Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Homemade eggnog recipe is so rich and creamy. This easy eggnog recipe has the perfect blend of spices for a great holiday drink.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (1)

Eggnog is such a classic drink to enjoy during Christmas. It just goes hand in hand with the holidays. Anyone else agree?

I love the smooth and creamy way it tastes with a hint of sweetness. It’s the best and this recipe does not disappoint.

If you have been buying eggnog at the grocery store, try this homemade recipe instead. I will warn you though, it is SO much better than anything store bought.

If you love eggnog also try Eggnog Waffles, Eggnog Milkshake Recipe, and Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls.

Also check out this Homemade Apple Cider Recipe.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2)

How to Make Eggnog Safely

In order to make this safe to drink, the mixture with the eggs needs to be cooked.

This process is done very gradually with heated milk so that you don’t scramble the eggs.

Most people prefer cooked eggnog as opposed to raw because it provides a richer flavor.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (3)

Ingredients for Homemade eggnog

  • Egg Yolks
  • Sugar
  • Heavy Whipping Cream
  • Whole Milk
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla Extract
Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (4)

How to make eggnog:

First, whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar until this mixture is light and creamy.

Second, get out a saucepan and turn the stove to medium heat. Add the heavy cream, milk and cinnamon.

Then stir all of this together and heat until the mixture reaches a simmer.Don’t let it boil!

You will need to watch it closely and don’t walk away from the stove.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (5)

Now, gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture. It is really important that you do this gradually so you don’t scramble the eggs.

I normally do a spoonful at a time and whisk after each spoonful is added.

Continue to follow this process until all the milk has been added to the egg mixture.

After all of the milk has been added, pour the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.

Then heat on medium low heat and continue to whisk until the mixture is slightly thickened. Keep in mind that it will thicken some more as it cools.

Just remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract.Place the eggnog in the refrigerator until it has chilled and thickened.

This is optional but I like to serve it with homemade whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

How to store:

Put the eggnog in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This is such a time saver around the holidays and I love to make it in advance.

It saves time so you can do other things that need to be completed on the holiday or day of the party.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (7)

What type of alcohol goes in eggnog?

Brandy, rum or whiskey are the most common choices for eggnog. Use what you prefer.

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (8)

Homemade eggnog is the best. You can’t go wrong with this delicious recipe.

Make it a new tradition to make eggnog from scratch. It is so rich and creamy. The flavor can’t be beat.

There really isn’t any comparison once you try homemade. It is SO much better than store bought.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised just how easy it is to make this. Please come back and leave a comment letting us know how it turned out for you.

It’s the best drink!

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (9)

Review

Pin Print

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

5 from 20 votes

Homemade eggnog recipe is so rich and creamy. This easy eggnog recipe has the perfect blend of spices for a great holiday drink.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 4

Cuisine American

Course Beverage

Calories 561

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar until light and creamy.

  • Then in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk and cinnamon. Stir and heat until the mixture reaches a simmer.

  • Next gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture (1 spoonful at a time) whisking after the addition of each spoonful. You want to gradually add in the heated milk so that you do not scramble the eggs. Follow this process until all the milk has been added to the egg mixture.

  • Then pour the mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.

  • Heat on medium low heat and whisk until the mixture is slightly thickened. It will thicken more as it cools.

  • Remove from the heat and then stir in the vanilla extract.

  • Store in the mixture in the refrigerator until chilled and thickened.

  • Serve topped with fresh whipped cream and additional cinnamon if you prefer.

  • Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Store the egg nog in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 561kcal, Carbohydrates 59g, Protein 9g, Fat 33g, Saturated Fat 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 387mg, Sodium 89mg, Potassium 238mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 56g, Vitamin A 1462IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 214mg, Iron 1mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (10)

More holiday recipes to try:

  • The World’s Best Party Punch Recipe
  • The Best Christmas Punch Recipe
  • Christmas Morning Punch
  • Easy Grinch Punch Recipe
  • Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
  • Iced Hot Chocolate Recipe
  • Adorable Reindeer Cookies
  • Christmas Puppy Chow Recipe
Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (11)

Try these other recipes

Easy St. Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day Punch

Easy St. Patrick’s Day

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Recipe

Non Alcoholic Drink

Best Iced Coffee Recipe

Non Alcoholic Drink

Best Budget Espresso Machines of 2024

Non Alcoholic Drink

Iced Hot Chocolate

Easy Fruit Smoothie

Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Shake

Easy Slow Cooker

Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Non Alcoholic Drink

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe

About the Author

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (20)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make eggnog better? ›

5 Tips for Making the Best Eggnog
  1. Be Economical. Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. ...
  2. Yes, There Are Eggs in Eggnog. Unlike the nonalcoholic Egg Cream, Eggnog does contain eggs. ...
  3. Grate Your Own Spices. ...
  4. Quality Over Quantity.

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 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.

How do you make eggnog in 1859? ›

From 'The Philosophy of Housekeeping' By Joseph Bardwell Lyman, 1859. Egg Nog. — Teaspoonful of sugar well beaten with an egg; add a gill of milk, and then, by degrees, one or two tablespoonfuls of good French brandy; spice with grated nutmeg.

What makes eggnog taste good? ›

Traditional eggnog today is made up of a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, eggs (both yolks and whipped egg whites), and rum, bourbon, or brandy. They can also call for warm spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), along with vanilla extract. It's a classic Christmas drink that's creamy, sweet, and typically served chilled.

What makes eggnog taste so good? ›

Eggnog is very sweet and creamy, somewhat like a custard. Some have a little bit of sweet spice thanks to the cinnamon added to eggnog. You can also add vanilla to your drink for a special touch in your drink.

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

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

How long should you age eggnog? ›

Combine dairy, booze, and salt in a second bowl or pitcher and then slowly beat into the egg mixture. Move to a large glass jar (or a couple of smaller ones) and store in the fridge for a minimum of 2 weeks. A month would be better, and 2 better still.

Is it normal for homemade eggnog to separate? ›

For Serving Eggnog

The mixture will have separated, and that is perfectly normal; give it a vigorous shake.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

How long does each type of 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. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

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.

Why is eggnog only sold once a year? ›

Why don't dairy manufacturers make eggnog all year long? It doesn't sell. Demand for eggnog follows traditional consumption patterns that date back hundreds of years.

What's the difference between old fashioned and traditional eggnog? ›

The old-fashioned eggnog is made with raw eggs, milk, cream, bourbon, and sugar. Usually, compared to classic eggnog, this version is stronger and creamier in taste and texture. Top it off with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

Why is aged eggnog better? ›

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

What can I add to my eggnog? ›

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

How do you spruce up store bought eggnog? ›

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!

What goes good with eggnog? ›

The best side dishes to serve with eggnog are biscuits, tapioca pudding, almond milk yogurt, chocolate cake, creme brulee donuts, candied pecans, cornbread, cinnamon rolls, fruitcake, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and chocolate fondue.

Is spiked eggnog better warm or cold? ›

Warming it up makes the heat-carrying components — like the spices (nutmeg and cinnamon) and alcohol — more pronounced over the creaminess. On the other hand, serving it chilled brings out more of the sweetness from ingredients like milk and cream, with a gentler tinge of alcohol and nutty spices.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6579

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.