There’s pure joy in whipping up a classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe from scratch, right in your own kitchen. Silky and rich, with a hint of warming nutmeg and cinnamon, this creamy holiday drink is made from real ingredients and just a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re decking the halls for Christmas or simply treating yourself to a cozy moment, you’ll love how this old-fashioned favorite keeps friends and family coming back for one more glass!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Eggnog:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup bourbon or rum
- Ground nutmeg for garnish

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Eggs

Start by cracking the eggs into a medium mixing bowl. Whisk them really well until they’re completely blended—think smooth, pale yellow, and a little bit frothy. It’s your foundation, so give it a few extra whisks for good measure.

Step 2: Cream Together the Sugar and Eggs

Slowly add the granulated sugar to your whisked eggs, a little at a time, and keep whisking. You’re aiming for a light, creamy texture—almost like a pale custard, which makes your Homemade Eggnog Recipe irresistibly smooth later on.

Step 3: Heat the Milk, Cream, and Spices

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. Warm this mixture over medium heat just until it’s steaming—don’t let it boil, or you’ll risk curdling. The warmth of the milk will bloom those spices, infusing the mixture with holiday magic.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Now comes a little kitchen magic! Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into your egg-sugar blend, whisking constantly. This step tempers the eggs, gently bringing them up to temperature, so you get a silky eggnog base without scrambling.

Step 5: Thicken on the Stovetop

Return everything to the saucepan. Cook gently over low heat, stirring all the time, until your Homemade Eggnog Recipe thickens up slightly and reaches around 160°F. It should coat the back of a spoon—don’t rush this part! Constant stirring is the secret to that dreamy texture.

Step 6: Add Flavors and Chill

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and, if using, the bourbon or rum. Pour your eggnog into a pitcher or large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours. Chilling is key for the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Garnishes

A final dusting of freshly grated nutmeg is the classic touch—each glass looks like a mini snow globe and smells absolutely heavenly. If you want to get fancy, try topping with a swirl of whipped cream or even a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Side Dishes

Homemade Eggnog Recipe pairs beautifully with holiday treats like buttery shortbread, gingerbread cookies, or spiced nuts. The rich, creamy sip is perfect with a crumbly pastry or a slice of tender coffee cake for an all-out festive spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your eggnog in elegant glass mugs or vintage punch cups for an old-fashioned vibe, or go modern with mason jars and festive paper straws. For a party, try a DIY nog bar with bowls of assorted toppings: cinnamon sugar, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Homemade Eggnog Recipe in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, just be sure to give it a good stir before pouring as the spices may settle.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze eggnog! Pour into an airtight container, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to a month; thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then whisk to recombine.

Reheating

Eggnog is truly best served chilled, but if you like it warmed just pour into a saucepan and gently heat over low, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling—gentle heat preserves that silky texture. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe uses a gentle heating process that brings the mixture up to 160°F, making it food safe. For extra peace of mind, you can try pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute.

Can I make this eggnog dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives. Almond milk and coconut cream work beautifully, though the flavor will change slightly.

Can I make eggnog without alcohol?

Yes! Simply leave out the bourbon or rum for a completely alcohol-free Homemade Eggnog Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and just as perfect for all ages.

How can I make the eggnog thicker or thinner?

For a richer, thicker nog, increase the heavy cream slightly or cook a little longer to reduce further. Prefer it lighter? Add a splash more milk to get your desired consistency.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This Homemade Eggnog Recipe is easy to scale up—just use a larger saucepan and whisk, and allow extra time for the mixture to heat evenly and chill completely before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully festive and satisfying about creating your own Homemade Eggnog Recipe from scratch. Whether it’s your first glass of the season or a brand-new holiday tradition, this recipe is sure to spread joy with every creamy sip. Gather your friends and family, and give this classic a try—you’ll never want store-bought eggnog again!

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this classic Homemade Eggnog recipe. Perfect for the holiday season, this beverage is a delightful treat for any festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggnog:

4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 cup bourbon or rum
Ground nutmeg for garnish

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Instructions

Whisk Eggs: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until light and creamy.
Heat Milk Mixture: In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Heat until steaming.
Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to saucepan and cook until slightly thickened.
Finish Eggnog: Stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with nutmeg.