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Creamy Classic Holiday Eggnog Recipe Easy Homemade Festive Cheer

creamy classic holiday eggnog recipe - featured image

A rich, spiced, and creamy homemade eggnog recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, combining simple ingredients for an indulgent festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 to 1 cup (120240 ml) bourbon or rum (optional)

Instructions

  1. Separate 6 large eggs into yolks and whites, placing them in separate bowls. Ensure no yolk gets into the whites. (5 minutes)
  2. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar to the yolks and whisk or mix on medium speed until thick and pale, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium-low heat until steaming and hot but not boiling, about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Slowly pour about half a cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolks. Then pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk and cream.
  5. Return the saucepan to low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Let cool to room temperature, about 30-40 minutes. To speed cooling, place pan in a cold water bath and stir gently.
  7. While the mixture cools, beat the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cooled eggnog base until combined but still fluffy.
  9. If using, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup bourbon or rum, adjusting to taste.
  10. Transfer eggnog to a pitcher or punch bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold, garnished with freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon sticks.

Notes

Use farm-fresh eggs and full-fat dairy for best texture. For dairy-free, substitute coconut milk and coconut cream. Add alcohol after cooling to preserve flavor. Chill eggnog for best taste and texture. Stir well before serving as separation may occur. Eggnog lasts up to 3 days refrigerated. Can freeze base without egg whites and alcohol.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, holiday drink, festive beverage, creamy eggnog, homemade eggnog, Christmas drink, bourbon eggnog, classic eggnog