Description
Creamy Christmas Classic Eggnog brings festive cheer with its rich blend of milk, eggs, and warming spices. Served chilled and garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg, you’ll savor this traditional holiday delight that warms hearts and celebrates family traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk (or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground cloves
Additional Flavor:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Additional cinnamon
- Additional nutmeg
Instructions
- Gently heat milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium saucepan over low temperature, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and allowing the spices to infuse their aromatic essence.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk egg yolks while gradually incorporating sugar, ensuring a smooth, pale yellow mixture that becomes light and creamy.
- Carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly introducing the warm milk mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent egg scrambling and create a harmonious blend.
- Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, monitoring the heat carefully and stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a silky, custard-like consistency and achieves a safe temperature of 160°F.
- Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated and releasing its fragrant notes.
- Transfer the eggnog to a clean container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to cool completely.
- Before serving, give the eggnog a gentle stir and pour into festive glasses. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon.
- For an adult version, add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to elevate the traditional holiday beverage, creating a warming and spirited treat.
Notes
- Slow and steady heating prevents scorching milk, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without burning the delicate ingredients.
- Tempering eggs carefully prevents scrambling, creating a silky, custard-like consistency that’s the hallmark of perfect eggnog.
- Overnight chilling intensifies flavors, allowing spices to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
- For dietary alternatives, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the festive richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg