Description
Make a rich, creamy, and thick eggnog from scratch, perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe includes options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup aged rum or brandy (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
- In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edges, but do not boil.
- Slowly temper the egg mixture by pouring about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly.
- Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (reaching about 170 degrees F). Do not let it boil.
- Remove the custard from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- If making the alcoholic version, stir in the rum or brandy now.
- Pour the eggnog into a sealed container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken further.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum or brandy.
- You can make this recipe up to three days ahead of time.
- For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
- If you prefer a lighter drink, substitute some of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 350