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To make the best pumpkin spice eggnog, you need fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of what you will need: - 4 cups of whole milk - 1 cup of heavy cream - 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree - 3/4 cup of granulated sugar - 6 large egg yolks - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - Whipped cream, for topping - Ground cinnamon and nutmeg, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Whole milk and heavy cream give the eggnog its rich creaminess. Pumpkin puree adds a wonderful taste and a lovely orange color. Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and balances the spices. Egg yolks provide a smooth, custardy base. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. The ground spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—create that classic pumpkin spice flavor. Whipped cream on top adds a light touch, while the extra spices for garnish make it look festive and inviting. Be sure to measure carefully for the best results! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the milk mixture Start by taking a medium saucepan. Add 4 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger. Put the pan over medium heat. Whisk the mixture often for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it warm, not boiling. Make sure the sugar dissolves fully. 2. Tempering the egg yolks While the milk heats, grab a large bowl. Take 6 large egg yolks and whisk them until they become pale and slightly thick. This step is key for a smooth eggnog. Once the milk mixture is warm, pour about 1 cup of it slowly into the egg yolks. Whisk constantly. This process is called tempering. It keeps the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot milk. 3. Thickening the eggnog Now, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Keep whisking as you do this. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat. Stir it often for about 8 to 10 minutes. You know it’s ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove it from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. After these steps, strain the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer. This removes any lumps. Let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve it in glasses with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg on top. Enjoy your creamy holiday treat! Choosing the right spices makes a big difference. Use fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for the best taste. Fresh spices add warmth and depth to your eggnog. If you want a bit more kick, add a pinch of allspice too. For perfect consistency, whisk the egg yolks until thick. This step helps to create a smooth texture. When combining the milk and egg yolk mixtures, do it slowly. This prevents the eggs from cooking too fast. Cook the mixture gently over medium-low heat. Stir often until it coats the back of a spoon. Glassware options can enhance your eggnog experience. Use clear glasses to show off the creamy color. A small mug or a festive glass can add a touch of cheer. For garnishing, top your eggnog with a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a nice finish. You can also add a cinnamon stick for a fun touch. This adds flavor and makes it look pretty! Pro Tips Chill Your Eggnog: For the best flavor and texture, make sure to chill your eggnog thoroughly after preparing. This allows the spices to meld beautifully. Use Fresh Spices: For a more vibrant flavor, consider using freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon instead of pre-ground spices. Whisk Constantly: When tempering the egg yolks, whisking continuously is crucial to prevent them from scrambling in the hot mixture. Experiment with Spirits: If you want to spike your eggnog, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for an extra festive touch. {{image_2}} You can make pumpkin spice eggnog in different ways. If you want a dairy-free option, just swap the whole milk and cream for almond milk or coconut milk. This gives you a creamy drink without dairy. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions for the best taste. For an adult twist, try an alcohol-infused pumpkin spice eggnog. You can add rum, bourbon, or whiskey. Start with one shot per glass. This method adds warmth and extra flavor. Just remember to mix well and serve it cold. Eggnog doesn't have to be warm. You can also serve it iced. Just chill the eggnog in the fridge. When ready, pour it over ice in a glass. This version is refreshing and perfect for warmer days. If you love coffee, why not try an eggnog latte? Just mix equal parts of hot coffee and pumpkin spice eggnog. Froth the mixture for extra creaminess. Top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a special treat. To keep your pumpkin spice eggnog fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Store the eggnog in an airtight container. Place it in your refrigerator right after it cools. It should remain good for up to 5 days. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before serving. - Freezing methods: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for about 3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. - Freshness timeline: Your homemade pumpkin spice eggnog stays fresh for about 5 days in the fridge. If frozen, it maintains its quality for about 3 months. However, for the best flavor, enjoy it within the first month of freezing. Always remember to shake or stir well after thawing, as separation may occur. Can I make pumpkin spice eggnog ahead of time? Yes, you can make pumpkin spice eggnog ahead of time. I often prepare it a day before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just chill it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. How long can I store homemade eggnog? Homemade eggnog lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to throw it out. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices? Absolutely! Pumpkin pie spice works great as a shortcut. Use about two teaspoons to replace the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This keeps the recipe simple while still giving that cozy flavor. This blog post covered how to make delicious pumpkin spice eggnog from scratch. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for flavor and consistency. I shared serving ideas and variations, like dairy-free options and chilled eggnog. Lastly, we discussed proper storage to keep it fresh. Your pumpkin spice eggnog can be a cozy treat for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and play around with new twists!

Pumpkin Spice Eggnog

A creamy and spiced eggnog perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3.75 cups pumpkin puree
  • 0.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 serving whipped cream, for topping
  • 1 serving ground cinnamon and nutmeg, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is warm and the sugar dissolves completely, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are pale and slightly thickened.
  • Slowly pour about a cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This will prevent the yolks from scrambling.
  • Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, continuing to whisk constantly.
  • Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any lumps. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
  • Serve in glasses, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg for garnish.

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor.
Keyword eggnog, holiday drink, pumpkin spice