Eggnog For One

Enjoy a glass of homemade Eggnog, rich and creamy, made in just a few minutes. This recipe, designed for a single serving, captures the festive flavors of the holiday season, made just for you. Say goodbye to store-bought eggnog that’s often too sweet. Our version is a harmonious blend of flavors with a smooth, creamy texture, perfect for a personal treat. It’s ideal for a festive start to your morning or as a delightful treat in the evening, promising to warm your heart and ensuring a delightful experience for your palate.

Pair this Eggnog with a slice of warm, spiced Gingerbread, soft and chewy Snickerdoodles, buttery Shortbread Bites, or rich Molasses Cookies for a truly delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Recipe

1. Homemade Goodness: You’re getting a fresh, preservative-free beverage made in your own kitchen.
2. Perfect Quantity: No more, no less – this easy eggnog recipe yields the ideal amount for one, eliminating waste.
3. Versatility: Enjoy it as a non-alcoholic treat or add a splash of your favorite spirit for an adult version.
4. Quick and Easy: Simple to make, you can whip up this eggnog in no time.
5. Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste perfectly.

Ingredients

• Milk: Start with your choice of whole, skim, 1%, or 2% milk. Remember, the higher the milkfat, the richer your eggnog will taste. For those looking for dairy-free alternatives, almond or oat milk can be great substitutes.
• Heavy Cream: This is the key to extra creamy eggnog. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. We use heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes, consider using any leftover cream in Lasagna Soup, Caramelized Banana Pudding, or a mini French Silk Pie.
• Egg Yolk: Essential for the classic eggnog texture and richness. Using just one egg yolk makes it perfect for a single serving. Don’t let the leftover egg white go to waste – it can be used in other egg white recipes like meringues or a mini Texas Sheet Cake.
• Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can reduce the sugar or substitute it with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
• Spices: Ground nutmeg is the traditional choice, adding that quintessential eggnog flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste, or add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the eggnog’s overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Rum, Whiskey, or Bourbon (Optional): Personalize your eggnog by adding a splash of your favorite spirit. Whether it’s rum, whiskey, or bourbon, each brings its unique character to the drink. Mix and match or stick to just one – the choice is yours.
• Whipped Cream (Optional): For a luxurious finish, top your eggnog with a dollop of whipped cream. This addition is perfect for those who enjoy a richer, more indulgent drink.

How To Make Eggnog

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of eggnog. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

1. Combine the milk and the cream in a 1-quart saucepan on medium heat.

2. While the milk and cream are heating, combine the egg yolk, sugar, and nutmeg in a small bowl.

3. When the milk mixture begins to simmer, remove from the heat and whisk 1 tablespoon of the milk mixture into the egg/sugar mixture. Continue to add and whisk 1 tablespoon at a time of the milk mixture to the egg mixture until you have added about half of the milk mixture to the egg.

What you are doing here is tempering the egg. If you add the egg into the milk/cream mixture right away, the egg will cook and we don’t want curdles in the eggnog. By tempering, you are slowly heating the egg to match the temperature of the milk.

4. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan.

5. Return the pan back to the stove and reduce the heat to low. Stir or whisk constantly for about 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches the temperature of 160 degrees F on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook the eggnog until it begins to thicken slightly, and coats the back of a spoon.

Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle.

6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

7. Pour into a mug, add whisky, rum, bourbon, or brandy to taste, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Customize Creaminess: To achieve your desired richness in eggnog, experiment with the milk-to-cream ratio while maintaining a total of 1 cup of dairy. Increasing the cream proportion will result in a thicker, creamier texture. This flexibility allows you to tailor the eggnog to your personal preference.
• Alcohol’s Role in Texture: If you choose to add alcohol like rum, whiskey, or bourbon, it will not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to thickening the eggnog over time in the fridge. This is a great tip for those who prefer a denser consistency and a more complex taste profile.
• Scaling Up the Recipe: Looking to make more? This recipe is easily adjustable. Simply double the ingredients to serve more or have extra eggnog on hand. It’s a perfect solution for when you have guests or want to indulge a little more during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

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I use a 1-quart saucepan in this eggnog for one recipe. For best results, use a pot of similar size.