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Rich and Creamy Classic Homemade Eggnog

A close-up of a glass filled with creamy, pale yellow eggnog, topped with a dusting of cinnamon.
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Make the best eggnog from scratch. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and velvety holiday drink, perfectly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. It tastes much better than store-bought versions and is simple to prepare for your Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 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, plus more for garnish
  • Optional: 1 cup bourbon, dark rum, or brandy

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together until the mixture is pale yellow and thick.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steam rises and small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil.
  3. Slowly temper the eggs: While whisking constantly, pour about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
  4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream.
  5. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (reaching 170°F on a thermometer). Do not let it boil.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  7. If making an alcoholic version, stir in your choice of liquor now.
  8. Pour the eggnog into a sealed container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop.
  9. Serve cold, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon on top.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic eggnog, simply omit the bourbon, rum, or brandy.
  • You can make this ahead of time; it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For an extra smooth texture, strain the chilled eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/best-eggnog-recipe-creamy-holiday-drink/