Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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Rich and creamy eggnog with a hint of nutmeg. Step away from the dairy case, this thick drink tastes SO much better than store bought. 
 
a glass mug of eggnog topped with whipped cream and ground nutmeg.
 
I love creamy cocktails like the Mudslide and the Colorado Bulldog. Deck the halls and trim the tree! ‘Tis the season for yule logs, frosted cookies, and most importantly, delicious eggnog. Skip the store-bought varieties, homemade eggnog is easy and delicious. You can even add rum or another alcohol to make this holiday treat the true hit of your next Christmas party.
 
It is sure to become a festive favorite at your next get together.
 

Craving more holiday drinks?

Cranberry Margaritas 

Copycat Starbucks Apple Cider With Caramel

Copycat Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

 a glass mug of homemade eggnog on a red tablecloth with a Christmas tree in the background.

What is Eggnog?

 
Eggnog is a drink made from mixing beaten eggs and heavy cream. It also usually features delicious flavors like nutmeg and vanilla. With a little bit of sugar (and maybe some rum!) this treat has become a staple of holiday get togethers. It is also great for Christmas Eve and office Christmas parties.
 
2 glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg on a red tablecloth.
 

Ingredients

 
You’ll need egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.
 

How to Make Eggnog

 
First gather your ingredients. You'll also need a medium bowl, a saucepan, a whisk, and a thermometer. First, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in the bowl, until the ingredients are light and creamy. Set aside the bowl for later.
 
Next, in a saucepan, add the heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat stirring constantly. Once the milk mixture is hot, pour a half-cup of the mixture into the bowl containing egg yolks. Whisk.
 
Gradually add hot milk to the bowl a little at a time. Pour the contents of the bowl back into the saucepan. Whisk while heating the mixture until the temperature reaches 160 degrees.
 
Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla. Finally, pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until chilled.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You add Alcohol? For spiked eggnog I prefer rum. However, there are plenty of other options you can try. It is also great with with brandy, bourbon, or a combination of cognac and rum. For each cup of eggnog, add a half tablespoon(or more!) of your spirit of choice.
 
How Long Does It Last? In the fridge, it will last up to seven days. If you’re making it in advance, consider placing it in the freezer (where it will keep for up to six months). Defrosting the night before your event.
 
Is It Safe to Drink?  Raw eggs come with the risk of Salmonella poisoning. This is the same reason you want to avoid eating raw cookie dough. However, when you heat the eggnog to 160 degrees, you are pasteurizing the eggs. This eliminates and eliminating the Salmonella risk. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature reaches 160 degrees. After that they are no more dangerous than a properly cooked quiche, or cake!
 
 
Serve With: This drink is a great addition to any sort of Christmas buffet or holiday spread. If you’re looking for something specific to serve with this recipe, consider cookies, candy, or pastries. Any dish with flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla are a great accompaniment as well.
 

Can You FreezeIt?

 
To save time, you can make eggnog in advance. It also freezes well. Be sure to leave out the rum (or add it right before serving. Alcohol will not freeze all the way.
 
Place it in an airtight container (leaving a few inches of space at the top for expansion). It will last 4-6 months in the freezer.
 
When you’re ready to serve, place it in the fridge and allow it to defrost. Do not defrost on the counter top. Then,stir to combine the ingredients and serve!
 
If the ingredients have separated, you can also use a blender to get the consistency smooth again.
 

Use In These Recipe Too

Eggnog Fudge

Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog Cookies with Eggnog Buttercream

📖 Recipe

how to make eggnog

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Homemade Eggnog Recipe: Rich and creamy eggnog with a hint of nutmeg. Step away from the dairy case, this thick drink tastes SO much better than store bought.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drink
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 312kcal

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Ingredients

  • 6 Egg Yolks
  • ½ Cup White Sugar
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 Cups Whole Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon Fresh Nutmeg Grated
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt To Taste
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Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Set aside.
  • In a medium sauce pan, combine cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Pour ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture, and whisk constantly. This will temper the eggs.
  • Continue adding a little at a time until fully combined.
  • Pour back into saucepan.
  • Whisk constantly until a thermometer reads 160 degrees.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
  • Chill before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 257mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 156mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe? I want to see!Mention @BakingBeautyBlog or tag #BakingBeauty!
 
 
 
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. Carlos Cruz says:

    I wanted to know if one can use 2% mike instead of reg. mike. can I use latose free mike also. when one get old you got to start using all the thing that hurts you... thnks

    1. Krystle Smith says:

      Hi Carlos,

      We haven't tried this recipe with 2% or lactose free milk. If you do please let us know. I would hate to speculate here based on the cost of groceries these days.