advocaat
/ɑdvoːˈkaːt/
The Dutch word for eggnog is advocaat.
In a Dutch context, advocaat refers specifically to a traditional alcoholic version of eggnog containing egg yolk, sugar and brandy or rum. While the English word 'eggnog' refers to a creamy dairy drink, the Dutch word advocaat refers to a specific type of egg-based liqueur that is much higher in alcohol content.
Which one should you use?
The English word 'eggnog' is also used in Dutch, though it typically refers to the specific Anglo-American style of dairy-based beverage.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑdvoːˈkaːt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using the word advocaat to mean a non-alcoholic dairy eggnog, as advocaat is an alcoholic liqueur.
Did you know?
- The name advocaat might actually come from the phrase advocatenborrel, which means 'lawyers' drink'. This refers to the tradition of using the thick liqueur to lubricate the throat for smoother legal arguments.
- If you were to use the word advocaat in a Dutch courtroom, you would be referring to a legal practitioner, not the delicious drink served at holiday parties.
- The texture of advocaat is so thick that it is frequently used as a dessert topping or a filling for cakes rather than just a drink.
Examples in context
- Mag ik een glas advocaat?May I have a glass of eggnog?
- Proost! Op een lekker glas advocaat.Cheers! To a delicious glass of eggnog.
- Ik houd van eierpunch, vooral tijdens de wintermaanden.I love eggnog, especially during the winter months.
- Houd je van kerstdrank? Dan moet je onze huisgemaakte eggnog proberen!Do you like eggnog? Then you have to try our homemade eggnog!
- Mijn oma maakte altijd heerlijke eierdrank tijdens de feestdagen.My grandma used to make delicious eggnog during the holidays.
- Zijn advocaat is erg romig en zoet.His eggnog is very creamy and sweet.
- Wil je nog wat advocaat?Do you want some more eggnog?
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are having a drink in a cozy living room during the holidays.
- LucasEmma, wil je ook een beetje advocaat?Emma, do you want some eggnog too?
- EmmaJa, graag. Het is erg lekker.Yes, please. It is very delicious.
- LucasIk heb het met veel nootmuskaat gemaakt.I made it with lots of nutmeg.
- EmmaDat proef je, Lucas. Het is heerlijk.You can taste that, Lucas. It is wonderful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry advocaat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries advocaat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
