Pumpkin Spice Eggnog
Eggnog has become a quintessential holiday drink, rooted in rich history and an even richer taste. The creamy, spiced beverage evokes holiday cheer, shared family moments, and warmth, enjoyed around Christmas, New Year's, and winter gatherings. But where did eggnog originate, and what gives it its distinctive appeal?
The Origins and History of Eggnog
Eggnog’s history can be traced back to early medieval Britain, where it originated from a drink called "posset." This was a hot beverage of milk curdled with wine or ale and spiced with ingredients like nutmeg or cinnamon, often enjoyed as a warming drink in the colder months. By the 1700s, the British aristocracy adapted it into an egg and milk-based drink, with brandy or sherry added to preserve it. When the drink made its way to America, it quickly became popular, and local ingredients—like rum, which was affordable and readily available in the colonies—replaced the more expensive spirits used in Britain.
Eggnog gained its status as a holiday beverage in part because of its association with celebrations and toasts in both the Old and New Worlds. By the 19th century, it was well-loved throughout the United States and often served at gatherings during the festive season.
Why Eggnog is So Popular
Eggnog’s popularity lies in its nostalgic, comforting quality and its versatility. The drink's creamy, rich texture and spiced flavors offer warmth and indulgence, fitting seamlessly into the cozy ambiance of winter gatherings. Additionally, eggnog’s ability to be made with or without alcohol appeals to a wide audience. Its unique combination of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices lends it a luxurious feel, and each sip captures the warmth of seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. For many, it's a tradition tied to family, friends, and holiday festivities.
What Eggnog Tastes Like
Eggnog is known for its thick, custard-like texture and flavor profile that balances sweetness with a hint of spice. The use of nutmeg, cinnamon, and occasionally cloves, gives it that seasonal flair, while eggs provide a creamy richness. Depending on the recipe, it may also include notes of vanilla, giving it additional warmth and a fragrant finish. The flavor can be further enhanced with spirits like rum or bourbon, which add depth and complexity.
How to Make Eggnog: A Simple Recipe
Making eggnog at home is straightforward and allows for customization based on sweetness, spice levels, and spirit preference. Here’s a general overview based on the recipe above:
Combine Ingredients: Start by heating whole milk and cream in a saucepan with a pinch of salt to just below boiling.
Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a bowl, egg yolks are whisked with sugar until creamy. To temper, a little warm milk is added slowly to the egg mixture.
Cook: Combine everything back in the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly.
Flavoring and Optional Spirits: Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, it’s removed from heat, and vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon are added. Some may add rum or bourbon for an adult-friendly twist.
Chill and Serve: Strain the eggnog for a smooth texture, chill, and serve with a garnish of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Why Organic Egg Yolks are the Best Choice
Better Flavor: Organic eggs often have richer, more intense flavors due to the natural, varied diets of the hens that lay them. This deeper flavor profile is particularly important for eggnog, where the yolks are a key component, adding depth and a creamy consistency.
Health Benefits: Organic eggs come from hens raised without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or added hormones. This means fewer chemical residues, which is ideal when using raw or lightly cooked egg yolks. You’re getting a purer product, which can be especially reassuring if you're making eggnog for guests.
Color and Texture: Organic yolks tend to be darker and more vibrant, giving eggnog a richer, golden color and velvety texture. This contributes to the luxurious look and feel of traditional homemade eggnog.
How Alcohol Extends Eggnog’s Shelf Life and Enhances Texture
Adding alcohol to eggnog does more than just give it a festive kick—it acts as a preservative, allowing the eggnog to keep longer and even improve in texture over time:
Extended Shelf Life: Alcohol is a natural preservative, helping to slow down bacterial growth. A generous dose (typically 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of spirits per quart) can extend the freshness of homemade eggnog for up to several weeks when stored properly in the fridge. This can be especially beneficial if you’d like to make your eggnog well in advance.
Improved Consistency Over Time: Eggnog made with alcohol continues to thicken and develop flavor as it ages. The proteins in the egg yolks and cream stabilize in the presence of alcohol, making the drink creamier and enhancing the spice notes over time. If you prefer a thicker eggnog, allowing it to age for a week or two (in the fridge) can yield a smooth, almost custard-like texture.
Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
6 large Pete & Gerry’s egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1/8 tsp of ground: nutmeg, cinnamon & cloves)
Optional: ¾ cup of your preferred spirit (up to 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups of rum, brandy, or bourbon, the more alcohol you add the longer it can keep)
Instructions:
Prep the Egg Yolks
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and all the sugar until the mixture is pale, creamy, and slightly thickened.Warm the Milk Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is warm, but do not bring it to a boil to avoid curdling.Temper the Egg Yolks
Gradually add a ladle of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Continue adding about half of the milk mixture slowly until the egg yolks are warmed.Combine and Thicken
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160°F (71°C). Be careful not to boil.Add Flavorings
Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. If adding alcohol, incorporate it now, start with about 1/2 cup of alcohol and add more until your desired preference.Strain and Chill
For a smooth texture, strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.Serve
Before serving, give the eggnog a quick stir. Serve in cups or glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Tip: This eggnog will keep in the fridge for up to a week, allowing flavors to develop.
The typical shelf life of homemade eggnog without alcohol is around 2-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, by adding alcohol (such as rum, brandy, or bourbon), you can safely extend the shelf life to up to 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
How Alcohol Extends Shelf Life
Alcohol acts as a natural preservative by creating an environment where bacteria are less likely to thrive. If you use about 1/2 cup of spirits (such as rum or bourbon) per quart of eggnog, this amount provides a moderate level of preservation and helps keep the drink fresh for 7-10 days. For a longer shelf life, aim for around 3/4 cup to 1 cup of alcohol per quart, which can extend freshness up to 3 weeks.
When aging alcoholic eggnog, store it in the coldest part of the fridge in an airtight container to reduce the chance of spoilage and maintain its creamy texture. The alcohol also improves the eggnog’s texture and flavor over time, creating a richer, more custard-like consistency. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as it may slightly thicken with storage.