Description
This classic homemade eggnog recipe is a creamy, spiced holiday favorite made with whole milk, rich egg yolks, warming spices, and a splash of spiced rum. Perfectly tempered eggs and slow heating create a smooth custard base, which is then enriched with heavy cream and vanilla extract. Chill it overnight for the best flavor and serve garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Milk and Spices
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Egg Mixture
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups spiced rum
Instructions
- Heat the milk and spices: In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, whole cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse.
- Mix the egg yolks and sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 large egg yolks and 1 cup granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Temper the eggs: Gradually add a very small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks while whisking constantly to warm the eggs gently without cooking them.
- Incorporate the milk completely: Continue to slowly add more milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until all of the heated milk is combined and smooth.
- Cook the custard: Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture boil to avoid curdling.
- Strain the cloves out: Remove the mixture from heat and strain it to remove the whole cloves, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Cool and add finishing touches: Let the custard cool at room temperature for about one hour. Then whisk in the 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 1/4 cups spiced rum until fully combined.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the eggnog for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: When ready to serve, pour the eggnog into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- Tempering the eggs is crucial to prevent scrambling and to achieve a smooth custard.
- Do not allow the mixture to boil after adding the eggs to avoid curdling.
- Use fresh eggs from a reliable source due to the recipe’s use of raw egg yolks tempered and cooked gently.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the spiced rum and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of rum extract.
- This eggnog tastes best after chilling overnight to meld flavors.
