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Eggnog Easy Recipe

Eggnog Easy Recipe

5.1 from 26 reviews

This easy homemade eggnog recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and warmly spiced holiday treat made from whole milk, egg yolks, and a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfectly chilled and optionally spiked with your favorite liquor, it’s a festive classic that’s comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Spices

  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping, optional)

Egg Mixture

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Combine Milk and Spices: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, ground nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon stick to infuse flavor as the milk heats.
  2. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the milk to a low boil, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching.
  3. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: Meanwhile, crack the 6 large egg yolks into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together with the 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Temper the Eggs: Slowly add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Repeat until you’ve incorporated about 1/4 cup of hot milk, making sure the egg yolks are warmed gently to avoid curdling.
  5. Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
  6. Finish the Eggnog: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the eggnog.
  7. Chill: Transfer the eggnog to a container and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours until thoroughly chilled and flavors melded.
  8. Serve: Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Add whipped cream if desired.
  9. Add Alcohol (Optional): For an adult version, mix 1 part of your preferred alcohol (brandy, dark rum, bourbon, cognac, Southern Comfort, or Fireball) to 5 parts eggnog and stir well before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality eggs for safety and taste.
  • Be careful when heating the milk and egg mixture; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Adjust sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
  • For a non-alcoholic drink, simply omit the alcohol and garnish with cinnamon sticks or freshly grated nutmeg.
  • Store leftover eggnog in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
  • To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream, but the texture and flavor will differ.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, holiday drink, creamy beverage, homemade eggnog, spiced drink, festive cocktail, vanilla nutmeg eggnog