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 a little whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon. For entertaining, we make two batches, one alcohol-free and the other spiked with a little bit of brandy or rum.
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 this recipe works!
- 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.
How to make Homemade Eggnog
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.
Now 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. 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.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the final mixture cooks those raw eggs to 160 degrees F.
- Stir and whisk almost constantly. Keep it going, as 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.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- I like the spices on the light side however they can be adjusted to suit your taste.
- For best results, chill overnight.
- If spiking, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the eggnog.
What type of alcohol goes in eggnog
Rum, brandy, bourbon, or whiskey can be added to eggnog. I prefer rum, but I like brandy or whiskey as well. Trust me when I say that. Just a small amount is all you need so it does not overwhelm the eggnog. I always start with a little bit because you can add more, but you sure can’t take it back.
More holiday recipes to try!
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Traditional Eggnog Recipe
A creamy easy to make homemade eggnog with nutmeg, cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves. Just as creamy as the store bought brands without any preservatives or artificial ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: beverage
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Americen
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or 2%
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of cloves
- 6 egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 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
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the final mixture cooks those raw eggs to 160 degrees F.
- Stir and whisk almost constantly. Keep it going, as 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.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- I like the spices on the light side; however they can be adjusted to suit your taste.
- For best results, chill overnight.
- If spiking, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the eggnog.
Keywords: how to make eggnog, what’s in eggnog, what alcohol goes in eggnog
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DDana
The taste is really good but for some reason after I refrigerated it it’s now sooooooo thiiiiiick. More like a thick pudding than a drink. Not sure what I did wrong. Gonna try just adding more milk to it.
Beth Pierce
Humm. Let me think about that one.
Mandie
I love Eggnog. I can’t wait to try making it myself. My only question is.. do you have to add clove? I can’t stand the smell or taste of clove. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Beth Pierce
No you do not have to add it. Enjoy your eggnog.
Mandie
Thank you sooo much!
IceCreamnStickyFingers
I think my grandma used to make homemade Egg Nog. Personally, I’ve never tried making it but I do drink at least one glass a year. It is very unhealthy but oh so tasty.
Beth Pierce
I do love a glass of homemade eggnog. It is so incredibly yummy!
Sarah Bailey
Do you know I’ve never had eggnog! Now
I can try it by making my own!
Lynndee
I have never tried making my own eggnog. Thank you for the recipe. Will try it sometime.
Catalina
Oh yes! I love this holiday season for this eggnog drink. I am so happy to make it at home now.
★★★★★
Lisalisa
This looks delicious! I must confess I have never had eggnog before! I may need to try your recipe.
Mommy Blog Expert
I’m a huge egg nog fan, especially during the holidays. Your recipe looks so good, I have to try making this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Alita Pacio
I grew up eating eggnog. My mom used to make it. I thought I’ll learn how to make it too. Thank you for your recipe
★★★★★
Beth
We love eggnog! I’ll have to try this recipe!
★★★★★
Richelle Milar
This is a such really amazing recipe, It look so good! I would love to try this!
Tara Pittman
My husband loves eggnog. I will have to make this for him.
vickie rampelbergh
This Eggnog recipe is a winner for me Beth , I surely will be making this for the Holidays !!!
★★★★★
Andrea Thueson
I never thought of making homemade eggnog, and this recipe made it super easy to do! My family loved it 🙂
★★★★★
Natalie
This has me so excited for the holidays!! Homemade eggnog is the best!! So rich & creamy!
★★★★★
Faye Roner
I could drink homemade eggnog all year long! So delicious!
★★★★★
April
So delicious! Perfect for giving as a gift, too – who doesn’t love homemade eggnog?
★★★★★
Lily
This was incredible so much flavor, this is the perfect eggnog for these cold and gloomy days. I drank 3 mugs of it while watching my show 🙂
★★★★★
Shelley
My family just loves eggnog, and this one is so pretty! They’ll absolutely love it!
★★★★★
Kevin
Nothing beats homemade eggnog! This looks like it is going to be a winner!
★★★★★
Catalina
It’s great to make eggnog at home! Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Haley Williams
This is amazing! Can’t believe how easy it is to make homemade eggnog
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Homemade Eggnog looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
★★★★★
Vikki
This eggnog is so delicious! A tasty holiday treat my friends will love
★★★★★
Amanda
I love eggnog but it always sells out so quick so this is perfect!
Dorothy Reinhold
I have never attempted to make eggnog homemade! This is the year for me to start that tradition.
Vicky
Eggnog is a wonderful holiday beverage! Thanks for this recipe!!
★★★★★
Jessica Formicola
I’ve always wanted to try making homemade eggnog, and this recipe looks perfect! Can’t wait to try it out soon!
★★★★★
Tara
Yum! So perfect for the season and definitely better than homemade. I love how easily the eggnog comes together too.
★★★★★
Tisha
I know a few people that love eggnog, Making it at home would be wonderful for them!
★★★★★