Cozy Homemade Eggnog Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Creamy, rich homemade eggnog captures the essence of holiday cheer like nothing else.

Winter celebrations buzz with anticipation when this classic drink appears.

Smooth and velvety, the recipe brings warmth to cold evenings.

Classic ingredients dance together, creating a nostalgic blend that whispers memories of festive gatherings.

Nutmeg and cinnamon weave magic through each delightful sip.

Mixing this traditional beverage feels like unwrapping a cherished gift from generations past.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this comforting seasonal treat.

Homemade Eggnog Everyone Wants Seconds Of

• Homemade Eggnog
• Create a delightful drink with simple ingredients, easily adjusted to personal taste preferences or alcohol levels.
• Engage family members in a fun holiday cooking experience, teaching culinary skills while creating delicious memories together.
• Elevate your holiday celebrations with a sophisticated, creamy beverage that looks and tastes professionally made, surprising guests with your culinary expertise.
• Control ingredients and sugar levels, avoiding store-bought preservatives and enjoying a fresher, more natural version of the classic holiday drink.

Everything You Need for Creamy Eggnog

• Egg Yolks: Rich and creamy base for the eggnog, providing luxurious texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and balances the richness of the eggs.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Provide smooth, velvety consistency and rich dairy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic depth to the eggnog.

• Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cinnamon: Classic holiday spices that give traditional eggnog its signature warm flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.

• Rum, Bourbon: Traditional spirit options that add warmth and depth, perfect for adult version.

• Egg Whites: Provide light, frothy texture when whipped, making the eggnog airy and smooth.

Whip Up Homemade Eggnog in No Time

Step 1: Whisk Egg Yolks

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine egg yolks with sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a silky, pale yellow creation that looks smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Warm Dairy Magic

• Vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cinnamon

Heat the mixture gently over medium temperature, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to prevent scorching.

Step 3: Gentle Egg Tempering

Carefully stream about half a cup of warm milk mixture into egg yolks while whisking continuously. This prevents egg scrambling and ensures a velvety texture. Slowly return the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Technique

Return saucepan to stove and cook on low-medium heat. Stir constantly until the liquid thickens like heavy cream. This process takes around 5-7 minutes. Patience is key to avoiding curdling.

Step 5: Alcohol Optional Boost

After removing from heat, let the mixture cool to room temperature. For an adult version, stir in rum or bourbon at this point.

Step 6: Fluffy Egg White Clouds

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gently fold these airy whites into the cooled eggnog, creating a light and luxurious texture.

Step 7: Chill and Celebrate

Refrigerate the eggnog for 2-3 hours to let flavors mingle. Serve in festive glasses and sprinkle extra nutmeg or add a cinnamon stick for a gorgeous presentation.

Smart Moves for Eggnog Prep

• Temper with Precision: Slowly add warm milk to egg yolks while whisking vigorously to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Strain for Silkiness: Pour the cooked eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any potential egg bits, creating an ultra-smooth and luxurious drink.
• Control the Heat Carefully: Use medium-low heat when cooking to prevent curdling, stirring constantly and watching the consistency to achieve a perfect custard-like base.
• Customize Your Spirits: Experiment with different alcohol options like brandy, rum, or whiskey to personalize the flavor, or keep it non-alcoholic for a family-friendly version.
• Whip Whites to Perfection: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form to add a light, airy texture that transforms the eggnog from heavy to delightfully fluffy.

Store and Chill Homemade Eggnog Correctly

• Store homemade eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed tight to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Pour cooled eggnog into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Gently warm eggnog in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation. Avoid boiling, which can cause the mixture to curdle and lose its smooth texture.
• If the eggnog separates after storing, whisk vigorously or use a blender to restore its creamy consistency before serving.

Pair Homemade Eggnog with These Treats

• Complement the rich, creamy eggnog with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark or Wild Turkey, enhancing the drink's warm, festive flavors and adding a delightful whiskey kick.
• Match the eggnog with classic holiday cookies like gingerbread or shortbread, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy notes that mirror the eggnog's nutmeg and cinnamon undertones.
• Select a creamy, mild cheese like brie or camembert to balance the eggnog's richness, offering a delicate contrast that highlights the drink's smooth, velvety texture.
• Pair with roasted chestnuts or spiced pecans, introducing a nutty crunch that complements the eggnog's creamy profile and adds a delightful textural dimension to the holiday experience.

Homemade Eggnog Flavor Upgrades

• Dairy-Free Eggnog: Replace whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free alternative. Use maple syrup instead of sugar to enhance the plant-based flavor profile.
• Vegan Eggnog: Substitute egg yolks and whites with silken tofu or cashew cream. Add turmeric for color and use coconut condensed milk for richness. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Low-Sugar Eggnog: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining classic eggnog taste. Add extra spices like cardamom for depth.
• Alcohol-Free Spiced Version: Replace rum or bourbon with vanilla extract or rum extract. Increase warming spices like ginger and cloves to compensate for missing alcohol flavor. Perfect for family gatherings.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy holiday “Grandma’s Classic Eggnog” whisks together nostalgic family flavors with rich, smooth dairy goodness. Seasonal spices and smooth bourbon create a comforting blend perfect for winter celebrations you’ll cherish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy and Egg Base:

• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Alcohol:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) bourbon, rum, or brandy

Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Ground nutmeg or cinnamon sticks

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, pale yellow consistency, creating a silky base for the eggnog.
2. Gently heat whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and allow the spices to infuse.
3. Create a delicate temperature bridge by slowly introducing approximately half a cup of warm milk mixture into the egg yolk blend, whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, continuing to whisk while maintaining a steady medium-low heat until the liquid thickens to a luxurious, cream-like consistency.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, creating a smooth foundation for potential alcohol additions.
6. Incorporate rum or bourbon into the cooled eggnog for those desiring an adult version, stirring to distribute the spirit evenly.
7. Separately whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks emerge, transforming the mixture into a light, airy texture.
8. Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the cooled eggnog, creating a voluminous and smooth final product.
9. Refrigerate the eggnog for a minimum of two to three hours, enabling the flavors to harmonize and develop a rich, complex profile.
10. Serve the chilled eggnog in festive glasses, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of ground nutmeg or an elegant cinnamon stick for a traditional holiday presentation.

Notes

• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot milk to prevent scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky texture without unwanted egg chunks.
• Adjust alcohol content based on preference, using rum, bourbon, or brandy for traditional flavor, or omit entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
• Whip egg whites separately and fold gently to create a lighter, airier eggnog with beautiful volume and delicate consistency.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify while maintaining food safety standards.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Drinks, Cocktails
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg