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Creamy Homemade Eggnog: Easy Best Holiday Drink

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A rich, velvety homemade eggnog made with whole milk, heavy cream, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This cooked custard-style recipe is safe, easy to make in under 15 minutes, and perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs (pasteurized recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons dark rum or bourbon (optional, for adult version)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Heat over medium-low heat until warm (not boiling), stirring occasionally. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add sugar and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm dairy mixture into the egg bowl while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Continue adding the rest of the dairy slowly while whisking.
  4. Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan. Place over low heat and cook gently, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not let it boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.
  6. For a smoother texture, strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher.
  7. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Stir before serving. Garnish with nutmeg. Add rum or bourbon just before serving if desired.

Notes

Use pasteurized eggs for safety if consuming raw, though this recipe cooks the eggs gently. For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. Do not freeze as dairy may separate. The flavor improves after chilling for a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade eggnog, holiday drink, eggnog recipe, cinnamon nutmeg drink, creamy eggnog, winter beverage, gluten-free drink

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-homemade-eggnog-easy-best-holiday-drink/