Description
This classic Homemade Eggnog recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, ideal for holiday gatherings. Made with fresh eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, it can be enjoyed with or without bourbon for a festive treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 eggs, separated
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup bourbon (optional)
Garnishes
- 4 candy canes, crushed
- 2 ounces chocolate, melted
- 6 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar to use later for beating egg whites.
- Beat Egg Yolks: Place the egg yolks in the bowl of a mixer and beat until they lighten in color. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until the sugar dissolves completely, then set this mixture aside.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove the pan from heat once boiling.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly add a ladle (about ¼ cup) of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly to temper the eggs. Repeat this process with about 4 to 5 ladles to gradually bring up the temperature without curdling the eggs.
- Cook Eggnog: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently until the eggnog thickens and reaches 160°F on a thermometer to ensure safety. Be careful not to overheat to prevent scrambling.
- Add Bourbon and Chill: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bourbon if using. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill thoroughly.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the reserved tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This adds volume and lightness to the eggnog.
- Finish and Serve: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chilled eggnog mixture until fully combined. Serve the eggnog cold, garnished with crushed candy canes, melted chocolate drizzles, or cinnamon sticks as desired for extra festive flair.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs because this recipe contains raw or lightly cooked eggs; pasteurized eggs can also be used for safety.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon or omit it entirely to suit your preference or guests’ needs.
- Serve immediately after folding in the egg whites for optimal texture or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- To enhance flavor, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top before serving.
- Always keep the mixture chilled to reduce any risk associated with raw eggs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
