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

How to make eggnog better? ›

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

What is the ratio for eggnog? ›

Here's your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog. Try at least two styles of whiskey. Remember that whiskeys vary greatly from one style to the next and even within each style.

Why is my homemade eggnog thin? ›

If you want to make it thicker or creamier, play with the proportion of whole milk and heavy cream, adding more cream for some extra body and richness.

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.

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. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

If you over-cook the eggnog, it'll thicken too much (like custard). And if you're cooking it to be food-safety conscious, then you'll want to ensure that you reach your desired temperature. Again, I highly recommend using a digital thermometer.

What kind of rum do you use for eggnog? ›

What Kind of Rum Goes Best with Eggnog? “I like something with a little bit more body and flavor than say, just like a silver [or white rum],” says Chamberlain. “Those are good, but I feel like you can bring more to the party—the party being eggnog.” That's why he prefers a spiced rum or an aged rum.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

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.

Is Malibu rum good with eggnog? ›

Drinking. - Rum Eggnog - Ingredients: 2oz Malibu Coconut Rum, 6oz Milk, 1 tsp Powdered Sugar, 1 Egg, Nutmeg. How To Mix: 1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Irish Coffee glass.

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

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.

Why is my eggnog gritty? ›

It's important to constantly stir the custard to keep the proteins in motion as they rise in temperature between 140-170ºF (60-77ºC) and begin to coagulate. This gentle coagulation will thicken the sauce, but if it isn't kept in motion the protein can take on a grainy texture, so keep stirring!

Why does egg nog not spoil? ›

“That means the egg-and-milk combination has been heat-treated to kill most of the harmful microorganisms that could make you sick, and reduce the ones that cause spoilage as well.”

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.

How do you fix eggnog that is too thick? ›

This one is pretty easy and there's no fuss at all. If it's too thick, add more milk and heavy cream. If it's too thin, you can dissolve about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in cold milk, add it to the mixture over the stove, and stir until it thickens to your liking.

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