Print

The Best Spiked Christmas Eggnog with Nutmeg

spiked Christmas eggnog - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy, perfectly spiked eggnog is made with real ingredients and a careful tempering technique. It’s a holiday classic that wins over even the most skeptical eggnog haters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup bourbon (240ml; e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/2 cup dark rum (120ml; e.g., Gosling’s or Appleton Estate)
  • 1/4 cup brandy (60ml; optional)
  • Fresh nutmeg (for grating)
  • Optional: cinnamon sticks (for stirring)
  • Optional: whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Separate 6 large egg yolks from the whites. Place yolks in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar to the yolks. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until pale yellow and thick (ribbon stage).
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium-low until steaming but not boiling (about 4-5 minutes).
  4. Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Then slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously.
  5. Return saucepan to medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 6-8 minutes until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
  6. Remove from heat. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Once chilled, stir in 1 cup (240ml) bourbon, 1/2 cup (120ml) dark rum, and 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy (if using). Whisk gently to combine.
  8. Pour into glasses or a punch bowl. Grate fresh nutmeg over each serving (about 1/4 teaspoon per glass). Add a cinnamon stick for stirring if desired.

Notes

Temper the eggs slowly to avoid scrambling. Chill overnight for best flavor. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma. The alcohol content helps inhibit bacterial growth, but the eggs are cooked to a safe temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, spiked eggnog, Christmas eggnog, holiday drink, bourbon eggnog, homemade eggnog

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/the-best-spiked-christmas-eggnog-with-nutmeg/