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Cozy Homemade Eggnog with Bourbon & Nutmeg

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A rich, creamy homemade eggnog with bourbon and fresh nutmeg, born from a happy accident. This quick and easy recipe delivers a velvety, comforting drink perfect for cozy nights and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs, yolks and whites separated
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • ½ cup bourbon (120 ml), such as Bulleit or Maker’s Mark
  • 1 whole nutmeg, freshly grated (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • A tiny pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, the cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat until steaming with small bubbles around the edges (do not boil), about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Whisk the Yolks: While the milk warms, separate the eggs. Place the yolks in a medium bowl with ½ cup sugar. Whisk vigorously until pale, creamy yellow, and thickened (ribbon stage), about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking continuously.
  4. Cook the Custard: Return the saucepan to medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, scraping the bottom and sides, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes). Do not let it boil.
  5. Strain and Cool: Immediately remove from heat. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to catch any lumps and the cinnamon stick. Stir gently to help it pass through.
  6. Add Bourbon and Nutmeg: Stir in ½ cup bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a generous grating of fresh nutmeg (about ½ teaspoon). Adjust to taste.
  7. Chill or Serve Warm: For warm eggnog, serve immediately in mugs with extra nutmeg on top. For cold eggnog, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a pitcher for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Notes

Temper the eggs slowly to avoid scrambling. Use fresh nutmeg for the best flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add extra vanilla and a pinch of ground cloves. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; flavors deepen over time. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, homemade eggnog, bourbon eggnog, cozy drink, Christmas drink, holiday drink, custard, nutmeg

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/cozy-homemade-eggnog-with-bourbon-and-nutmeg/