Ingredients
Liquids
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups light cream
- 2 ½ cups light rum (Optional)
Spices & Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 whole cloves
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Egg Mixture
- 12 large egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
Instructions
- Combine Milk and Spices: In a saucepan over the lowest heat setting, combine milk, ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and whole cloves. Stir well and heat for 5 minutes.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-low and slowly bring the milk mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they turn light yellow. Add sugar and continue whisking until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Temper Egg Yolks: Slowly pour some of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking quickly to prevent curdling or scrambling. Gradually add the rest of the milk mixture, whisking continuously until fully combined.
- Cook the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 3 minutes). Do not let it boil to avoid curdling.
- Strain and Cool: Strain the mixture to remove the cloves and let it cool for about 1 hour.
- Add Cream, Rum, and Remaining Flavoring: Stir in the light cream, optional rum, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg into the cooled mixture.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 8 hours or overnight to develop flavor and chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour into glasses and enjoy your creamy, homemade eggnog!
Notes
- Tempering the eggs by slowly adding hot milk prevents curdling and ensures a smooth texture.
- The rum is optional; omit for a family-friendly version.
- Chilling the eggnog for several hours or overnight allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir the eggnog before serving to recombine any settled spices.
- Store leftover eggnog in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
