Advocaat is an off-white coloured, egg-based liqueur made in the Netherlands with a flavour reminiscent of egg nog.
It is made from brandy, unpasteurised egg yolk, egg white, herbs, sugar and vanilla.
Though versions made for export are thinner, versions made for the Dutch market can be so thick you can eat them with a spoon.
It can be served straight-up or over ice. It is often served in a glass, with a dollop of whipped cream on top, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
It can be also be used as an ingredient in desserts.
There are several brands, with the alcohol content ranging from 15 to 18 %.
Language Notes
Advocaat means “lawyer” (specifically, “barrister”) or “avocado” in Dutch. The “T” at the end is pronounced.
Some versions are yellower than others. Based on this coloration, some say that Advocaat was originally a drink made by Dutch settlers in South America using avocados (whose flesh can have a yellowish tone.) Back in the Netherlands, people substituted egg yolk as the thickener.
Others say the name reference is to lawyers — that this is the kind of drink that could sooth a throat tired after hours in a courtroom.
