By Becky Hardin
Published Nov 1, 2016
I dream about this salted caramel eggnog all year long! It’s such a comforting, nostalgic, festive thing to sip on throughout fall and winter, especially at parties or holiday get-togethers. The salted caramel elevates this eggnog recipe to the next level, and it feels so classy and decadent. It’s such a simple upgrade, but I think it really makes all the difference.
I love eggnog . It’s so creamy, so rich, and so flavorful– perfect for the holiday season! This salted caramel eggnog might be my new favorite version. Not only is it a super simple recipe, but it’s just so tasty. It’s extra special because I filled it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, and, of course, caramel. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty!
What’s in This Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe?
- Whole Milk: Makes the nog super rich and creamy. Any kind of milk will work, but I have found that whole milk makes the richest nog.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Thickens the nog and makes it even creamier. For a lower-cal option, use half-and-half instead, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse the drink with warmth.
- Vanilla Extract : Enhances the warm flavor of the drink.
- Nutmeg: Adds extra warmth and depth to the drink.
- Eggs: Make this nog super rich and thick.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the drink.
- Caramel Syrup: This is a bit thinner and sweeter than my caramel sauce , but it blends beautifully into the drink and infuses it with caramel flavor.
- Sea Salt: Enhances the caramel flavor of the drink.
- Dark Rum: This is totally optional, but super delish if you’re looking for a more adult version of this tasty drink.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to use caramel syrup, not caramel sauce. Syrup is thinner and blends better into the drink. Caramel sauce may turn out clumpy.
- Let the hot liquid cool slightly before adding the eggs so you don’t accidentally cook them.
- I rimmed my glasses with caramel syrup and dipped them in coarse sugar for a beautiful presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover salted caramel eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot set over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This salted caramel eggnog is so good with my salted caramel chocolate fudge or salted caramel puppy chow . It goes with just about any caramel dessert!
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 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
- ▢ 5 large eggs 250 grams
- ▢ ⅔ cup granulated sugar 133 grams
- ▢ 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
Video
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Be careful when bringing to a boil that the milk doesn’t boil over the pan. As soon as you see it bubbling, remove from heat. 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 4 cinnamon sticks, ¾ tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Allow to sit for at least 5-10 minutes to steep. (you want to make sure the milk mixture isn’t hot enough to cook the eggs once added. So allow to sit for a little bit off the heat before the next step) :)
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high/high until fully combined. 5 large eggs, ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- Pour the egg mixture into the milk and whisk quickly until fully combined.
- Add caramel, sea salt, and rum (if using). Continue whisking to fully combine. ½ cup caramel syrup, 1 tablespoon sea salt, ¾ cup dark rum
- When you’re ready to serve, beat the egg whites on high until foamy peaks form. (this is optional). 2 large egg whites*
- Pour the eggnog into the glass leaving a bit of room at the top. Top with fluffy egg whites (optional)
- Garnish with nutmeg and caramel sauce.
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Stand Mixer
Becky’s Tips
- *As always, consuming raw eggs is at your own risk and totally up to each individual person.
- I recommend using half as much salt if you plan to use table salt instead of sea salt.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Salted Caramel Eggnog Step by Step
Heat the Milk: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 4 cinnamon sticks, ¾ tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as you see it bubbling, remove from heat. Allow to sit for at least 5-10 minutes to steep.
Beat the Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 5 large eggs and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar on medium-high/high until fully combined.
Combine the Eggs and Milk: Pour the egg mixture into the milk and whisk quickly until fully combined.
Add the Caramel: Add ½ cup of caramel syrup, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, and ¾ cup of dark rum (if using). Continue whisking to fully combine.
Top and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, optionally beat 2 large egg whites on high until foamy peaks form. Pour the eggnog into the glass leaving a bit of room at the top. Top with the fluffy egg whites and garnish with more nutmeg and caramel sauce.
More Caramel Cocktail Recipes to Try!
Caramel Apple Hot Toddy Cocktail
Caramel Apple Sangria (Apple Pie Sangria)
Crockpot Caramel Apple Cider
Sparkling Apple Pie on the Rocks (Apple Cider Cocktail)
Salted Caramel Eggnog Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Stand Mixer
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
- 5 large eggs 250 grams
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar 133 grams
- 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
- In a large saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Be careful when bringing to a boil that the milk doesn’t boil over the pan. As soon as you see it bubbling, remove from heat. 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 4 cinnamon sticks, ¾ tablespoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Allow to sit for at least 5-10 minutes to steep. (you want to make sure the milk mixture isn’t hot enough to cook the eggs once added. So allow to sit for a little bit off the heat before the next step) :)
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high/high until fully combined. 5 large eggs, ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- Pour the egg mixture into the milk and whisk quickly until fully combined.
- Add caramel, sea salt, and rum (if using). Continue whisking to fully combine. ½ cup caramel syrup, 1 tablespoon sea salt, ¾ cup dark rum
- When you’re ready to serve, beat the egg whites on high until foamy peaks form. (this is optional). 2 large egg whites*
- Pour the eggnog into the glass leaving a bit of room at the top. Top with fluffy egg whites (optional)
- Garnish with nutmeg and caramel sauce.
Video
Notes
- *As always, consuming raw eggs is at your own risk and totally up to each individual person.
- I recommend using half as much salt if you plan to use table salt instead of sea salt.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
