Ruth'S Famous Eggnog

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Ruth's Famous Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday beverage with egg yolks, whipped cream, and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for festive gatherings and cold winter nights.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup whipped cream (optional)
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Instructions

  1. Beat the egg yolks slightly in a bowl.
  2. Add sugar and salt to the egg yolks and mix well.
  3. Slowly stir in the scalded milk.
  4. Cook the mixture in a double boiler until it coats the back of a spoon. Allow to cool.
  5. Add salt to the egg whites and beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gradually add sugar and vanilla to the egg whites, then fold into the cooled custard mixture.
  7. If desired, fold in whipped cream before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a richer flavor, consider using fresh nutmeg or a splash of bourbon or rum. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought eggnog instead of preparing it from scratch. For a lighter version, substitute half of the whole milk with almond or coconut milk. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whipped.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ruth's Famous Eggnog in chilled glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra festive touch. It pairs beautifully with Andrea's Rocky Road Cookie Bars or a slice of Grandma's Hot Cornbread for a sweet and savory combination. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit any spirits.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate. Avoid freezing, as the texture can become grainy when thawed. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ruth'S Famous Eggnog contains roughly 370 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.

370 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.1g 20% DV
Total Fat 20.9g 27% DV
Carbs 20.9g 8% DV
Fiber 0.7g 2% DV
Sugar 15.6g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 400.4mg 17% DV
Potassium 181.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 577.1mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 132.5mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 2.7mcg 14% DV
Calcium 107.2mg 8% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to fold in the egg whites and whipped cream right before serving for the best texture.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in this recipe?

If you're concerned about using raw eggs, you can use pasteurized eggs instead, which are safe to consume without cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the egg yolks thoroughly to eliminate any risk.

How can I make a dairy-free version?

To create a dairy-free eggnog, substitute the whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use a dairy-free whipped cream to fold in at the end for a creamy texture.

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).

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