Eggnog vs. Advocaat — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Eggnog is a creamy holiday drink made from milk, eggs, and spices, often spiked with rum or bourbon; Advocaat is a thick, rich Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy, typically served as a digestif.
Difference Between Eggnog and Advocaat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eggnog, a popular beverage in the United States and Canada during the holiday season, features a mixture of beaten eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Advocaat, originating from the Netherlands, is a similar egg-based beverage but differs in its consistency and alcohol content, being much thicker and containing brandy.
Traditionally, eggnog is consumed from Thanksgiving through the end of the Christmas season. It can be served either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. In contrast, Advocaat is enjoyed year-round, primarily as an alcoholic drink, often sipped slowly due to its rich texture.
The preparation of eggnog often involves lightly cooking the eggs to make a custard, which is then chilled, mixed with cream, and flavored with spices. Advocaat's preparation, however, requires eggs, sugar, and brandy to be beaten and cooked gently to a custard-like consistency that is smooth enough to drink.
While eggnog is typically served cold, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, Advocaat is usually served in a small glass and can be either sipped at room temperature or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or waffles.
Eggnog has a variety of commercial versions available in grocery stores during the holiday season, which might include different levels of spices and alcohol. Conversely, Advocaat is generally homemade or bought as a high-quality liqueur, prized for its creamy texture and deep flavor.
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Comparison Chart
Base Ingredients
Eggs, milk or cream, sugar
Eggs, sugar, brandy
Consistency
Creamy, milkshake-like
Thick, custard-like
Spices
Nutmeg, cinnamon
None typically; focus on the creamy texture
Serving Temperature
Typically served cold
Served at room temperature or as a topping
Occasion
Holiday season, especially Christmas
Year-round; often as a digestif or dessert topping
Alcohol Content
Optional, varies (rum, bourbon, etc.)
Always present (brandy)
Compare with Definitions
Eggnog
Often spiked with alcohol like rum or bourbon for added warmth.
He added a splash of bourbon to his eggnog for extra cheer.
Advocaat
A Dutch liqueur made from eggs, sugar, and brandy.
After dinner, they served Advocaat as a digestif.
Eggnog
Available commercially, with various spice and alcohol blends.
She bought several cartons of different brands of eggnog to compare tastes.
Advocaat
Thick and rich, often enjoyed in small quantities.
He savored a small glass of Advocaat, enjoying its creamy texture.
Eggnog
Associated with Christmas and winter celebrations.
Eggnog is a staple in our house during the holiday season.
Advocaat
Served at room temperature, enhancing its flavors.
The Advocaat was perfectly smooth at room temperature.
Eggnog
A festive holiday drink made with milk, eggs, and spices.
We enjoyed homemade eggnog at the Christmas party.
Advocaat
Celebrated for its deep, custard-like consistency.
The creamy consistency of Advocaat made it a favorite at the gathering.
Eggnog
Served cold, typically with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.
The eggnog was served chilled, topped with fresh grated nutmeg.
Advocaat
Commonly used as a topping for desserts.
She drizzled Advocaat over her vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Eggnog
Eggnog (), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).
Advocaat
Advocaat or advocatenborrel is a traditional Dutch alcoholic beverage made from eggs, sugar, and brandy. The rich and creamy drink has a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Eggnog
A drink made of milk or cream, sugar, eggs, and flavorings that are beaten together and often mixed with a liquor such as rum or brandy.
Advocaat
A Dutch liqueur made of egg yolks, sugar and strong liquor, typically brandy.
Eggnog
A beverage based on milk, eggs, sugar, and nutmeg; often made alcoholic with rum, brandy, or whisky; popular at Christmas.
Eggnog
A drink consisting of eggs beaten up with sugar, milk, and (usually) wine or spirits.
Eggnog
A punch made of sweetened milk or cream mixed with eggs and usually alcoholic liquor
Common Curiosities
How should Advocaat be stored?
Advocaat should be stored in a cool, dark place and can be refrigerated after opening to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life.
What are some traditional ways to serve Advocaat?
Traditionally, Advocaat is served in a small glass and sometimes topped with whipped cream. It is also popular as a dessert sauce.
What alcohol works best in eggnog?
Traditionally, rum or bourbon is used in eggnog, but brandy can also be a popular choice.
Can Advocaat be used in cocktails?
Yes, Advocaat is often used in cocktails, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor, like in the famous Snowball cocktail.
How does the taste of eggnog compare to Advocaat?
Eggnog generally has a lighter, spiced flavor profile due to the addition of nutmeg and cinnamon, whereas Advocaat is richer and creamier with a strong brandy flavor.
Are there any variations of Advocaat in other countries?
In Poland, a similar beverage called "ajerkoniak" is made, and there are also variations across Europe that alter the thickness and alcohol content.
Can eggnog be made without alcohol?
Yes, eggnog can be made without alcohol, making it suitable for all ages and preferences. Non-alcoholic versions are also available commercially.
What dishes pair well with Advocaat?
Advocaat pairs well with simple desserts such as chocolate or vanilla cakes, ice cream, and fruit-based desserts, enhancing their flavor with its rich and creamy texture.
Is Advocaat suitable for vegetarians?
Advocaat is suitable for ovo-vegetarians, as it is primarily made from eggs, sugar, and brandy, but not suitable for vegans.
What is the origin of Advocaat?
Advocaat originated in the Netherlands and is derived from an alcoholic beverage made by Dutch colonists in Brazil, which initially used avocado but was adapted to use eggs in Europe due to the scarcity of avocados.
Is eggnog safe to make at home given it contains raw eggs?
Homemade eggnog can be made safely by using pasteurized eggs or by heating the egg mixture to 160°F to kill any potential bacteria.
Can eggnog be used in cooking or baking?
Yes, eggnog is commonly used in holiday baking recipes for cakes, cookies, and other desserts to add a rich, creamy texture and seasonal flavor.
What are the health considerations for consuming eggnog?
Due to its high content of cream, sugar, and eggs, eggnog can be rich in cholesterol and saturated fats, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
How can I make a dairy-free version of eggnog?
Dairy-free eggnog can be made using almond milk, coconut milk, or other plant-based milks as substitutes for the cream and milk typically used.
What is the calorie content in eggnog and Advocaat?
Both beverages are high in calories. Eggnog typically contains about 150-200 calories per serving without alcohol, and Advocaat can range significantly higher due to its sugar and egg yolk content.
How long does homemade eggnog last?
Homemade eggnog, especially if made with alcohol, can last in the refrigerator for several days and up to a week, depending on the preparation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
