Ingredients
| Whole milk |
2 cups
|
| Heavy cream |
1 cup
|
| Sugar |
2/3 cup
|
| Egg yolks (large) |
6
|
| Vanilla extract |
1 tsp
|
| Table salt |
1/3 tsp
|
| Cold-brewed espresso (or strong cold-brewed concentration) |
1-2 oz. (to taste or for serving)
|
| Optional: Coffee liqueur, dark or spiced rum |
1/2 to 1 oz.
|
| Optional: Freshly ground nutmeg | |
| Optional: Shaved dark chocolate |
For garnish
|
Directions
- WARM Dairy: In a medium saucepan, WARM the milk and cream over medium heat until steaming.
- TEMPER: In bowl, SHICK sugar + egg yolks until thickened and lightened, 30–60 seconds. Slowly WHISK in half of the hot milk and cream mixture. POUR mixture back into the saucepan.
- HEAT to Safe Temperature: Constantly STIR with a silicone spatula over medium/medium-low until the custard covers the spatula and reaches 165–170°F (2–5 min after initial steam). DO NOT BOIL.
- COMPLETE Base: REMOVE from heat, then STIR in vanilla and salt.
- CHILL Fast: STRAIN through a superfine sieve into a pitcher over an ice bath. STIR until cold, then COVER until cold (at least 2 hours).
- SERVE: FILL glasses cold with nog and STIR cold espresso in (starting with 1 oz; up to 2 oz to taste for a stronger profile). If desired, ADD spirits. TOP OFF with nutmeg or chocolate.
Insider Tips
- Sweeter, Creamier: Whisk in up to ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk off the heat after the base reaches 165°F, then strain and chill for a smooth, dessert-like finish.
-
Quick Chill: To cool fast, pour the hot custard into a pitcher set over an ice bath. Stir until cold, then refrigerate.
-
Make-Ahead: The base can be made up to 3 days in advance. Add espresso only at serving time to keep flavors fresh and prevent bitterness.
-
Storage: Keep refrigerated and use within 3 days.
-
Serving Temperature: Serve well-chilled, or warm gently to about 140°F — never boil, or it may curdle.
-
For a Crowd: Making 12 cups? Double the base recipe, then mix espresso and any sweetener to taste in smaller batches before serving.
- Time Saver Tip: If using store bought eggnog, start with a high quality nog as your silky, reliable base then stir in chilled espresso just before serving for a rich, café-style twist in seconds.