It is that time of the year again, and this luscious Homemade Eggnog Recipe comes together quickly in just a few easy steps and tastes much better than store-bought.
We enjoy ours topped with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon. For entertaining, we make two batches, one alcohol-free and the other spiked with brandy or rum. We love to serve this for Christmas Eve dinner and at our holiday parties with spice cake, butter cookies, and gingerbread cake.
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a creamy milky custard dairy beverage lightly seasoned with nutmeg and sometimes other spices. It is traditionally served around the holiday season chilled and sometimes spiked with a bit of rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy.
Why You’ll Love This
- It tastes so much better than store-bought without all those darn preservatives. There isn’t any boxed or bottled processed smell or taste—only all-natural ingredients for exceptional flavor.
- It is so easy to make that even your teenager can handle this. You can also have this fresh creamy treat in just a few simple steps.
- You can make this eggnog recipe in about the time it takes to drive to the grocery store.
- With only wholesome natural ingredients, this is one refreshment you can feel good about feeding your family.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Milk: whole or 2%
- Heavy cream: you can substitute whipping cream
- Spices: ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Easy on the cloves, as a little goes a long way.
- Vanilla: use pure vanilla extract
How to Make Eggnog
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Start by heating the milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves together over medium heat, frequently whisking to prevent anything from burning to the bottom of the pan. Heat the milk mixture until it is hot but not boiling.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, adding the sugar a couple of tablespoons at a time and mixing thoroughly. Using a soup ladle, spoon about half a ladle full of the hot milk mixture into the eggs and whisk to combine. Continue adding more and more until most of the milk mixture has been mixed in. Make sure you are whisking thoroughly after each addition.
Now, pour the egg mixture back into the pan on the stove with the remaining milk mixture. Then cook until the mixture reaches 160-170 degrees F, whisking constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil. It will be slightly thick but will thicken more as it cools. Finally, remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and alcohol if adding it. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or pour into a sealable pitcher and chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.
Preparation Tips
- Stir and whisk the mixture almost constantly. You want the egg yolks and sugar incorporated well. You don’t want the milk mixture to burn or scorch to the bottom of the pan, and you don’t want egg pieces floating around in your final creamy custard mixture. Remember that a spoon helps reach the bottom inside corners of the pot, but a whisk helps keep everything combined.
- For best results, chill overnight.
- If adding alcohol, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the eggnog.
Storage and Reheat
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rum, brandy, bourbon, or whiskey can be added to Eggnog. I prefer rum, but I like brandy, bourbon, and whiskey. Trust me when I say that just a small amount is all you need, so it does not overwhelm the eggnog.
Use a candy or instant-read thermometer to ensure the final mixture cooks the raw eggs to 160 degrees F.
More Holiday Recipes
Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or 2%
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground cloves
- 6 egg yolks room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- whipped cream optional
- extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium/medium-low heat, combine milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk very frequently while bringing the mixture almost to boiling.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Add sugar 2 tablespoons at a time, whisking thoroughly before adding more.
- Using a soup ladle, add about 1/3 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly. Keep adding the hot mixture to the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly between each addition. When most of the milk mixture has been whisked into the egg mixture (about 3/4 of it), add it back to the saucepan.
- Cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F, whisking constantly. Use a spoon to reach those tight edges at the base of the pan. It will be slightly thick but will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Serve with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Notes
- Stir and whisk the mixture almost constantly. You want the egg yolks and sugar incorporated well. You don’t want the milk mixture to burn or scorch to the bottom of the pan, and you don’t want egg pieces floating around in your final creamy custard mixture. Remember that a spoon helps reach the bottom inside corners of the pot, but a whisk helps keep everything combined.
- For best results, chill overnight.
- If adding alcohol, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the eggnog.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Sienna
I was just at a bakery with an eggnog flavor discussing how I actually have never had eggnog and have no idea what it is! I asked the person helping us what was in eggnog and they said it was their favorite treat they make but he didn’t really know! I did enjoy the treat it was creamy and nutmeg-y and I’m so excited to find your recipe and try out the actual real-deal drink for myself!
Jennifer L Prince
I’ve never tried making egg nog before. I need to test this recipe. It sounds fun!
DDana
The taste is really good but for some reason after I refrigerated it it’s now sooooooo thiiiiiick. More like a thick pudding than a drink. Not sure what I did wrong. Gonna try just adding more milk to it.
Beth Pierce
Humm. Let me think about that one.
Mandie
I love Eggnog. I can’t wait to try making it myself. My only question is.. do you have to add clove? I can’t stand the smell or taste of clove. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Beth Pierce
No you do not have to add it. Enjoy your eggnog.
Mandie
Thank you sooo much!
IceCreamnStickyFingers
I think my grandma used to make homemade Egg Nog. Personally, I’ve never tried making it but I do drink at least one glass a year. It is very unhealthy but oh so tasty.
Beth Pierce
I do love a glass of homemade eggnog. It is so incredibly yummy!
Sarah Bailey
Do you know I’ve never had eggnog! Now
I can try it by making my own!
Lynndee
I have never tried making my own eggnog. Thank you for the recipe. Will try it sometime.
Catalina
Oh yes! I love this holiday season for this eggnog drink. I am so happy to make it at home now.
Lisalisa
This looks delicious! I must confess I have never had eggnog before! I may need to try your recipe.
Mommy Blog Expert
I’m a huge egg nog fan, especially during the holidays. Your recipe looks so good, I have to try making this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Alita Pacio
I grew up eating eggnog. My mom used to make it. I thought I’ll learn how to make it too. Thank you for your recipe
Beth
We love eggnog! I’ll have to try this recipe!
Richelle Milar
This is a such really amazing recipe, It look so good! I would love to try this!
Tara Pittman
My husband loves eggnog. I will have to make this for him.
vickie rampelbergh
This Eggnog recipe is a winner for me Beth , I surely will be making this for the Holidays !!!
Andrea Thueson
I never thought of making homemade eggnog, and this recipe made it super easy to do! My family loved it 🙂