Best 3 Classic Holiday Eggnog Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless tradition of holiday cheer with our collection of classic eggnog recipes. These delightful concoctions are a symphony of flavors, combining the richness of eggs and cream with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of sugar. Whether you prefer a traditional eggnog, a spiked version for adults, or a non-alcoholic option for the whole family, we have a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with the aromas of the season. From the classic recipe with its velvety texture and hints of nutmeg and cinnamon to the spiked eggnog with its boozy twist, our recipes offer a range of flavors to suit every palate. And for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, our alcohol-free eggnog is just as delicious, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit without the alcohol. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will make your holiday season truly special.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC EGGNOG



Classic Eggnog image

Once you taste homemade eggnog, you'll never go back to the stuff in the carton. This is our go-to version for the holiday season. It's festive and decadent, laced with nutmeg and vanilla. We lightened it up by folding in whipped cream and made the booze optional so that it's good for young and old alike.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for topping
1/2 cup cold rum or brandy (optional)
Cinnamon sticks, for serving

Steps:

  • Whisk the eggs, egg yolk and sugar in a bowl until combined. Heat the milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming; do not boil. Remove from the heat. Whisk 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, then whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and a thermometer registers 165 degrees F, about 5 minutes. (Do not boil or the eggs will curdle.)
  • Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl and stir in the vanilla and nutmeg. Let cool at room temperature, about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours or up to 1 week.
  • Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. Slowly whisk the whipped cream into the chilled eggnog mixture, then whisk in the rum. Pour into glasses, sprinkle with nutmeg and serve with cinnamon sticks.

CLASSIC EGGNOG



Classic Eggnog image

A rich and creamy drink, this classic eggnog gets a boozy kick from bourbon and rum.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Drink Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 quarts whole milk
2 2/3 cups sugar
1 vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped
16 large egg yolks
2 cups cold heavy cream
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup dark rum
Freshly grated nutmeg, for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Heat milk, sugar, and vanilla bean and seeds in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking until sugar has dissolved. Whisk yolks in a large bowl. Pour hot milk mixture into yolks in a slow, steady stream, whisking.
  • Return milk-yolk mixture to pan, and cook over medium-low heat, whisking often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 20 minutes (do not let simmer). Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard bean. Whisk in cream, bourbon, and rum. Let cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour (up to 1 day). Serve sprinkled with nutmeg.

MARTHA'S CLASSIC EGGNOG



Martha's Classic Eggnog image

A giant hotel-silver punch bowl holds Martha's signature eggnog, rich with cream and laced with rum, bourbon, and Cognac.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Drink Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup superfine sugar
2 cups whole milk
3 cups heavy cream, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup bourbon, preferably Maker's Mark
1/4 cup dark rum, preferably Mount Gay
1/4 cup Cognac, preferably Remy Martin Grand Cru
Freshly grated nutmeg, for sprinkling

Steps:

  • Beat yolks in a very large bowl until thick and pale. Slowly beat in sugar. Whisk in milk and 2 cups cream. Mix in bourbon, rum, and Cognac. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
  • Just before serving, beat whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whites into eggnog. Whisk remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and fold into eggnog. (Alternatively, you can fold half the whipped cream into eggnog, and top with remaining half.) Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the eggs, milk, and cream.
  • Chill all of your ingredients before you start making the eggnog. This will help the eggnog to thicken and become smooth.
  • Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar together until they are thick and pale yellow. This will help to incorporate air into the eggnog, making it light and fluffy.
  • Add the milk and cream slowly, while whisking constantly. This will help to prevent the eggnog from curdling.
  • Season the eggnog with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to taste. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
  • Chill the eggnog for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the eggnog to thicken.
  • Serve the eggnog chilled, topped with grated nutmeg or whipped cream.

Conclusion:

Classic holiday eggnog is a delicious and festive drink that is perfect for enjoying with friends and family during the holiday season. With its rich, creamy flavor and warm spices, eggnog is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. So gather your ingredients and give this classic recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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