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

What liquor is best for making 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.

Is homemade eggnog good for you? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

What kind of rum do you use for eggnog? ›

Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.

What makes eggnog so thick? ›

Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage.

How much alcohol is in eggnog? ›

A concentration of at least 20% of alcohol (about the same amounts of alcoholic spirits and milk or cream), and refrigeration are recommended for safety.

Does eggnog taste better with alcohol? ›

Eggnog is the holiday sludge that some people can't live without and others can't stand. It's a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites. For those of legal drinking age, the beverage tastes even better with a splash of alcohol.

How long will homemade egg nog last? ›

Depending on the amount of liquor you add, the eggnog base without the egg whites will also keep quite well for several days: Non-alcoholic eggnog: Consume within 1 day. Eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup liquor: Refrigerate for several days.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Don Schaffner, a Rutgers distinguished professor and extension specialist in Food Science, the worry is not so much about the eggs and more about eggnog's milk and cream. “The risks from raw dairy are more well established,” he said. Those risks include salmonella but also listeria, e. coli and campylobacter.

Is it OK to drink eggnog everyday? ›

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.

Can you just add rum to store bought eggnog? ›

If you're looking for a traditional approach, spike store-bought eggnog using your favorite liquor like brandy, bourbon, or rum. This super-simple recipe makes six 6½-ounce servings.

Is Bacardi rum good in eggnog? ›

As synonymous with the holiday season as Mariah Carey, BACARDÍ Eggnog is Christmas in a cup – or in a glass in this case. Made with BACARDÍ Spiced rum it's just like melted ice cream; smooth, creamy and sweet but with a gentle kick of nutmeg spice.

How much rum do you put in eggnog? ›

For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. If you're mixing up a larger quantity in a pitcher of punch bowl, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots, or a half-gallon carton with about none shots.

Why did my homemade eggnog curdle? ›

What if my eggnog gets curdled. There is a high possibility it can get curdled slightly at 2 stages, one is when you are cooking the egg yolk and the milk mixture on the stove. And the other stage is when adding alcohol into the mix. If this happens don't worry, just blend it in a blender until smooth.

How long does eggnog last in the fridge? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

Can you drink a lot of eggnog? ›

“Eggnog is just an alcoholic Christmas milkshake,” registered dietitian and nutritionist Amanda Frankeny told HuffPost. “Think what's in it: heavy cream, milk, sugar, whipped eggs and alcohol.” And with the recommended serving size a paltry half a cup, eggnog is easy to over-indulge.

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 alcohol is in white claw? ›

White Claw ® Hard Seltzer is made from a blend of seltzer water, our gluten free vodka base, and a hint of fruit flavour. Check below to see our full ingredients and nutrition labels. Ingredients: Carbonated water, Vodka, Cane sugar, Natural flavour, Citric acid.

What kind of alcohol is Southern Comfort? ›

Southern Comfort (often abbreviated SoCo) is an American, naturally fruit-flavored, whiskey liqueur with fruit and spice accents. The brand was created by bartender Martin Wilkes Heron in New Orleans in 1874, using whiskey as the base spirit. Whiskey was replaced by a neutral spirit under the ownership of Brown–Forman.

Is vodka good in eggnog? ›

Can I mix volka with eggnog? Assuming you mean vodka, sure. Personally I'd suggest adding dark rum or bourbon or brandy to your eggnog - spirits that add flavor as well as 'punch' - but vodka works just fine.

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