Rum Nog Cocktail

Eggnog is one of my favorite things ever and, when I was younger, I'd cheer when the first containers appeared in the stores around the holidays. But, for the last few years, the 350 calories per cup it contains seem to want to attach themselves to me. Sometimes a few of them latch on just from walking past the display in the store! Besides, even if I could somehow justify that amount of calories in a cup, I certainly can't justify the amount in the whole container...which I would absolutely inhale. So, the cartons of eggnog remain in the store and I just walk longingly past them when I go shopping. So sad...

A few weeks ago, however, I spotted eggnog ice cream made by a company that's usually a little on the lighter side. It had fewer calories than the actual drink and I just had to find out what it tasted like so into my cart it went. And, in fact, it tasted great and had lots of eggnog flavor. I'm sure inhaling the whole carton wouldn't be too good but for some reason I have more self control around ice cream than eggnog. In fact, the first thing that popped into my head was not eating it straight but using it in holiday cocktails. I'm sure eggnog itself could be substituted in the recipe but the ice cream gave it a thick, creamy consistency. The flavors of the holidays...with a kick. Cheers!

Per Serving:
1 1/2 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Creme de Cacao
1/2 oz. Half and half (I used fat free)
2 oz. Eggnog ice cream
Pinch of nutmeg

Combine the rum, creme de cacao, half and half and ice cream in a cocktail shaker.  Fill with ice and shake well.  Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the nutmeg.