Description
This Date Sweetened Eggnog is a creamy, naturally sweetened holiday beverage made with whole or plant-based milk, blended dates, warming spices, and a hint of bourbon or rum. It offers a healthier twist on classic eggnog by using Medjool dates as a natural sweetener, delivering rich flavor and smooth texture without refined sugar.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 2 cups whole milk or coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or cashew cream
Sweetener
- 5 large Medjool dates, pitted
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- ¼ cup bourbon or rum
Instructions
- Blend Milk and Dates: Blend the milk, cream, and pitted Medjool dates in a blender until completely smooth. If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, pass the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any date fibers.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly whisk the blended milk and date mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to ensure even incorporation.
- Cook Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook the mixture while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bourbon or rum if you choose to add it.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the eggnog to a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top for garnish.
Notes
- This recipe uses raw eggs that are gently cooked, but ensure your eggs are fresh and from a reliable source for safety.
- For a vegan version, use coconut milk and cashew cream, and substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer or silken tofu blended thickly.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the number of dates used according to your preference.
- Do not boil the eggnog mixture to prevent it from curdling; gentle heating is key.
- The bourbon or rum is optional; leaving it out still yields a delicious, family-friendly drink.
