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Traditional Eggnog

Mix egg yolks with sugar till light. Heat milk with spices, pour slow into eggs while stirring. Cook till thick, add cream and vanilla. Chill good. Add rum if you want just before serving. Top with fresh nutmeg. Makes rich holiday drink in bout 25 minutes.

Featured in Drinks for Every Season.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:26:34 GMT
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Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. | zestplate.com

Wondering what is eggnog and why everyone loves it during the holidays? This creamy, spiced drink is pure comfort in a glass! Our homemade eggnog recipe brings together rich cream, warm spices, and optional spirits for a festive treat that'll make your season bright. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving something special, this classic is sure to bring holiday cheer.

Why Make It From Scratch

Learning how to make eggnog at home is easier than you might think! Skip the store-bought stuff - this version lets you control the sweetness, spices, and spirits to create your perfect holiday drink. Plus, there's something magical about watching simple ingredients transform into that signature creamy texture that eggnog recipes are famous for.

What You'll Need

  • Egg Yolks: 6 large ones - they make your eggnog rich and creamy
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup - balances all the flavors
  • Whole Milk: 2 cups - full-fat makes it extra luxurious
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup - for that silky texture
  • Spices: Whole cloves and cinnamon for warmth
  • Nutmeg: Fresh-grated is best!
  • Vanilla: 1 1/2 teaspoons pure extract
  • Spirits (optional): 2 tablespoons each bourbon and rum
  • Egg Whites: 4 (optional) for extra fluff

Let's Make It!

Start with the Eggs
Beat those yolks until they're lighter in color. Gradually whisk in sugar until it's fluffy - this is your flavor foundation.
Warm the Milk
Heat milk with spices until steamy (not boiling!). This infuses all those cozy flavors we love.
Combine Carefully
Slowly pour half the hot milk into egg mixture while whisking - this prevents scrambled eggs! Pour it all back into the pot.
Make It Creamy
Cook gently, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat your spoon. Then stir in that heavy cream.
Finish Strong
Strain out the spices, add vanilla and your chosen spirits. Chill well. Want it fluffier? Fold in those beaten egg whites.
Serve in Style
Pour into festive glasses and top with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg. Now that's holiday magic!

The Story Behind the Sip

This festive drink has been warming holiday spirits for centuries. Originally a toast to health and prosperity, it's evolved from its European roots to become a beloved seasonal tradition that brings people together around the punch bowl.

Choose Your Spirit

When it comes to adding alcohol, think of it as choosing a dance partner - some spirits just move better together! Bourbon adds warmth, rum brings sweetness, and brandy offers elegance. Pick your favorite or try a blend of all three.

Safety First

If you're worried about raw eggs, here's a tip: heat your mixture to 160°F, or use pasteurized eggs. You'll still get that classic texture without any worry. Want to skip eggs entirely? Try coconut milk for a tropical twist!

Serving Ideas

Serve your creation chilled in pretty glasses or warm it up for extra coziness. A sprinkle of nutmeg on top isn't just for looks - it adds that perfect finishing touch that makes everyone smile.

Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. | zestplate.com

Make It Last

Your batch can hang out in the fridge for several days - in fact, it gets even better! The flavors mellow and mingle, creating something even more special. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Skip the booze?

More milk works fine. Extra cream good too. Still tastes rich. Kids can drink it. Just as nice.

→ Keeping leftovers?

Box it up tight. Three days cold tops. Shake before pour. Gets thick sitting. Fresh is best.

→ Raw eggs scary?

Cook em gentle. Stir while warm. Watch temp good. Don't scramble em. Worth doing right.

→ How serve it nice?

Chill real good. Fresh nutmeg top. Pretty cups help. Keep cold bits. Maybe whip cream.

→ Make it early?

Day or two fine. Gets better taste. Keep it cold though. Mix booze later. Stir before serve.

→ Getting too thick?

More milk helps thin. Stir real good. Don't cook long. Watch your heat. Easy fix quick.

→ Taking it places?

Keep it cold packed. Bring fresh tops. Take good cups. Worth ice box. Maybe backup drink.

→ Need it faster?

Have stuff ready. Quick cook works. One pot good. Still needs chill. Worth short wait.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need bigger pot. More chill time. Watch egg bits. Keep stuff cold.

→ Want more spice?

More nutmeg helps. Try cinnamon too. Fresh spice best. Even vanilla. Start slow though.

→ Eggs getting lumpy?

Stir more quick. Heat too high. Strain if need. Start over worst case. Watch temp close.

→ Too sweet or plain?

Add slow to taste. Can't fix too sweet. More spice helps. Rum cuts sweet. Balance is key.

Conclusion

Love this? Try warm spice tea next. Or make hot rum drink. Both perfect for cold days.

Traditional Eggnog

Got asked to bring something to the holiday party last minute. This eggnog saved me - just eggs, cream, spices and optional booze. Everyone loved it!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 large egg yolks.
02 3/4 cup sugar.
03 2 cups milk.
04 2 whole cloves.
05 Pinch cinnamon.
06 1 cup heavy cream.
07 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 2 tablespoons bourbon, or to taste.
10 2 tablespoons rum, or to taste.
11 4 egg whites, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are slightly lighter in color using a whisk or an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine milk, cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat gently on medium until steamy hot, ensuring it does not boil.

Step 03

Temper the eggs by slowly adding half of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 04

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it slightly thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Aim for a temperature of 160°F.

Step 05

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Step 06

Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer to remove the cloves and any curdled bits. Chill for at least an hour.

Step 07

Once chilled, stir in vanilla extract, freshly grated nutmeg, and the desired amount of bourbon and rum.

Step 08

For a fluffier texture, optionally beat egg whites until they form soft peaks, add a teaspoon of sugar, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold gently into the eggnog.

Notes

  1. For a less rich eggnog, reduce the egg yolks to 4.
  2. Adjust sweetness by using 1/2 cup of sugar.
  3. Make it kid-friendly by omitting the bourbon and rum.
  4. Eggnog can be doubled for larger gatherings.
  5. Store brewed eggnog in the fridge for several days, where the flavors will continue to meld.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl.
  • Whisk or electric mixer.
  • Thick-bottomed saucepan.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Candy thermometer (optional).
  • Mesh strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Alcohol.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 367
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 11 g