Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Spices and Flavorings
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk eggs and sugar: In a bowl, vigorously whisk the four large eggs together with six tablespoons of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. This step ensures the eggs and sugar are fully combined and aerated.
- Warm the milk: Pour two cups of whole milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Watch carefully and remove from heat just as it begins to simmer and small bubbles form around the edges, but before it boils.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg and sugar mixture while whisking constantly. Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by gradually raising their temperature.
- Cook the mixture: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and place it over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat immediately once this consistency is reached.
- Add cream and spices: Stir in one cup of heavy cream, two teaspoons vanilla extract, half a teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon ground cinnamon. At this stage, you can also add alcohol if desired.
- Chill the egg nog: Whisk the mixture once more to combine everything evenly. Then transfer it into a container and refrigerate for at least one hour. The nog will thicken further and develop a richer flavor as it chills.
- Serve: Pour the chilled egg nog into individual glasses and garnish with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg on top for an aromatic touch that enhances the classic holiday flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to temper the eggs properly to avoid curdling.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs and dairy for best flavor and texture.
- You can add bourbon, rum, or brandy to taste when adding the cream and spices if you like an alcoholic version.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and stir well before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or reduce sugar slightly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
