Description
Creamy holiday magic shines through this classic Homemade Eggnog, blending rich dairy, warming spices, and optional bourbon for festive cheer. Smooth, indulgent sips transport you straight to cherished winter celebrations with each luxurious gulp.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 4 cups whole milk (3.25%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Sweeteners and Sugars:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Spices and Flavorings:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Optional Alcohol:
- 1/2 cup rum or bourbon
Instructions
- Gently warm milk, cream, and half the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
- Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually stream the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent potential curdling.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Maintain a temperature around 160°F, ensuring the mixture thickens enough to lightly coat the back of the spoon without boiling.
- Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and optional rum or bourbon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Position a fine mesh sieve over a clean container and strain the eggnog to eliminate any potential egg fragments or spice particles.
- Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor development and achieve optimal chilling.
- Before serving, give the eggnog a thorough stir. Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg or a decorative cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Gentle heating prevents milk from scorching, ensuring smooth texture and preventing burnt flavors.
- Constant whisking when combining hot milk and egg yolks creates silky, creamy consistency without scrambled eggs.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs from trusted sources to minimize salmonella risk, especially for raw or minimally cooked preparations.
- For alcohol-free version, replace rum or bourbon with additional vanilla extract or maple syrup for depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Cocktails, Mocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 73 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 225 mg