Advocaat was the first alcoholic drink I ever tried. My grandma Halinka used to give me some in the bottom of a shot glass whenever she had guests round. They would sit around her polished oak table, drinking tea, eating cake and sipping on this sunny-coloured liquor, discussing grown-up matters. I would dip my finger in the advocaat and lick it off thoughtfully while pretending to understand their conversations. {Serves 1}
125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava
FOR THE HOMEMADE ADVOCAAT
300 ml (10 fl oz/1¼ cups) milk
1 vanilla pod (bean), slit lengthways
5–6 egg yolks
200 g (7 oz/1 cup) caster (superfine) sugar
300 ml (10 fl oz/1¼ cups) good-quality vodka
First make your homemade advocaat. Place the milk in a pan with the vanilla pod and heat gently until it just comes to a boil. Leave to infuse and cool completely.
While it’s cooling whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cool milk, whisking all the time, to make a sort of custard.
Add the vodka, whisk for another 2 minutes, then pour the mixture into a clean bottle or jar and leave for 5 days. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
To make the cocktail, pour a little of your homemade advocaat into a champagne glass and top up with sparkling wine.