Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk or 2%
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground cloves
- 6 egg yolks room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream optional
- extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until it’s just shy of boiling. You’ll know it’s ready when steam rises, but there are no bubbles breaking the surface.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step. Heating too quickly can cause the milk to scorch or form a skin.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks while gradually adding the sugar (about 2 tablespoons at a time). This helps dissolve the sugar and ensures the mixture is smooth. By the end, it should look pale yellow and creamy.
- Temper the eggs: This sounds fancy but is actually pretty simple. Using a soup ladle, slowly add about 1/3 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Keep adding more, bit by bit, until you’ve incorporated about 3/4 of the milk.
Personal tip: The first time I did this, I added the hot milk too fast, and the eggs scrambled (oops!). Now I take my time—it’s worth it.
- Cook to perfection: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until it reaches 160°F or thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step ensures the eggnog is safe to drink and gives it that perfect creamy texture.
- Add the vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly before serving, or refrigerate it for later. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for that festive touch
Notes
Presentation ideas for holiday gatherings
When serving eggnog at a party, presentation makes all the difference. Use clear mugs or punch glasses to show off that creamy texture. Top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. For an extra festive touch, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a star-shaped cookie on the rim. Pair it with a tray of gingerbread cookies or shortbread for a perfect holiday snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert