The Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe for Cozy Holiday Sipping

Crafting a delightful homemade eggnog recipe can turn any winter evening into a cozy celebration of flavor and tradition.

Memories of holiday gatherings always bring warmth to cold seasonal moments.

Rich, creamy liquids blend with sweet spices that dance across your palate.

Nutmeg and cinnamon create a nostalgic backdrop for this classic drink.

Festive ingredients come together in a simple process that feels like culinary magic.

Smooth and luxurious, this beverage promises to delight everyone around your gathering.

Make this eggnog and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Ideal Sips with Creamy Homemade Eggnog

• Bourbon Blast Pairing: Pour a smooth Kentucky bourbon alongside the eggnog to amplify the warm, rich holiday flavors. The caramel and vanilla notes of bourbon complement the creamy, spiced drink perfectly.
• Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Companion: Serve crisp, homemade gingerbread cookies next to the eggnog. Their crunchy texture and bold spice profile create a delightful contrast with the smooth, velvety eggnog.
• Artisan Cheese Board Sidekick: Create a festive cheese board featuring aged cheddar, creamy brie, and nutty gouda. These rich, complex cheeses enhance the eggnog's creamy texture and warm spice notes, offering a sophisticated flavor experience.
• Roasted Nuts Accent: Scatter a mix of roasted almonds, pecans, and walnuts around the serving area. Their toasted, earthy crunch provides a delightful textural counterpoint to the silky eggnog, while their nutty flavor echoes the drink's warm spices.

Coconut Ball No-Bake Mixes

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free, plant-based eggnog that's equally creamy and smooth.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a diabetic-friendly version with reduced caloric content.
• Vegan Celebration: Use silken tofu or cashew cream instead of egg yolks, and select plant-based milk alternatives to craft a completely egg-free and dairy-free holiday beverage.
• Keto-Friendly Blend: Substitute regular sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk to create a low-carb eggnog compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling by slowly raising their temperature. This technique ensures a smooth, creamy texture without creating lumpy or curdled eggnog.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The recipe works perfectly without spirits. Simply skip the optional rum, bourbon, or brandy, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version that’s just as delicious.

• How can I tell if the eggnog is safe to drink?

Use a food thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 160°F, which kills potential bacteria in raw eggs and makes the eggnog safe for consumption. This step is crucial for food safety.

• What's the best way to get a rich, creamy consistency?

Whisk constantly during cooking and use full-fat milk and cream. Take your time when adding hot milk to egg yolks and maintain a low, steady heat to create a velvety smooth texture.

Eggnog That’s Creamy, Cozy, and Made at Home

• Craft Homemade Magic: Create a luxurious holiday treat that feels like a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with your cooking skills.
• Customize Your Celebration: Easily adapt the recipe by adding rum, bourbon, or brandy for an adult version, or keep it classic and family-friendly for everyone to enjoy.
• Wow with Minimal Effort: Despite looking sophisticated, this eggnog requires simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Sensory Holiday Experience: Capture the essence of festive seasons with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon that fill your home with comforting, nostalgic aromas and rich flavors.

Coconut Balls with Condensed Milk Ingredients

• Milk: Rich and creamy foundation for the eggnog.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness to the drink.

• Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves: Warm winter spices that give traditional flavor.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the creamy base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic eggnog flavor.

• Egg Yolks: Creates rich and thick texture.

• Dark Rum, Bourbon, Brandy: Adds festive adult kick to the drink.

• Whipped Cream, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Provides beautiful finishing touch.

Homemade Eggnog Preparation Guide

Step 1: Warm the Spiced Milk Base

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon
• Whole cloves

Whisk the mixture frequently, bringing it just to the edge of boiling without letting it fully boil. The goal is to create a richly infused, fragrant milk base that will make your kitchen smell like holiday magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture

• Egg yolks
• Granulated sugar

Add the sugar slowly, about two tablespoons at a time, whisking thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly pale. The texture should be silky and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Mixture

Use a soup ladle to carefully add about one-third cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Continue adding the hot milk gradually, incorporating about three-quarters of the liquid while keeping the mixture smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Cook and Thicken

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160°F. This step ensures the eggs are safely cooked and the eggnog develops a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Chill

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. For the most incredible flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight. This allows the spices to meld and the eggnog to become wonderfully cold and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Freshly whipped cream
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

For an adult version, add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to each glass. Enjoy your homemade holiday treat!

Eggnog Prep Tips That Max Out Creaminess

• Prevent Curdling Carefully: Slowly temper eggs by adding hot milk gradually to avoid scrambling, which keeps the eggnog smooth and silky.
• Optimize Temperature Control: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches exactly 160°F, guaranteeing both safety and perfect texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the eggnog chill overnight to allow spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to fully infuse and develop a richer, more complex taste.
• Elevate Serving Style: Top with freshly whipped cream and a light sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an elegant, professional presentation that enhances visual appeal.
• Create Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the rum or bourbon for a family-friendly drink that everyone can enjoy, maintaining the classic creamy consistency.

Preserve Homemade Eggnog For Later Sips

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep eggnog chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Gently warm in microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling. Use low heat and watch carefully.
• Whisk thoroughly after storing to restore smooth consistency. Add fresh whipped cream or sprinkle of nutmeg to refresh flavors before serving.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Christmas Classic Eggnog brings festive cheer with its rich blend of milk, eggs, and warming spices. Served chilled and garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg, you’ll savor this traditional holiday delight that warms hearts and celebrates family traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 cups whole milk (or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves

Additional Flavor:

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Additional cinnamon
• Additional nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Gently heat milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium saucepan over low temperature, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and allowing the spices to infuse their aromatic essence.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk egg yolks while gradually incorporating sugar, ensuring a smooth, pale yellow mixture that becomes light and creamy.
3. Carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly introducing the warm milk mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent egg scrambling and create a harmonious blend.
4. Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, monitoring the heat carefully and stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a silky, custard-like consistency and achieves a safe temperature of 160°F.
5. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated and releasing its fragrant notes.
6. Transfer the eggnog to a clean container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to cool completely.
7. Before serving, give the eggnog a gentle stir and pour into festive glasses. Garnish with a delicate sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon.
8. For an adult version, add a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or brandy to elevate the traditional holiday beverage, creating a warming and spirited treat.

Notes

• Slow and steady heating prevents scorching milk, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture without burning the delicate ingredients.
• Tempering eggs carefully prevents scrambling, creating a silky, custard-like consistency that’s the hallmark of perfect eggnog.
• Overnight chilling intensifies flavors, allowing spices to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• For dietary alternatives, swap whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the festive richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Cocktails
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg