Description
Creamy homemade eggnog delights with classic holiday flavors from traditional family recipes. Smooth, rich custard mixed with bourbon and nutmeg creates a festive drink you’ll savor during winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml/16.2 fl oz) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml/8.1 fl oz) heavy cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) bourbon, rum, or brandy
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- Egg Base Preparation: Whisk egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes pale and forms a smooth, ribbon-like consistency that falls gracefully from the whisk.
- Dairy Infusion: Gently heat milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a saucepan, allowing the spices to release their aromatic essence without scorching or boiling.
- Tempering Process: Slowly stream the warm spiced dairy into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling and create a uniform, silky texture.
- Custard Development: Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon without reaching a full boil.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, bourbon, rum, or brandy, blending thoroughly to distribute the complex flavor profile evenly throughout the mixture.
- Chilling and Maturation: Pour the eggnog into a sealed container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serving Finale: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, presenting a luxurious and festive holiday beverage.
Notes
- Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot dairy in small, steady streams while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth, silky texture without scrambling eggs.
- Control Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to monitor mixture, ensuring it reaches 160°F to eliminate bacteria without overheating, which can cause separation or grainy consistency.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; replace eggs with cornstarch and plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow eggnog to rest in refrigerator for 24-48 hours before serving, enabling spices to meld and develop richer, more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Drinks, Cocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 143.66
- Sugar: 8.61 g
- Sodium: 32.85 mg
- Fat: 7.45 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.33 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.93 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.69 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2.96 g
- Cholesterol: 128.97 mg