Description
This Easy Homemade Eggnog recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced holiday classic made from scratch. With a smooth texture achieved by gently simmering egg yolks, sugar, cream, and milk with warming spices like nutmeg and cloves, this eggnog is both comforting and festive. Chilled for several hours, it’s ideal for serving with optional whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for a traditional presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Serving Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Whisk egg yolks: Place the egg yolks and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk continuously until the mixture is well blended, lighter in color, and develops a creamy texture, which ensures the sugar is dissolved and the yolks are aerated.
- Add liquids and spices: Whisk in the heavy cream, whole milk, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Simmer the mixture: Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the mixture slowly. Once warm, increase heat to medium and bring it to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Continue until the mixture reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) on an instant-read thermometer, then immediately remove from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Strain and cool: Allow the eggnog to cool for 10-15 minutes until it stops steaming, stirring occasionally. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor. If desired, add your choice of alcohol such as bourbon or rum at this stage.
- Chill before serving: Transfer the eggnog to the refrigerator and chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the drink to thicken slightly. Serve chilled, garnished with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon sticks if preferred.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs for best flavor and safety.
- Constant whisking during cooking prevents the egg mixture from curdling.
- Ensure the eggnog reaches the proper temperature to eliminate any risk from raw eggs.
- You can customize spices to taste, adjusting nutmeg and cloves as desired.
- Alcohol is optional; if added, mix it in after cooling slightly to preserve the alcohol’s character.
- Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.
