Eggnog Ice Cream

Drinking eggnog and roasting chestnuts are a Christmas Eve tradition in my house. A glass of rich and creamy eggnog by the Christmas tree is the definition of the perfect Christmas Eve for me.

Every holiday season I get so excited when the first cartons of eggnog start to appear on the grocery shelves. Throw in a splash of bourbon or rum and I am all set for an evening of curling up by the fire.

This ice cream is inspired by yet another seasonal Graeter’s Ice Cream flavor. It makes me so sad that we don’t live near a Graeter’s, especially this time of year when they have their holiday flavors. Even if you’re not an eggnog lover, you’re going to love rich and creamy ice cream.

The freshly grated nutmeg and a hefty dose of bourbon are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit! 🙂

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love eggnog ice cream

• It is rich, smooth and spicy, with the perfect balance of a boozy kick
• A fresh, unconventional way of enjoying eggnog

Does eggnog ice cream have eggs in it?

An eggnog ice cream recipe has eggs in it, with yolks being an essential ingredient for making the custard.

What’s the difference between eggnog and milk nog?

Eggnog refers to a beverage enriched with eggs that are later topped off with an alcoholic drink of choice.

Milk nog typically refers to a spiced drink made without eggs, making it a lighter alternative to eggnog.

Can you freeze eggnog into ice cubes?

Eggnog can be frozen into ice cubes, making them perfect additions to cold drinks.

How to serve eggnog ice cream?

Serve your homemade eggnog ice cream with cookies, melted chocolate, nuts or fresh and dried fruits of your choice.

Eggnog ice cream cooking tips:

• Use the specified amount of bourbon or its substitutes for your eggnog ice cream recipe as additional alcohol will result in an intense boozy flavor
• Use quality whole milk and cream, as these ensure a creamy product

Variations of eggnog ice cream:

• Vegan eggnog ice cream
• No churn homemade eggnog ice cream
• Eggnog ice cream
• Eggless eggnog ice

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons brandy, bourbon, or dark rum

How to make Eggnog Ice Cream:

Step 1. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a medium sized bowl and set the bowl over a large container of ice water.

Step 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar, stirring occasionally until steam appears and the liquid is hot (175 degrees) for about 5 minutes.

Step 3. When the milk mixture is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk the yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar together until smooth. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then slowly whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the remaining hot milk mixture. Continue to cook the custard mixture over medium heat until it is very hot but not simmering (180-185 degrees).

Step 4. Pour the custard mixture into the strainer bowl set in the ice bath and let cool, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Remove the custard mixture from the ice bath and add nutmeg and bourbon. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold (40 degrees), about 3 hours.

Step 5. Remove from refrigerator and add the vanilla extract; stir well. Pour the custard into the ice cream machine canister and churn, following the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture resembles soft-serve ice cream, about 20 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press plastic wrap flush against the surface, cover the container, and freeze the ice cream until firm, at least 2 hours.

Enjoy!

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

Eggnog Ice Cream

Prep Time: 5 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 hours hours 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 quart

5 from 1 vote

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons brandy, bourbon, or dark rum

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Instructions

• Set a fine mesh strainer over a medium sized bowl and set the bowl over a large container of ice water.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar, stirring occasionally until steam appears and the liquid is hot (175 degrees) about 5 minutes.
• When the milk mixture is cooking, in a separate bowl, whisk the yolks and 1/4 cup of sugar together until smooth. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then slowly whisk the tempered yolk mixture back into the remaining hot milk mixture. Continue to cook the custard mixture over medium heat until it is very hot but not simmering (180-185 degrees).
• Pour the custard mixture into the strainer bowl set in the ice bath and let cool, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Remove the custard mixture from the ice bath and add nutmeg and bourbon. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold (40 degrees), about 3 hours.
• Remove from refrigerator and add the vanilla extract; stir well. Pour the custard into the ice cream machine canister and churn, following the manufacturer’s instructions, until the mixture resembles soft-serve ice cream, about 20 minutes. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container, press plastic wrap flush against the surface, cover the container, and freeze the ice cream until firm, at least 2 hours.

Notes

Source: adapted from Cook’s Illustrated Vanilla Ice Cream

Author: Laura

How to store eggnog ice cream?

Store the eggnog ice cream in an airtight container or cover it with cling film and store it in the freezer overnight or up to 6 weeks.

How to reheat eggnog ice cream?

Reheating eggnog ice cream will cause it to separate.

To serve, remove it from the fridge or freezer and let it soften for 10 minutes.

How much does eggnog ice cream last in the fridge?

Eggnog ice cream can last in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Can I make ahead eggnog ice cream?

You can make your homemade eggnog ice cream ahead of time and store it in the freezer for up to a day.

Related recipes you might enjoy:

Eggnog cupcakes with rum infused frosting. If you want to turn your eggnog ice cream recipe into a cupcake, this treat will be perfect and packs a punch of eggnog flavor in your cupcakes, coupled with a delicious rum icing to top it off.

S’mores ice cream sandwiches. A s’mores ice cream sandwich remains a timeless classic, and with good reason. Providing the perfect balance of chocolate and cream cheese, this treat is a hit for gooey, crunchy deliciousness.