Description
Classic Christmas Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday beverage made with eggs, milk, cream, and bourbon or rum. This traditional recipe blends warm dairy with whipped eggs and spices, then chills to perfection for a festive treat that embodies pure holiday joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Flavorings
- 1 cup bourbon or rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Whisk Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the 4 large eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy, ensuring a smooth base for the eggnog.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add 1/3 cup granulated sugar to the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Heat Dairy: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream and heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling, allowing the flavors to meld gently.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm milk and cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook Eggnog Base: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup bourbon or rum, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg to infuse the eggnog with signature holiday flavors.
- Chill: Transfer the eggnog to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses and garnish with additional ground nutmeg if desired for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs for best flavor and safety.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon or rum and increase vanilla extract slightly.
- Do not boil the egg mixture to avoid scrambling; heat gently.
- Chilling the eggnog enhances the flavors and thickens the texture.
- Store leftover eggnog in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
