Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Homemade Eggnog is a holiday classic that brings creamy, rich, and comforting flavors to the table. It’s made with fresh eggs, milk, cream, a touch of sugar, and warm spices…
Tip: save now, cook later.Homemade Eggnog is a holiday classic that brings creamy, rich, and comforting flavors to the table. It’s made with fresh eggs, milk, cream, a touch of sugar, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Every sip feels like a cozy hug, perfect for chilly nights or festive gatherings.
I love making this eggnog from scratch because it tastes so much better than store-bought versions—richer, smoother, and with the exact amount of spice I prefer. Plus, I can easily add a splash of my favorite rum or bourbon to make it extra special. When I whip up a batch, the whole kitchen starts to smell amazing, and it always gets me in the holiday spirit.
My favorite way to serve homemade eggnog is chilled in a festive glass, topped with a little extra grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for stirring. It’s a treat that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s as a dessert drink after dinner or a cozy sip by the fireplace. I usually make sure to have plenty on hand because it disappears fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key here. Separate yolks and whites carefully; yolks add richness while whipped whites give lightness. If you’re worried about raw eggs, use pasteurized ones for safety.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream make the eggnog creamy and smooth. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, but note the flavor and texture will change.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the drink just right. You could swap with maple syrup or honey, but start with less since they’re sweeter.
Bourbon or Rum (optional): Adding alcohol gives the traditional warming kick. If you prefer non-alcoholic, simply leave it out or add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for flavor.
Nutmeg and Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and festive aroma. Freshly grated nutmeg on top makes a nice touch, and I love serving with cinnamon sticks for stirring.
How Do You Get Creamy, Fluffy Eggnog Without It Being Too Heavy?
The trick is folding whipped egg whites into the rich yolk mixture. This creates a light texture that’s still creamy.
- Beat egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and thick—this adds creaminess.
- Beat egg whites separately with the rest of the sugar until stiff peaks form—this adds air and fluff.
- Gently fold the whites into the yolks so you don’t lose the airiness.
- Chill for at least an hour so flavors blend and the eggnog thickens slightly.
Patience with these steps makes a smooth, dreamy eggnog that tastes homemade and special every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls – great for separating and whipping egg whites and yolks without spills.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes beating eggs and sugar easy and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts ensuring perfect balance.
- Spatula – to gently fold whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture without losing air.
- Fine grater or microplane – for fresh nutmeg topping that adds bright spice flavor.
- Serving glasses – something festive or simple to show off your creamy eggnog.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bourbon or rum for brandy or spiced whiskey to try a different warm alcohol flavor.
- Mix in a little grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a chocolate eggnog twist.
- Add a splash of coffee liqueur for a mocha-inspired drink, perfect for coffee lovers.
- Stir in a dash of ground cloves or allspice for extra spice depth, especially if you like busy flavors.
How to Make Homemade Eggnog?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Eggnog:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup bourbon or rum (optional)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- 2 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This eggnog recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the flavors meld and gives the drink that smooth, creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Beat the Egg Yolks:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the egg yolks with half the sugar (about 1/6 cup) until the mixture turns thick and pale yellow.
2. Mix in the Dairy and Flavorings:
Slowly add the milk, heavy cream, bourbon or rum (if using), vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk gently until everything is fully combined.
3. Whip the Egg Whites:
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, which will make the eggnog nice and fluffy.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture with a spatula. Be careful to keep it light and airy by folding slowly until smooth and creamy.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the eggnog and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, pour the eggnog into glasses, sprinkle a bit of nutmeg on top, and add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve chilled and enjoy your festive homemade eggnog, perfect for cozy holiday celebrations!
Can I Use Pasteurized Eggs for This Recipe?
Yes! Using pasteurized eggs is a great option if you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs. They work the same way in the recipe and keep it safe to enjoy without compromising texture or flavor.
How Long Can I Store Homemade Eggnog?
Store eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Always give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly over time.
Can I Make This Eggnog Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the eggnog up to a day in advance and chill it to let flavors develop even more. Just remember to add any garnish like nutmeg or cinnamon sticks right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Bourbon or Rum?
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the bourbon or rum. You can add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor without the alcohol.