Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (2024)

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This Homemade Eggnog Recipe is insanely easy to make and so tasty! It is wonderfully thick and creamy with plenty of nutmeg flavor. No need to buy store-bought eggnog when this recipe is so perfect for making at home!

Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (1)

Table of Contents

  • An Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe
  • What is Eggnog?
  • What Does Eggnog Taste Like?
  • What is Eggnog Made Of?
  • How to Make Eggnog
  • Can I Add Alcohol?
  • Watch My Video Tutorial
  • Get the Recipe

An Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

We are BIG eggnog fans around here. If you’ve hung around much at Christmas time, you’ve surely seen me mention our intense love for it before. As soon it hits shelves, we stock up. However, now that I’ve got the BEST homemade eggnog recipe, I will no longer have any need for buying it!

This eggnog is super creamy and plenty thick! Store bought versions are often thin and disappointing and this one is the opposite. In fact, I use 7 egg yolks in this recipe to be sure you get plenty of creaminess! This Christmas drink is truly hard to stop sipping and I can pretty much guarantee you won’t have any leftovers.

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a milk and egg based drink that seems to date back to the 1800s when it was served during the winter holidays, as it still is today. It’s typically made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs and some spices. Many also like to add alcohol to it.

What Does Eggnog Taste Like?

To describe the flavor is difficult, but as the name suggests, much of the flavor and texture of this drink comes from the eggs. It’s kind of like drinking custard, but thinner and spiced with nutmeg and cloves. It’s pure beverage heaven!

Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (2)

What is Eggnog Made Of?

So you may be wondering, what exactly are eggnog ingredients? They are surprisingly simple! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Egg yolks – I use a little more egg yolk than you might typically find – 7 large egg yolks to be exact. They add TONS of flavor and SO MUCH creaminess! It also makes it nice and thick, which is a must for us!
  • Sugar – To sweeten.
  • Milk and Cream – The base of eggnog, along with the eggs. You could adjust the amounts of these a bit, but I find that a little more milk than cream gives you a nice, creamy nog without it being too much.
  • Nutmeg, Cloves, Salt, Vanilla extract – For flavor. The nutmeg and cloves add the perfect amount of spice, while the salt and vanilla add great flavor and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (3)

How to Make Eggnog

There are several ways to approach making eggnog. I’m personally not a big fan of uncooked versions and I don’t really love the texture when made with whipped egg whites. The egg whites just add a funky texture in my opinion. As a result, this recipe is cooked and uses just the egg yolks. It’s also super quick and easy to make!

Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (4)

Step 1: Whip the egg yolks and sugar

To begin, you’ll add the egg yolks and sugar to a mixer bowl and whip until pale and creamy. It’ll take about 6-8 minutes and will add air and volume to the egg yolks, while helping the sugar dissolve.

Step 2: Combine milk, cream & spices, then simmer

Next, combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, cloves and salt in a large saucepan and heat until it begins to simmer.

Step 3: Add the egg mixture

You’ll then want to temper the egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot cream to the egg yolks while whisking constantly and quickly. Continue adding small amounts of the hot cream while whisking until it’s all been added, then add everything back to the saucepan.

Step 4: Cook until eggnog reaches 160F-170F

Continue cooking until the mixture reaches between 160 and 170 degrees, then remove from heat and remove the cloves. Add the vanilla extract and refrigerate until cold.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy!

The eggnog will thicken as it cools and end up wonderfully thick and creamy! It’s got amazing flavor and is sure to be a big hit!

Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (5)

Can I Add Alcohol?

You can make spiked eggnog by added alcohol to the finished drink. It will thin it out a bit, but it’ll also make things a little more merry.

The most common alcohol to use is brandy, rum (I prefer a spiced rum), bourbon or whiskey.

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Watch My Video Tutorial

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Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (7)

Recipe

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1/4 cups, 3-4 servings
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe is insanely easy to make and so tasty! It is wonderfully thick and creamy with plenty of nutmeg flavor. No need to buy store-bought eggnog when this recipe is so perfect for making at home!

Ingredients

  • 7 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
  • 1 3/4 cups (420ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 whole cloves, optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Add egg yolks and sugar to a large mixer bowl and whip on medium speed until creamy, pale and smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.
2. In a medium to large saucepan, heat milk, cream, nutmeg, cloves and salt over medium heat until it begins to simmer, stirring regularly.
3. When the milk mixture begins to simmer, add a small amount to the egg yolks, whisking quickly constantly to temper the eggs and keep them from scrambling. Add small amounts of additional milk/cream at a time, whisking to combine, until all has been incorporated.
4. Add the milk and egg mixture back to the saucepan and continue heating until it reaches 160-170 degrees.
5. Remove from heat, then add the vanilla extract and remove the cloves.
6. Pour into a container and refrigerate until cold. Eggnog is best is used within 2-3 days.

Notes

If you’d like to add alcohol to your eggnog, I’d recommend starting with about 1/4 cup and adding more to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 355
  • Sugar: 31.5 g
  • Sodium: 657.6 mg
  • Fat: 21.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 9.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 365.3 mg

Categories

  • Christmas
  • Drinks
  • Holidays
  • Recipes
  • Recipes with video
Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - How to Make the Best Eggnog! (2024)

FAQs

How to make eggnog better? ›

Bonus Additions for Store-Bought Eggnog
  1. nutmeg.
  2. cloves.
  3. cinnamon.
  4. pumpkin pie spice.
  5. apple pie spice.
  6. pure vanilla extract.
  7. almond extract.
  8. coffee.
Apr 3, 2022

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.

What makes egg nog so good? ›

“For a lot of people, it's the richness of the fat and flavor of the custard that gives eggnog its sensory appeal.” Some companies sell eggnog bases, which are pre-formulated mixtures of ingredients with specifically designed flavor qualities.

What makes eggnog so thick? ›

Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage.

How long will homemade eggnog last? ›

It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

How do you keep eggnog from curdling? ›

To prevent curdling, do not heat custard beyond 160 degrees. If it does begin to curdle, remove from heat immediately and pour into a bowl set over a larger bowl of ice water to stop the cooking, and proceed with recipe.

What is the best rum to use 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 kind of brandy do you use for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

What kind of rum do you use for eggnog? ›

What Kind of Rum Goes Best with Eggnog? “I like something with a little bit more body and flavor than say, just like a silver [or white rum],” says Chamberlain. “Those are good, but I feel like you can bring more to the party—the party being eggnog.” That's why he prefers a spiced rum or an aged 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.

What is the difference between old fashioned and classic eggnog? ›

The old-fashioned eggnog is made with raw eggs, milk, cream, bourbon, and sugar. Usually, compared to classic eggnog, this version is stronger and creamier in taste and texture. Top it off with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

Is it OK to drink eggnog everyday? ›

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 can I thicken my homemade eggnog? ›

To make it thicker, use less milk. 1 cup of whole milk will make a smooth eggnog, but if you know that you like a thicker eggnog, stir in only ½ cup of milk. Once it chills and thickens a little in the fridge, add more milk to thin it out to your liking.

Why is my homemade eggnog foamy? ›

Homemade eggnog is thickened first with egg yolks and then given even more texture by folding in whipped egg whites at the end. Those egg whites transform what can be a fairly heavy, overly rich drink into something airier and frothier — though no less decadent.

Why did my homemade eggnog curdle? ›

What if my eggnog gets curdled. There is a high possibility it can get curdled slightly at 2 stages, one is when you are cooking the egg yolk and the milk mixture on the stove. And the other stage is when adding alcohol into the mix. If this happens don't worry, just blend it in a blender until smooth.

How do you spruce up store bought 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!

Can you taste alcohol in eggnog? ›

While it was very subtle, it was a bit more pronounced on the back end than the brandy. Overall, the eggnog was delicious and just sweet enough so you could taste that there was alcohol beyond the creamy egg mixture.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

How do you dilute alcohol in eggnog? ›

Because the eggnog thickens the longer you keep it stored in your refrigerator (and it's quite boozy), you can always dilute it by adding more milk just before serving.

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