Holiday Spice Eggnog
Homemade eggnog is a delightful holiday treat that surpasses the store-bought version by leaps and bounds. This rich and creamy concoction is reminiscent of a simple custard, featuring the warm flavors of nutmeg and allspice with a hint of vanilla. It's an indulgent and festive beverage that is sure to become a classic holiday favorite.
Holiday Spice Eggnog
A rich and creamy holiday eggnog with warm notes of nutmeg, allspice, and vanilla.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract)
- 1 whole allspice berry, lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon brandy or gold rum (optional)
- Extra nutmeg, for grating over the top
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, vanilla, and allspice. Heat until steaming, then cover and let it steep for 20-30 minutes.
- Place the heavy cream and nutmeg in a bowl and set a fine-mesh strainer over the top.
- In a separate bowl, vigorously beat together the eggs, egg yolk, sugar, and salt until thickened and pale.
- Reheat the milk and slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches 165°F.
- Strain the milk mixture into the heavy cream, then chill over an ice water bath.
- Stir in the brandy (if using) and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least one hour and up to 3 days.
- Pour into a glass and grate a bit of fresh nutmeg over the top before serving.