Place the half and half, milk, cider, eggs, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a large saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat while whisking constantly (so you don’t have scrambled eggs!) for 15 to 20 minutes, until the nog thickens slightly and can easily coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat but continue to whisk for another minute or two.

Stir in the bourbon if desired, either in the entire pot or a few ounces into each glass. Serve in mugs with some fresh whipped cream for topping, a cinnamon stick, apple slices and a few grates of fresh nutmeg.