How to Make Homemade Advocaat (Creamy Dutch Egg Liqueur)
Homemade advocaat is a rich and creamy Dutch liqueur that tastes like Christmas in a glass. My adoptive dad was Dutch, and every year he made sure we had a snowball cocktail made with advocaat at Christmas time. It is one of those old-fashioned traditions that feels both special and familiar, with smooth vanilla notes and a gentle warmth from the gin. Whether you enjoy it as a snowball cocktail or sip it plain like a holiday eggnog, this easy homemade liqueur is a classic recipe worth bringing back every Christmas.
What is Advocaat?
Advocaat is a traditional Dutch egg liqueur that tastes like a mix between custard and eggnog. It is made with eggs, sugar, vanilla, and a clear spirit such as gin or vodka. Some versions are thick enough to eat with a spoon, but this recipe uses whole eggs instead of only yolks for a smooth, pourable drink. The flavor is rich and comforting, a little sweet and a little boozy, and I like it because it is very different from the typical gathering of liqueurs, and offers guests something they may not have tried before.
Ingredients for Advocaat
- 12 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 cups gin (or vodka)
- 1 tsp vanilla
If you want a softer flavor, vodka works very well, but gin gives a lovely traditional touch. Have your bottles ready before you start, along with a funnel to make pouring easy once the liqueur is thick and warm.
How to Make Homemade Advocaat
Whisk the eggs in the top of a double boiler, or in a large heatproof bowl, until they are light and smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla, and continue whisking until the mixture is well blended and pale in color.
Place the mixture in a double boiler over gently boiling water, or set your saucepan over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Slowly add the gin and cook while stirring constantly. Be patient, you do not want the advocaat to boil as it will lose the delicate flavor of the gin. Continue to cook for about ten to fifteen minutes, until it thickens to the texture of light pudding, then pour it into your bottles.
Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens to the texture of light pudding and turns a soft pale yellow in color. When it coats the back of a spoon, it is ready to pour into your bottles.
Allow it to cool slightly, then use your funnel to fill each bottle.
If you prefer a thinner liqueur, place it in a blender and mix with a splash of cream before bottling.
Tips & Variations
Homemade advocaat is simple to make, but there are a few little tricks that make it even better.
- If you are new to making liqueurs, start by taking your time and stirring often. The gentle heat gives the eggs their creamy texture and the soft pale yellow color that makes advocaat so pretty.
- You can use vodka instead of gin if you like a milder flavor. For a thinner drink, blend in a little cream before bottling.
- When giving it as a gift, pour it into small glass bottles and tie them with ribbon or twine. Add a label or tag so your friends know it is homemade advocaat and to keep it refrigerated.
How to Serve Advocaat
Advocaat can be enjoyed in so many ways. You can serve it plain in a small glass with a little whipped cream on top, pour it over ice cream for a creamy holiday dessert, or blend it into whipped cream for a soft custard flavor.
My favorite way to serve it is in a traditional snowball cocktail, the same drink my Dutch dad made every Christmas. Some years, I also use it as a base for a quick advocaat eggnog, which is a special treat when snuggled in on a cold winter night.
Snowball Cocktail Recipe
The Snowball is a simple, cheerful drink that always feels festive. It has a light citrus flavor that balances the sweet, creamy advocaat, and is one of those easy Christmas cocktails everyone enjoys. If you’ve never had advocaat before, I suggest trying it with this drink.
You Will Need:
- 2 ounces advocaat
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or lime cordial (optional)
- 6 ounces 7 Up or Sprite
- Ice cubes
Snow Ball Instructions
Pour the advocaat into a tall glass. Add the lime juice if you like a hint of brightness, then fill the glass with 7 Up or Sprite. Stir gently and add ice cubes.
Some people like to add a splash of brandy, but my Dutch dad never did, and I prefer it the simple way.
Advocaat Eggnog
Advocaat can be enjoyed straight from the bottle for a rich holiday sip that feels a little bit old fashioned. For an eggnog version, pour a few ounces into a glass and add a splash of milk or cream to thin it slightly. Stir gently and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg.
It is smooth and mellow with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent. I like to serve it in small glasses in the evening when the house is quiet and the Christmas tree is sparkling.
You can drink Advocaat straight as it is, place some whipping cream on top, or add a little milk to thin it down.
How to Store Homemade Advocaat
Homemade advocaat keeps well when stored in the refrigerator. Seal the bottles tightly and keep them chilled for up to one month. Give the bottle a gentle shake before pouring, as the eggs and sugar can settle slightly over time.
The pretty pale yellow color makes it easy to recognize in the fridge, and it is always nice to have a little bottle waiting for a quiet evening treat, or for a quick and easy dessert with whipped cream.
Why Make Your Own Liqueurs
Making your own liqueurs is simpler than most people think, and the results are always worth it. You can control the ingredients and sweetness, choose your favorite spirits, and skip the additives found in many store-bought brands.
Homemade liqueurs also make wonderful gifts because they feel personal and thoughtful. They show care and creativity and are easy to customize with a label or ribbon to suit the season.
Free Printable Advocaat Bottle Labels
Part of the fun of making your own liqueurs is dressing them up in pretty bottles. I have two label styles for you to choose from: the original vintage style label from my first post and a new design that matches this year’s printable set.
Both labels print nicely on cardstock. I prefer to attach mine with small pieces of double-sided tape instead of sticker paper. The tape holds well but washes off easily when you want to clean and reuse the bottles later.
You can download both label designs below and choose the one that suits your style. Print them, trim to fit, and press gently onto the bottle for a simple homemade touch that turns your advocaat into a special gift.
Download Red Label Set on Google Drive
Download Blue Label Set on Google Drive
Print on cardstock for best results. I like to attach mine with double-sided tape so the bottles can be washed and reused.
Save this Homemade Advocaat Recipe for Later
Homemade Liqueurs to Try Next
If you enjoy making your own holiday liqueurs, you may also like my recipes for Homemade Irish Cream and Homemade Tia Maria. They are both easy to make and wonderful for gifting at Christmas. Together with this homemade advocaat, they create a small collection of festive drinks you can customize, control the ingredients, save some money, and add a personal touch to your gifts.
Advocaat Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 4 cups gin
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Crack the eggs in the top of a double boiler, whisk well. Add the sugar and blend very well.
- Place in a double boiler over boiling water, add the gin and cook stirring constantly. Cook your Advocaat until it thickens about 10-15 minutes.
- Pour into a blender and mix, or whisk until smooth. Pour into a bottle with a lid.
Storing Advocaat
- Advocaat can be stored in the fridge for up to a month.
I hope you enjoy this homemade advocaat as much as my family does. It’s a cozy little tradition that brings back so many memories each Christmas. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.
Leanna