Spiced Maple Eggnog is the perfect cozy drink for the holiday season, combining the warmth of spices with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. This homemade version is a delightful twist on the classic eggnog, offering a comforting, aromatic experience that’s perfect for festive gatherings.
The foundation of this recipe is, of course, eggs. They give the eggnog its creamy, rich texture. The granulated sugar sweetens the mix just right, balancing the spices and the cream. Whole milk and heavy cream together create that luxurious, smooth mouthfeel we all crave in a good eggnog. The star twist in this recipe is the pure maple syrup, which adds a distinct, earthy sweetness that feels just right for the season. The trio of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—bring warmth and depth, while vanilla extract ties everything together with its fragrant richness. Finally, bourbon is optional for those who enjoy a spiked version.
This Spiced Maple Eggnog pairs beautifully with a slice of gingerbread or a handful of spiced nuts. For a festive touch, rim the glasses with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before pouring in the eggnog. It’s an elegant way to serve at holiday parties or cozy nights in.
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Crack 4 large eggs into the pan and add in 1 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. You want the mixture to be smooth and slightly thickened.
Next, pour in 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly. This is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Heat the mixture for about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it—don’t let it come to a boil. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to thicken slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Once it’s reached the right consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Give it a good mix so the spices are evenly distributed.
Let the mixture cool down to room temperature. If you’re going for the adult version, this is the time to add 1/2 cup of bourbon. Stir it in until fully incorporated.
Transfer your eggnog to a container with a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the eggnog into glasses and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness!
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