This delicious Alton Brown Aged Eggnog is a creamy, indulgent holiday treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for festive gatherings, this recipe combines rich dairy, warm spices, and a trio of spirits for a smooth, flavorful drink. Let it age for weeks (or months!) to develop its complex taste. Customize with your favorite rum or bourbon for a personal touch.
Recipe Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs, pasteurized if you need peace of mind
- 1 pound sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 pint half-and-half
- 1 pint whole milk
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 cup Jamaican rum
- 1 cup cognac
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
How To Make Aged Eggnog?
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Save the whites for another use (like meringues or cocktails).
- Beat the Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and nutmeg until the mixture becomes pale yellow and thick enough to form a ribbon when the whisk is lifted.
- Combine Dairy and Alcohol: In a separate bowl or pitcher, mix the half-and-half, whole milk, heavy cream, rum, cognac, bourbon, and salt.
- Mix Everything Together: Slowly add the dairy and alcohol mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine thoroughly.
- Store for Aging: Transfer the eggnog to a large glass jar or several smaller jars. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 weeks. For optimal flavor, age it for 1-2 months (or even up to a year if you can wait!).
- Serve: When ready to serve, give the eggnog a good stir or shake. Pour into mugs or cups and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.

Recipe Tips:
- Use Pasteurized Eggs: For safety, especially if serving to kids or pregnant individuals.
- Freshly Grate Nutmeg: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-ground nutmeg.
- Mix Slowly: Combine the dairy and alcohol mixture into the egg yolks gradually to avoid curdling.
- Age Properly: Store in clean, airtight glass jars to let the flavors meld and mellow over time.
- Shake Before Serving: If the eggnog separates during aging, give it a good shake or stir to recombine.
How To Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the eggnog cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight glass jar. Store in the fridge for up to 1 year due to the high alcohol content.
- Freeze: Pour the eggnog into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but the flavor will remain intact.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 8g
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Alton Brown Aged Eggnog
Description
This delicious Alton Brown Aged Eggnog is a creamy, indulgent holiday treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for festive gatherings, this recipe combines rich dairy, warm spices, and a trio of spirits for a smooth, flavorful drink. Let it age for weeks (or months!) to develop its complex taste. Customize with your favorite rum or bourbon for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. Save the whites for another use (like meringues or cocktails).
- Beat the Yolks: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and nutmeg until the mixture becomes pale yellow and thick enough to form a ribbon when the whisk is lifted.
- Combine Dairy and Alcohol: In a separate bowl or pitcher, mix the half-and-half, whole milk, heavy cream, rum, cognac, bourbon, and salt.
- Mix Everything Together: Slowly add the dairy and alcohol mixture to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine thoroughly.
- Store for Aging: Transfer the eggnog to a large glass jar or several smaller jars. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 weeks. For optimal flavor, age it for 1-2 months (or even up to a year if you can wait!).
- Serve: When ready to serve, give the eggnog a good stir or shake. Pour into mugs or cups and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
Notes
- Use Pasteurized Eggs: For safety, especially if serving to kids or pregnant individuals.
- Freshly Grate Nutmeg: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-ground nutmeg.
- Mix Slowly: Combine the dairy and alcohol mixture into the egg yolks gradually to avoid curdling.
- Age Properly: Store in clean, airtight glass jars to let the flavors meld and mellow over time.
- Shake Before Serving: If the eggnog separates during aging, give it a good shake or stir to recombine.