Description
A traditional rich and creamy holiday beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brandy or dark rum (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steam appears 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 to temper the eggs.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- If using alcohol, stir in the brandy or rum now.
- Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra nutmeg or cinnamon.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the brandy or rum.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a slightly lighter texture.
- Freshly grated nutmeg provides the best flavor for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 250
Keywords: eggnog, holiday drink, Christmas beverage, creamy drink, nutmeg, custard