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Delicious Homemade Creamy Eggnog

Featured in: Drinks to Keep You Cool and Hydrated

Whisk egg yolks with sugar until fluffy. Warm milk with spices, drizzle slowly into egg mixture while constantly stirring. Simmer until thickened, mix in cream and vanilla. Refrigerate thoroughly. Stir in rum if desired right before serving. Sprinkle fresh nutmeg on top. Creates a luxurious holiday beverage in about 25 minutes.

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Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:35:38 GMT
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. | cookingkitchn.com

Ever wondered about eggnog and why it's such a holiday hit? This velvety, spice-infused beverage brings total warmth in every sip! Our from-scratch version combines lush cream, toasty spices, and spirits (if you want them) for a celebratory drink that'll brighten your holiday mood. It's perfect whether you're throwing a gathering or just want something fancy to enjoy during the festive season.

Benefits of Homemade Version

Whipping up eggnog at home isn't hard at all! Ditch the cartons from the grocery store - making it yourself means you can tweak the sweetness, adjust the spices, and add just the right amount of alcohol for your perfect holiday sip. There's also something truly satisfying about watching basic ingredients turn into that signature smoothness that homemade versions are known for.

Ingredients List

  • Egg Yolks: 6 large ones - they're the secret to that decadent texture
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup - sweetens everything just right
  • Whole Milk: 2 cups - don't skip on fat content here
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup - creates that smooth mouthfeel
  • Spices: Whole cloves and cinnamon for that holiday feeling
  • Nutmeg: Grate it yourself for best results!
  • Vanilla: 1 1/2 teaspoons pure extract
  • Spirits (optional): 2 tablespoons each bourbon and rum
  • Egg Whites: 4 (optional) if you want it extra fluffy

Simple Instructions

Prep Your Egg Base
Whisk those yolks until they turn pale. Slowly add sugar while mixing until it gets puffy - this builds your flavor base.
Get Milk Ready
Warm up the milk with your spices until it steams but doesn't boil. This pulls out all those lovely flavors.
Mix Them Together
Drizzle half the warm milk into eggs while whisking constantly - this keeps them from cooking! Pour everything back into your pot.
Thicken It Up
Heat gently, always stirring, until it's thick enough to stick to your spoon. Then mix in your heavy cream.
Add Final Touches
Filter out spice pieces, stir in vanilla and any booze you want. Cool it down well. For extra lightness, mix in whipped egg whites.
Pour and Enjoy
Fill nice glasses and dust with fresh nutmeg on top. That's the taste of the holidays!

Rich Holiday Heritage

This delightful drink has been part of winter celebrations for hundreds of years. Starting as a symbol of good health and fortune, it's grown from its European beginnings into a cherished holiday custom that gathers folks around for good times.

Alcohol Options

Adding booze to your eggnog is like picking the right seasoning - some just work better! Bourbon gives you cozy warmth, rum adds a sweet kick, and brandy brings classy notes. Go with what you love or mix them all for something special.

Staying Healthy

Concerned about using raw eggs? No problem! Just warm your mixture to 160°F, or grab pasteurized eggs from the store. You'll still get amazing texture without any health worries. Want an egg-free version? Try using coconut milk for something different!

Ways To Serve

Enjoy your creation cold in fancy glasses or warm it up when it's really chilly outside. Don't forget that little sprinkle of nutmeg on top - it's not just pretty but adds that final flavor touch everyone loves.

Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. | cookingkitchn.com

Storage Tips

Your eggnog can stay good in the fridge for up to a week - and many folks think it tastes better after a day or two! The flavors start to blend together, making something even tastier. Just remember to stir it well before pouring.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Skip the booze?

Add more milk instead. Extra cream works great too. Stays creamy and rich. Safe for children. Tastes wonderful anyway.

→ Keeping leftovers?

Store in airtight container. Keeps refrigerated up to three days. Give it a stir before serving. Gets thicker when stored. Best when freshly made.

→ Raw eggs scary?

Heat them properly. Keep stirring throughout. Monitor temperature carefully. Avoid curdling. It's worth the attention.

→ How serve it nice?

Make sure it's very cold. Grate nutmeg on top. Fancy glasses enhance it. Keep extras refrigerated. Try adding whipped cream.

→ Make it early?

Up to two days ahead works. Flavor actually improves. Store in refrigerator. Add alcohol just before serving. Stir well before pouring.

→ Getting too thick?

Add a splash of milk. Stir thoroughly. Reduce cooking time. Lower the heat. Problem solved easily.

→ Taking it places?

Transport in cooler. Bring garnishes separately. Carry nice glasses. A cooler is important. Consider a backup drink option.

→ Need it faster?

Gather ingredients beforehand. Cook quickly. Single pot method works. Still requires cooling. The wait is worthwhile.

→ Making big batch?

Simply double everything. Use a larger cooking pot. Allow extra cooling time. Be careful with egg mixture. Keep ingredients cold.

→ Want more spice?

Add extra nutmeg. Try adding cinnamon. Use freshly ground spices. More vanilla works too. Start with small amounts.

→ Eggs getting lumpy?

Stir more vigorously. Your heat's probably too high. Strain if needed. Start over in worst scenarios. Watch temperature carefully.

→ Too sweet or plain?

Adjust gradually to taste. Sweetness can't be reduced once added. Extra spices can help. Alcohol cuts sweetness. Finding balance matters.

Conclusion

Enjoyed this? Give spiced tea a try next. Or prepare a hot rum cocktail. They're both wonderful when it's chilly outside.

Homemade Creamy Eggnog

Needed a last-minute party contribution. This eggnog came through - just mix eggs, cream, a few spices and optional alcohol. Everyone asked for seconds!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Refreshing Drinks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 big egg yolks.
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
03 2 cups whole milk.
04 2 entire cloves.
05 Tiny bit of cinnamon.
06 1 cup whipping cream.
07 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
09 2 tablespoons bourbon, adjust as needed.
10 2 tablespoons rum, adjust as needed.
11 4 egg whites, if desired.

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and whip those egg yolks till they look a bit lighter. You can use a whisk or mixer. Slowly add sugar while beating until it gets nice and fluffy.

Step 02

Mix milk with cloves and a small dash of cinnamon in your pot. Warm it up to steamy on medium but don't let it boil.

Step 03

Slowly pour half the warm milk into your egg mix while whisking non-stop. This keeps eggs from cooking too fast. Then dump everything back in the pot.

Step 04

Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat with a wooden spoon until it thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon. Try to get it around 160°F.

Step 05

Take it off the heat and mix in the whipping cream.

Step 06

Pour through a mesh strainer to catch cloves and any lumpy bits. Let it cool in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 07

After cooling, stir in the vanilla, freshly ground nutmeg, and however much bourbon and rum you want.

Step 08

Want it fluffier? Beat those egg whites until soft peaks show up, add a teaspoon of sugar, and keep beating till stiff. Gently fold into your drink.

Notes

  1. Want it lighter? Just use 4 egg yolks instead.
  2. Too sweet? Cut back to 1/2 cup sugar.
  3. For the kids, skip the bourbon and rum.
  4. You can make twice as much for bigger parties.
  5. This stuff gets better with time in the fridge over a few days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Whisk or electric beater.
  • Heavy bottom pot.
  • Wooden mixing spoon.
  • Cooking thermometer (if you want).
  • Fine strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Alcohol.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 367
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 11 g