Description
Scoop up some holiday cheer with this rich and creamy Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream! A perfect frozen twist on a festive favorite, this easy recipe blends nutmeg, vanilla, and a splash of bourbon or rum into a luscious custard base. Whether you serve it on its own or paired with holiday cookies, it’s a decadent treat you’ll crave all season. Great for Christmas dessert, winter dinner parties, or whenever you want a cozy, sweet escape. This is the ultimate easy holiday dessert, ideal for make-ahead party food, frozen treats, and Christmas food ideas.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
5 large egg yolks
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup bourbon, dark rum, or brandy
Optional: crushed gingersnaps or shortbread for topping
Optional: freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Stir and heat until just simmering. Do not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt until pale and thick.
3. Slowly temper the yolks by pouring ½ cup of the hot cream into them while whisking constantly.
4. Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan. Cook on medium-low, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
5. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and alcohol. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
6. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. For churned: Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. For no-churn: Pour into a loaf pan and freeze for 4–6 hours, stirring once or twice early on.
9. Scoop and serve with nutmeg on top and optional cookie crumbles for texture.
Notes
For best flavor, let the custard chill overnight before freezing.
Don’t skip straining the custard—this guarantees a silky texture.
If using alcohol, stick to ¼ cup max so the ice cream sets properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Custard-based, churned or no-churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 180mg