When I was a little girl, I fell in love with a homemade treat called kogel-mogel. It was made from raw egg yolks and white sugar. Sometimes, I would add a touch of raw cocoa powder or lemon juice. Growing up in communist Poland, where sweets were rationed and often unavailable, this simple treat meant the world to me especially since I could make it at home whenever I craved something sweet.

As I got a little older, I discovered that my grandma had her version of kogel-mogel—for adults aka Ajer-Koniak (I think it’s from the German word for eggs and cognac). It followed the same basic recipe but with a splash of vodka. I vividly remember her vigorously shaking the mixture in a vodka bottle until the sugar dissolved and the egg yolks became creamy and smooth. When she was done, she’d pour a small amount into a shot glass, let me dip my finger in, and taste it. God, it was a real treat! I loved it to death, and it became our “little secret” that we kept from my parents.

When I was older and living in the U.S., I came across something that reminded me of kogel-mogel: eggnog. It was delicious but much heavier in texture, as it included milk and cream. I indulged in it every holiday season until I realized I had gained 30 pounds. So, I quit.

A few days ago, while editing pictures, something triggered memories of kogel-mogel, and I decided to bring it back into my life. I wanted to capture its deliciousness without the heaviness of eggnog. So, I created my own light version. My friend gave it the perfect name: The Eggnog Martini.

I think you should give it a try—whether in a shot glass or a martini glass! Cheers!

Eggnog Martini

Shopping List (serves 1):

• 1 egg (separated)
• 1/2 lemon (preferably Meyer)
• 1/4 cup milk of choice
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1.7 ounces vodka (unflavored)
• 4 cloves (whole)
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Now follow these steps:

1. Zest and juice lemon.
2. Combine vodka, soy milk, egg yolk, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup, and cloves in a blender or shaker. Blend all the ingredients well and store in a freezer for 20-30 minutes (or cool by shaking with ice cubes).
3. In a separate dish whip the egg white with sugar (whisk until it forms stiff, glossy peaks).
4. Serve chilled in a martini glass, topped with whipped egg whites and cloves.

Enjoy but remember to drink it responsibly.

Chcesz przeczytać po polsku, kliknij tutaj: “Amerykański kogel-mogel dla dorosłych czyli święta z Eggnog”