nice. If there are little ones who feel left out or friends who don't drink, serve them up a glass hooch-free.

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