Description
Silky holiday eggnog from Joy of Cooking delivers classic Christmas cheer with rich, creamy perfection. Whisked eggs, cream, and spirited bourbon blend into a luxurious festive beverage you’ll savor by the fireplace.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 large egg yolks
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Garnish and Seasonings:
- 1 pinch salt
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
- Alcohol (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk granulated sugar and egg whites in a medium mixing bowl until the texture becomes airy and pale, creating a light, smooth base for the eggnog.
- Combine heavy cream, whole milk, ground nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan, heating over medium-high temperature while continuously stirring to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
- Temper the egg mixture by gradually introducing small portions of the heated milk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling and create a smooth, integrated liquid.
- Slowly transfer the tempered egg and milk combination back into the original saucepan, maintaining gentle heat and constant movement with a whisk.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), which indicates the eggs are safely cooked and the custard has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and incorporate pure vanilla extract and optional rum or bourbon, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Position a fine-mesh strainer over a clean pitcher or storage container to strain the eggnog, eliminating any potential egg solids and ensuring a silky texture.
- Refrigerate the strained mixture for several hours, allowing it to cool completely and develop a richer, more cohesive consistency.
- Before serving, optional garnishes include a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cinnamon stick for additional aromatic complexity.
- Store the eggnog in a sealed container within the refrigerator, consuming within 5-7 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Chilling matters most for developing deep, complex flavors that transform this classic drink from good to extraordinary.
- Room temperature ingredients blend seamlessly, ensuring smoother incorporation and preventing unwanted ingredient separation.
- Fresh nutmeg makes a remarkable difference, offering a warm, aromatic complexity that pre-ground spices simply cannot match.
- High-quality eggs determine the custard’s richness, with farm-fresh options providing superior taste and smoother texture.
- Whisking technique creates magnificent volume, transforming ordinary ingredients into a luxurious, silky beverage.
- Warming milk gently prevents egg curdling, maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the preparation.
- Alcohol selection impacts the final flavor profile, with dark rum or bourbon adding depth and warmth to the traditional recipe.
- Straining helps achieve an ultra-smooth consistency, removing any potential egg bits or textural irregularities.
- Refrigeration time allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex and satisfying eggnog experience.
- Serving temperature significantly affects taste, with slightly chilled eggnog offering optimal flavor and mouthfeel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 364 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 37 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg