Energizing Eggnog
I always get wiped out from the holidays due to all the cooking, traveling and socializing. It’s amazing how some people drink spirits every night and wake up to grapple with a job or children or a mate without difficulty. I had one drink Friday night, two Saturday night and one for Sunday brunch today yet I’m struggling. Besides re-hydrating myself which is essential before, during and after a night or day of carousing, I found a holiday themed pick-me up that everyone can enjoy – Energizing Eggnog.
I have always loved eggnog; actually one of my favorites is a spiked version called Ponche Cuba which I enjoyed in St. Maarten years ago. So anytime I can get my fix on, I try to. I came up with an eggnog tonic, so to speak, yesterday which truly aided me in getting ready for my next outing. Later, I will give you a conventional eggnog recipe an 80 year old friend got from her late mother-in -law – it is everything! I will also try to wrangle my 29 year old nephew Kyle’s recipe from him although I’m not sure it has been memorialized despite it being really good. While Energizing Eggnog is not eggnog at all (the energy boost actually comes from mate tea) I still believe it could become a holiday tradition that your family will cherish years to come.
Energizing Eggnog
- Yerba Mate Tea
- Organic Milk or Milk Substitute (I like Hemp Milk)
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
- Freshly Grated Ginger Root (Optional)
- Agave
- Organic Vanilla Extract
Brew the yerba mate per instructions on the package. Use a french press to get the best results; let the loose tea leaves remain in the press to get a strong tea concentrate. You can refrigerate the concentrate and use when you wish. Take 2 ounces of the yerba mate concentrate and pour into a 12 ounce glass. Mate does contain a stimulant which is why 2 ounces is more than enough especially if you’re sipping this in the afternoon. Top with approximately 8 ounces of chilled milk. Sweeten to taste. Garnish with a dash of cardamom, a splash of vanilla and a generous amount of nutmeg. Not only won’t you miss the real deal, this version serves as an afternoon energy boost before the next holiday affair. Enjoy your mate with a wonderful dish like Granny’s Deviled Eggs or an Everything Bagel & Lox Salad for lunch then seize the day. Cheers!
I used your hemp milk suggestion and truly felt energized by this eggnog! I’m normally not a fan of eggnog at all, but can drink this one by the gallon.
It’s a lot lighter than the real deal. So glad you approve!
Tasty looking Afternoon eggnog. Where can I get the Yerba Mate Tea?
Thank you Linda! You can buy it right here on Amazon or at any health food or specialty store like Whole Foods in the United States. If you tell me what city you live in I may be able to give you a better answer. I buy it at a store called Natural Grocer’s.
I see that you’re in Texas, When I lived in Houston I shopped at Central Market – HEB. They probably carry it there. Let me know if you make it – happy holidays!
adding fresh grated ginger made this eggnog amazing! I used almond milk for my first try. it tasted good but I’m going to get hemp milk and try it that way too!
I’m sure the almond milk was just as delicious Nija! Glad you liked it.
DELICIOUS!! Perfectly spiced and everything tasted so balanced! Making again and again for sure!!
So good right? Happy holidays to you!
I love this eggnog take with yerba mate! I’m not generally an egg nog fan but made your recipe for my dad and wound up enjoying some too. Thank you!
So glad you and your Dad enjoyed it. Happy holidays!
After a long weekend of socializing, I made these for brunch to get through another day of holiday activities. Everyone loved it and I felt great afterwards. I’ll be powered by energizing eggnog all season long!
It definitely helps, thanks Jessica!