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Cozy Spiced Eggnog with Bourbon & Nutmeg (Easy Recipe)

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This cozy spiced eggnog with bourbon and nutmeg is richer, more aromatic, and more soul-warming than any I’ve made before. It’s the kind of drink that makes you slow down, wrap your hands around the mug, and just breathe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4–5 whole cloves
  • 1 whole nutmeg, plus more for grating
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) bourbon (or to taste)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Infuse the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a generous grating of fresh nutmeg (about 1/4 of the whole nut). Warm over medium heat until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges (do not boil), about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 20 minutes.
  2. Strain the Milk: Pour the infused milk through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or measuring cup. Discard the spices. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale, thick, and falls in a ribbon when you lift the whisk, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Temper the Eggs: Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the warm spiced milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Once incorporated, slowly pour the rest of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
  5. Cook the Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 160°F / 71°C), 8-10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  6. Chill the Base: Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean pitcher or bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Add the Bourbon and Cream: Once the custard base is cold, stir in the heavy cream and bourbon. Start with 1/2 cup bourbon and adjust to taste.
  8. Serve: Pour the eggnog into glasses or mugs. Top each serving with a generous grating of fresh nutmeg. Garnish with a cinnamon stick if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t rush the chilling step; the eggnog needs time to thicken and for flavors to meld. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and add an extra 1/2 cup of milk or a splash of vanilla extract. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggnog, spiced eggnog, bourbon eggnog, homemade eggnog, holiday drink, cozy drink, Christmas eggnog

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/cozy-spiced-eggnog-with-bourbon-and-nutmeg-easy-recipe/