Description
Make a rich, creamy eggnog from scratch using a simple stovetop tempering method. This recipe includes options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 pint whole milk
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup bourbon, brandy, or dark rum (optional, for alcoholic version)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges, but do not boil.
- Slowly pour about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This tempers the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (reaching 160 degrees F). Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- If making the alcoholic version, stir in the liquor now.
- Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra ground nutmeg.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liquor and use an extra 1 cup of whole milk.
- You can make this recipe up to three days ahead of time.
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality spices.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dessert Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 350mg