BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Nothing says holidays like a good eggnog recipe. Homemade Eggnog is very easy to make and so much more tastier. It is rich in flavor and taste!

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BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Nothing says the holidays quite like a glass of creamy homemade eggnog. In our house, it's become a Christmas tradition. My husband used to buy store-bought eggnog every December until I started making it from scratch. Now he looks forward to the homemade version because it's richer, creamier, and full of warm holiday flavor.

This easy Christmas eggnog recipe is gently cooked for a smooth, velvety texture and made with simple ingredients like milk, eggs, heavy cream, evaporated milk, sugar, and warm spices. Enjoy it as a family-friendly holiday drink or add your favorite rum, cognac, bourbon, or whiskey for a classic alcoholic eggnog that's perfect for Christmas gatherings.

Love this holiday recipe? Be sure to check out these other festive drinks on the blog, like my Sorrel Hibiscus Tea and my Ultimate Caribbean Ginger Beer for even more seasonal flavor!

BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Tiffany's Helpful Tips for Making Eggnog

  • Do NOT boil your milk and heavy cream mixture. Heat it up for only about 2 minutes.

  • The spices can be adjusted according to your taste buds as well.

  • Temper your egg yolk by adding 1 cup of the warm milk and heavy cream mixture to it while you whisk aggressively to ensure that the eggs do not cook (curdled eggs). Then add the entire mixture to the rest of the warm milk and heavy cream remaining in the pot.

  • Allow the eggnog to cool before adding your alcohol.

  • Fresh spices are much better. Use them if you can.

  • Optional: I like to remove the embryo from the egg yolk before adding the sugar. Generally, I don’t ever leave the embryo in my eggs. You’ll be straining the mixture, so it’s totally up to you.

BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to customize this holiday eggnog drink , here are easy substitutions that still keep the flavor rich and creamy. These beginner friendly swaps help anyone enjoy this homemade eggnog recipe :

  • Milk substitute : Use almond milk or oat milk for dairy free substitutes.

  • Sugar Substitutes: Maple syrup for a more natural sweetener, Honey to add warmth and depth, Cane sugar or brown sugar for a cozy caramel taste.

  • Traditional Eggnog with Alcohol: to make a classic alcoholic eggnog , add: Dark rum, Cognac, Bourbon or A blend of rum and cognac (expert recommended).

Storage and Refrigeration

Proper storage keeps your homemade eggnog fresh, creamy, and safe to enjoy.

  • Store eggnog in an airtight glass bottle or sealed container.

  • Keep it refrigerated at all times.

  • Shake or stir before serving since natural separation is normal.

How Long Eggnog Lasts

  • Without alcohol : 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

  • With alcohol : Up to 1 week.

  • Always check smell and texture before drinking.

Freezing Eggnog

  • Freeze in a freezer safe container , leaving space for expansion.

  • Eggnog freezes well for up to 2 months.

BEST Homemade Eggnog Recipe

By Tiffany Boakye-Korsah
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 5-6

Ingredients

  • - 8 egg yolks
  • - ½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon
  • - 1 cup heavy cream
  • - 2 ½ cups evaporated milk (carnation)
  • - ½ nutmeg, grated
  • - ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • - ¼ teaspoon allspice or a pinch
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • - Pinch of salt
  • - Rum or cognac (optional)

Instructions

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creamy. This creates the base for a rich and silky homemade eggnog.

Warm the dairy mixture: In a medium pot set over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream and evaporated milk. Let the mixture heat gently and come to a light simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.

Temper the egg yolks: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the whisked yolks while whisking continuously. This step gently raises the temperature of the eggs to prevent curdling. Once tempered, gradually whisk the yolk mixture back into the pot with the remaining warm milk.

Cook until slightly thickened: Return the pot to medium-low heat and cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes or until the eggnog begins to thicken. The mixture should reach 160°F, which is the safe temperature for egg-based recipes.

Strain for a smooth finish: Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small cooked bits and achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

Add spices and flavoring: Whisk in the nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract until the spices are fully blended and the eggnog smells warm and aromatic.

Chill the eggnog: Transfer the mixture to a glass container or pitcher, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold. The chilling time helps the flavors deepen and the texture thicken naturally.

Add alcohol before serving (optional): If you’re adding rum, brandy, or bourbon, mix it in just before serving. Start with 1 to 2 ounces per cup and adjust to taste. Give the eggnog a quick whisk, pour over ice or serve chilled, and enjoy your homemade holiday drink.

Notes

Nothing says holidays like a good eggnog recipe. Homemade Eggnog is very easy to make and so much more tastier. It is rich in flavor and taste

Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~343 kcal
Protein: ~9.7 g
Fat: ~19 g
Carbohydrate: ~34 g
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