Homemade Eggnog Recipe: A Holiday Favorite Made from Scratch
If there’s one drink that screams holiday cheer, it’s a creamy, spiced eggnog. This homemade eggnog recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you prefer it classic or spiked with a little brandy and bourbon, this rich and velvety beverage is sure to impress your family and friends.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Making eggnog from scratch might seem intimidating, but trust me—it’s simpler than you think. With just a few pantry staples like eggs, sugar, milk, and cream, you’ll have a decadent drink that puts store-bought versions to shame. Plus, the warm hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves give it that cozy holiday flavor we all crave this time of year.
What makes this recipe even better? You can easily customize it to suit your taste. Skip the alcohol for a family-friendly version or go all out with the perfect balance of brandy and bourbon for a more traditional take. Garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, this eggnog is a festive treat that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
What’s not to love about this homemade eggnog recipe? First off, it’s made from scratch, which means you get that rich, creamy texture and fresh flavor that store-bought eggnog just can’t match. The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and a touch of vanilla creates a smooth base that’s perfectly spiced with nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. It’s like taking a sip of holiday cheer with every glass!
Another thing people will love is how customizable this recipe is. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic version for the whole family or a spiked eggnog with brandy and bourbon for the adults, this recipe gives you the flexibility to make it your own. Plus, you can easily adjust the spices to suit your personal taste—add more nutmeg for a stronger kick or keep it mild for a more subtle flavor.
Lastly, the homemade touch makes this eggnog feel extra special. It’s the perfect drink to serve at holiday parties or cozy nights in, and the process of making it from scratch adds to the festive spirit. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or sipping by the fireplace, this homemade eggnog is sure to become a new holiday tradition!
Ingredient List:
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
- Optional – 1 ounce each of brandy and bourbon
How to Make Easy Eggnog
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until the yolks become a little paler in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar slowly while continuing to beat on high until the egg mixture gets frothy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Put the milk into the saucepan and add the ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and the vanilla.
- Heat on medium heat until warm, whisking continuously. The mixture should warm but not boil.
- Remove the warm milk from the heat and slowly, very slowly pour into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This will temper the eggs and slowly warm them to avoid curdling.
- Once the egg mixture and the milk are combined, pour them back into the saucepan. Place the saucepan back on medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon. Do not let the mixture boil. Heat until warm. It’s ready when you see little bubbles of milk on the back of a wooden spoon. If you have a thermometer, the temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from heat and add the heavy cream and stir.
- If you would like spiked Eggnog, add the brandy and bourbon. Stir.
- Pour the Eggnog through a sieve to remove any curdled bits and place in the fridge for 1 hour to cool.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve chilled.
Tips & Tricks
- Tempering the Eggs: One of the most important steps in making eggnog is tempering the eggs. This means slowly adding the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling. If you add the milk too fast, you could end up with scrambled eggs instead of smooth custard!
- Adjust the Sweetness: The sugar in this recipe can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter eggnog, you can add a little more sugar, but remember that the alcohol (if you choose to add it) will also contribute to the overall sweetness, so keep that in mind.
- Chill for Best Flavor: While you can serve the eggnog immediately, letting it chill for an hour in the fridge will allow the flavors to meld and the drink to thicken slightly. It also ensures the eggnog is nice and cold when you serve it—perfect for sipping on a chilly winter day.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to experiment with the spices. If you love cinnamon, add a little extra. You can even try other warming spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Use Fresh Nutmeg: For the best flavor, try grating fresh nutmeg instead of using pre-ground. Freshly grated nutmeg has a much more intense, aromatic flavor that really elevates the eggnog.
- Make Ahead: If you’re preparing eggnog for a party, you can make it a day or two in advance. This gives it time to chill and allows the flavors to develop further. Just remember to stir before serving!
- Serve in Style: For an extra touch, serve your eggnog in festive glasses and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish. If you’re making the spiked version, consider adding a little whipped cream on top for a creamy finish.
FAQs
Easy Eggnog Recipe
This easy eggnog recipe is a family favorite. In a little over an hour, our family can enjoy a nice fresh cup of eggnog made from scratch, and yours can too with this recipe. It is easy to make and tastes way better than the eggnog from the grocery store. Once you make this, you will never buy store-bought eggnog again. Enjoy this recipe with or without alcohol.
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
- Optional - 1 ounce each of brandy and bourbon
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks on high until the yolks become a little paler in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the granulated sugar slowly while continuing to beat on high until the egg mixture gets frothy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Put the milk into the saucepan and add the ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and the vanilla.
- Heat on medium heat until warm, whisking continuously. The mixture should warm but not boil.
- Remove the warm milk from the heat and slowly, very slowly pour into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. This will temper the eggs and slowly warm them to avoid curdling.
- Once the egg mixture and the milk are combined, pour them back into the saucepan. Place the saucepan back on medium heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon. Do not let the mixture boil. Heat until warm. It’s ready when you see little bubbles of milk on the back of a wooden spoon. If you have a thermometer, the temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from heat and add the heavy cream and stir.
- If you would like spiked Eggnog, add the brandy and bourbon. Stir.
- Pour the Eggnog through a sieve to remove any curdled bits and place in the fridge for 1 hour to cool.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve chilled.
Notes
Makes 4 Cups
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 593Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 354mgSodium: 87mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 0gSugar: 58gProtein: 10g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
