Homemade Eggnog

Traditionally homemade Eggnog was a drink mixed to toast the holidays by the upper class in England......

Refrigeration hadn't been invented yet, so those who could afford milk, spices, eggs and brandy would put them to good use rather than allow them to spoil.


Back in those days, the spices and brandy helped people to warm up a little against the cold, which is why eggnog became associated with the winter season. These days, there's no reason why you can't enjoy homemade eggnog at any time of the year.


The first homemade eggnog recipe is the old traditional recipe and tastes much like an enriched, thick milkshake. We've also supplied some home made eggnog variations for you as well in case you'd like to experiment with different tastes and textures.

Traditional Eggnog

Ingredients

• 6 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup superfine sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups brandy
• 1 cup half-and-half (or single cream for those outside the US)
• 1 cup thickened whipping cream
• Grated nutmeg

Method

1. Separate the egg yolks and put them into a large bowl. You'll need an electric mixer or electric whisk to beat the egg yolks until they turn light and fluffy. Slowly add the sugar, continuing to beat the mixture until it thickens.



2. When the sugar is added, beat in the vanilla. Switch to using a wooden spoon and stir in the brandy and half-and-half, then cover the mixture with plastic wrap or a lid and leave in the fridge to chill for at least 3 or 4 hours.



3. Immediately before you're ready to serve, whip the whipping cream in a bowl until it begins to form soft peaks. Use a spatula to fold the cream gently through the egg mixture. Adding the cream at this stage lightens the eggnog perfectly.



4. Ladle the eggnog into glasses and top with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

Easy Eggnog

This easy eggnog is quick and easy and is a little thinner than many of the thick, traditional varieties. If you don't like the idea of separating eggs or if you're short on time then this recipe is perfect.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons brandy

Method

Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until the sugar is dissolved. Whisk in the vanilla extract, half of the nutmeg, milk and brandy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill. When you're ready to serve, pour the eggnog into glasses and sprinkle a little nutmeg across the top to serve.

Party Eggnog

This homemade eggnog recipe has a real kick, so it's perfect for those holiday parties! You'll love this rich, creamy version of a classic recipe. Remember, this is a party recipe, so it's designed to make enough for around 30 serves.

Ingredients

• 9 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups rum
• 1 1/2 cups brandy
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 10 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grated nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups softened vanilla ice cream

Method

1. Separate the egg yolks and place them in a large bowl. Use and electric beater or whisk and beat the egg yolks until they're light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the sugar and continue beating until the mixture thickens.



2. Reduce the beater speed to low and slowly add the rum, brandy and bourbon. Mix in the alcohol well. Switch to a spoon or spatula and blend in the heavy cream and half the nutmeg.



3. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they begin to form soft peaks. Using your spatula, fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture and mix together well.



4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave in the fridge to chill overnight.



5. Immediately before you're ready to serve your homemade eggnog, soften 2 cups of vanilla ice cream. Add it to the eggnog mixture and blend together with a hand-whisk. Pour your eggnog into a punch bowl and sprinkle the remaining nutmeg over the top to serve.

Cheers!



We hope you enjoyed our homemade eggnog. If you've tried this at home or if you have any variations you want to share, Feel free to Share your recipes or photo's here.