Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

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posted on December 4th, 2020 — updated December 13, 2021by Ashley C.

Easy homemade eggnog is the perfect holiday drink! It comes together in less than 20 minutes. Add some rum and make it a festive holiday co*cktail.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe (1)

Rich and creamy drinks are the perfect comfort food during the cold winter season. This homemade eggnog is a traditional eggnog recipe made with egg yolks, sugar, milk, heavy cream and a few spices. Simmer the ingredients over the stove to slow cook, chill and then serve.

Serve eggnog during the holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Prep it ahead and store it for up to three days in your refrigerator.

What’s Eggnog?

Eggnog is a rich and creamy drink made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar and spices. It’s usually served during the winter holiday season, especially during the month of December.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The entire homemade eggnog recipe comes together on the stove top with a few basic ingredients.
  • It’s rich and creamy and tastes better than anything you can buy at the grocery store.
  • Serve it with or without alcohol.
  • You can easily prep ahead and store for up to 3 days.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2)

Eggnog Ingredients

  • Egg yolks: They serve as the base of the eggnog. Using only yolks creates a rich and creamy consistency. Reserve the leftover egg whites for something else.
  • Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use maple syrup instead.
  • Milk and Cream: Use a combination of milk and heavy cream to make a rich and creamy eggnog. You can use half and half instead of a combination of milk and heavy cream.
  • Spices: Use freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg and whole cloves, plus a pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla extract. You can add more or less spices, as desired to achieve the perfect eggnog flavor. Add ground cinnamon too, if desired.
  • Rum (Optional): To make spiked eggnog, you can add rum just prior to serving. You can also use bourbon, whiskey or brandy.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe (3)

Expert Tips

  • Adjust the spices to add more flavor. The amount of spices add a mild spiced flavor to this eggnog. Double the spices to add more spiced flavor.
  • Slowly pour some of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. This is important as you do not want to overcook the eggs.
  • Do not allow the mixture to boil.
  • Don’t forget to discard the cloves before chilling.
  • Refrigerate the eggnog overnight for the best taste. The chilling process allows the flavors to combine and texture to slightly thicken.
  • Serve it chilled. You can serve it over ice and add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the glass.
  • To make spiked eggnog, add rum just before serving.
  • Serve the homemade eggnog with whipped cream for an extra special treat.
  • Sprinkle additional spices on top for a garnish.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe (4)

FAQs

What alcohol do you put in eggnog?

Dark alcohol like rum, brandy or bourbon tastes best in eggnog. It also tastes good with a combination of dark rum and cognac. This recipe still tastes great without the alcohol.

What does eggnog taste like?

Eggnog has a sweet flavor similar to custard ice cream. It’s rich and cream with a hint of spice.

How long does homemade eggnog last?

Eggnog lasts 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe (5)

If you’re looking for a way to use up leftover homemade eggnog, try an eggnog latte. Replace the milk in a latte with eggnog. Or use homemade eggnog instead of milk in pancakes.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe (6)

Other Holiday Drink Recipes

  • Cranberry Moscow Mule
  • Grapefruit Gin Fizz
  • Pomegranate French 75
  • Homemade Hot Chocolate
  • Golden Milk
  • Mocha Latte
  • Apple Cider Martini

Did you try this homemade eggnog recipe? Leave a recipe rating and review below.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe (7)

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

This classic homemade eggnog recipe is the made with the freshest ingredients to create a fun holiday drink that cooks in less than 15 minutes.

5 from 9 votes

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Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 whole cloves
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rum , (optional)

Instructions

  • Whiskthe egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.

  • Ina saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir often until mixture reaches a bare simmer.

  • Whisk½ cup of the hot milk mixture slowly into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Continue slowly adding the milk until incorporated.

  • Transferthe mixture back to the saucepan and return to the stove.

  • Increasetemperature to medium heat, whisking constantly for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is just slightly thickened. Do not allow it to boil.

  • Removefrom heat and stir in the vanilla and rum. Remove and discard the cloves, and allow the eggnog to cool for 1 hour before transferring it to a pitcher.

  • Refrigerateovernight before serving for best taste. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Nutritional information does not include the optional rum.

EGGNOG WITH RUM: You can make this recipe with or without the rum. To create the eggnog with rum, add 1/2 cup of rum before chilling in the refrigerator.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Spices: You can add more or less spices, as desired to achieve the perfect eggnog flavor. Add ground cinnamon too, if desired.
  • Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use maple syrup instead.
  • You can use half and half instead of the whipping cream and milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal, Carbohydrates: 22.6g, Protein: 6.5g, Fat: 27.5g, Saturated Fat: 16.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7.8g, Cholesterol: 227mg, Sodium: 91mg, Potassium: 59.9mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 22.1g, Vitamin A: 1180IU, Vitamin C: 0.5mg, Calcium: 155mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Author: Ashley C.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review below or share a photo and tag @spoonfulofflavor on Instagram.

This recipe originally published in December 2018. It was updated with new process photos and tips in December 2020.

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8 comments on “Easy Homemade Eggnog”

  1. Homemade Eggnog Recipe (8)

    Emily C December 17, 2022 @ 4:53 pm Reply

    I’ve shared and made this several times it’s so good. I’ve made it keto by using Fairlife milk which is the lowest regular milk in carbs you can buy and regular heavy cream. I use bocha sweet for the sugar substitute. I gotta say 3/4 cup sugar substitute is too sweet for me anymore. I reduced to 1/2 cup and that was perfect for me. I also leave out the cloves cause I’m not a fan of that particular spice. Thank you for this awesome recipe and the easy instructions. I’d have never made it had you not shared it.

  2. Homemade Eggnog Recipe (9)

    Melisende December 28, 2021 @ 3:20 am Reply

    Eggnog is our yearly family tradition but I’ve never tried the cooked version. I needed it for Xmas Day for 7 people so used 9 eggs, 3 cups milk, 3 cups cream, 1/2 cup rum and 1/2 cup bourbon. I think I forgot the vanilla but it wasn’t missed. I probably added a little more booze after tasting it and lastly, I whipped the egg whites into a meringue and folded them under about 2 hours before serving. It makes for a very creamy, thick eggnog. People loved it and every drop was gone within the hour. I can’t imagine the amounts as written would be enough for 8 people. They’d get a very small amount indeed.

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Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

What is the ratio for eggnog? ›

Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

What can I add to eggnog to make it better? ›

Ingredients
  1. Eggnog.
  2. Spirits: rum, bourbon, whiskey, and/or brandy.
  3. Whipped cream.
  4. Syrup: caramel and/or chocolate.
  5. Spices: nutmeg, cinnamon (sticks and ground), and/or pumpkin spice.
  6. Crushed gingersnap cookies or red-hot candies, or cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses (optional)
Dec 6, 2023

What to do if eggnog is too thick? ›

If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›

People with diabetes, lactose intolerances, or egg and dairy allergies, as well as those abstaining from alcohol would all find this drink to be problematic. For the rest of people who don't mind ice cream and whipped cream every so often, imbibing a glass or two can still raise a red flag to the digestive system.

What are the rules for eggnog? ›

Eggnog - Eggnog is a milk product consisting of a mixture of milk or milk products of at least 6.0 percent butterfat, at least 1.0 percent egg yolk solids, sweetener, and flavoring. Emulsifier and not over 0.5 percent stabilizer may be add.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated.

What percentage of milk is in eggnog? ›

Eggnog, Type D Contains not less than 6 percent milkfat, not less than 8.25 percent milk solids not fat, and 1 percent egg yolk solids.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

What do you call eggnog with alcohol? ›

"Tom and Jerry is a form of hot eggnog [co*cktail] that was once popular." The Tom and Jerry was invented by British journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, using brandy and rum added to eggnog and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. It is a traditional Christmastime co*cktail in the United States.

What type of rum is best for eggnog? ›

If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.

What makes eggnog taste better? ›

Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

How to elevate egg nog? ›

If you prefer your 'nog a little more savory, try the Maple Bourbon Eggnog, which—if you absolutely must—you can garnish with crispy bacon bits. Swapping some of the milk with buttermilk adds an awesome tanginess to your eggnog which goes well with a bit of grated lemon zest for Lemon-Buttermilk Eggnog.

What type of brandy is best for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

What happens if you overcook eggnog? ›

Undercooked eggnog will be thin and watery; overcooked custard will curdle. The difference is a matter of only a few degrees. For perfectly smooth eggnog: Pour through a sieve before chilling.

How do you dilute eggnog? ›

Shaking eggnog with ice dilutes it just a little. This helps turn the volume down on its inherent sweetness and thins it so it's not tacky thick, and viscous.

Does eggnog thicken in the fridge? ›

Because the eggnog thickens the longer you keep it stored in your refrigerator (and it's quite boozy), you can always dilute it by adding more milk just before serving.

Why is my eggnog solid? ›

One Stack Exchange user says it's possible for fresh eggnog to be chunky if the milk, egg, and sugar aren't mixed enough during pasteurization. This would cause the cream to separate from the milk during cooling. The cream, which is just milk fat, will appear as solid chunks in your eggnog.

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