Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog
During the holidays, drinking a creamy, spiced eggnog is like getting a warm embrace in a cup.
This homemade Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog is a fun holiday drink that has the appropriate amount of bourbon for the grownups in the room and a lot of vanilla and warm spices.
It’s very easy to make, and the best thing is You can make it the way your family likes it, or you can leave out the alcohol for a version that kids would like.
This eggnog is a hit with everyone, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just relaxing by the fire. It will make your holidays even more wonderful. Let’s get going!
Ingredients
- Four big egg yolks
- ½ cup of sugar in granules
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of thick cream
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, plus more for decoration
- ⅓ cup of bourbon (optional; you can leave it out for a kid-friendly version or change the amount to taste)
- Optional: whipped cream on top
Equipment
- Mixing basin of medium size
- Whisk
- A medium-sized pot
- A silicone spatula or a wooden spoon
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for added smoothness)
- Cups and spoons for measuring
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is thick and pale yellow.
- Put the milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium-sized pot. Put the mixture over medium heat and let it warm up, but don’t let it boil.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while constantly whisking to blend. Then put everything back in the pot.
- Stir the mixture frequently over medium-low heat until it thickens a little and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
- Take the pot off the heat and mix in the bourbon and vanilla extract. Let the eggnog cool to room temperature, then put it in the fridge for at least two hours.
- Pour the cold eggnog into mugs, add whipped cream and a sprinkling of nutmeg, and serve!
Tips & Variations
- Carefully temper your eggs: When you add the heated milk to the egg yolks, do it very slowly so they don’t scramble. You need to be patient here!
- You can change the sweetness to your liking by adding or taking away a little sugar. Try it before you add the bourbon.
- Chill Before Serving: To achieve the greatest taste, put the eggnog in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This will help the flavors mix.
- Make It Frothy: If you like your eggnog frothy, whisk it well or combine it before you serve it.
- Bourbon or Not: You don’t need the bourbon to make it kid-friendly; it’s just as good without it!
- If you don’t want dairy, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream.
- No Alcohol: For an eggnog that kids can drink, leave away the bourbon.
- For a different taste, add a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of rum instead of bourbon.
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, but keep in mind that it won’t be as creamy.
- Making eggnog ahead of time makes it taste even better! You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days before you serve it. Before you pour it, just give it a nice shake or whisk.
- You may keep leftover eggnog in the fridge for up to three days if you put it in an airtight container. Before serving it again, shake or whisk it well.
Conclusion
You now have your very own handmade Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog! It’s rich, smooth, and great for holiday parties. This dish will make everyone happy, whether you cook it for a family game night or a holiday party.