If you have a soft spot for cozy holiday drinks that balance sweet, creamy richness with a subtle salty twist, you absolutely must try this Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe. It’s a luscious upgrade to traditional eggnog, combining velvety whole milk and cream with warm spices, indulgent caramel syrup, and just the right pinch of sea salt. Whether you enjoy it with or without a splash of rum, this festive concoction feels like a hug in a glass, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring by the fire on chilly evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from adding creaminess and spice to delivering that signature salted caramel flavor that sets this twist apart.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures a smooth texture throughout.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Adds luscious thickness and an irresistible velvety mouthfeel.
- Cinnamon sticks (4): Infuse gentle warmth and aromatic depth while steeping.
- Pure vanilla extract (¾ tablespoon): Brings subtle sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Grated nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Offers a classic holiday spice touch, perfectly fragrant.
- Large eggs (5): Build the rich, custardy foundation that makes classic eggnog magical.
- Granulated sugar (â…” cup): Sweetens the mixture just right without overpowering.
- Caramel syrup (½ cup, plus more for garnish): The star ingredient that injects decadent sweetness and that irresistible salted caramel character.
- Sea salt (1 tablespoon, plus more for garnish): Balances sweetness and highlights complex flavor notes beautifully.
- Dark rum (¾ cup, optional): Adds warming depth and a boozy edge if you want to keep things spirited.
- Large egg whites (2, optional for garnish): Whipped into fluffy peaks for a stunning and airy finish.
How to Make Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Milk and Cream Mix
Start with a large saucepan where you’ll gently combine whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg. Heat it over medium until it just begins to bubble. Watch carefully so it doesn’t boil over. This process lets the warm spices infuse fully, creating a fragrant base that elevates the whole drink.
Step 2: Let the Flavors Steep
Once bubbling, take the saucepan off the heat and allow your mixture to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This cooling step is crucial — you want to ensure the milk mixture isn’t too hot to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely, setting you up for a perfectly smooth eggnog.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar Together
While the milk mixture is steeping, grab your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the eggs and granulated sugar on medium-high until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened, which ensures a well-integrated sweetness and structure for your eggnog base.
Step 4: Combine Egg Mixture with Milk Base
Pour the beaten egg mixture into the slightly cooled milk and cream base, whisking quickly but gently to blend everything smoothly. This step requires a bit of speed so the eggs distribute evenly without cooking or curdling, ensuring your eggnog remains silky.
Step 5: Add the Salted Caramel and Rum
Stir in the luscious caramel syrup along with sea salt to strike that perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you want to give your eggnog a spirited twist, add the dark rum here as well. Whisk everything together until the caramel fully melds into the mixture, giving the drink its indulgent, signature flavor.
Step 6: Optional Egg Whites for Fluffy Top
If you want to add a bit of drama and extra texture, beat the two egg whites on high speed until foamy peaks form. This topping adds a delicate, cloud-like finish that’s sure to impress your guests visually and texturally.
Step 7: Pour and Top
Spoon or pour the eggnog carefully into glasses, leaving some room at the top for the whipped egg whites if using. This step is all about presentation, ensuring each sip is balanced with creamy goodness and that light, fluffy topping.
Step 8: Garnish with Nutmeg and Caramel
Just before serving, sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg and drizzle extra caramel syrup over the top. A pinch of sea salt garnish on the whipped egg whites adds that delightful salty crunch, crowning your Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe with show-stopping flavor.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make all the difference. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg adds warm, aromatic notes, while a drizzle of caramel syrup brings extra sweetness and visually reminiscent golden hues. A light dusting of sea salt heightens the flavor profile and adds a subtle crunch that dances on the palate.
Side Dishes
This salted caramel eggnog pairs wonderfully with rich holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, buttery shortbread, or even spiced nuts. The creamy texture balances out crisp or crunchy snacks beautifully, making for an inviting and balanced festivity spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable presentation, try serving your Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe in clear glass mugs or coupe glasses so the layered colors and whipped topping shine. You can rim the glasses with sugar and a touch of sea salt to hint at the flavor inside. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer not only looks festive but infuses an extra pinch of aromatic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This eggnog keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate any settled ingredients and keep that silky consistency intact.
Freezing
Because of the eggs and dairy, freezing homemade eggnog isn’t recommended as it can separate and affect the smooth texture. For best results, enjoy this recipe fresh or within the refrigerated timeframe.
Reheating
If you prefer your eggnog warm, reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling by stirring frequently to keep the eggnog smooth and prevent curdling. This way, you can enjoy the comforting warmth without losing the luscious flavor and texture you worked hard to create.
FAQs
Can I make this Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?
Absolutely! The dark rum is optional and can simply be omitted for a family-friendly version that still tastes indulgent and rich. The caramel and spices do all the heavy lifting on flavor, so you’ll still enjoy a delicious drink.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in this recipe?
Using fresh, high-quality eggs reduces risk, and many people enjoy traditional eggnog with raw eggs. If you have concerns, you can use pasteurized eggs or cook the mixture gently in a double boiler before adding the caramel and salt to ensure safety.
Can I substitute the caramel syrup with homemade caramel sauce?
Yes! Homemade caramel sauce can make this drink even more special. Just be sure it’s smooth and pourable so it blends easily into the eggnog base.
How long does this Salted Caramel Eggnog keep once made?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh and tasty for about 3 days. Always stir it well before serving, especially if it has separated slightly.
What can I use instead of sea salt in this recipe?
If you don’t have sea salt, kosher salt works well too. Just be cautious with the quantity, as different salts have different intensities. The goal is to highlight the caramel’s sweetness, not overpower it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way this Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe combines creamy comfort with that perfect spark of salted sweetness. Whether you’re cozying up for the holidays or simply want a show-stopping festive treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl—once you taste it, it’s bound to become one of your seasonal favorites too!
Print
Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 generous glasses
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Salted Caramel Eggnog recipe offers a rich, creamy twist on a holiday classic by blending traditional eggnog flavors with the irresistible combination of caramel and sea salt. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and optionally enhanced with dark rum and fluffy whipped egg whites for a festive presentation, this recipe yields four generous servings of a luxurious, comforting seasonal beverage.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk (681 grams)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (227 grams)
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- ¾ tablespoon pure vanilla extract (9 grams)
- 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg (3 grams)
Egg Mixture
- 5 large eggs (250 grams)
- â…” cup granulated sugar (133 grams)
Flavoring & Garnish
- ½ cup caramel syrup (160 grams, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (9 grams, plus more for garnish)
- ¾ cup dark rum (170 grams, optional)
- 2 large egg whites (70 grams, optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the milk mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, and grated nutmeg. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, carefully monitoring to prevent spilling as soon as the mixture starts bubbling, remove it from the heat.
- Steep the spices: Let the mixture sit off the heat for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cinnamon and nutmeg to infuse the milk, and to cool it slightly so it won’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Beat eggs and sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Combine egg mixture with milk: Slowly pour the beaten egg and sugar mixture into the cooled milk mixture, whisking rapidly to combine thoroughly and prevent scrambling.
- Add caramel, salt and rum: Stir in the caramel syrup, sea salt, and dark rum if using. Continue whisking until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Optional – whip egg whites: When ready to serve, beat the egg whites on high speed until foamy peaks form to create a light, fluffy topping.
- Serve: Pour the eggnog into glasses, leaving some space at the top for the whipped egg whites if using.
- Garnish: Top with the whipped egg whites (optional), then sprinkle with grated nutmeg and drizzle additional caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt to garnish.
Notes
- Ensure the milk mixture cools slightly before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- Dark rum is optional and can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Beating egg whites for garnish adds a light texture contrast and visual appeal but is not mandatory.
- Use fresh whole eggs and pasteurize if concerned about raw egg consumption.
- Adjust sea salt amount to balance sweetness, especially when garnishing with caramel.
