Eggnog drinks can be made in different ways. Go through this article for some easy recipes to prepare this beverage.
Ready-made eggnog drinks are easily available in the market. Homemade ones are always preferred to the store-bought eggnog cartons, as the former has a fresh and rich taste. Eggnog is a traditional drink that is made of milk/cream, along with sugar and beaten eggs. In some types, liquor, like brandy or rum is also added.
The origin of eggnog has been traced to the English drink called ‘posset’. Once enjoyed by the upper class in England, eggnog is now popular in different parts of the world, and is usually prepared as a holiday beverage. As mentioned above, homemade eggnog has its own freshness and flavor. Given below are some easy recipes for making eggnog at home.
Without Alcohol
Ingredients
- Milk – 3 cups
- Eggs – 6
- Sugar – 8 tbsp.
- Vanilla essence – 3 tsp.
- Ground nutmeg – ½ tsp.
Take a large bowl, and whisk both the egg whites and the yolks. You may do this manually or with an electric beater. Once done, add milk and combine them well. The next step is to add the sugar. Continue whisking the mixture, till it thickens and turns frothy. Mix the vanilla essence and ground nutmeg. You have to cover and refrigerate this mixture, for at least three hours, before serving. As per this recipe, you can prepare eight servings of eggnog.
As use of raw eggs may pose health risks, a pasteurized version of eggnog can also be prepared. This is recommended for kids and pregnant women. In order to prepare pasteurized eggnog, you have to take 12 egg yolks. Whisk the yolks with two cups each of heavy cream and milk, and 1⅓ cups of sugar. Once done, take a large saucepan with a heavy bottom, and pour the mixture into it.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, till it starts curdling. Remove from heat, and transfer the contents to a large bowl with a cup each of heavy cream and milk; and three teaspoons of vanilla essence. Mix them well, before storing in the refrigerator. Serve with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg powder.
With Alcohol
Ingredients
- Eggs – 4
- Whole milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – ¾ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp.
- Heavy whipping cream – 2 cups
- Liquor (brandy/cognac/dark rum/bourbon) – 2 cups
- Liqueur with orange flavor (like Cointreau/Grand Marnier) – 3 tbsp.
- Ground nutmeg – as per taste
Take a large pan with a heavy bottom, and add the eggs and sugar. Blend them well, and cook over low heat for about five minutes. You have to stir the mixture continuously, while cooking. As the mixture gets warm, slowly add the bourbon/rum/brandy, orange-flavored liqueur, and vanilla essence. Combine them well, before adding half of the heavy cream. Cook the mixture over medium heat, for around seven to eight minutes.
Make sure to stir it continuously, while cooking. Never allow the mixture to boil. Remove the pan from heat, as it gets hot. Add the remaining amount of cream. Transfer the mixture to another bowl. You may either serve it hot, or chill before serving. Garnish with ground nutmeg, and serve.
These are some of the easy eggnog recipes that can be prepared without much efforts. So, try these recipes, and enjoy your homemade eggnog.
