EggNog can be an intimidating animal. If you want to be cruel you can go with the cheapest, foulest store bought and some rockgut bourbon.

If you want to be a kind yet playfully challenging friend, here’s a good recipe to start with. It’s really important to do these steps in order or else the nog will curdle.

1) 1 dozen eggs, yolks separated

2) 1 & 1/2 qts whipping cream

3) 1 cup sugar

4) 1 pint bourbon (something like Jim Beam will do. A little round with a little bite)

5) 1 pt rum. Something not spiced.

Step 1.

Beat the yolks. Add sugar + liquor.

Step 2.

Whip the cream and gradually add to the yolk mixture. It’s really important you do this slowly and that you add the cream to the yolk mixture and not the other way around. Also, stick a stainless steel bowl in the freezer beforehand to whip the cream in. It makes it a lot easier and better.

Step 3. 

Beat the egg whites and fold into the yolks and cream.

Top with nutmeg and enjoy. How much you beat everything will determine how thick or runny the nog is. Beat the hell out of it and you’ll be eating it with a spoon. Also, it is important that you take at least one shot of the bourbon between each step. Again, drink responsibly.