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New Orleans Eggnog is made from scratch with eggs, sugar, cream, and nutmeg. This rich and creamy holiday staple is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends! Serve it on its own or alongside your favorite Christmas cookies for the ultimate treat.
Here are more New Orleans cocktails to try: Eggnog Daiquiri, Ramos Gin Fizz, Brandy Milk Punch, New Orleans Hurricane, New Orleans Rum Punch, and Cafe Au Lait.
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This year, I'm excited to take part in Eat the Culture’s 2023 Holiday Recipe Exchange: Party Pairings for All the Holidays! Holidays often revolve around communal moments – sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, food. This year's roundup is all about those delightful 'lite bites' and drinks that set the tone for festive gatherings. I had the pleasure of partnering with Gimme From Scratch who crafted a delicious Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies. This dessert pairs perfectly with my New Orleans Egg Nog. Learn more about Eat the Culture and find a complete list of recipes from all participants here.
Share these recipes with your friends and loved ones and follow each participant by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC, #PerfectPartyPairings, and #ETCHOLIDAYS2023 on Instagram
It doesn’t get any more iconic than eggnog when it comes to holiday drink recipes. Growing up as an aspiring chef, I learned a lot from watching my family members cook. My auntie, for example, taught me a lot about how to use every part of something.
To this day, my aunt is the only person I know who saves the egg whites to make a foam that tops off the eggnog. My aunt’s recipe inspires this New Orleans Eggnog recipe, but with a few tweaks to make it my own.
This delicious Creole eggnog is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced is everything you could ask for in a seasonal drink. If you’re looking for something a little more adult-friendly, try adding a shot of rum or whisky. You won’t be disappointed!
Key Ingredients
To bring this holiday drink to life, you’re gonna need a few key ingredients:
Eggs
Come on now, you didn’t think you could make eggnog without eggs, did you? Technically you only need the yolks, but my auntie taught me not to waste them. So, I followed her lead and saved the egg whites to make a delicious foam to top off the eggnog.
Cane Sugar
This is the key to getting that sweet flavor we all know and love. It’s a massive part of our eggnog and the foam that sits on top.
Heavy Cream
How else would we get the oh-so-deliciously creamy texture? If you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side, try swapping this out for coconut cream.
Half and Half
When combined with heavy cream, this creates the perfect thick and creamy consistency that we’re going for. If needed, you can swap this out for almond or oat milk.
Vanilla Extract
Not only does this add fantastic yet subtle notes of vanilla, but it also enhances the glorious flavors of the beverage.
Nutmeg
Trust me; this is not optional. Nutmeg is essential to turning this creamy drink into one that encapsulates the spirit of the holiday season, making the eggnog extra flavorful and delicious.
How to Make New Orleans Eggnog
It might be a little nerve-wracking if you’ve never made homemade eggnog before. Please don’t be scared. It’s easy to make and pretty hard to mess up. To make this creamy beverage, follow these simple steps:
In a medium bowl, whip egg yolks for 1 minute with a hand mixer on medium speed until bright yellow. Add sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg, then whip for an additional minute.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add half and half, cream, and remaining nutmeg. Bring to a slight boil, about 3 minutes.
Stir ¼ cup of the heated mixture into the egg mixture.
Pour back into the pot, and cook for 3 minutes on medium, until the eggnog coats the back of a spoon. Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, whip egg whites with a hand mixer on medium for 2 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
Slowly add ¼ cup of sugar and whip for 2 minutes. Pour egg whites in the pot and wait 5 minutes before serving.
Divide the eggnog evenly amongst 4 glasses, top with the foam, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
How to Store Leftover New Orleans Eggnog
Now, I know you can find eggnog by the carton at the store and keep it in the fridge for weeks. However, that stuff is loaded with artificial preservatives that allow it to stay fresh for longer. Because this eggnog recipe is made from scratch, it won’t last nearly as long and is best when enjoyed fresh.
To store this eggnog for later, pour it into a glass jar or airtight container. Then, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, as dairy-based liquids never do well in the freezer.
To reheat your New Orleans Eggnog, carefully pour it into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture begins to boil, about 10 minutes lightly.
Creole Eggnog Recipe Tips
Want to impress your guests with the best eggnog they’ve ever had? Here are some of my top tips to help you get there:
- Make it boozy. For the ultimate holiday cocktail, try adding a shot of rum or whisky to your glass before pouring the eggnog over it.
- Lighten it up. You can swap out the heavy cream for evaporated milk or coconut cream and the cane sugar for coconut sugar for a lighter version.
- Use a different milk. You can use 8 cups of evaporated milk (5 ½ cans) instead of the half-and-half and heavy cream.
- Add garnishes. If you’re serving this festive drink at a party, you’re going to want to spice it up with some color. I like to keep it simple with a few shakes of nutmeg, but you could get creative and top your eggnog with a whole cinnamon stick or some crushed peppermint.
- Save your leftovers. To make your morning cup of joe a thousand times better, save your leftover eggnog to use as a coffee creamer. You’ll thank me later!
- Pasteurized Eggs: If you're making this for a large crowd, swap the egg yolks and egg whites for pasteurized.
What To Serve With Creole Eggnog?
One of the most iconic holiday drinks of all time, eggnog can be served with just about any after-dinner snack or dessert you’re in the mood for. Not sure what to pair it with? I’ve got your back. Here are some of my favorite snacks to serve with Creole eggnog:
- Strawberry Whisky Cake
- Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Red Velvet Pound Cake with Spiked Eggnog
- Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
- Apple Galette
What's the Best Alcohol to Mix in Eggnog?
When it comes to deciding the best alcohol to mix with eggnog, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It genuinely boils down to your personal preference. That said, brandy, rum, and bourbon often top the list as the most common choices.
More New Orleans Recipes:
If you're looking for more delicious Cajun-Creole recipes. Here are a few that are crowd-pleasing and full of flavor.
- BBQ Lamb Chops with Smoked Gouda Grits
- Corn and Mushroom Bisque
- New Orleans Seafood File Gumbo
- New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cornbread Dressing
- Southern Black-Eyed Peas
Eggnog is a classic holiday drink perfect for warming up on cold winter nights. This recipe is simple and straightforward, but it yields a delicious and creamy drink that your friends and family will love. Give it a try this year – I promise you won’t be disappointed! And don’t forget to leave me a 5-star rating if you make it.
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📖 Recipe
New Orleans Eggnog
Ingredients
- 12 large egg yolks
- 2 ½ cup raw cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 teaspoons nutmeg
- 4 cups half and half
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large egg whites
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whip egg yolks for 1 minute with a hand mixer on medium, until bright yellow. Add sugar, salt, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg, whip for 1 minute.
- Turn on the heat to medium in a large pot add half and half, cream and remaining nutmeg, bring to a slight boil, about 3 minutes. Stir in ¼ cup of warm liquid into the egg mixture. Pour back into the pot, cook for 3 minutes on medium, until the eggnog coats the back of a spoon. Stir in vanilla extract. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl whip egg whites with a hand mixer on medium for 2 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Slowly add ¼ cup of sugar and whip for 2 minutes. Pour egg whites in the pot and wait 5 minutes before serving.
- Divide evenly amongst 4 glasses, make sure to get some of the foam, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Video
Notes
- Make it boozy. For the ultimate holiday cocktail, try adding a shot of rum or whisky to your glass before pouring the eggnog over it.
- Lighten it up. You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and the cane sugar for coconut sugar for a lighter version.
- Use a different milk. You can use 8 cups of evaporated milk (5 ½ cans) instead of the half-and-half and heavy cream.
- Add garnishes. If you’re serving this festive drink at a party, you’re going to want to spice it up with some color. I like to keep it simple with a few shakes of nutmeg, but you could get creative and top your eggnog with a whole cinnamon stick or some crushed peppermint.
- Save your leftovers. To make your morning cup of joe a thousand times better, save your leftover eggnog to use as a coffee creamer. You’ll thank me later!
- Pasteurized Eggs: If you're making this for a large crowd, swap the egg yolks and egg whites for pasteurized.
Mims says
yep this the one. No, like this is 7th Ward Santa (RIP) certified. I know a lot of people and recipes were lost in Katrina's aftermath. some of us still searching for "that taste" we can't quite suss out. when I tell you I could've cried when the finished product taste JUST LIKE my Grandmother's recipe!?!? whew thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Kenneth Temple says
You are very welcomed!! Glad to bring back those warm and loving memories.
Michael says
I have a question about storing leftover eggnog... what is "leftover eggnog?"
Kenneth Temple says
Hi Michael, any eggnog that was not drunk.