Energizing Eggnog

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!



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Let me know how the recipes come out!