Creamy Vanilla Dream Eggnog

$- 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla bean - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Whipped cream for garnish - Ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish For a perfect Vanilla Bean Eggnog Cocktail, you need simple ingredients. Start with whole milk and heavy cream for that creamy base. The sugar adds sweetness, while eggs give it richness. Vanilla bean paste or a fresh vanilla bean brings a lovely flavor. Don't forget the nutmeg and cinnamon for warmth. Finally, whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices make it festive. These ingredients combine to create a delightful drink that warms the heart. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Gently combine 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. - Heat on low and stir often to avoid boiling. This step is key. Heating slowly helps flavors mix. You don’t want a burnt taste. - Vigorously whisk together 4 large eggs and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mix is pale and fluffy. This makes a light custard. It adds air, which makes your eggnog creamy and rich. - Slowly incorporate the warm milk and cream into your egg mixture. - Whisk continuously to temper the eggs. This keeps them from scrambling. Next, return the tempered mix to the saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes. - Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Let the warm flavors meld together. Once thickened, cool the mix to room temperature. After cooling, pour the eggnog into a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps flavors develop. When ready to serve, pour the chilled eggnog into frosty glasses. Top each glass with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. Enjoy this luscious holiday delight! To make the best eggnog, you must temper the eggs. This means adding warm milk to the eggs slowly. If you add the milk too fast, the eggs will cook and scramble. Instead, whisk the eggs while you pour in the warm milk. This keeps the mixture smooth and creamy. When cooking the mixture, keep the heat low. Stir it constantly with a wooden spoon. You want it to thicken slightly, not boil. It should coat the back of the spoon, leaving a clear trail when you run your finger through it. Serve your eggnog in frosty glasses. This keeps it cold and refreshing. Top each glass with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Then, sprinkle ground nutmeg or cinnamon on top. This adds an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor. For a festive look, use glass mugs. They add charm to your holiday table. You can also add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. This not only looks nice but also gives a hint of extra spice with each sip. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh eggs and high-quality vanilla bean paste or beans. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of your eggnog significantly. Chill Thoroughly: Allowing the eggnog to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a richer and more aromatic drink. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cardamom or a splash of rum can give your eggnog a unique twist! Garnish Creatively: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with not just nutmeg or cinnamon, but also with chocolate shavings or a sprig of mint for a festive touch. {{image_4}} You can easily make a dairy-free version of this eggnog. Use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk. These options give a light and nutty flavor. Almond milk adds a subtle sweetness. Coconut milk makes it creamy and rich. Both choices still keep the holiday spirit alive. For those who want an adult twist, add bourbon or rum. A shot of bourbon brings warmth and depth. Rum adds a sweet, spiced note. This variation makes the drink festive and fun. Remember, just a little goes a long way. Want to mix things up? Try adding chocolate or coffee flavors. A tablespoon of cocoa powder will give you a rich chocolate eggnog. For coffee lovers, stir in a shot of espresso. These flavors turn the classic drink into a new experience. Each variation can suit different tastes and moods. You should always chill your eggnog before using it. After making it, place the eggnog in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors blend well. If you want to keep it fresh, consume it within 3 to 4 days. You can freeze eggnog if you have extra. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving to restore its smooth texture. To keep your leftover eggnog fresh, always store it in a sealed container. This keeps out air and light, which can change the taste. For the best flavor, avoid adding whipped cream until you serve it. Enjoy your eggnog chilled, and it will stay tasty longer! Yes, you can make this eggnog ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Store it in a pitcher. Cover it tightly and place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to two days. This way, you have a tasty drink ready for guests. If you want a lighter option, you can use whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Both options give a nice flavor, but the texture may change a bit. Adjust your recipe if needed to keep it creamy. Homemade eggnog lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it covered well. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before serving. If it looks or smells strange, it is best to toss it out. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious homemade eggnog. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for great results. We also explored variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Homemade eggnog offers rich flavors and fun twists. Whether you enjoy it traditional or with a twist, you can impress your guests. Try making it this holiday season for a cozy treat everyone will love.$

Creamy Vanilla Dream Eggnog

A rich and creamy eggnog infused with vanilla and spices, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
to taste whipped cream for garnish
to taste ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Stir occasionally and warm the mixture, ensuring it does not reach a boil.
In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, resembling a light custard.
Slowly incorporate the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk continuously to temper the eggs, preventing them from scrambling and ensuring a smooth consistency.
Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-8 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon, leaving a clear trail when you run your finger through it.
Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon, allowing the warm, aromatic flavors to meld together. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once cooled, pour the eggnog into a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and develop the flavors further.
When ready to serve, pour the chilled eggnog into frosty glasses. Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a delicate sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for an inviting garnish.

Notes

For an elegant display, serve the eggnog in festive glass mugs and add a cinnamon stick stirrer for an extra special touch!

Keyword creamy, eggnog, holiday drink