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To create the perfect Cozy Cranberry Eggnog, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg - 1 cup cranberry juice (preferably 100% juice) - Fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks for garnish These ingredients blend to make a rich and creamy drink. The cranberry juice adds a bright flavor that makes this drink festive. When choosing cranberry juice, I recommend using a brand that is 100% juice. Look for brands that do not add extra sugars or preservatives. Some great options include Ocean Spray or Lakewood Organic. These juices have a clean taste that enhances your eggnog without overpowering it. Garnishes can elevate your drink. Here are some fun ideas for serving: - Fresh cranberries: They add a pop of color and a hint of tartness. - Cinnamon sticks: These make a lovely stirrer and bring warmth to the flavor. - A sprinkle of nutmeg: This adds a classic touch and enhances the cozy feel. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes. They not only look nice but also add extra flavor to your eggnog experience. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by whisking the eggs and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until the mix turns pale yellow and creamy. This step adds richness to your eggnog. 2. Next, pour whole milk, heavy cream, and nutmeg into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Stir often until it gets hot but does not boil. This helps blend the flavors. 3. Now, you need to temper the eggs. Slowly add the warm milk mix to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This step warms the eggs without scrambling them. 4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring gently for about 5-7 minutes. The mix should thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Avoid boiling; it can ruin the texture. 5. After thickening, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and cranberry juice. This juice adds a tart flavor that balances the sweetness. 6. Let the eggnog cool to room temperature. Then, move it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavor. 7. Before serving, stir the chilled eggnog to remix any settled ingredients. Carefully pour it into glasses. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick to add holiday cheer. Tempering the eggs is crucial in this recipe. It warms the eggs slowly, preventing them from scrambling. If you skip this step, your eggnog will have chunks of cooked egg, which is not pleasant. By gradually mixing the warm milk into the eggs, you ensure a smooth, creamy texture. This technique is key for achieving the perfect consistency in your eggnog. To get a smooth, rich eggnog, pay attention to your heat levels. Always use low heat when cooking the eggnog after combining the mixtures. Stir continually to prevent sticking or curdling. If you notice any lumps, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve. This will help you achieve a silky finish. Lastly, remember that chilling the eggnog is essential. It allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall experience. To get the best flavor from your eggnog, use fresh ingredients. Choose high-quality whole milk and heavy cream. This will make your drink creamy and rich. Use 100% cranberry juice for a tart kick. The juice adds a bright flavor that balances the sweetness. Don’t skip the nutmeg; it adds warmth and depth. Mixing these flavors will give your eggnog a nice holiday spirit. One big mistake is boiling the mixture. If you let it boil, the eggs may scramble. This ruins the smooth texture you want. Another mistake is not whisking enough. Be sure to whisk the eggs and sugar until creamy. This step is key to achieving a rich and velvety consistency. Lastly, don’t forget to chill your eggnog. Cooling it enhances the flavors and makes it enjoyable. Serve your Cozy Cranberry Eggnog cold for the best experience. Chill it in the fridge for at least two hours. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly. If you prefer a warm drink, gently heat it on low heat. Just be careful not to boil it again. Pour it into festive mugs, and enjoy a cozy drink on a cold day! Pro Tips Temperature Matters: Always heat the milk and cream mixture until steaming, but not boiling, to properly infuse the flavors and avoid curdling the eggs. Chill Time: For the best flavor, allow the eggnog to chill for at least 2 hours, as this helps meld the flavors together beautifully. Perfect Garnish: Fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks not only enhance the presentation but also add an extra layer of flavor to your eggnog. Nutmeg Freshness: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more vibrant flavor, as pre-ground nutmeg can lose its potency over time. {{image_4}} You can make Cozy Cranberry Eggnog dairy-free. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. This change keeps the drink creamy and delicious. For a vegan version, replace eggs with a mix of silken tofu and a bit of turmeric for color. Add maple syrup instead of sugar for sweetness. If you want to make your eggnog more festive, add alcohol. Rum or bourbon pairs well with the flavors. Start with a cup for a mild kick. Adjust to your taste. Adding alcohol makes it a fun treat for adult gatherings. You can enhance the flavor of your eggnog with spices. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also use flavored extracts. Almond extract adds a lovely twist. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make it uniquely yours. After making your cozy cranberry eggnog, you might have some left over. To keep it fresh, pour the eggnog into a clean glass jar or container. Seal it tightly with a lid. Make sure to store it in the fridge. This will help keep it chilled and tasty for later. If you want to enjoy your eggnog warm, gently heat it. Pour the eggnog into a pot. Warm it over low heat, stirring often. Do not let it boil, as this can change its texture. If you prefer it cold, just pour it straight from the fridge into your glass. A good stir will help mix any settled bits. Cozy cranberry eggnog lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for any off smells, changes in color, or lumps. If you see any of these signs, it is best to toss it. Remember, fresh is best for taste! Yes, you can make Cozy Cranberry Eggnog ahead of time. I often prepare it the day before a gathering. This lets the flavors mix well. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you are ready, give it a good stir. Chill it for at least two hours before serving. This ensures a fresh and tasty drink for your guests. Using raw eggs can pose a risk of foodborne illness. To be safe, I recommend using pasteurized eggs. These eggs have been treated to kill bacteria. They are safe for making eggnog. If you cannot find pasteurized eggs, you can cook the eggnog mixture gently. This will ensure the eggs are safe to consume. Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter eggnog, add more sugar. You can also use maple syrup or honey as alternatives. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect sweetness for your Cozy Cranberry Eggnog. This article guides you through making Cozy Cranberry Eggnog. We discussed key ingredients, including the best cranberry juice and optional garnishes. The step-by-step instructions cover crucial points like tempering eggs. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can try fun variations, like vegan options or adding spices. Proper storage and reheating tips help your drink last longer. Embrace creativity and enjoy your holiday drink with loved ones!

Cozy Cranberry Eggnog

A rich and creamy eggnog infused with cranberry juice for a festive twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3.75 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup cranberry juice
  • to taste fresh cranberries and cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale yellow and creamy in texture.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and ground nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes steaming hot but does not reach a boil.
  • Slowly and gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and return to the stovetop. Cook over low heat, stirring gently and continuously for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and cranberry juice until fully incorporated.
  • Allow the eggnog to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours or until the eggnog is thoroughly cold.
  • Before serving, give the chilled eggnog a good stir to remix any settled ingredients. Carefully pour into glasses and beautifully garnish each serving with a handful of fresh cranberries and a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Serve in festive glassware or mugs, topped with a sprinkle of additional nutmeg for a touch of elegance.
Keyword cranberry, eggnog, holiday drink