Classic Homemade Eggnog

Looking for the perfect eggnog recipe? This creamy, spiced version is a holiday tradition! Easy to make, with or without booze. Get the recipe now!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of Christmas cheer in a glass? This eggnog recipe is a proper festive hug, all creamy, spiced goodness. Honestly, is it even Christmas without it?

Brief Overview

Eggnog, a creamy holiday beverage , has been warming hearts (and sometimes slightly inebriating them!) for centuries. think medieval britain with a modern boozy twist.

This recipe is a medium effort, takes about an hour and a half, plus chilling, and makes enough for about 6-8 of your closest mates.

Main Benefits

This homemade christmas drink is packed with warming spices and that oh-so-satisfying creamy texture. it’s perfect for a festive party drink , or a quiet night in by the fire.

What makes this traditional christmas recipe special? it's real eggnog, made from scratch, and tastes a million times better than anything you can buy in a carton.

Okay, right then! Let's talk ingredients.

This classic homemade eggnog: creamy, spiced holiday delight is a dream. the magic is in the fresh nutmeg, honestly. don't even bother with the pre-ground stuff; get yourself a whole nutmeg and a little grater.

You won’t regret it.

Making eggnog can seem a bit daunting, especially when it comes to tempering the eggs. nobody wants scrambled eggnog, right ? just take your time, drizzle the hot milk in slowly, and whisk like your life depends on it.

You’ll be golden.

This recipe for Easy Eggnog Recipe uses eggs, sugar, milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and your booze of choice (bourbon, rum, or brandy, or a mix!). That's it!

I’ve tried this with different milks, and while almond or oat milk works in a pinch, full-fat milk and cream really make it sing.

You can definitely go for a non-alcoholic eggnog version by simply skipping the booze. honestly? it's still fantastic.

This spiced milk drink will become your festive go-to, I promise! Enjoy, and happy holidays!

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Classic Homemade Eggnog recipe . Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle. So, grab your shopping list and let's get started!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Dairy & Eggs:
  • 4 large eggs, separated (approx. 200g )
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided (approx. 100g )
  • 2 cups whole milk ( 475ml )
  • 1 cup heavy cream ( 235ml )
• Spices & Extracts:
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (approx. 1.5g )
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (approx. 0.75g )
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ( 5ml )
• Optional Booze:
  • 1/2 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy ( 120ml )

For the eggs, look for free-range, if you can. honestly, they just taste better! and for the heavy cream, go for the real deal – none of that low-fat nonsense.

We are making the best creamy holiday beverage !

Seasoning Notes

Nutmeg and cinnamon are key. don't skip them! a touch of vanilla enhances everything. try to find a good vanilla extract, not the cheap stuff.

If you are feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cardamom adds warmth. for a kick, a dash of allspice is nice.

You can always sub cinnamon extract for ground, to your liking.

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Thermometer (optional, but recommended)
• Ladle

Don't have a fancy saucepan? no worries! anything will do. just keep the heat low. a whisk is essential. mixing bowls are self-explanatory.

A thermometer helps avoid disaster, but you can eyeball it. right then! now you know what's needed.

This easy eggnog recipe is about to become your go-to! it's better than shop-bought, trust me. a quick note: you can absolutely make a non-alcoholic eggnog .

Just skip the booze. make this for any festive party drinks and it'll be the talk of the town!

Get ready to make some magic and enjoy one of the most beloved Traditional Christmas Recipe !

Okay, right then! let's dive into making the most deliciously festive drink ever: classic homemade eggnog: creamy, spiced holiday delight.

This eggnog recipe isn't just a drink; it's a proper hug in a mug! honestly, it’s what christmas is all about, innit?

Cooking Method: Classic Homemade Eggnog

This traditional Christmas recipe is simpler than you think. It requires some patience, like waiting for Santa, but trust me, the result is so worth it. It’s the perfect holiday drink !

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. basically, get everything ready. separate those 4 large eggs , measure out 1/2 cup of sugar (split it!), and grab your spices.

Time-saving tip? get the spices measured and into a small bowl beforehand. also, if you're using booze, have that ready too.

It's easier to add at the end. safety reminder: raw eggs, mate. keep everything clean.

Step-by-Step Process: Nailing the Nog

1. Separate Eggs: Yolk's in one bowl, whites in another. Simple as that.
2. Whisk Yolks & Sugar: Whisk egg yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar until pale and thick. Think custard consistency.
3. Heat Milk & Spices: Gently heat 2 cups of whole milk with 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Don't boil it, just a gentle simmer.
4. Temper Yolks: Slowly pour a bit of hot milk into the yolks while whisking. This stops them from scrambling, yeah? Do it gradually.
5. Combine & Cook: Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon (around 160° F/ 71° C ).
6. Strain & Cool: Strain the mixture into a clean bowl, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
7. Whisk Whites & Sugar: Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.
8. Fold in Whites: Gently fold the whites into the creamy holiday beverage .
9. Chill: Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, or better, overnight.
10. Add Booze (Optional): Stir in 1/2 cup of bourbon, rum or brandy to complete your Christmas Cocktails .
11. Serve: Ladle into glasses, garnish with nutmeg, and enjoy!

Pro Tips: Nog Masterclass

Here’s a few expert tips to elevate your eggnog: use freshly grated nutmeg - it makes a world of difference.

If you want a non-alcoholic eggnog , just skip the booze! common mistake? overcooking the mixture and getting scrambled eggs.

Avoid that! make-ahead? absolutely! this spiced milk drink keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. just give it a good stir before serving.

Honestly, nothing beats a cup of this on a cold winter's night. enjoy! it will turn into one of the most festive party drinks you make all year! and you can use this to create other homemade christmas drinks .

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this eggnog recipe . you know, the stuff that takes it from good to amazing .

It's like adding the fairy lights to the christmas tree – makes all the difference!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Holiday Drinks

These little tips and tricks will help you make the best creamy holiday beverage ever. Trust me, a little extra thought goes a long way.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Festive

Okay, right then! presentation is everything, innit? think about how you want your festive party drinks to look. ladle that classic winter beverage into pretty mugs.

A sprinkle of nutmeg on top is a must. maybe a cinnamon stick for extra fancy vibes. serve it with some homemade christmas drinks like shortbread or mince pies.

Ooh, and a cheeseboard? sorted.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, listen up! once you’ve made your traditional christmas recipe , you want it to last, yeah? keep your spiced milk drink in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the texture can get a bit weird. to reheat, gently warm on the hob, stirring constantly.

Don't let it boil, or you'll end up with scrambled eggnog. nobody wants that!

Variations: Mix it Up, Mate!

Fancy a twist? Let's get creative with these easy eggnog recipe variations.

1. Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Full-fat coconut cream makes it extra creamy.
2. Non-Alcoholic Eggnog: Just skip the booze! Or find some non-alcoholic bourbon. Nobody needs to feel left out. You can enjoy your holiday drinks either way.

Nutrition Basics: Knowing Your Nog

Honestly, i'm not a nutritionist, but here's the basic gist. eggnog recipe is rich in protein and fat. it's also got sugar, so maybe don't drink the entire batch in one sitting! the milk provides calcium, and the spices have some antioxidant benefits.

It's a treat, so enjoy it in moderation.

So, there you have it! all the extra bits and bobs to make your christmas cocktails and holiday drinks absolutely banging.

Now go on, get in the kitchen and have some fun. you've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this eggnog recipe safe to drink with raw eggs? I'm a bit nervous!

Safety first, right? This eggnog recipe involves tempering the eggs and cooking the mixture to 160°F (71°C), which is considered safe by most guidelines. This process reduces the risk of salmonella. However, if you're still concerned, you can purchase pasteurized eggs. They're a bit like the Avengers of the egg world – pre-equipped to fight the bad guys!

Can I make this eggnog recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. The flavors meld together beautifully when chilled overnight (or even for a couple of days). Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Think of it as marinating – the longer it sits, the better it gets, like a fine bottle of Scotch.

What kind of booze goes best in this classic homemade eggnog recipe?

That's the million-dollar question! Bourbon, rum, or brandy are the most traditional choices, and honestly, a blend of all three can be fantastic. Dark rum will give a richer flavor, while brandy adds a smoother, almost fruity note. Feel free to experiment a little – it’s like being a mixologist, but with more festive cheer!

I'm not a big drinker, can I make an alcohol-free version of this eggnog recipe?

Definitely! Simply omit the alcohol from the recipe. To replace the flavor and warmth that the alcohol provides, you can add a teaspoon of rum extract or a dash of spiced rum flavoring. A little extra vanilla extract can also add depth. You'll still get a delicious, festive drink that's perfect for the whole family, even if they're as teetotal as Cliff Richard!

How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?

Homemade eggnog, properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, should last for about 3-4 days. After that, the quality and freshness will start to decline. Always give it a sniff and a visual check before drinking – if it smells off or looks curdled, it's best to toss it. Better safe than sorry, especially when dealing with dairy and eggs!

Can I freeze this eggnog recipe for later?

Freezing eggnog isn't generally recommended. The texture can change significantly upon thawing, often becoming grainy or separated due to the dairy content. While it won't be unsafe to drink, it won't have that lovely, creamy texture you're after. If you absolutely must freeze it, consider using it in baking or cooking rather than drinking it straight. Think eggnog bread pudding, rather than sipping it from a fancy glass!

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