What is the Difference Between Eggnog and Custard

Eggnog and custard are both milk-based holiday treats. They’re made with milk, cream, and eggs and are rich, creamy, and tasty. They’re especially popular during Christmas. However, they have different ingredients, preparation, and textures.

What is the difference between eggnog and custard? Custard generally has a thicker texture than eggnog. Eggnog typically uses spices and alcoholic beverages like rum and whiskey whereas boiled custard does not use these.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Eggnog 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Boiled Custard
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Eggnog and Custard
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Eggnog and Custard
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Eggnog and Custard
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Eggnog, Boiled Custard, Custard

What is Eggnog 

Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink made from milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites. It has a smooth and frothy texture. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are often added for extra flavor. Many people also mix in alcohol, such as rum, brandy, whiskey, or bourbon. Eggnog is traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, especially from November to late December. Eggnog is usually served cold. However, some people like to warm it up, especially on chilly winter days, like mulled wine.

Eggnog is popular in North America, Australia, and some parts of Europe. Countries like Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Trinidad also have a similar version called Ponche Crema. It is also a traditional Christmas drink. In addition to being a drink, eggnog flavor is also used in other treats, such as egg-custard puddings, lattes, and even tea. Many grocery stores sell ready-made eggnog during the holiday season. But you can also make it easily using fresh ingredients. Some people make it raw, while some people use cooking (which is better in terms of safety). The recipe for cooked eggnog is given below.

First, heat milk, cream, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan until warm. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then slowly add some of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs. Combine everything back in the saucepan and cook over low heat. Keep stirring constantly until it thickens. Once it’s cooled, fold in whipped egg whites to get a frothy texture. You can also add rum, brandy, or whiskey.

What is Boiled Custard

Boiled custard is a sweet, creamy dessert made from milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. It has a texture similar to a mix of eggnog and pudding. It is especially popular during the holiday season and is often served at Christmas gatherings.
To make boiled custard, you have to first gently heat milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Meanwhile, beat eggs and egg yolks separately. Mix some of the warm milk slowly into the eggs before adding them back into the main mixture.

Cook the custard over low to medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat a spoon. You can add vanilla to get a good flavor. Generally, most recipes include straining the mixture to ensure smoothness. If you overcook it, it may become lumpy, but beating it with a mixer can help restore its texture. To prevent a skin from forming, place a plastic wrap directly on its surface while cooling. Some people enjoy it plain, while others sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Similarities Between Eggnog and Custard

1. Both are made with milk and cream and have a rich, creamy texture.
2. Both use eggs, which help thicken the mixture.
3. They are popular during the holiday season, especially around Christmas.

Difference Between Eggnog and Custard

Definition

• Eggnog is a thin, pourable drink, while custard is thicker, pudding-like dessert or a thick sauce.

Texture

• Eggnog generally has a thinner texture than boiled custard.

Ingredients

• Eggnog contains milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and often nutmeg or cinnamon. Many versions also include alcohol (like rum or bourbon), while custard is made with milk, eggs, and sugar but is usually cooked until it thickens. It does not typically contain spices or alcohol.

Preparation

• Eggnog is usually served cold and can be either cooked or made raw, while custard is always cooked to thicken and is served warm or chilled.

FAQ: Eggnog and Custard

1. Are eggnog and custard the same thing?

• Eggnog and custard are not the same thing. Boiled custard is always cooked and has a thicker texture. Boiled custard is not exactly drinkable. In fact, it’s more like pudding.

2. Does eggnog taste like egg custard?

• Eggnog and egg custard have a similar sweet and creamy taste. This is because they share ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and eggs. However, eggnog is thinner and frothy. It often has a spicy flavor from nutmeg or cinnamon.

3. What’s the difference between custard and egg custard?

• Custard is a general term for a creamy dessert made by thickening milk or cream with ingredients like cornstarch, flour, or gelatin. It may or may not contain eggs. However, egg custard specifically uses eggs as the thickening agent.

4. What tastes similar to eggnog?

• Eggnog tastes similar to vanilla custard, melted ice cream, or a milkshake with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It also has a taste similar to boiled custard. If spiked with alcohol, it can taste like a creamy cocktail.

5. Why is it called eggnog?

• There are different ideas about the origin of the word eggnog. Some believe that the word “nog” originally meant a strong beer brewed in East Anglia. It was first used in 1693. Another idea is that “nog” comes from “noggin,” a Middle English word for a small wooden mug used to serve alcohol.

Reference:

1. “What is Boiled Custard?” Garden & Gun.

2. “Eggnog.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Credit:

1. “Egg Nog Bottle Near Cupcake, Red Berry Fruits, and Ice Cold Drinks” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Double-boiled egg white milk custard with bird’s nest” By City Foodsters (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr