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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Shannie
I made this exactly as directed, and we loved the flavor but the texture was much too thick. I added tiny bit of milk to my glass in order to try and thin it out, but that diluted the flavor of the egg nog. Any suggestions or tips/tricks for this dilemma?
Beth Pierce
My guess is that it got too hot. A higher temperature will cause it to thicken considerably more.
Tammy
This recipe made me smile. My mom used to make homemade egg nog every Christmas. But she would put some whiskey in it. hehe. Thanks for the memories of my mom.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine!
Candace
I will be sincere with you! I love eggnog and this was the best I ever had. Perfect with the holiday season approaching.
Jessica
I had no idea it was so easy to make eggnog. It’s such a delicious and fun drink to entertain for the holidays. Thank you, Beth!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Jessica!
Shelley
I love how you’ve detailed each step, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch at home. My husband loved it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Shelley! I am so glad that he liked it!
Karen W
Your eggnog recipe is just delicious…The first batch lasted a day lol…I am doing another batch tomorrow. Great recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Karen!
Yelena
I will be making this again at Christmas. I really love the creamy custard flavor with the spices and I added just a touch of rum. Rich, creamy, and delicious!
Erica
I substituted the eggs for quail eggs (allergy) and the milk for oatmilk and used a dairy free cream. (Really sounds delicious doesn’t it 😆)
I can not believe how amazing this turned out!! So delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to share with my family!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Erica! Sounds like you were sucessful in adapting the recipe to your needs. I love a good cook!
Belle
Where do you get quail eggs?
Elisa
We have used this recipe for several years. It is alwasy creamy, and so delicious. It is easy to make and so much better than the premade junk from the store. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Elisa! I am glad that you like the homemade eggnog recipe.
Shelby
This homemade eggnog recipe is so rich and delicious. I look forward to making it all year!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Shelby! I feel the same way. It is just that good.
Justine
I’ve always wanted to try homemade eggnog, but it seemed super intimidating – this recipe was great! So easy, awesome tips and directions, it was really easy to follow and came out tasting WONDERFUL.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Justine! I am so glad that you liked it. We love it too!
Sisley
I’d never made homemade eggnog before but it was so easy, good, and creamy. It was a test run for the holidays. I can’t wait to make it again at Christmas.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sisley! So glad that you liked the eggnog.
Kate
A perfect classic eggnog! I love the fresh flavors.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Kate!