Non-Alcoholic Eggnog is the drink of the holiday season! It’s a creamy, custard-like drink which is made with egg yolks tempered with milk, and spiced with nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Curling up in bed with a mug of this warming drink is the BEST way to spend a cozy winter night in.
What is Eggnog - The Ultimate Holiday Drink
Eggnog, and its variations, have been around as a seasonal beverage since the 13th century British medieval period. Thanks to whoever invented it, because come Christmas, we are making this by the bucket!
The drink can be served warm or cold, with cold eggnog recipes often using raw eggs which are sterilized and preserved with alcohol such as rum, brandy or whiskey. Eggnog with alcohol is typically called the ‘Christmas Cocktail’ as it is a go-to drink during the holiday season.
This recipe is for the warm variation of the drink made without alcohol for people who don’t consume it. It comes together in just 15 minutes and can be made ahead and stored. It’s perfect if you are prepping for a holiday get-together that will be both impressive and inclusive - with adults AND kids asking for more servings of this seasonal drink.
- The recipe is simple - using pantry ingredients
- Can be made ahead and stored
- It’s unique and impressive - especially as eggnog is not generally available for purchase within India
- It is non-alcoholic and fully cooked - which means no fear of bacteria from the eggs, making it inclusive and safe to cater for guests
You can also take things up a notch and make my Eggnog Tres Leches with this eggnog - just omit the heavy cream in the drink so it is thin when pouring.
Ingredients for Eggnog
Here's everything you need for this Christmas Drink
- Eggs: This recipe just calls for egg yolks, so the whites can be separated and stored for use in another recipe like scrambled eggs. Using just the yolks is what gives eggnog its unique richness and creaminess.
- Granulated Sugar: An essential ingredient, to sweeten the drink
- Whole Milk: Liquid used to temper the eggs
- Heavy Cream: Added to make the drink creamy, with a thick pouring consistency.
- Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Vanilla: The essential spices that make eggnog literally taste like Christmas! A little goes a long way here.
How to make Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Lets get started and make this easy recipe!
Step 1: Separate the yolks from white. Here are some quick and easy methods for you to refer to.
Step 2: Pour milk into a saucepan or pot and gently start warming it up
Step 3: Add some nutmeg and whisk to combine. Heat the milk on low till it comes to a gentle simmer
Step 4: While the milk is heating up, whisk together sugar and egg yolks with a whisk or hand blender for 2-3 minutes till pale and creamy
Step 5: Once the milk has come to a gentle simmer, pour it in a slow and steady stream into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously. This is called tempering and will cook the egg yolks without scrambling them. The trick is to pour the milk in a thin stream while whisking till all the milk is incorporated
Step 6: Once the milk is completely incorporated, pour the mixture back into a sauce pan and heat it gently for a few minutes while mixing continuously till the eggnog starts to thicken - more like a custard
Step 7: Once the mixture has thickened, take it off heat and mix in cream and vanilla extract. The eggnog will continue to thicken as it cooled. It can be served warm or cold
Richa’s Top Tips
- Eggs: Use cold eggs as they are easier to separate into yolks and whites
- Heavy Cream: Whipping the cream and folding it into the eggnog will result in a much thicker drink. But since this eggnog thickens as it cools, I didn’t feel the need to do that
- Tempering: Always make sure to add the milk mixture in a thin, steady stream so that you don't scramble the eggs
- How long does homemade eggnog last without alcohol? – About 4 days with refrigeration
- Is eggnog safe to drink without alcohol? – Yes, because we cook the eggs in this recipe. This kills any bacteria that may be present in raw eggs
- Do you need pasteurised eggs for this recipe? You do not need pasteurized eggs for this recipe, since the eggs are tempered with hot milk and then cooked to kill any bacteria that may be present in them
- Can you freeze eggnog: Yes, eggnog can be poured into a freezer friendly container and frozen for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave space in the container to allow room for the eggnog to expand as it freezes
Whether you’re making this eggnog for guests, or as a comforting nightcap for yourself, one thing is for sure - it’ll be a hit! It is such an easy way to get in the Christmas spirit, and I know I’ll be making it several more times this holiday season.
Non Alcoholic Eggnog
Ingredients
- 6 Eggs separated (yolks only)
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 2 Cups whole Milk
- ¾ -1 Cup heavy Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Teaspoon freshly grated Nutmeg
Instructions
- Separate the eggs and place the yolks in a bowl. The whites can be put into an airtight container and refrigerated for later use as we only need the egg yolks for this recipe.
- Add sugar to the yolks and use a hand blender or whisk to whisk them together till pale and creamy - about 2-3 minutes
- Heat milk and nutmeg in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Slowly pour the milk into the egg mixture in a single, steady stream while whisking continuously. Make sure to add the milk mixture in a thin, steady stream so that you don't scramble the eggs.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook on low heat till the eggnog thickens to your desired consistency, about 4-5 minutes. Keep stirring using a whisk or a rubber spatula, as it heats to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
- Turn off the heat and add cream and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Eggs: Use cold eggs as they are easier to separate into yolks and whites
- Heavy Cream: Whipping the cream and folding it into the eggnog will result in a much thicker drink. But since this eggnog thickens as it cools, I didn’t feel the need to do that
- Tempering: Always make sure to add the milk mixture in a thin, steady stream so that you don't scramble the eggs
- How long does homemade eggnog last without alcohol? – About 4 days in the refrigerator
- Is eggnog safe to drink without alcohol? – Yes, because we cook the eggs in this recipe. This kills any bacteria that may be present in raw eggs
- Do you need pasteurised eggs for this recipe? You do not need pasteurized eggs for this recipe, since the eggs are tempered with hot milk and then cooked to kill any bacteria that may be present in them
- Can you freeze eggnog: Yes, eggnog can be poured into a freezer friendly container and frozen for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave space in the container to allow room for the eggnog to expand as it freezes
Nutrition
This article has been researched and written by Navya Khetarpal
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