Old-Fashioned Thick Eggnog
A rich, creamy eggnog with bourbon and cognac, infused with nutmeg, perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an electric mixer, beat egg yolks with sugar until thick.
- Slowly add bourbon and cognac to the yolk mixture.
- Chill the mixture for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, add salt to egg whites and beat until almost stiff.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff.
- Fold the whipped cream into the chilled yolk mixture.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
- Chill the mixture for another 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, sprinkle with grated nutmeg.
- Serve in cups with a spoon. Optionally, add 1 or 2 cups of milk for a thinner eggnog.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use high-quality bourbon and cognac. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, replace the spirits with additional cream or milk. To save time, you can use store-bought eggnog as a base, adjusting the sweetness and thickness with cream or milk. Ensure the egg whites are fresh for the best volume.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this eggnog chilled, garnished with freshly grated nutmeg. It pairs beautifully with holiday treats like Butterscotch Dessert Cookies or a slice of White Orange Fruit Cake. For an extra festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change dramatically upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Thick Eggnog contains roughly 766 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 648mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this eggnog in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the eggnog up to two days ahead. Just follow the instructions until the chilling step, and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Before serving, stir gently to ensure a smooth consistency.
What can I use if I don't have bourbon or cognac?
In place of bourbon and cognac, consider using rum or a flavored whiskey. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the spirits with additional cream or milk for the same creamy texture.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in this recipe?
Raw eggs carry a risk of salmonella. To mitigate this, use pasteurized eggs or ensure the eggnog mixture is chilled promptly and consumed within a few days. This ensures better food safety while enjoying your eggnog.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).