It was always the first sign that the holidays were truly here: the rich, spiced aroma of eggnog simmering on the stove. My mom would spend the afternoon carefully whisking and stirring, her face flushed with warmth from the stovetop. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a symbol of togetherness, a liquid hug that warmed us from the inside out.
And now, I make my own version, a slight twist on her classic, incorporating the smooth, creamy delight of Baileys. This baileys eggnog recipe brings back those comforting memories while adding a little something extra special to share with my loved ones. It’s a tradition I cherish and a taste I look forward to all year long. If you’re looking for another festive holiday drink, be sure to check out this Christmas morning punch recipe for another crowd-pleasing option.
Why you’ll love this Baileys Eggnog with Baileys Eggnog Recipe
- It’s incredibly creamy and rich, a true indulgence for the senses.
- The splash of Baileys adds a sophisticated warmth and depth of flavor to the traditional eggnog.
- This baileys eggnog recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
- It’s the perfect drink to serve at holiday gatherings or cozy up with by the fire.
- You can easily customize the sweetness and spice levels to your preference.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time, making holiday entertaining a breeze.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Baileys eggnog recipe makes every moment feel lush. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
Step 2
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the egg yolks to scramble.
Step 3
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and Baileys Irish Cream. The heat will mellow the Baileys just a little, but still leave a comforting boozy flavor.
Step 4
Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps. This step ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
Step 5
Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a lighter version, you could substitute some of the heavy cream with more whole milk. This will reduce the richness without sacrificing too much flavor. Another option is to use a sugar substitute to lower the overall sugar content, but be mindful that this may affect the texture slightly.
Want to add a little more spice? Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the mixture. These warm spices complement the nutmeg and cinnamon beautifully and add a unique twist. You could even infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick for a deeper cinnamon flavor.
If you’re looking for a richer, more decadent eggnog, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. The molasses in brown sugar adds a caramel-like flavor that’s absolutely divine. A little bit of maple syrup can also add depth and complexity.
Pairings
Baileys eggnog pairs perfectly with classic holiday desserts like ginger snaps or shortbread cookies. The warm spices in the eggnog complement the buttery, crumbly texture of the cookies. It’s a match made in heaven!
Consider serving it alongside a slice of rich chocolate cake or a decadent cheesecake. The creaminess of the eggnog cuts through the richness of the cake, creating a balanced and satisfying experience. A lighter fruit tart also works well as a counterpoint to the richness.
For a savory pairing, serve the eggnog with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar, brie, and goat cheese. The creamy sweetness of the eggnog complements the salty, tangy flavors of the cheese. Add some nuts and dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Serving ideas
For a festive presentation, serve the eggnog in chilled glasses rimmed with sugar. Simply dip the rim of the glass in water or lemon juice, then dip it in a plate of sugar. This adds a touch of sparkle and sweetness to every sip.
Garnish each glass with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. You can also add a cinnamon stick or a star anise for a more elegant touch. A few chocolate shavings can also make it extra festive.
For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up an eggnog bar with various toppings and mix-ins. Offer options like chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, crushed peppermint, and different types of spices. Let your guests customize their own perfect cup of eggnog.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover eggnog should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly.
While freezing eggnog is possible, it’s not recommended as it can alter the texture and consistency. The cream may separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture. If you must freeze it, use an airtight container and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before serving.
If you notice any changes in smell or appearance, discard the eggnog immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with dairy products.
Make-ahead
You can easily make the eggnog base (without the Baileys) up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the Baileys just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Prepare the whipped cream and sugar-rimmed glasses ahead of time as well. Store the whipped cream in a piping bag in the refrigerator and the glasses in a cool, dry place. This will save you time and stress when it’s time to serve.
Consider making a double batch of the eggnog base and freezing half for future use. This is a great way to have a festive treat on hand whenever the craving strikes. Just remember to add the Baileys after thawing.
Common mistakes when making Baileys Eggnog
- Boiling the eggnog: This can cause the egg yolks to curdle, resulting in a lumpy texture. Be sure to cook the eggnog over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent this.
- Not straining the eggnog: Straining the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve removes any lumps or cooked egg particles, resulting in a smoother, more pleasant texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Adding the Baileys too early: Adding the Baileys while the eggnog is still cooking can cause the flavor to dissipate. Wait until the eggnog has been removed from the heat to stir in the Baileys.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients directly affects the taste of the eggnog. Use fresh, high-quality milk, cream, and spices for the best results.
- Over-spicing the eggnog: Too much nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves can overpower the other flavors. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your taste.
Final notes
Making baileys eggnog is a wonderful way to bring a touch of warmth and cheer to your holiday season. The rich, creamy flavor and comforting aroma are sure to delight your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and pairings to create your own signature version!
Remember to be patient and attentive while cooking the eggnog to prevent curdling. And most importantly, have fun! The process of making this festive drink is just as enjoyable as the end result. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a new holiday tradition.
Now that you’re ready to embrace the season, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to whip up a batch of this delightful treat. Your loved ones will thank you for it!
Loved this Baileys Eggnog? Try these next
- Christmas morning punch recipe
- Dolly parton casserole recipe
- Chinese coconut shrimp recipe
- Strawberry cream cheese pound cake
- No bake pecan pie balls
Baileys Eggnog
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of homemade eggnog, elevated with a splash of Baileys Irish Cream. This festive drink is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
- Whipped cream, for garnish
- Ground nutmeg, for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-15 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and Baileys Irish Cream.
- Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Baileys Irish Cream. Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer a sweeter eggnog, add more sugar to taste. Feel free to add a splash of apple cider or apple juice along with the Baileys for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 180mg