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Cozy Homemade Eggnog with Fresh Nutmeg – Easy & Creamy

cozy homemade eggnog - featured image

This rich and creamy homemade eggnog is made with simple ingredients like eggs, milk, cream, and fresh nutmeg. It’s the perfect cozy drink for holiday gatherings or quiet winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 whole nutmeg
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon, dark rum, or brandy

Instructions

  1. Separate the eggs. Crack your eggs and separate the yolks from the whites. Place the yolks in a large mixing bowl and save the whites for another use.
  2. Whisk the yolks and sugar. Add the sugar to the egg yolks and whisk vigorously until the mixture turns pale yellow and thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Heat the milk and cream. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling (around 180°F/82°C).
  4. Temper the eggs. Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking constantly.
  5. Cook the custard. Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes, or until it reaches 160°F/71°C).
  6. Strain the mixture. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher to catch any cooked egg bits.
  7. Add the vanilla and nutmeg. Stir in the vanilla extract and grate about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh nutmeg into the mixture. Stir to combine.
  8. Add alcohol (if using). Stir in bourbon, rum, or brandy if desired. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste.
  9. Chill thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Serve with fresh nutmeg. Pour into mugs and grate fresh nutmeg over the top of each serving.

Notes

Low and slow is key when heating the milk and cooking the custard. Whisk constantly during tempering and cooking. Don’t skip the straining step for a silky finish. Make a day ahead for best flavor. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

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