Gingerbread Eggnog

Whip a festive drink this holiday season with our creamy, homemade Gingerbread Eggnog. Blending sweet old-fashioned flavors with a delicious spice kick, it’s an easy and delightful way to bring that festive cheer to any gathering.

If you love homemade eggnog, this is a great option for you. Gingerbread eggnog is a fantastic and delicious option for your next holiday party. You can make delectable holiday cocktails or serve them as is. Packed with gingerbread flavor and oh-so-creamy, this fantastic twist on a holiday classic is sure to become a new Christmas favorite. 

The most amazing part of this recipe is that it comes with good news. It’s super easy to make. Requiring only a few simple ingredients, you can have this gingerbread eggnog ready to go in what seems like no time. It’s perfect for lounging and enjoying Christmas movies, making a fun Christmas cocktail, or serving at your next holiday celebration. 

Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Eggnog

• Easy to Make: Believe it or not, this eggnog isn’t tricky to make. You can quickly whip up your own batch of homemade eggnog using a few simple ingredients. With a little effort and a small amount of time, you will end up with a fantastic and delicious holiday beverage. 
• Rich and Creamy: The eggnog base is rich and creamy, with a velvety texture. It’s a comforting and indulgent drink that can be enjoyed by the fireplace or at holiday gatherings.
• Great for Entertaining: Gingerbread eggnog is a perfect drink to serve at holiday parties or gatherings. It can be made in advance and served in festive glasses, changed into a gingerbread eggnog cocktail, and so much more. 
• Garnish Options: The garnishes of whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and gingerbread cookies not only add to the flavor but also enhance the presentation, making the drink even more appealing. 

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Water
• Granulated sugar
• Molasses
• Room temperature large eggs 
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Pure vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
• Gingerbread cookies (for garnish)

How to Make Gingerbread Eggnog

• Step One: In a small saucepan or pot, combine the water, granulated sugar, molasses, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice and ground nutmeg.
• Step Two: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar and spices.
• Step Three: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool.

• Step Four: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the room-temperature eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

• Step Five: In a separate large saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil. Immediately turn the heat to low once it’s steaming.
• Step Six: Gradually pour the egg and sugar mixture into the hot milk mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and reaches a temperature of 160°F (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
• Step Seven: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Step Eight: Gradually whisk the gingerbread syrup into the eggnog base until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level if desired.
• Step Nine: Allow the gingerbread eggnog mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
• Step Ten: Before serving, give the eggnog a good stir to ensure the flavors are well-mixed.
• Step Eleven: Serve the gingerbread eggnog in glasses or mugs, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Optionally, garnish with gingerbread cookies for an extra festive touch.

Equipment Needed

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• Small saucepan or pot
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Large saucepan
• Glasses or mugs for serving

What to Serve with Gingerbread Eggnog

Serve your gingerbread eggnog with some other classic Christmas treats. 

• Chocolate Cherry Cookies
• Crockpot Candied Nuts
• Christmas Popcorn
• Reindeer Chow
• Hot Chocolate Cookies

Variations and Substitutions 

• Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, coconut milk, or another plant-based milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. 
• Spice Blend: Adjust the spice blend to your taste. Increase or decrease the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg to suit your preferences for spiciness.
• Alcohol: For an adult version, add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the eggnog. Be mindful not to overdo it. 
• Store-Bought Gingerbread Syrup: To save time, you can use store-bought gingerbread syrup or flavored syrup instead of making your own from scratch. This makes the recipe even easier. 
• Pre-Made Eggnog: For a quicker option, use store-bought eggnog as a base and mix in the gingerbread syrup for flavor. This is a quick and easy way to make a delicious drink without the fuss. 
• Nutmeg Garnish: Instead of ground cinnamon for garnish, use freshly grated nutmeg for a slightly different flavor profile. This can change it up just a little.

Storage Instructions

You can certainly store your homemade gingerbread eggnog. Simply place it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge. I will be good for up to one week. 

Can I Freeze?

Freezing gingerbread eggnog is not recommended as it can lead to several issues, including the separation of its components, changes in texture, alterations in flavor, and a loss of freshness. The freezing and thawing process can cause the eggnog to become thin, less creamy, and less enjoyable.

It’s best to enjoy your gingerbread eggnog fresh and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a short period rather than freezing it to maintain its quality.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for the eggnog base. This helps the eggs incorporate smoothly into the mixture and prevents any potential curdling when adding them to the hot milk. If they are too cold, it will cause them to scramble when you add them to the hot milk mixture. 
• Gradual Mixing: When adding the egg and sugar mixture to the hot milk, pour it in gradually and whisk constantly. Mixing the ingredients gradually ensures a smooth and lump-free eggnog.
• Customize Spices: Adjust the spices in the gingerbread syrup to your preference. If you love a stronger ginger flavor, add more ginger. You can add ground cloves if you like a more robust flavor. 
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the gingerbread eggnog mixture to thoroughly chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps meld the flavors and creates a refreshing, well-balanced drink.
• Stir Before Serving: Give the eggnog a good stir before serving to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This step helps maintain a consistent flavor throughout.
• Garnish Creatively: Get creative with garnishes. While whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and gingerbread cookies are traditional, you can experiment with other toppings. Consider adding a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a unique touch.
• Serve in Festive Glasses: Presentation matters, especially during the holidays. Serve your gingerbread eggnog in festive glasses or mugs to enhance the overall holiday experience. You can even choose to rim the glasses with cinnamon and brown sugar for an even more festive appearance. 
• Adult Version: For an adult twist, you can offer a selection of alcoholic add-ins like rum, bourbon, or brandy alongside the gingerbread eggnog. Serving these allows your guests to spike their drinks according to their preferences.

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog, a velvety holiday delight, is a creamy concoction beloved during the winter season, especially in North America. It’s a delightful blend of milk, cream, sugar, and whipped eggs, jazzed up with vanilla and cozy spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Often served chilled, it gets crowned with a sprinkle of nutmeg and sometimes a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. 

If you’re feeling festive, a splash of brandy, rum, or bourbon can add a spirited twist. With its luscious taste and creamy consistency, eggnog is a jolly holiday tradition, closely associated with Christmas and often sipped at cheerful gatherings. While store-bought versions are readily available, many opt for homemade eggnog to tailor the ingredients and spices to their preferences.

Garnishes

• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg (freshly grated)
• Whipped cream
• Molasses cookies
• Soft Gingerbread cookies
• Cinnamon stick
• Crumbled gingerbread cake
• Gingerbread men 
• Crushed candy canes
• Cocoa powder
• Caramel sauce
• Orange zest
• Chocolate shavings
• Maraschino cherries
• Star anise
• Mint leaves
• Berries (such as raspberries or blueberries)
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Edible gold or silver sprinkles 

Can I Add Alcohol?

Absolutely! Add alcohol to eggnog to create a spirited version of this classic holiday beverage. It’s a popular and cherished tradition, and the choice of alcohol can be a matter of personal preference. Common options for spiking eggnog include brandy, rum (particularly dark or spiced varieties), and bourbon. Brandy adds a subtle warmth, while rum imparts a sweet and slightly spicy note, and bourbon brings a rich, oaky flavor to the creamy and spiced eggnog. 

When incorporating alcohol, it’s best to start with a modest amount, around a couple of ounces per serving, and then adjust to your liking. Keep in mind that the alcohol content can vary depending on your choice of spirits, so it’s important to enjoy responsibly. Spiked eggnog is a delightful way to add an extra touch of warmth and cheer to your holiday festivities.

Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog Instead of Making the Base from Scratch?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought eggnog as a convenient alternative to making the eggnog base from scratch. Store-bought eggnog is readily available during the holiday season and can be used as a time-saving and delicious option for those who prefer a quicker preparation. You can still customize the flavor of your eggnog by adding gingerbread syrup or other spices and garnishes as desired.

Is It Safe to Consume Raw Eggs in Eggnog?

While it’s a classic ingredient in eggnog, consuming raw eggs can carry a risk of foodborne illness. To play it safe and enjoy your eggnog worry-free, consider using pasteurized eggs or egg products when making your own.

Alternatively, you can opt for commercially pasteurized eggnog, which can be found in grocery stores; it is a safe choice straight from the carton. This way, you can savor your eggnog without concerns about raw eggs, especially if you share it with those more vulnerable to foodborne issues.

Christmas Drinks

• Gingerbread Martinis
• Spiced Cranberry Punch
• Christmas Punch
• Cranberry Mint Mocktail
• Gingerbread Latte

FAQ

Gingerbread Recipes 

• Gingerbread Dip
• The Best Gingerbread Muffins
• Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
• Cinnamon Rolls with Gingerbread Cream Cheese Frosting

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