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a single serving of eggnog in a glass topped with whipped cream.
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4.67 from 15 votes

Eggnog For One

A creamy homemade eggnog for one made with simple ingredients. This small batch eggnog delivers classic holiday flavor in a quick and easy single serving.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American, British
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: eggnog, eggnog for one, single serving eggnog, small batch eggnog
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 shot rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy (optional)
  • whipped cream (optional)
US - Metric

Instructions

  • In a 1 quart saucepan, warm the milk and cream over medium heat.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk, sugar, and nutmeg until smooth.
  • When the milk mixture starts to simmer, remove the pan from the heat. Slowly whisk in 1 tablespoon of the warm milk at a time until about half of the milk has been mixed into the egg mixture.
    This step warms the egg gently and prevents curdling.
  • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
  • Place the pan over low heat and stir constantly for about 10 minutes, or until the eggnog reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you do not have a thermometer, cook until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Pour the eggnog into a mug. Add rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy, if using. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Video

Notes

  • Adjust the Creaminess: You can easily control the texture of your eggnog. Keep the total dairy at 1 cup and change the milk to cream ratio. Use more cream for a richer homemade eggnog or more milk for a lighter version.
  • Alcohol Helps Thicken: Rum, whiskey, or bourbon not only add flavor but also help the eggnog thicken as it chills. This creates a denser and creamier eggnog.
  • Scale the Recipe: For extra servings, simply double the ingredients. This small batch eggnog becomes a perfect size for sharing.
  • Cook to the Right Temperature: Heat the mixture gently and avoid boiling. Cooking to 160 degrees Fahrenheit ensures a safe and smooth eggnog.
  • Chill for Better Flavor: Homemade eggnog tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. The flavors blend and the texture becomes creamier.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 34.05g | Protein: 9.42g | Fat: 48.91g | Saturated Fat: 29.2g | Cholesterol: 360.78mg | Sodium: 105.55mg | Potassium: 280.35mg | Sugar: 30.42g | Vitamin A: 2258.76IU | Calcium: 250.02mg | Iron: 0.49mg

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