Cozy Homemade Eggnog Recipe: Sip Into Holiday Magic

Creamy, rich eggnog dancing with classic holiday spices brings warmth to any festive homemade eggnog recipe celebration.

Nutmeg and cinnamon swirl through this traditional Christmas drink, creating pure seasonal magic.

Cold winter nights call for something special and comforting.

This smooth, decadent beverage transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat.

Generations have cherished this nostalgic drink, passing down cherished techniques from kitchen to kitchen.

Each sip tells a story of comfort and joy.

Whip up this classic recipe and watch faces light up with delight.

Why Homemade Eggnog Is Worth the Effort

• Craft Quick Bites: Prepare delectable tuna cakes in minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a perfect blend of Asian-inspired ingredients that create a tantalizing taste profile with sriracha, soy sauce, and sesame hints.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Leverage nutrient-rich tuna as a lean protein source that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating goals.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as appetizers, light lunch, or dinner option that appeals to various taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Needed for Classic Homemade Eggnog

• Milk: A creamy foundation that provides smooth texture for the eggnog.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious mouthfeel to the traditional holiday drink.

• Egg Yolks: Essential for creating a thick, custard-like consistency and providing a silky base.

• Sugar: Balances the rich dairy and adds sweetness to the eggnog.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, comforting flavor depth to the drink.
• Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves: Classic holiday spices that create the signature eggnog flavor profile.

• Rum, Bourbon: Adds optional warmth and traditional holiday spirit to the eggnog.

Steps for Mixing Homemade Eggnog With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Dairy Base

Grab a medium saucepan and combine milk, heavy cream, and half of your sugar. Gently heat the mixture over medium flame, stirring occasionally until it starts to steam and barely simmer.

Once it reaches that point, take it off the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Transform Egg Yolks

In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar.

Keep whisking until the mixture becomes slightly thicker and turns a beautiful pale color. Your goal is to create a smooth, silky base.

Step 3: Blend Dairy and Eggs

Carefully pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This slow process prevents the eggs from scrambling.

Once combined, transfer everything back to the saucepan.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.

Watch for the moment when the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This typically takes 5-10 minutes.

Be patient and avoid letting it boil.

Step 5: Infuse with Festive Flavors

• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Rum or bourbon (optional)

Taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

Step 6: Smooth and Chill

Strain the eggnog through a fine mesh sieve to catch any cooked egg bits or whole spices. Pour into a container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors mingle.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Give the eggnog a good stir before serving. For an extra touch of holiday magic, sprinkle some nutmeg on top or add a cinnamon stick as a festive garnish.

Notes for Creamy Eggnog Perfection at Home

• Slowly temper egg yolks by adding hot milk gradually while whisking constantly to avoid scrambled eggs in your eggnog.
• Use low to medium heat when cooking the mixture, stirring continuously to ensure smooth, creamy texture without burning.
• Pass the finished eggnog through a fine mesh sieve to remove any egg bits or spice chunks, creating a velvety-soft drink.
• Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or a splash of brandy to elevate the traditional eggnog taste and create your unique version.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, satisfying holiday beverage.

New Flavors for Your Homemade Eggnog Batch

• Dairy-Free Eggnog: Replace milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Eggnog: Substitute egg yolks with silken tofu or cashew cream, using plant-based milk and maple syrup as sweetener.
• Low-Sugar Eggnog: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Spiced Rum-Free Eggnog: Omit alcohol completely or replace with non-alcoholic rum extract for a family-friendly holiday drink.

Sips and Treats With Creamy Eggnog Cups

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cookies: Crisp ginger or snickerdoodle cookies complement the creamy eggnog's rich flavor, creating a delightful texture contrast and enhancing the holiday spice notes.
• Match with Aged Rum or Bourbon: Select a premium dark rum or bourbon to amplify the drink's warmth and complexity, adding depth to the traditional holiday beverage.
• Combine with Dark Chocolate Truffles: Decadent dark chocolate truffles provide a luxurious counterpoint to the eggnog's creamy sweetness, offering a sophisticated flavor experience.
• Serve Alongside Toasted Nuts: Roasted pecans or almonds bring a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that beautifully balances the smooth, rich eggnog profile.

How to Keep Homemade Eggnog Fresh

• Store homemade eggnog in an airtight container or sealed glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled eggnog into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whisk thoroughly before serving to restore smooth consistency.
• Warm eggnog slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation. Never boil, as high temperatures can cause curdling. Heat until just warm, then remove from stove and serve immediately.

FAQs

• Is homemade eggnog safe to drink?

The key is to cook the egg mixture to 160°F, which kills potential bacteria. Use a food thermometer to ensure safety and pasteurize the eggs while creating a smooth, creamy texture.

• Can I make eggnog without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit the rum or bourbon. The spices and vanilla will still provide rich, delicious flavor. Non-alcoholic versions are perfect for kids and those who prefer not to drink alcohol.

• How do I prevent my eggnog from curdling?

Slowly temper the egg yolks by adding hot milk gradually while constantly whisking. Keep the heat low and stir continuously. Never let the mixture boil, as high heat can cause separation and a grainy texture.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy holiday magic shines through this classic Homemade Eggnog, blending rich dairy, warming spices, and optional bourbon for festive cheer. Smooth, indulgent sips transport you straight to cherished winter celebrations with each luxurious gulp.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 4 cups whole milk (3.25%)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Flavorings:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Optional Alcohol:

• 1/2 cup rum or bourbon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently warm milk, cream, and half the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
2. Whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
3. Gradually stream the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent potential curdling.
4. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Maintain a temperature around 160°F, ensuring the mixture thickens enough to lightly coat the back of the spoon without boiling.
5. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and optional rum or bourbon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Position a fine mesh sieve over a clean container and strain the eggnog to eliminate any potential egg fragments or spice particles.
7. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to enhance flavor development and achieve optimal chilling.
8. Before serving, give the eggnog a thorough stir. Optionally, garnish with a light dusting of nutmeg or a decorative cinnamon stick.

Notes

• Gentle heating prevents milk from scorching, ensuring smooth texture and preventing burnt flavors.
• Constant whisking when combining hot milk and egg yolks creates silky, creamy consistency without scrambled eggs.
• Use fresh, high-quality eggs from trusted sources to minimize salmonella risk, especially for raw or minimally cooked preparations.
• For alcohol-free version, replace rum or bourbon with additional vanilla extract or maple syrup for depth of flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 73 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 225 mg