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Classic Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Close-up of a glass filled with creamy, yellow homemade eggnog, dusted generously with ground cinnamon.
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Make rich, velvety smooth homemade eggnog from scratch. This recipe provides instructions for both a classic non-alcoholic version and a spiked option perfect for holiday gatherings.

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 extra for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Optional: 1 cup bourbon, dark rum, or brandy

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and smooth.
  2. Slowly whisk in the whole milk until combined.
  3. Cook the mixture 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 (do not let it boil). This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
  5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits and ensure a smooth texture.
  6. If making the alcoholic version, stir in your chosen spirit now.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
  8. Before serving, whisk the chilled eggnog well. Pour into glasses and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.

Notes

  • For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the liquor in step 6.
  • To achieve a very thick, custardy texture, chill the eggnog overnight.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a blender to combine all ingredients (after cooking the milk/yolk base) and chill immediately.
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/classic-creamy-homemade-eggnog-recipe/