Advocaat (Egg Nog)

Advocaat was first discovered within the Dutch colonies of Surinam and Recife and the recipes of which were subsequently taken back to The Netherlands where it was popularized.

In recent times this beverage has come to be associated with Christmas' and New Year's celebrations, and Thanksgiving in North America.

If you fancy trying out this drink you can either buy it or you can have a little bit of fun and make it yourself.

If you are planning to do the latter here's a fantastic recipe.

Ingredients (serves 10)

10 egg yolks (ensure they are separated from the egg whites)
500 ml milk
500 ml brandy
100 ml gomme syrup

Directions

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth
Serve over ice.

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine or gluwein as it is known in Germany is a wine based drink mixed with spices and is consumed warm. Traditionally this tasty beverage is served during the winter months and especially over the festive period this is why it's a must have drink during Christmas.

If you want to try this winter warmer my simple recipe will point you in the right direction.

Ingredients

300ml water
100g brown sugar
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 bottle red wine
1 orange, thinly sliced
100ml brandy
100ml port

Directions

Place into a pan the water, sugar and the spices and bring to the boil. Take it of the hob and add in the lemons stirring as you do so. Let it stand for 10 minutes

Place the pan back on the hob and add the wine, port and brandy and heat again, but what ever you do don't let it boil as the alcohol will start to evaporate

Strain into a heated bowl. Add the orange slices and any other fruit if you like and serve hot.

Irish Cream

As the name suggests Irish cream is a delightfully smooth beverage originating in the Emerald Isle and is a whisky based liqueur.

In recent years this drink has become a popular Christmas accompaniment due to the fantastic warm feel good essence which is conjured up when drinking it.

Usually forms of this drink such as Baileys are usually pretty expensive to say the least. The good news for you is that this needn't be the case; follow my recipe and you could save pounds.

Ingredients

300 ml Irish whiskey
400 ml of sweetened condensed milk
475 ml whipping cream
30 ml chocolate syrup
5 g instant coffee
5 ml vanilla extract
3 ml almond extract

Directions

Combine and place the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Serve over ice. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. Stir before serving.