This Mexican eggnog is rich and velvety with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and citrus zest infused throughout. It's a traditional, gently spiced holiday drink that can be enjoyed with or without rum.
Place milk, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, clove and orange zest in saucepan.
Watching carefully, bring to simmer, lower heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Do not walk away because you must adjust heat after covering it, or it might boil over.
Remove from heat, still covered, and steep for 30 minutes.
Uncover milk mixture and strain out cinnamon sticks, clove and orange peel. Stir in nutmeg.
Allow to cool while separating eggs and placing yolks in bowl of mixer. Beat yolks until pale yellow and thick.
Ladle in warm milk mixture in thin stream while beating on medium-high speed to prevent eggs from cooking.
When all milk has been added, return to saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until nog has thickened enough to coat back of spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and rum.
Serve warm or, even better, chill overnight to allow flavors to blend before serving.