"You'll need a glass (or two) to wash down your Christmas cookies...."
heavy cream
(1-inch) piece ginger, sliced
pure vanilla extract
whole cloves, crushed
allspice berries, crushed
cinnamon sticks, broken
freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for serving
whole milk, divided
8 large eggs, separated
granulated sugar
Pinch kosher salt
to 1 c. dark rum, cognac, bourbon, or a combination