Eggnog is a delightful and creamy treat that embodies the cozy spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re gathering with family, enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, or hosting a spirited celebration, this eggnog recipe promises indulgence in every sip. With a perfect blend of spices and sweetness, it creates a warm atmosphere that everyone can appreciate. Making eggnog from scratch may sound daunting, but it’s actually quite simple and forgiving, allowing room for little tweaks to make it your own. As we step into this festive journey together, let’s get you ready to whip up a batch of creamy, dreamy eggnog that will leave you and your loved ones smiling.
Why This Recipe Works
Eggnog is a holiday staple, celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavors. This eggnog recipe expertly balances spices and sweetness, resulting in a drink that is both indulgent and comforting. The careful preparation ensures that the eggnog is safe and delicious, allowing you to enjoy every sip without worry. Easy to follow, this recipe walks you through each step, making it approachable for anyone. The secret lies in mixing the ingredients just right, creating a smooth and velvety drink that becomes a tradition for many families during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Recipe
This homemade eggnog recipe transcends typical holiday beverages. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, it provides a creamy and flavorful drink option that captures the essence of the season. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for both adults and kids. Picture this: friends and family chatting joyfully, laughter filling the air, and a glass of this delicious eggnog in hand. Because it’s both rich and comforting, this eggnog is bound to become a cherished tradition that you look forward to year after year.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 whole egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract or ¼ cup rum, brandy, or cognac (optional)
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make Homemade Eggnog
Warm the Milk and Spices
Start by pouring the whole milk into a medium pot. Gently heat it over medium heat, infusing it with delightful aromas. Add in the nutmeg and cinnamon, stirring occasionally. You want the milk to become hot but not simmering—just warm enough to release those wonderful scents.
Prepare the Egg Yolks
While your milk is warming, grab a large bowl and whisk the egg yolks along with the granulated sugar. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and turns a beautiful lighter shade of yellow. This step creates a rich foundation for your eggnog and adds that lovely creamy texture.
Temper the Egg Mixture
Now, to prevent any scrambling of those precious egg yolks, carefully whisk about ¾ cup of the hot milk into the yolk mixture. This process—known as tempering—helps slowly raise the temperature of the yolks. Once combined, pour this tempered yolk mixture back into the pot with the remaining warm milk.
Cook Until Thickened
Keep the heat low here and stir continuously for about 5 minutes. Watch as the mixture thickens slightly; this gentle cooking melds all those beautiful flavors together. Once it reaches that perfect consistency, remove your pot from the heat.
Add Flavorings and Cream
Next comes the fun part! Stir in the vanilla extract and choose your flavor boost—rum extract for a non-alcoholic version or the alcoholic option if you’re feeling festive. Then, mix in the half & half and heavy cream, which give your eggnog that rich and luscious texture that everyone loves.
Chill the Eggnog
For a lovely, smooth finish, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into an airtight container. This step eliminates any unwanted bits, ensuring a creamy final product. Now, you’ll want to refrigerate it until completely chilled—the cooler, the better!
Whip the Egg Whites
For a traditional touch, take those reserved egg whites and whip them until stiff peaks form. Once they are light and fluffy, gently fold them into the chilled eggnog. This adds a delightful texture and an airy finish that takes it over the top.
Serving Suggestions
To serve this delightful eggnog, use chilled glasses for that extra festive flair. Top each glass with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a beautiful presentation. Pair your eggnog with gingerbread cookies or peppermint treats for a well-rounded holiday experience. These combinations will bring smiles to everyone around the table.
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to ensure your eggnog turns out perfectly every time:
– Use fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture.
– Feel free to adjust the spices to tailor it to your taste; if you crave more nutmeg or cinnamon, go for it!
– For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the alcohol or replace it with more rum extract.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try these fun variations:
– Chocolate Eggnog: Mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
– Spiced Eggnog: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to warm it up even more.
– Vegan Eggnog: Swap out the dairy milk for almond or coconut milk, and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a vegan-friendly version.
FAQs
1. Can eggnog be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this eggnog up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
2. How long can eggnog last in the fridge?
Typically, homemade eggnog lasts about 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze eggnog?
Freezing eggnog isn’t recommended, as the texture may change once thawed, losing that creamy goodness.
4. Is eggnog safe to drink?
When prepared with fresh, high-quality eggs and pasteurized milk, it is safe to enjoy. Just remember to refrigerate any leftovers right away!
5. Can I use low-fat milk for eggnog?
Sure, you can, but keep in mind that using low-fat milk may make the eggnog less creamy. The half & half and heavy cream are essential for that rich, luxurious texture.
This delightful eggnog recipe is perfect for creating cherished memories during the holiday season. Each sip brings warmth and joy, whether enjoyed cuddled up by the fire or at a lively gathering with loved ones. With easy adaptations to suit your taste, you’ll find that this eggnog can easily become a signature holiday beverage that everyone will look forward to year after year. Enjoy this festive classic!
Print
Eggnog
This homemade eggnog is a holiday classic, featuring a rich and creamy texture enhanced by spices. It’s easy to make and perfect for festive celebrations.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 whole egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon rum extract or ¼ cup rum, brandy, or cognac (optional)
- 1 cup half & half
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Warm the milk with nutmeg and cinnamon in a pot until hot but not simmering.
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar in a bowl until thickened.
- Temper the yolk mixture by slowly adding warm milk, then combine back into the pot.
- Cook on low heat, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Add vanilla extract and desired alcohol, then mix in half & half and heavy cream.
- Strain the mixture into a container and refrigerate until chilled.
- Whip reserved egg whites to stiff peaks and fold into chilled eggnog.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use fresh eggs for best flavor.
Adjust spices to suit personal taste.
Non-alcoholic version can be made by omitting alcohol.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 75
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 195
