Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe

Introduction

I feel like every holiday season, I have at least a drink that makes me instantly feel like twinkling lights, carols, and evenings at the fireplace, and that is the Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe. It is creamy and full and rightly spiced, and it has that slight sense of warmth which seems like a hug in a mug. I am not joking when I say that after tasting it the first time, I felt that Christmas had not only been bottled but poured directly into my glass.

The thing is that now I am a chef, and of course, I like to take some popular classics and make them mine. There is indeed Evan Williams, who sells their well-known pre-mixed eggnog, but it is not comparable to making your own. 

You decide how creamy, in what amount of spice, and how much boozy kick, and so this classic of the holiday is just the way you like it. And trust me, once you have made it yourself, you will never go back.

So today, I’m sharing my Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe, the way I prepare it for family, friends, and honestly—myself (because I fully believe chefs deserve their own private stash of good eggnog).

What is Evan Williams Eggnog?

You have likely noticed that familiar bottle of Evan Williams Eggnog in the liquor aisle in December. It is a creamy cocktail that fundamentally is a shortcut to holiday cheer. Imaginatively, it is a sweet and custardy beverage with bourbon whiskey, rum, and brandy.

Pre-bottled is yummy; however, the homemade spin allows you to make the same smooth, velvety taste, with fresher ingredients. Eggnog is essentially a blend of eggs, sugar, cream, and spices, which are warm and enhanced by Evan Williams with that cock of bourbon. 

It isn’t overly alcoholic, sickly, or treacly, and spiced just to the point of feeling festive.

The Story of My Discovery

I can recall the first time I encountered Evan Williams Eggnog. It happened at a Christmas party at one of my neighbors, who may be called Janet, the queen of Christmas parties. 

This palest golden stuff sprinkled with nutmeg was poured out in a huge bowl of punch, and they had all been back to the well many times.

I had my doubts initially since, frankly speaking, the concept of egg and nog did not exactly sound appetizing. But one sip later, I was hooked. It was smooth, silky, creamy, sweet, and that touch of bourbon, which glowed in me like fire. It was like dessert in a glass with an adult touch.

That night I enquired of Janet her secret. She bent over and told a secret, Ewan Williams. Since then, I have strived to recreate that home holiday magic. And during the year, I have refined my recipe and now have a creamy, boozy, and always comfortable version.

Equipment List

Making homemade Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, but here’s what you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl
• A medium saucepan
• A hand whisk or electric mixer
• A ladle (for serving)
• A fine mesh strainer (if you want it extra smooth)
• A big festive glass pitcher or punch bowl
• Glass mugs or coupe glasses

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Evan Williams Bourbon
• ¼ cup dark rum (optional)
• ¼ cup brandy (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Whisk the eggs in a large bowl till it is pale and frothy. The sugar should be added gradually and cooled with a whisk.

Step 2

Heat the milk in a saucepan with cinnamon and nutmeg. No boiling it, you only need it hot enough to bring out the aroma of the spices.

Step 3

Gradually add a small amount of the warm milk to the egg mixture and mix continuously to prevent scrambling of the eggs. After tempering, place the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk.

Step 4

Cook over low heat and stir constantly till the mixture is sticky on the back of a spoon. This will leave your eggnog smooth.

Step 5

Take out of the heat, strain through as fine a mesh as you want, and allow to cool somewhat.

Step 6

Blend in the heavy cream, vanilla, bourbon, rum, and brandy. Sip it–would you like it more zesty? Pour in some more Evan Williams.

Step 7

Store and refrigerate at least 2 hours prior to serving. Ladle into mugs when prepared and sprinkle with nutmeg, and begin to experience the glow of the holidays.

Tasting Notes: Why It is Special.

This Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe has all that you desire in a holiday drink. It is rich, yet not heavy; sweet, yet moderate, and the Evan Williams bourbon gives it that warm caramel taste. 

The rum adds richness to the flavour, and the brandy gives it a roundness of fruit. Then add to it the soft spices and creamy mouth feel, and you have a beverage that seems to be coating you in a cashmere blanket.

Variations to Try For Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe

Non-Alcoholic Version: Leave out the liquor and use more milk or cream. And you will have that sweet custard taste.

Frozen Eggnog: Mix up leftovers with ice cream to create the holiday milkshake feel.

Twist Coffee: To make an Eggnog Latte, pour in a shot of espresso into your glass.

Swapped Spiced Rum: In place of plain dark rum, use spiced rum to add additional holiday spirit.

Tips from My Kitchen

• Fresh eggs are always used, and you can also use pasteurized eggs in case you are afraid of raw eggs.
• Make it ahead! Eggnog is even better when left overnight–the flavours harmonize.
• Should you love froth, wipe the cream and put it in at the last.

When to Serve Evan Williams Eggnog

This is a recipe that is brightest during holiday seasons. Imagine Christmas Eve parties, New Year’s Eve celebrations, or cold nights when the outside world is too scary. I also enjoy a batch of brunch with friends, since there is nothing that you cannot call eggnog as a brunch beverage.

Pairing Ideas

Snacks: Gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, shortbread.

Savory snacks: A cheese platter of sharp cheddar, brie, and salty crackers serves to balance the sweetness.

Breakfast combinations: Warm cinnamon roll or French toast.

Final Thoughts

It is a kind of miracle to make your own Evan Williams Eggnog Recipe and bring a little old-fashioned holiday magic into your house. It is creamy, dreamy, and slightly boozy enough to give you the giggles after one or two glasses. 

Whenever I make it, I recollect that first taste I had at Janet’s party and smile, since in my case, eggnog is not a drink, period. It is one of the memories, traditions, and a small hint that the best part of the holidays is to share something warm and delicious with the people you love.

Go ahead–get yourself a glass of milk, shake a little nutmeg over it, and make yourself enjoy every creamy draught. Well, that is what the season is, right?