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Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1 quart 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Churned Ice Cream
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Capture the festive magic of the holidays with this *Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream*! Rich, creamy, and laced with warm holiday spices and a splash of bourbon, it transforms classic eggnog into a frozen dessert you’ll crave year-round. This easy recipe is perfect for entertaining, whether you need a quick Christmas dessert, a creamy addition to your holiday dinner ideas, or just a cold treat with cozy flavors. With its custard-style base, this recipe offers a smooth, luxurious texture, balanced with just the right hint of nutmeg and vanilla. If you’re looking for fun food ideas or a new twist on holiday classics, this easy recipe is a must-try!


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup granulated sugar

5 large egg yolks

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 to 1/3 cup bourbon or spiced rum

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)


Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, salt, and optional cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is steaming and just starting to bubble around the edges. Do not boil.

2. While the cream is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale and slightly thickened.

3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

4. Gradually whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the rest of the hot cream.

5. Cook the custard over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170–175°F). Do not let it boil.

6. Remove from heat and strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any solids.

7. Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon or spiced rum. Let the mixture cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

8. Once chilled, churn the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

9. Transfer to a freezer-safe container. Press parchment or plastic wrap against the surface and seal with a lid. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

10. Scoop into bowls or cones, sprinkle with nutmeg if desired, and serve!


Notes

Chill the custard thoroughly before churning to achieve the best texture and proper freezing.

Always strain the custard to remove curdled egg bits and ensure a silky-smooth result.

Alcohol not only flavors the ice cream but also improves texture by lowering the freezing point.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 65mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: boozy ice cream, eggnog dessert, holiday ice cream, easy Christmas dessert, frozen eggnog, quick dessert idea