If you have ever dreamed of capturing the cozy, festive spirit of the holidays in a single glass, this Homemade Eggnog Recipe is the answer you’ve been searching for. It’s rich, silky, and beautifully spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a comforting indulgence that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. This classic drink balances creamy texture with just the right hint of warmth, making it an absolute must-make that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this beloved Homemade Eggnog Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward, yet incredibly impactful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in giving the drink its iconic creamy body, subtle sweetness, and signature holiday spice.
- 6 large egg yolks: The foundation of the drink’s rich, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to perfectly balance the spices.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Provides luxurious creaminess that makes every sip decadent.
- 2 cups milk: Lightens the mixture slightly and helps achieve the ideal consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The star spice that brings warmth and fragrance.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, rounding out the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a delicate, aromatic sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): Adds a beautiful finishing touch.
- Alcohol (optional): For those who want a spirited twist, rum or bourbon are classic choices.
How to Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
Start by combining the egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until the mixture is light in color and creamy in texture. This step builds the rich base that gives eggnog its signature silkiness, so take your time to get a smooth blend.
Step 2: Heat Cream Mixture
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, pour in the heavy cream, milk, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently as you gently warm the mixture until it just begins to simmer. This creates the cozy spice flavor and helps temper the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
Carefully add a tablespoon of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk blend while whisking vigorously to slowly raise the temperature of the eggs—this prevents scrambling. Repeat this process by adding a few spoonfuls, always whisking well between additions until the eggs are warm.
Step 4: Combine and Thicken
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk and continue to whisk constantly over medium heat. Cook for about a minute, or until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overdo it.
Step 5: Finish the Eggnog
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and your choice of alcohol if you’re using it. Then pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove any cooked bits. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until cold and thickened.
Step 6: Optional Blending
If you prefer a smoother, thinner consistency, blend the chilled eggnog with a tablespoon or two of milk until perfectly silky. This step is optional but gives you a beautiful texture that feels professionally crafted.
How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the top really makes the warm spices pop. For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These simple touches elevate your Homemade Eggnog Recipe into a luxurious treat that feels made just for the season.
Side Dishes
Eggnog pairs wonderfully with classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, buttery shortbread, or even a slice of rich fruitcake. The creamy warmth of the drink balances sweet and spiced desserts beautifully, making your gathering feel even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Homemade Eggnog Recipe in charming mugs or elegant glasses rimmed with cinnamon sugar. Adding a cinnamon stick or a twist of orange peel makes for a festive presentation that will impress guests and invite compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover eggnog in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors deepen over time, so you might find it tastes even better the next day! Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Freezing
This Homemade Eggnog Recipe does not freeze well due to the dairy and eggs. Freezing can cause the texture to separate and become grainy, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or stored chilled in the fridge.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the eggnog warm, heat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, or the eggs may curdle. A little warmed eggnog is perfect for cooler evenings when you want a cozy, comforting drink.
FAQs
Can I make this eggnog without raw eggs?
Yes! This recipe gently cooks the eggs to make it safe, but if you prefer no eggs at all, you can substitute with pasteurized egg products or find egg-free eggnog recipes that use alternative thickeners.
What type of alcohol works best in this Homemade Eggnog Recipe?
Traditional choices include dark rum, bourbon, or brandy. Each brings a unique flavor profile—rum adds sweetness, bourbon has depth, and brandy imparts warmth. Choose what suits your taste or omit altogether for a delicious non-alcoholic version.
How long does homemade eggnog last in the refrigerator?
Keeps up to one week when properly stored in an airtight container. Always check for freshness before serving, and give it a good stir to recombine any separation.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt, use plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk and substitute the eggs with silken tofu or banana puree, although it will change the texture and flavor. Specialized vegan eggnog recipes will give you the best results.
What does “tempering the eggs” mean and why is it necessary?
Tempering slowly warms the eggs by adding hot liquid bit by bit while whisking. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy eggnog texture.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says holiday comfort like a glass of this Homemade Eggnog Recipe. It’s creamy, spiced just right, and endlessly adaptable to your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or cozying up by yourself, this eggnog is a delicious tradition waiting to be enjoyed. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Homemade Eggnog Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic homemade eggnog recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. Made with egg yolks, sugar, cream, and milk, it is gently cooked on the stovetop to create a smooth and luscious holiday beverage. Optionally, you can add your favorite alcohol for an adult twist. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon and fresh whipped cream for a festive treat.
Ingredients
Eggnog Base
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Alcohol (optional, see note)
- Fresh whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy in texture, indicating that the sugar has partially dissolved and the yolks have aerated.
- Heat Cream and Milk: Pour the heavy whipping cream and milk into a saucepan. Add ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a bare simmer but does not boil. This ensures the dairy is hot enough to temper the eggs without curdling them.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly add a big spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk and sugar mixture while whisking vigorously to raise the temperature of the eggs gradually. Repeat this process, adding the hot milk spoonful by spoonful, to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine Mixtures: Once most of the hot milk has been incorporated into the eggs, pour the entire egg and milk mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.
- Cook and Thicken: Over medium heat, whisk the mixture constantly for about a minute or until it slightly thickens and reaches approximately 160°F on a kitchen thermometer. This step gently cooks the eggnog, ensuring its safety and a creamy texture. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools.
- Remove from Heat and Add Flavor: Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Add alcohol (such as rum or brandy) if you desire an adult version of the eggnog.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or container to remove any cooked egg bits or lumps, resulting in a silky smooth texture. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill the Eggnog: Refrigerate the eggnog until fully chilled, allowing it to thicken naturally. For a thinner and ultra-smooth consistency, transfer the chilled mixture to a blender with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth.
- Serve: Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses, sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, and top with fresh whipped cream if desired for a festive presentation.
- Store: Keep the homemade eggnog refrigerated and consume within one week for optimal freshness and safety.
Notes
- Alcohol is optional; you can add about 1/2 to 1 cup of rum, brandy, or bourbon based on your preference.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blending the chilled eggnog with a bit of milk helps eliminate any lumps.
- Always cook the eggnog to at least 160°F to ensure it is safe to consume by eliminating harmful bacteria.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol and enjoy as is.
- Use fresh nutmeg and cinnamon for the best flavor and garnish.
