Homemade eggnog using eggs fresh from the coop far exceeds the flavor of store bought eggnog. Adding a few little extras will elevate your recipe to even greater heights.
A couple of years ago, I shared an eggnog recipe on my blog. I love making homemade eggnog using eggs from our coop around the holidays.
In the following years, I have tweaked and simplified and I think perfected my recipe (as well as my photography skills!).
So, in the name of the holiday spirit, I wanted to share a new eggnog recipe with you that's become a favorite at our house - when our chickens are laying, that is!
Instead of the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg, being Scandinavian, I prefer to use cardamom as the spice in this recipe.
If you're unfamiliar with cardamom, you're in for a treat when you try it in this recipe.
And don't worry about buying a whole jar, because it's also the spice I use in myhalf pound cakerecipe which, incidentally, goes wonderfully with a glass of eggnog!
I also add cardamom to myzucchini breadandmixed berry skillet crisp, so it won't go to waste!
Enjoy!
My Favorite Holiday Eggnog Recipe
What you Need
4 cups whole milk2 vanilla beans, scraped2 teaspoons ground cardamom, plus more for garnishOne dozen egg yolks1 1/2 cups sugar4 cups heavy whipping cream1-2 cups brandyCinnamon sticks for garnish
What you Do
In a heavy saucepan over low heat, bring milk, vanilla and cardamom to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until frothy and a pale yellow color. Slowly add the hot milk, one ladle full at a time, into the eggs, whisking to combine.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool on the counter.
When cooled, stir in the cream and brandy (to taste). Chill for several hours or overnight, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of cardamom and a cinnamon stick to serve.
(Scroll down for the printable recipe card)
This recipe makes at least six generous servings.
The eggnog will keep in the refrigerator for several days, improving in taste as it ages.
Since the eggs won't be completely cooked, so I recommend only using fresh eggs from your own chickens to reduce your risk of salmonella, and to avoid serving any to those with health issues or weakened immune systems.
Of course, since it contains alcohol, this eggnog shouldn't be offered to children!
If you choose to omit the brandy, the recipe becomes kid-friendly, but remember that the alcohol helps the eggnog keep longer, some claim for weeks, even! But non-alcoholic versions should be consumed within a day.
This co*cktail recipe is intended for adults of the legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.
Favorite Holiday Egg Nog
Yield: 6 servings
Author: Source: Fresh Eggs Daily
prep time: cook time: total time:
Homemade eggnog using eggs fresh from the coop far exceeds the flavor of store bought eggnog. Adding a few little extras will elevate your recipe to even greater heights.
ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 vanilla beans, scraped
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom, plus more for garnish
- One dozen egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1-2 cups brandy
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish
instructions:
How to cook Favorite Holiday Egg Nog
- In a heavy saucepan over low heat, bring milk, vanilla and cardamom to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until frothy and a pale yellow color.
- Slowly add the hot milk, one ladle full at a time, into the eggs, whisking to combine.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and let cool on the counter. When cooled, stir in the cream and brandy (to taste).
- Chill for several hours or overnight, then garnish with an additional sprinkle of cardamom and a cinnamon stick to serve.
NOTES:
If you choose to omit the brandy, the recipe becomes kid-friendly, but remember that the alcohol helps the eggnog keep longer, so non-alcoholic versions should be consumed within a day.With the alcohol included, the egg nog will keep in the refrigerator for several days, improving in taste as it ages.
Fresh Tip: If you don't have the time or inclination to make your own eggnog, try adding a splash of brandy and a dash of ground cardamom to the store bought version! I think you'll love the flavor combination.
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(What's the difference between eggnog and Holiday Nog? Eggnog must have a minimum 6 percent butterfat and a minimum 1 percent egg yolk by weight; Holiday Nog, which Spangler called a flavored milk product, has 2 percent butterfat and less than 1 percent egg yolk by weight.)
What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›
Choose The Right Spirit
While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.
Why do we only drink eggnog during Christmas? ›
It was thought that the use of “luxury” ingredients such as cream and alcohol would invite prosperity into the household for the coming year. In most households today, a cup of eggnog ushers in the good cheer of the holiday more so than any belief in impending wealth.
Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›
Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria.
What do you call eggnog with alcohol? ›
"Tom and Jerry is a form of hot eggnog [co*cktail] that was once popular." The Tom and Jerry was invented by British journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, using brandy and rum added to eggnog and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. It is a traditional Christmastime co*cktail in the United States.
Does holiday nog taste like eggnog? ›
Bolthouse Farms® Holiday Nog, made with milk, egg yolks, a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of vanilla, is the perfect way to kick off your holiday season. This beverage has all the creamy taste of traditional eggnog and is low in fat and cholesterol. Now you can feel good about celebrating all season long!
Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›
Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips
Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.
What type of rum is best for eggnog? ›
Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.
How long does homemade eggnog last? ›
The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.
Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›
Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.
While no one knows who invented eggnog, most historians and foodies generally agree eggnog originated in medieval Britain. The upper classes were the only ones to have access to the milk, sherry, and eggs required to make the first version of eggnog, so it began as an exclusive beverage.
What is the eggnog at German Christmas market? ›
Eierpunsch ( lit. 'egg punch') is the German name given to a warm, sweetened alcoholic, egg-based drink similar to eggnog. It is commonly a winter drink and can be found served in the popular Christmas markets of Germany and Austria. Eierpunsch is made with egg yolks, sugar, white wine and vanilla.
Is it OK to drink eggnog everyday? ›
“Think what's in it: heavy cream, milk, sugar, whipped eggs and alcohol.” And with the recommended serving size a paltry half a cup, eggnog is easy to over-indulge. High in fat and sugar, a single serving contains one-third of the fat Americans should eat daily.
Why does eggnog make me sleepy? ›
Alcohol: Wine, champagne or eggnog
Alcohol has a sedative effect on the body. This can be a contributing factor to your sleepiness.
Why don t you get salmonella from eggnog? ›
“The most recent estimates indicate that about three out of every 10,000 eggs is positive for salmonella,” Schaffner said. “This means the risk from any individual egg is low, but of course the more eggs you combine, the higher the risk.” Pasteurization is one of the keys to avoiding salmonella poisoning from eggnog.
Is eggnog and rompope the same? ›
Even though the kingship between rompope and eggnog is indisputable, there is a slight difference between these two hearty drinks: The traditional eggnog recipe called for whole eggs, whereas rompope just called for egg yolks—hence the very distinctive hues of each drink.
What does nog stand for in eggnog? ›
Some say “nog” comes from “noggin,” meaning a wooden cup, or “grog,” a strong beer. By the late 18th century, the combined term “eggnog” stuck. Eggnog purists argue that those who don't like the Yuletide drink have simply never tasted the real thing.
Are eggnog and Tom and Jerry the same thing? ›
A Tom and Jerry is a traditional Christmas-time co*cktail in the United States, sometimes attributed to British writer and professional boxing journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s. It is a variant of eggnog with brandy and rum added and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl.
