Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream 🍨🥂 (Holiday Spirit in Every Scoop)
JojoM adapted from Jeni Britton Bauer
A festive boozy eggnog ice cream made with Jeni Britton Bauer’s egg-free base—rich cream, warming spices, and a splash of rum or bourbon for holiday cheer.
Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream 🍨🥂 (Holiday Spirit in Every Scoop)
When it comes to holiday desserts, few flavors scream Christmas like eggnog 🎄✨. Jeni Britton Bauer takes the classic creamy drink and transforms it into a festive frozen treat. This boozy eggnog ice cream blends warming spices, rich cream, and a splash of rum or bourbon for the ultimate holiday indulgence. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or as a unique Christmas dessert, this recipe brings the spirit of the season to every scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Ice Cream
- 🎁 Festive Flavor – Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cream recreate the cozy taste of eggnog.
- 🥂 Boozy Twist – Rum or bourbon adds just the right amount of warmth.
- 🍨 Egg-Free Base – Jeni’s signature technique gives a smooth and creamy texture without eggs.
- ❄️ Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert – Stays fresh in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this holiday ice cream recipe, you’ll need:
- Whole milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese for the base 🥛
- Cornstarch for thickening
- Sugar and light corn syrup for sweetness
- Freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon for warm spice ✨
- Dark rum or bourbon for that festive kick 🥂
How to Make Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream
- Cook the base – Simmer milk, cream, sugar, and spices, then thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk in cream cheese – Creates a silky, egg-free custard base.
- Chill completely – Use an ice bath for quick cooling.
- Add alcohol & churn – Stir in rum or bourbon before churning in your ice cream maker.
- Freeze & serve – Let it firm up in the freezer for a few hours before scooping.
Tips for the Perfect Scoop
- ✨ Use freshly grated nutmeg for the most aromatic flavor.
- ❄️ Make sure the base is completely chilled before churning.
- 🥃 Add alcohol after cooling to preserve the boozy flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Top with whipped cream and extra nutmeg for a true eggnog experience.
- Pair with gingerbread cookies or a slice of fruitcake for a festive dessert plate.
- Serve as an adult treat at holiday gatherings. 🎉
FAQ
Can I skip the alcohol in this recipe?
Yes! You can leave it out for a family-friendly version. The flavor will still be festive thanks to the spices.
Which alcohol works best—rum or bourbon?
Both are great! Rum adds a sweeter, vanilla-like flavor while bourbon gives a smoky, caramel depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—this ice cream keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.
Boozy Eggnog Ice Cream 🍨🥂 (Holiday Spirit in Every Scoop)
JojoM adapted from Jeni Britton BauerA festive boozy eggnog ice cream made with Jeni Britton Bauer’s egg-free base—rich cream, warming spices, and a splash of rum or bourbon for holiday cheer.
Chef's Tips
Use freshly grated nutmeg for the most aromatic holiday flavor.
Chill the base completely before churning for a creamier scoop.
Adjust alcohol to taste; add just before churning so it doesn’t cook off.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
Instructions
Cook the Base
- 1
Whisk 2 tbsp of milk with cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- 2
In another bowl, whisk cream cheese and salt until smooth.
- 3
Combine remaining milk, cream, sugar, corn syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- 4
Bring mixture to a rolling boil for 4 minutes.
- 5
Remove from heat, whisk in cornstarch slurry, then return to boil for 1 minute until thickened.
- 6
Slowly whisk hot mixture into cream cheese until silky.
Chill & Churn
- 1
Cool the base quickly in an ice bath for 30 minutes.
- 2
Stir in rum or bourbon once the mixture is fully chilled.
- 3
Churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy.
- 4
Pack into a container, press parchment on top, and freeze at least 4 hours before serving.
Comments & Reviews
Emily
9/26/2025
Perfect for holiday parties—everyone raved about it.
Tom
9/25/2025
Loved the nutmeg kick with bourbon, will definitely make again.
Sarah
9/24/2025
This tastes like Christmas in a scoop—boozy, creamy, and festive!
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 scoop (about 100g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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