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✨ Learn how to make Homemade Eggnog from scratch! A holiday favorite that’s smooth, creamy, and full of Christmas cheer.
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If the holidays had a flavor, it would be eggnog. This creamy, custard-like drink has been enjoyed for generations and is still a must-have at Christmas parties. Making your own eggnog recipe at home is easier than you think, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. Whether you call it eggnog or egg nog, this egg nog recipe will become a holiday tradition in your home.
It’s the kind of drink that instantly feels cozy and festive, like sitting by the tree with holiday music in the background. Every sip is smooth, lightly spiced, and perfectly comforting on a cold night. Making it at home also lets you adjust the flavor and sweetness exactly the way you like it.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and rich texture that feels like a holiday treat
- Easy to make with simple ingredients from your pantry
- Can be served plain or spiked for adults
- Tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought egg nog
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- egg yolks – no substitute recommended for authentic egg nog
- granulated sugar – substitute with light brown sugar for a deeper flavor
- milk – whole milk works best, but 2% can be used
- ground nutmeg – substitute with allspice or mace
- cinnamon – can omit or use pumpkin pie spice instead
- heavy cream – substitute with half and half, but the texture will be thinner
- vanilla extract – almond extract can be used for a nutty twist
✨ Variations
- Spiked eggnog – add bourbon, brandy, rum, or whiskey for a boozy holiday drink
- Dairy-free eggnog recipe – use almond or oat milk with coconut cream
- Extra spiced – increase the cinnamon and nutmeg, or add cloves for a stronger flavor
🔥 Tips
- Whisk constantly when tempering to avoid scrambled eggs
- Chill thoroughly before serving for the best flavor
- Top each glass with freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
- Use pasteurized eggs if you’re worried about safety
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❓ FAQs
Eggnog is a custard-like holiday drink often served at Christmas, sometimes spiked with alcohol.
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance because the flavors have time to meld. Just store it covered in the fridge until serving.
Add ½ cup of brandy, bourbon, whiskey, or rum before chilling.
The tempering process gently cooks the yolks, but for complete safety, continue cooking until the mixture reaches a temperature of 165°F. Watch carefully to avoid scrambling.
If stored within 4 days (non-spiked) or up to 1 week (spiked), it’s safe. Stir well to recombine before serving.
Absolutely. Just scale the ingredients evenly and be sure to use a large enough pot for cooking and tempering.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Beverages
Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate
Beverages
Mulled Wine
Beverages
Hot Buttered Rum Mix
Beverages
Holiday Sangria
Homeade Eggnog
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Equipment
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- medium saucepan
- wooden spoon (for testing thickness)
- refrigerator-safe container with lid
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the egg yolks to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed while slowly adding the sugar. Increase speed to high and continue mixing until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy.6 large egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar
- In a medium saucepan, bring the milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon to a simmer over medium-high heat.2 cups milk, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, pinch ground cinnamon
- Temper the egg mixture by slowly ladling in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Once combined, return the mixture to the pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, about 1 hour. Serve cold.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store eggnog in a covered container in the refrigerator.
- Keep plain eggnog for up to 4 days.
- Spiked eggnog lasts up to 1 week.
♨️ REHEATING
-
Eggnog is best served chilled, but if you prefer warm:
- Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Stir often and do not let it boil, or it may curdle.
❄️ FREEZING
- Eggnog does not freeze well due to the tendency for it to separate.
- For long-term storage, consider making smaller batches instead.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Whisk constantly when tempering to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Chill thoroughly before serving for the best flavor.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg for a richer taste.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Stovetop only: Eggnog must be gently cooked to thicken.
- No-bake shortcut: use pasteurized eggs and skip the cooking step (a less traditional approach).
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Stir well before serving leftovers, as the spices may have settled.
- Use leftover eggnog in baking recipes, such as French toast, cakes, or quick breads.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
