Homemade Eggnog – A Beautiful Mess

While there is nothing wrong with store-bought eggnog, it might surprise you to know that homemade eggnog is VERY easy to make and in my opinion so much better. You can customize the sweetness level as well as make this creamy drink more or less spiced to your preferences.

I am a big fan of custard generally. And eggnog is essentially a spiced custard drink as it is made of mostly milk and egg yolks. This classic eggnog recipe is decadent and delicious and feels absolutely perfect for the holiday season.

Related: Need more festive drink recipes? Try Coquito, Butterbeer, Pumpkin Smoothie, Turmeric Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte and Medicine Ball Tea.

Ingredients

• Egg yolks
• Granulated white sugar
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon stick

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, store the egg yolks, separating them from the whites. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, cream, milk, nutmeg, vanilla extract and cinnamon stick. Whisk over low/medium heat until very warm and the sugar has fully dissolved.

Slowly stir 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture in to the egg yolks at a time, stirring between each addition. The goal is to slowly warm the egg yolks because if they go from cold to hot too quickly they can curdle.

Once the mixing bowl with the milk and yolks feels very warm to the touch (on the outside of the bowl), whisk the mixture back into the pan. Heat until the liquid reaches 160°F (71°C).

Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer to remove any sediments and the cinnamon stick. Store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Additions

• You can use an instant read thermometer or candy thermometer to check the liquid for reaching its food-safe temperature.
• If the egg yolks do curdle a little, it’s OK! While not ideal, the eggnog is not ruined. Once you strain the mixture before chilling, this will remove any curdled pieces.
• Feel free to add more nutmeg, cinnamon or other spices like cloves to this recipe! Pumpkin pie spice might be a nice addition.
• What about spiked eggnog?! You can add any liquor that goes well with cinnamon; so think bourbon, whiskey, brandy, rum or Kahlua. Add one shot (1.5 to 2 ounces) to a serving.
• To add some caffeine you can add 1 to 2 shots of espresso to serving of this and top with whipped cream!

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