Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

By Laura

Posted Dec 03, 2021, Updated Feb 20, 2024

5 from 10 votes

4 Comments

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This homemade eggnog recipe is the best eggnog you will ever taste. It’s thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. It’s easy to make and so delicious that you’ll never settle for store-bought again!

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2)

Every year as the weather changes and the holidays draw near, the first holiday treat that my family asks for is eggnog.

Eggnog is a must-have to enjoy while we decorate our Christmas tree (along with homemade hot chocolate, and peppermint hot chocolate)!

However, I usually don’t prefer to buy store-bought eggnog because of the ingredient list. So I created this homemade eggnog recipe. It’s thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Plus, it’s easy to make with a handful of ingredients.

Making homemade eggnog ensures you can use organic ingredients and emulsifiers, preservatives and artificial flavors.

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (3)

Eggnog Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Granulated sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are the best choices.
  • Heavy cream/whole milk. This eggnog recipe calls for 3 cups of liquid dairy. I make it with 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. You can change the ratio (e.g. 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream), or use lower-fat products like half and half or 2% milk but you do so at the risk of a less-creamy final product.
  • Ground Nutmeg. You can substitute an equal amount of freshly ground nutmeg if you prefer. I use store-bought organic nutmeg with the best results.
  • Sea salt. A pinch of sea salt really makes this recipe extra delicious. You can omit it, if you prefer.
  • Pure vanilla extract. Vanilla bean paste or the seeds of one vanilla bean are good substitutes.
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How to Make Eggnog

This homemade eggnog recipe comes together in 10 minutes and is fairly simple to make. We’ll walk through how to make eggnog step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video!

To begin, beat the eggs and sugar together with a handheld mixer (or vigorously with a whisk by hand), until, thick and light (about 1 minute).

The mixture will thicken as you set it aside and continue making the rest of the recipe.

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (5)

Next, heat the whole milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a medium saucepan until the mixture is warm and just barely begins to bubble around the edges, whisking constantly.

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Once the mixture is warm, temper the eggs by slowly adding the warm milk to the beaten eggs as you whisk vigorously.

Note: the egg mixture will be thick upon the first addition of milk. As you whisk in more milk it will thin out.

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Next, pour the tempered egg/milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken but does not boil (160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer), whisking often. (it will lightly coat the back of a spatula).

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Then, place the heavy cream into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

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Strain the egg mixture into the heavy cream. Discard the residue that is left on the strainer.

Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s just incorporated.

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Chill the Eggnog

Next, transfer the homemade eggnog to a glass jar with a lid (a large, 1 quart jar) or put it in a glass container with a lid to chill for at least 4 hours.

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Serve

This eggnog recipe is best served cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (12)

How to Store Eggnog

Store leftover eggnog in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze

If you’d like, you can freeze this eggnog recipe in ice cube trays and use it to make some delicious eggnog iced coffee! Yum! Or you can freeze it in larger portions in a silicone storage container. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (13)

Homemade Eggnog Recipe FAQs

Does egg nog have raw eggs?

In this eggnog recipe the eggs are tempered and then cooked to 160 degrees F with the milk so they are not raw and are safe to drink.

What alcohol goes best with eggnog?

Typically the types of alcohol associated with eggnog are brandy, rum and bourbon.

What is the first ingredient in eggnog?

The main ingredients in eggnog are heavy cream, whole milk and egg yolks.

How long does homemade eggnog last?

This recipe lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (15)

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (16)

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Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Laura

This homemade eggnog recipe is truly the best eggnog you will ever taste. It's thick and creamy with hints of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. It's easy to make and so delicious that you'll never settle for store-bought again!

5 from 10 votes

Course Dessert, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 336

Prep Time15 minutes minutes

Cook Time10 minutes minutes

Chilling4 hours hours

Total Time4 hours hours 25 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar together with a handheld mixer (or vigorously with a whisk by hand), until, thick, light and fluffy (about 1 minute).

  • Heat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a medium saucepan until warm, whisking constantly.

  • Temper the eggs by slowly adding warm milk to the beaten eggs as you whisk vigorously.

  • Pour the tempered egg/milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it starts to thicken but does not boil (160 degrees F), whisking often. (it will lightly coat the back of a spatula).

  • Place the heavy cream into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.

  • Strain the egg mixture into the heavy cream. Discard what is left on the strainer.

  • Add vanilla extract, stir to combine.

  • Chill for 4 hours.

  • Serve cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Granulated sugar. white sugar or organic cane sugar are the best choices.
  • Heavy cream/whole milk. This eggnog recipe calls for 3 cups of liquid dairy. I make it with 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk. You can change the ratio (e.g. 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup cream), or use lower-fat products like half and half or 2% milk but you do so at the risk of a less-creamy final product.
  • Ground Nutmeg. You can substitute an equal amount of freshly ground nutmeg if you prefer. I use store-bought organic nutmeg with the best results.
  • Sea salt. A pinch of sea salt really makes this recipe extra delicious. You can omit it, if you prefer.

Serve

This eggnog recipe is best served cold with some homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Store

Store leftover eggnog in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freeze

If you’d like, you can freeze this eggnog recipe in ice cube trays and use it to make some delicious eggnog iced coffee! Yum! Or you can freeze it in larger portions in a silicone storage container. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5Cup | Calories: 336kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1119IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!

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Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe (Hot Cocoa)

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Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

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Snowball Cookies

Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the very best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

Cover and refrigerate.

The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.

What makes eggnog taste so good? ›

It's sweet, rich, and very creamy. Think of a glass of custard or melted vanilla ice cream! But it also has a slightly spiced flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

What is in southern comfort eggnog? ›

MILK, CREAM, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SUGAR, CORN SYRUP, EGG YOLKS, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, SPICE, FAT FREE MILK, GUAR GUM, CARRAGEENAN, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, ANNATTO AND TURMERIC (COLOR), SALT AND DISODIUM PHOSPHATE.

What's the best whiskey to put in eggnog? ›

Made with eggs, sugar, spices, and of course, whiskey, this rich and creamy beverage is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. To make Wigle's spiked eggnog, we recommend using a good quality whiskey like Yule Tidings but other whiskeys will be equally delicious. Wigle PA Bourbon eggnog is also highly recommended!

What type of brandy is best 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.

Does eggnog get better with age? ›

The unanimous verdict: Alongside a fresh batch, which tasted comparatively boozy and harsh, our aged nog went down more smoothly.

Does alcohol cook eggs in eggnog? ›

No. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, "eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill Salmonella that may be present. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill it completely." However, if you use pasteurized eggs, no further cooking is necessary.

How to tell if eggnog is spoiled? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

What can I add to eggnog to make it taste better? ›

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

Are there any benefits to drinking eggnog? ›

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.

What is the best alcohol to mix with 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 rum is best in eggnog? ›

If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.

What's the difference between old fashioned and traditional eggnog? ›

The difference between the two varieties is that “old fashioned” eggnog is creamier and more strongly spiced than “classic,” Darigold spokesperson Erin Byrne said. “Classic” eggnog has 6% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, whereas “old fashioned” eggnog has 7% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.

What alcohol gets you drunk the fastest? ›

Highly concentrated beverages, like vodka and gin, are absorbed faster by your body. It also absorbs fizzy and bubbly drinks, like champagne or soda mixes, quicker than other drinks. How fast you drink: Chugging rather than sipping will increase your BAC faster and cause you to feel drunker.

Does eggnog taste better with alcohol? ›

Eggnog is the holiday sludge that some people can't live without and others can't stand. It's a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites. For those of legal drinking age, the beverage tastes even better with a splash of alcohol.

What's the best rum 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 pairs well with egg nog? ›

And while chocolate cake is at the top of the list of desserts that pair well with eggnog, you can't go wrong with any sweet. Pumpkin pie and apple crumble are the next two on the list.

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