Vanilla Bean Eggnog Delight

$- 4 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 5 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise with seeds scraped - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Whipped cream for garnish - Extra grated nutmeg for garnish For a lighter version of this eggnog, you can use 2% milk instead of whole milk. This will reduce the creaminess but keep the flavor. If you don't have heavy cream, half-and-half works too. You can also swap granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper taste. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try almond milk or coconut milk. Just remember, flavors may change slightly. I love using organic whole milk from local dairies. It adds rich flavor. For heavy cream, I recommend brands like Horizon or Organic Valley. They both provide quality products. When it comes to vanilla, look for pure vanilla extract, like Nielsen-Massey. For the vanilla bean, if you can't find it, use an extra teaspoon of pure vanilla extract as a substitute. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You'll need 4 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Next, take 5 large eggs and crack them into a bowl. Also, grab a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 vanilla bean. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for flavor. In a medium saucepan, mix the whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, split vanilla bean, and scraped seeds. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it often until the sugar dissolves. Make sure it doesn't boil, as this can change the texture. Now, let’s get to the eggs. Whisk the eggs in the mixing bowl until they blend well. To temper the eggs, you need to be careful. Slowly pour 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into the eggs. Whisk fast while you pour. This step warms the eggs gently, so they don't cook too fast. Once the eggs are tempered, pour this egg mix back into the saucepan. Stir it in with the rest of the warm milk mixture. Keep whisking to make sure everything mixes well. Cook this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring all the time. You want it to thicken a bit and reach a gentle simmer, around 160°F. Avoid boiling, as it may curdle. When it thickens, take the saucepan off the heat. Stir in the nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature. Then, chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve your chilled eggnog in festive glasses. Top each glass with whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated nutmeg for that special touch! To get that creamy texture in your eggnog, choose whole milk and heavy cream. These two create a rich base. Heating the milk gently is key; it should warm but not boil. Stir often to keep it smooth. When you mix in the eggs, do it slowly. This helps avoid lumps and keeps your drink silky. Serve your eggnog nice and cold. Chill it for at least two hours. This time lets the flavors blend well. Pour it into pretty glasses just before serving. If you want to get fancy, add whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. This adds a festive touch and makes it look great. To give your eggnog a twist, try adding spices. Ground ginger or clove can bring warmth. If you like a sweeter taste, a splash of maple syrup works well. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut. Each addition can create a new flavor that surprises your guests! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest eggs and high-quality vanilla bean for the best flavor in your eggnog. Chill Properly: Allow the eggnog to chill for at least 2 hours, as this enhances the flavors and improves the overall taste. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can give a unique twist to your eggnog. Perfect Whipped Cream: For a stable whipped cream topping, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar while whipping, which helps it hold its shape longer. {{image_4}} You can turn this eggnog into a fun cocktail. Try adding bourbon, rum, or brandy. About 1 to 2 ounces of your choice works well. Bourbon gives a warm, sweet taste. Rum adds a smooth, tropical twist. Brandy brings a rich, fruity flavor. Mix well and serve chilled in festive glasses. If you want a family-friendly drink, skip the alcohol. You can still enjoy the creamy goodness. Use the same recipe, just leave out the spirits. Add a splash of vanilla syrup for extra flavor. You can also use flavored milk, like almond or coconut, for a new twist. Get creative with flavors to make your eggnog special. Spice it up with a hint of peppermint extract for a holiday touch. Or, add a dash of orange zest for a fresh taste. You can also mix in a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate delight. Feel free to experiment with what you love! To store your leftover eggnog, pour it into a clean container. Seal it tightly with a lid. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to shake or stir it before serving again. This helps mix the flavors back together. You can freeze eggnog if you want to keep it longer. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. Leave some space in the containers for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to drink it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat eggnog, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it over low heat. Stir it gently until warmed. Avoid boiling, as this can change the texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy it warm or cold! Yes, you can make eggnog ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling. Make it a day before your party for great flavor. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Rum, bourbon, and brandy pair well with eggnog. Each adds a unique flavor to the drink. I like using spiced rum for a warm touch. It brings out the vanilla flavor nicely. Homemade eggnog lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving. In this article, we explored eggnog, from ingredients to storage. We went over the list of ingredients, how to measure, and the best brands. I shared steps for preparation, cooking, and tips for perfecting the texture. We also discussed variations, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Finally, I covered how to store leftovers and answer common questions. Making eggnog can be simple and fun. Enjoy your festive drink with friends and family!$

A creamy and festive eggnog recipe infused with vanilla bean and spices, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 15

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean split lengthwise with seeds scraped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
to taste whipped cream for garnish
to taste extra grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, split vanilla bean, and the scraped vanilla seeds. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved, and the mixture is warmed through, but do not allow it to reach a boil.
While the milk mixture is heating, crack the eggs into a separate mixing bowl and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully blended. To temper the eggs and prevent curdling, gradually pour about 1 cup of the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking vigorously as you do so.
Once the eggs are tempered, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Continue to whisk constantly to combine and ensure a smooth consistency.
Cook the combined mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly and reaches a gentle simmer, or a temperature of about 160°F (70°C). Avoid boiling the mixture, as this could cause it to curdle.
After reaching the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavors and achieve a cold, refreshing drink.
To serve, pour the chilled eggnog into festive glasses, topping each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of grated nutmeg.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, use elegant glassware and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for a seasonal touch!

Keyword eggnog, holiday drink, vanilla