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- 4 large eggs - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - A pinch of salt - Whipped cream (for garnish) - Additional ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish) I love this classic eggnog recipe. It is rich and creamy, perfect for the holidays. The ingredients are simple and easy to find. You start with four large eggs. Fresh eggs give the best flavor. Next, you need half a cup of granulated sugar. This adds sweetness without overpowering the eggnog. For the base, we use two cups of whole milk. Whole milk makes it rich and smooth. You also need one cup of heavy cream. This adds a lovely creaminess. Then, we have one teaspoon of vanilla extract. It adds a warm flavor that complements the spices. For spices, use half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg and half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. They give the eggnog that festive taste. Don’t forget a pinch of salt. It balances the sweetness. For serving, you’ll want whipped cream for a nice finish. Extra nutmeg or cinnamon makes a perfect garnish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delightful eggnog. It's a treat that warms the heart and brings joy to any gathering. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Beating the Eggs Start by cracking 4 large eggs into a big bowl. Use a whisk to beat them until they look light and frothy. This step adds air and makes the eggnog creamy. - Combining Sugar and Eggs Gradually add ½ cup of granulated sugar to the eggs. Keep whisking until the sugar is fully mixed in. This makes the eggs sweet and smooth. - Heating the Milk and Cream Mixture In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat this until it starts to simmer, but don’t let it boil. - Tempering the Eggs Once the milk mix is heated, remove it from the heat. Slowly pour this warm mixture into the egg and sugar mix while whisking. This helps warm the eggs gently, so they don’t scramble. - Thickening the Eggnog After combining, pour the mix back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the eggnog thickens a bit. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon. - Chilling the Eggnog Remove the eggnog from heat and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors blend and makes it refreshing. This recipe will give you a lovely eggnog that tastes just like the holidays. - Achieving the Right Consistency For smooth eggnog, you want it creamy but not too thick. After cooking, stir until it coats the back of a spoon. If it feels too thick, just add a splash of milk. This helps keep it light. - Preventing Egg Scrambling To avoid scrambled eggs, pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mix slowly. Whisk as you pour. This keeps the eggs from cooking too fast. Remember, constant stirring is key when you heat it. - Whipping Cream for Garnish Use cold heavy cream for the best whipped topping. Beat it until soft peaks form. This makes your eggnog look fancy. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top. It adds a nice touch and flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Eggs: For the best flavor and texture, use the freshest eggs you can find. Fresh eggs will create a creamier and richer eggnog. Chill Thoroughly: Ensure that you chill the eggnog for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can give your eggnog a unique twist. Garnish Creatively: Beyond whipped cream, consider garnishing your eggnog with chocolate shavings, a cinnamon stick, or even a splash of rum for an adult version! {{image_2}} Eggnog is a fun drink. You can change it up in many ways. Here are some great ideas. - Traditional Spiked Eggnog: For a festive kick, add rum, bourbon, or brandy. Start with 1-2 ounces per serving. Mix it in slowly. This gives a warm, rich taste and is perfect for holiday cheer. - Eggnog Without Dairy: You can still enjoy eggnog if you're avoiding dairy. Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead. Replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream. This keeps it creamy and tasty without the dairy. - Eggnog with Alternative Spices: Spice it up! If you want a twist, try different spices. You can use cardamom, ginger, or allspice for new flavors. Just add a pinch to your mix. This gives your eggnog a fresh spin and makes it unique. These variations allow you to customize your eggnog. Whether you want it spiked, dairy-free, or full of new spices, the choice is yours! How to Store Eggnog To store eggnog, pour it into a clean container. I recommend using a glass jar or a pitcher. Make sure it has a tight lid. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Always refrigerate your eggnog right after you make it. Shelf Life and Best Practices Homemade eggnog lasts about three to four days in the fridge. It tastes best when fresh. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Frozen eggnog can last up to six months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving. Reheating Instructions To reheat eggnog, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it slowly over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. Do not let it boil, as this can change the texture. Once warm, serve it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. Enjoy your holiday treat! Can you make eggnog in advance? Yes, you can make eggnog in advance. This drink gets better when it sits. I often make it a day before my holiday party. It allows the flavors to blend well. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge? Homemade eggnog lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container. If you see any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it out. Is it safe to drink eggnog made with raw eggs? Eggnog made with raw eggs can be safe if prepared correctly. Use fresh, pasteurized eggs to lower the risk of foodborne illness. Cooking the eggnog mixture gently helps kill any harmful bacteria. Always be cautious and check the quality of your ingredients. You learned how to make eggnog from scratch with key ingredients and steps. We covered tips to get the right taste and texture. You can even explore fun variations to suit your taste. Storing and reheating your eggnog is easy, too. Remember, making eggnog is about enjoying the process. So, gather your ingredients and create a creamy treat to share. Enjoy your homemade eggnog with friends and family this season!

Festive Creamy Eggnog

A rich and creamy eggnog perfect for holiday celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 serving whipped cream (for garnish)
  • 1 serving additional ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
  • Gradually add the granulated sugar to the eggs while continuing to whisk until fully combined.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat until just starting to simmer, but do not let it boil.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat. Slowly pour the warmed milk mixture into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This step helps to temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
  • Once fully combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the eggnog thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
  • Before serving, whisk the eggnog again for a better texture.
  • Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with additional ground nutmeg or cinnamon.

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours for the best flavor.
Keyword creamy, eggnog, holiday drink