An easy Homemade Eggnog recipe that's perfectly creamy and warmly spiced. Once you learn how to make eggnog for the holidays, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients
2cupswhole milk
3whole cloves
2tablespoons+ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract,divided
1teaspoonground cinnamon
¾teaspoonground fresh nutmeg,plus more for garnish
pinchkosher salt
6large egg yolks
¾cupgranulated sugar
2cupshalf and half
1½cupslight rum
¼cupbrandy
1cupheavy cream
Instructions
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat, combine milk, cloves, 1 teaspoon of the vanilla, cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon of the nutmeg, and kosher salt. After the mixture has warmed for 5 minutes, turn up heat between medium and medium-high. Stir regularly to avoid scorching, until it's just shy of coming to a boil. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk briskly until mixture is lightened in color and a bit fluffy, with visible ridges and ripples appearing when you whisk. (see my photo in this post)
VERY slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly all the while. Incorporate the hot with the cold VERY, VERY slowly, so the eggs don't "cook" to a scrambled consistency.
Then pour everything back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, until mixture is thickened and foamy. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves and any possible curdled bits of egg. Let cool for one hour.
Stir in half and half, remaining 2 tablespoons of vanilla, rum, and brandy. Refrigerate overnight to thoroughly chill and let flavors meld. If you prefer, leave out the alcohol - nothing else needs to be altered, and it will still taste wonderful!
Before serving, whip heavy cream until softly firm. Fold whipped cream into eggnog mixture. Pour into individual glasses and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Spoonacular. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.