During the holiday season, my drink of choice is always eggnog. Many flavors exist, but making it from scratch is better than any store-bought eggnog.
Jump to RecipeA few years ago we started making Coquito during the holidays. It’s tropical and light and so easy to make. It’s also a very boozy eggnog when made as directed. It was too much alcohol for me, though, so we lightened that up a bit.
Since then, I wanted to try making a more traditional eggnog recipe. I tried vegan eggnog, sweetened and thickened with dates, which was pretty good. But once you’ve had regular eggnog, that isn’t quite the same.
I’d always thought making eggnog would be difficult, but it was so much easier than I thought. I found a few different recipes for classic eggnog and combined them to make my own version.
This is the best eggnog I’ve ever had. It reminds me a lot of the Southern Comfort brand. You can definitely taste the vanilla extract in this homemade version, which is what gives it all the flavor. It makes a very creamy drink, which is perfect for the Christmas season.
Alcoholic Version
If you want an alcoholic version of this easy eggnog recipe, you have a few options. The most common type of alcohol used is brandy, although some will use dark rum or whiskey. Add about 1/4 cup brandy (or alcohol of choice) to the eggnog when you mix in the vanilla extract.
You can also add alcohol to each individual glass of eggnog, making sure to stir it well before drinking. This allows the drinker to choose their amount of alcohol as well as their type.
Recipe Alternatives
Although the whole family enjoyed this delicious eggnog recipe as-is, there are a few things you could do to change it a bit. You could add a bit of maple syrup instead of vanilla extract as a sweetener.
For an eggnog that has more cinnamon flavor, put a few cinnamon sticks in the eggnog as it cools in the refrigerator.
You can also add some peppermint extract or peppermint pieces to the egg nog to really get in the holiday spirit.
Eggnog Step by Step
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Preparation
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk egg yolks and sugar together until creamy.
In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt, stirring often until it reaches a light simmer, about 5 minutes.
Temper eggs by adding a big spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.
Repeat until you’ve added about half of the milk mixture to the eggs.
Pour the milk and egg mixture back into the saucepan, reduce to medium-low heat, and whisk constantly for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and reaches a temperature of 160F on a candy thermometer.
Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract (and brandy if using).
Pour the eggnog mixture through a mesh strainer over a pitcher to remove any chunks.
Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours, until chilled through.
Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Homemade Classic Eggnog Leftovers
Storage: Store leftover eggnog in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Recipe
Originally Published On: August 21, 2023
Homemade Classic Eggnog
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to whisk egg yolks and sugar together until creamy
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt, stirring often until it reaches a light simmer, about 5 minutes
- Temper eggs by adding a big spoonful of the hot milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly
- Repeat until you’ve added about half of the milk mixture to the eggs
- Pour the milk and egg mixture back into the saucepan, reduce to medium-low heat, and whisk constantly for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and reaches a temperature of 160F on a candy thermometer
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract (and brandy if using)
- Pour the eggnog mixture through a mesh strainer over a pitcher to remove any chunks
- Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours, until chilled through
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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- Christmas 2017 Recap + Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe 2 Ways
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We haven’t had eggnog in years and the ones we’ve had are always store bought but this homemade one looks so good that it’s making me want to make it! Definitely going on my list of recipes to try!
This eggnog sounds so perfect for the holidays. My family usually just buys a carton or two, but your recipe looks awesome and I’m inspired to make our own this year!
I’ve never tried eggnog. For some reason my parents forbade my sister and I from drinking it, and as an adult that’s carried forward.
Your recipe for homemade eggnog has captivated me. The attention to detail and clear instructions make it easy, even for someone like me who doesn’t often spend time in the kitchen, to create this treat.
This sounds great. I don’t recall having tried eggnog before but having the option to make my own rather than buy it ready made is preferable so I can control the ingredients.
Your homemade eggnog recipe is a winner! The post brings the holiday spirit alive with simple steps and ingredients. Your warm and inviting description makes it easy for anyone to whip up a festive treat. Cheers to a delicious holiday season! 🎄🥚🎅
I just made this today and I love your recipe. It was my first time making an eggnog and it was super easy and fun! Thank you for this
oh Wow, Ive looked into many eggnog recipes but this is by far my favorite! I cant believe how easy and delicious your recipe is. Thank you so much.
I adore this recipe for homemade eggnog. It tastes exactly like a boozy milkshake. Christmas can’t come soon enough!
I have never tried eggnog, but your sounds recipe is inviting and perfect for those who enjoy the holiday spirit. Your enthusiasm for its rich flavors and comforting qualities is certainly enticing!
I am always excited for eggnog season! I’ve never tried making it on my own, and it sounds delicious. Definitely will have to try this!
Hhhhhmmm….it’s my first time knowing of eggnog. I wanna try out the vegetarian one! I love the fact that the recipe list is readily available here.
This is an interesting recipe! I have never tried this before but it looks delicious! Thanks for sharing this, we’ll give it a try!
I don’t think I remember the last time I had this but reading this post, I would love to try the Eggnog again. Great post and easy-to-follow steps. Thank you for sharing!
We tried to make eggnog last year and it was SUCH a fail! So I will bookmark this for this year!
Oh my, I cant believe how easy and dilicious this homemade Eggnog is, and this recipe really is the best! Thank you!
The homemade eggnog recipe you shared is a game-changer. I’ve always enjoyed eggnog during the holidays, but making it from scratch has taken my love for it to a whole new level. Your detailed instructions and the way you explained the process made it so easy for me to try it out. Thanks for helping me create a delicious treat that’s way better than store-bought options!