Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 Egg Yolks; 1/2 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)

posted by Krystle Smith on December 19, 2018 0 Comments »

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(Last Updated On: August 2, 2020)

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.

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.

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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.

Eggnog Ingredients

For your homemade eggnog, you’ll need egg yolks, sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.

How to Make Eggnog

To make this eggnog recipe 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. Eggnog 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 Eggnog Last? In the fridge, homemade eggnog will last up to seven days. If you’re making your eggnog in advance, consider placing it in the freezer (where it will keep for up to six months). Defrosting the night before your event.

Is Eggnog Safe to Drink? Safety concerns with eggnog come from the addition of raw eggs. 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!

What To Serve With Eggnog: Eggnog is a great addition to any sort of Christmas buffet or holiday spread. If you’re looking for something specific to serve with this best eggnog recipe, consider cookies, candy, or pastries. Any dish with flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla are a great accompaniment as well.

Can You Freeze Eggnog?

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 the eggnog in an airtight container (leaving a few inches of space at the top for expansion). The eggnog will last 4-6 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to serve, place the eggnog 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.