You know, Eggnog is really just a creamy holiday drink that feels special but is actually pretty simple to make at home.
It’s made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and a few warm spices, so it tastes rich and cozy without needing too many ingredients. The nice part is that it doesn’t take a long time to prepare, since you only need about fifteen minutes to get it ready before chilling.
It works best as a festive drink to enjoy during the evening or after dinner, but honestly you can also serve it as a little snack treat in the afternoon when you want something sweet. It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting and fun to share with family or friends.
What is Eggnog?
Homemade Eggnog is basically a thick and creamy drink that people usually make around Christmas time.
It’s made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and a few warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, so it has that cozy holiday flavor. Some people like to add alcohol such as rum or bourbon, but it’s also really good without it, which makes it nice for kids or anyone who doesn’t drink.
It’s usually served cold in small glasses, sometimes with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick on top. In many homes, eggnog is a traditional holiday treat that shows up at parties or family gatherings during the winter season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to prepare: You don’t need a lot of time because Homemade Eggnog comes together in about fifteen minutes before chilling, which makes it easy to fit into your day.
Simple ingredients: The recipe uses basic things like milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and spices, so you don’t have to go searching for anything unusual.
Beginner-friendly: Even if you don’t cook much, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, so you can make it without stress.
Customizable flavor: You can keep it alcohol-free for kids and family, or add rum, bourbon, or whiskey if you want a stronger taste.
Perfect for holidays: It’s rich and creamy, so it feels festive and works really well for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients Needed:
When you make Homemade Eggnog, you really only need a few basic things, and each one has its own role in making the drink creamy and flavorful.
- Milk and cream – These give the eggnog its rich and smooth texture.
- Egg yolks – They make the drink thick and custardy.
- Sugar – This adds the sweetness that balances the spices.
- Vanilla extract – It gives a warm background flavor.
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves – These spices bring the cozy holiday taste.
- Alcohol (optional) – Rum, bourbon, or whiskey can be added for extra flavor and warmth.
💡 Note: For the full ingredient list with exact amounts and measurements, please check the recipe card below.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Eggnog:
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
Start by placing the egg yolks in a mixing bowl and add the sugar. Then whisk them together until the mixture looks pale and feels a little thicker. The idea is to get the sugar dissolved and the yolks fluffy so the base feels smooth later. You’ll notice the color turning lighter and the texture becoming creamy, which is exactly what you want.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Cream with Spices
Next, move to the saucepan and pour in the milk and cream. Add a pinch of salt along with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Warm it gently until you see steam rising but don’t let it boil. The spices will start to smell cozy and the mixture should look silky. This step is about infusing flavor while keeping the dairy smooth.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Mixture
Now comes the part where you slowly add the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Doing this gradually keeps the eggs from scrambling. You’ll see the mixture becoming glossy and smooth as everything blends together. Think of it as teaching the eggs to handle the heat without turning into lumps.
Step 4: Cook Until Slightly Thickened
After combining, return everything to the saucepan and cook on low heat. Stir with a spoon until the mixture coats the back of the spoon and looks a little thicker. The texture should feel custardy and smooth, not grainy. This is when the eggnog base really comes together.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Optional Alcohol
Once you take it off the heat, stir in vanilla extract. If you want, add rum, bourbon, or whiskey at this stage. The flavor will mellow as it chills, so don’t worry if it tastes strong at first. The mixture should smell warm and inviting with a hint of spice.
Step 6: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the mixture through a fine strainer into a clean jug or bowl. This step removes any tiny cooked bits and makes sure the drink feels silky. You’ll notice the liquid flowing smoothly and looking glossy as it passes through.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Finally, transfer the eggnog to a pitcher or bottle and place it in the fridge. Let it rest until cold because chilling helps the flavors blend and the texture thicken naturally. When you pour it later, it should look creamy and rich with a nice shine.
💡 Note: These steps are just an overview. For detailed quantities, measurements, and exact timings to make this recipe, please check the recipe card below.
Helpful Tips For The Best Results:
Go slow with heat: Keep the stove on low to medium because rushing the cooking can make the mixture curdle instead of staying smooth.
Whisk constantly: When adding the hot milk to the yolks, keep whisking without stopping so the eggs don’t scramble.
Check texture: The mixture should coat the back of a spoon and look glossy, not watery, before chilling.
Strain for smoothness: Even if it looks fine, straining removes tiny cooked bits and makes the drink silky.
Swap ingredients wisely: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but just know the texture will be lighter.
Tasty Variations to Try:
- Extra vanilla: Add a little more vanilla extract or even vanilla bean paste for a stronger flavor.
- Maple twist: Swap part of the sugar with maple syrup to give a deeper, cozy sweetness.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk with almond or oat milk for a plant-based version that still feels rich.
- Spiced-up version: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom if you want a slightly different holiday spice mix.
- Fluffy style: Whip leftover egg whites and fold them in for a lighter, airy texture.
- Coffee blend: Stir in a shot of espresso for a morning-friendly eggnog latte idea.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Holiday gatherings:
Homemade Eggnog is perfect for serving at Christmas parties or family get-togethers because it feels festive and cozy. Pour it into small glasses and add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for a simple touch.
2. Sweet pairings:
Serve with cookies like oatmeal or butter cookies since the crunch balances the creamy drink. It also pairs well with light cakes or pastries when you want something extra on the side.
3. Everyday treat:
Homemade Eggnog works as a quick afternoon snack or even as a coffee creamer. It’s nice when you want a small sweet drink without making a big fuss.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- How long it keeps: Homemade Eggnog usually stays fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. If you add alcohol, it may last a little longer since the alcohol helps preserve it.
- Best storage method: Keep it in a tightly sealed bottle or container so it doesn’t pick up other fridge smells. Give it a quick shake or stir before serving because it can separate slightly as it chills.
- Simple reheating advice: If you want it warm, heat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir slowly until it feels cozy and smooth, but don’t let it boil because that can change the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
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Can I substitute the cream or milk?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk if you don’t have heavy cream, but just know the texture will be lighter and not as rich.
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Can I make Homemade Eggnog ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after resting in the fridge overnight because the flavors blend together.
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Why does my eggnog feel too thin or too thick?
If it feels thin, it probably wasn’t cooked long enough. If it feels too thick, just whisk in a little extra milk to loosen it.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or almond milk, but the flavor will be slightly sweeter compared to the classic version.
Eggnog
Description
Homemade Eggnog is a creamy holiday drink made with milk, cream, egg yolks, sugar, and warm spices. It’s simple to prepare, takes little time, and can be served with or without alcohol. It is perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk 6 large egg yolks with ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and slightly thick.
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, a pinch of salt, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Heat gently until steaming but not boiling.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until it coats the back of a spoon and reaches about 160°F (70°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ cup (60 ml) cognac, whiskey, bourbon, or rum if using.
- Strain the mixture through a fine‑mesh sieve into a clean jug or pitcher to remove any small cooked bits.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve cold with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Notes
- Cooking to 160°F ensures eggs are safe while keeping texture silky.
- Eggnog thickens more as it chills, so don’t worry if it looks thin at first.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and add a little extra vanilla or maple syrup for depth.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 glass (approx. 200 ml)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 332kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 249mg83%
- Sodium 51mg3%
- Potassium 182mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
- Sugars 22g
- Protein 7g15%
- Vitamin A 975 IU
- Vitamin C 0.2 mg
- Calcium 151 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 41 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet, and your daily needs may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle. Nutrition information is shared only as a general estimate and may not always be fully accurate. If you follow a special diet or have specific health concerns, it’s best to check with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
