Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Dec 03, 2021, Updated Feb 20, 2024

5 from 10 votes

4 Comments

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This homemade eggnog recipe is the best eggnog you will ever taste. It’s thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s easy to make and so delicious that you’ll never settle for store-bought again!

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2)

Every year as the weather changes and the holidays draw near, the first holiday treat that my family asks for is eggnog.

Eggnog is a must-have to enjoy while we decorate our Christmas tree (along with homemade hot chocolate, and peppermint hot chocolate)!

However, I usually don’t prefer to buy store-bought eggnog because of the ingredient list. So I created this homemade eggnog recipe. It’s thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Plus, it’s easy to make with a handful of ingredients.

Making homemade eggnog ensures you can use organic ingredients and emulsifiers, preservatives and artificial flavors.

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Eggnog Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Granulated sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are the best choices.
  • Heavy cream/whole milk. This eggnog recipe calls for 3 cups of liquid dairy. I make it with 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. You can change the ratio (e.g. 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream), or use lower-fat products like half and half or 2% milk but you do so at the risk of a less-creamy final product.
  • Ground Nutmeg. You can substitute an equal amount of freshly ground nutmeg if you prefer. I use store-bought organic nutmeg with the best results.
  • Sea salt. A pinch of sea salt really makes this recipe extra delicious. You can omit it, if you prefer.
  • Pure vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste or the seeds of one vanilla bean are good substitutes.
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How to Make Eggnog

This homemade eggnog recipe comes together in 10 minutes and is fairly simple to make. We’ll walk through how to make eggnog step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video!

To begin, beat the eggs and sugar together with a handheld mixer (or vigorously with a whisk by hand), until, thick and light (about 1 minute).

The mixture will thicken as you set it aside and continue making the rest of the recipe.

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Next, heat the whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a medium saucepan until the mixture is warm and just barely begins to bubble around the edges, whisking constantly.

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Once the mixture is warm, temper the eggs by slowly adding the warm milk to the beaten eggs as you whisk vigorously.

Note: the egg mixture will be thick upon the first addition of milk. As you whisk in more milk it will thin out.

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Next, pour the tempered egg/milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken but does not boil (160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer), whisking often. (it will lightly coat the back of a spatula).

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Then, place the heavy cream into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

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Strain the egg mixture into the heavy cream. Discard the residue that is left on the strainer.

Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s just incorporated.

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Chill the Eggnog

Next, transfer the homemade eggnog to a glass jar with a lid (a large, 1 quart jar) or put it in a glass container with a lid to chill for at least 4 hours.

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Serve

This eggnog recipe is best served cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

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How to Store Eggnog

Store leftover eggnog in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze

If you’d like, you can freeze this eggnog recipe in ice cube trays and use it to make some delicious eggnog iced coffee! Yum! Or you can freeze it in larger portions in a silicone storage container. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Homemade Eggnog Recipe FAQs

Does egg nog have raw eggs?

In this eggnog recipe the eggs are tempered and then cooked to 160 degrees F with the milk so they are not raw and are safe to drink.

What alcohol goes best with eggnog?

Typically the types of alcohol associated with eggnog are brandy, rum and bourbon.

What is the first ingredient in eggnog?

The main ingredients in eggnog are heavy cream, whole milk and egg yolks.

How long does homemade eggnog last?

This recipe lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (15)

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (16)

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Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Laura

This homemade eggnog recipe is truly the best eggnog you will ever taste. It's thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. It's easy to make and so delicious that you'll never settle for store-bought again!

5 from 10 votes

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 336

Prep Time15 minutes minutes

Cook Time10 minutes minutes

Chilling4 hours hours

Total Time4 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar together with a handheld mixer (or vigorously with a whisk by hand), until, thick, light and fluffy (about 1 minute).

  • Heat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a medium saucepan until warm, whisking constantly.

  • Temper the eggs by slowly adding warm milk to the beaten eggs as you whisk vigorously.

  • Pour the tempered egg/milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken but does not boil (160 degrees F), whisking often. (it will lightly coat the back of a spatula).

  • Place the heavy cream into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

  • Strain the egg mixture into the heavy cream. Discard what is left on the strainer.

  • Add vanilla extract, stir to combine.

  • Chill for 4 hours.

  • Serve cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Granulated sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are the best choices.
  • Heavy cream/whole milk. This eggnog recipe calls for 3 cups of liquid dairy. I make it with 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. You can change the ratio (e.g. 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream), or use lower-fat products like half and half or 2% milk but you do so at the risk of a less-creamy final product.
  • Ground Nutmeg. You can substitute an equal amount of freshly ground nutmeg if you prefer. I use store-bought organic nutmeg with the best results.
  • Sea salt. A pinch of sea salt really makes this recipe extra delicious. You can omit it, if you prefer.

Serve

This eggnog recipe is best served cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Store

Store leftover eggnog in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze

If you’d like, you can freeze this eggnog recipe in ice cube trays and use it to make some delicious eggnog iced coffee! Yum! Or you can freeze it in larger portions in a silicone storage container. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1119IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best mix for eggnog? ›

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.

How to make eggnog taste better? ›

Drizzle a little chocolate sauce into the shaker with the eggnog for a chocolate eggnog. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

What is the ratio for eggnog? ›

Aim for a ratio of about five-to-one of eggnog to your selected spirit for the best flavor. For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol.

What's the best rum for eggnog? ›

Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum

"When choosing a rum, I personally find a spiced rum to be the best for the flavors incorporated in eggnogs," he said. "Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum is best for its quality and flavor profile.”

What makes eggnog taste so good? ›

Strand says the specific taste of eggnog is wrapped up with memories of Christmas, thanks to flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean, which embody the winter season. It's so rich that it makes for a nice holiday party treat, too!

How long will homemade eggnog last? ›

Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

How to elevate egg nog? ›

If you prefer your 'nog a little more savory, try the Maple Bourbon Eggnog, which—if you absolutely must—you can garnish with crispy bacon bits. Swapping some of the milk with buttermilk adds an awesome tanginess to your eggnog which goes well with a bit of grated lemon zest for Lemon-Buttermilk Eggnog.

What alcohol tastes best in eggnog? ›

Rum is the classic alcohol to splash in a glass of eggnog. This pairing is so iconic that rum is often listed in many traditional eggnog recipes. If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum.

Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›

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.

Why is my egg nog foamy? ›

Whipping egg whites into a meringue makes for an extra-light and frothy eggnog. Beating the yolks until they're ribbony ensures that they fold smoothly into the whipped whites, resulting in smoother eggnog.

Why does aged eggnog taste better? ›

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

Is 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.

How to temper eggs for eggnog? ›

How to Temper Eggs
  1. Step 1: Boil the Milk. Bring the milk to a boil. ...
  2. Step 2: Whisk the Eggs in a Bowl. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them. ...
  3. Step 3: Add the Milk to the Eggs. Add the milk in 1/2-cup increments to bring the temperature of the eggs up gradually while whisking.

What is the best way to drink eggnog? ›

Serve your eggnog chilled and plain for a classic treat.

All you have to do is pour chilled eggnog into a glass. It pairs nicely with sweets, especially baked goods make with milk or cream. Try your eggnog with warm pastries, cookies, or even ice cream.

What alcohol goes in eggnog first? ›

Alcohol: If you want to add alcohol to your eggnog, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whisky added at the same time as the vanilla, or after cooling the eggnog. Add more to taste, if desired.

What pairs best with eggnog? ›

What to mix with eggnog
  • Bourbon.
  • Rye.
  • Aged rum.
  • Irish whiskey.
  • Blended Scotch whisky.
  • Brandy.
  • Coffee liqueur.
Dec 8, 2023

Are Fireball and eggnog good? ›

Fireball eggnog may become one of your new favorite Christmas drinks. The popular cinnamon whiskey is a fantastic base for this classic holiday co*cktail. It gives eggnog a touch of warm spice, subtle sweetness, and an inviting aroma that's sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

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