Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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Homemade Eggnog: The Ultimate Holiday Treat (and Cocktails!)

There’s something magical about eggnog. Maybe it’s the creamy, dreamy texture, the warming spices, or the way it instantly makes your kitchen smell like the holidays. Whatever it is, homemade eggnog is one of those treats that just feels festive. And the best part? You can enjoy it as a cozy, kid-friendly drink or turn it into a festive cocktail for the adults at your holiday gathering. Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make eggnog from scratch plus some boozy twists that will have your friends and family asking for seconds.

Why Homemade Eggnog Beats Store-Bought

Let me start by saying, store-bought eggnog has its place it’s convenient, easy, and sometimes life gets busy. But homemade eggnog? That’s where the magic happens. When you make it yourself, you control the sweetness, the richness, and the spices. You can even tweak it to make it lighter or extra creamy depending on your mood. And the flavors are always fresher there’s nothing like a glass of silky, freshly spiced eggnog that hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for weeks.

Plus, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about making eggnog at home. It’s a drink that brings people together. I’ve seen teens get just as excited as adults for a cup of this creamy goodness (even if they skip the booze!). Making it from scratch also lets you customize: add a splash of rum for the adults, or keep it alcohol-free for the kids. Everyone wins.

The Basics: Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Let’s start with the classic version the kind that’ll warm your soul and fill your kitchen with that unmistakable holiday aroma.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
• Optional: ½ to 1 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy

Instructions:

Step 1: Whisk the egg yolks
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they’re light and creamy. Gradually add half of the sugar (about ⅜ cup) and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly and takes on a pale yellow hue. You’ll notice it getting just a bit frothy that’s perfect!

Step 2: Warm the milk
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Warm the mixture gently over medium heat until it’s steaming you don’t want it to boil, just hot enough to melt the sugar and release those cozy spices.

Step 3: Temper the eggs
Slowly add the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat gently for a few more minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add flavor
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If you’re using alcohol, now’s the time to add your rum, bourbon, or brandy.

Step 5: Whip the egg whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. This will give your eggnog a light, airy texture.

Step 6: Fold together
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chilled egg mixture. Pour into glasses or a large punch bowl. Sprinkle a little extra nutmeg on top before serving.

Tip: If you’re nervous about raw eggs, see the cooked version below it’s just as creamy and much safer for kids or anyone who prefers their eggnog fully cooked.

Eggnog Mugs with Handle & Footed Stem BaseChristmas Snowflake GlassHand Blown Etched Stemless Glasses

 

Safe (Cooked) Eggnog

If you’re serving a crowd with little ones or just don’t want to worry about raw eggs, this cooked version is perfect. It’s just as creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: ½ to 1 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy

Instructions:

1. Whisk the yolks and sugar together until pale.
2. Heat milk, cream, and nutmeg until steaming.
3. Slowly whisk hot milk into the yolk mixture, then pour everything back into the saucepan. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (should coat the back of a spoon).
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla (and alcohol if using).
5. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

Both the raw and cooked versions are gorgeous, creamy, and perfect for sipping by the fireplace.

Homemade Eggnog Cocktails: For the Adults

Now, let’s talk about turning your eggnog into a holiday cocktail. These recipes are simple, festive, and just the right amount of boozy without overpowering the creamy goodness of the eggnog.

Classic Spiked Eggnog

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 1½ cups chilled eggnog
• 2 oz dark rum (or bourbon, brandy, or whiskey)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add eggnog, rum, and vanilla. Shake until frothy and cold.
3. Strain into two glasses.
4. Sprinkle with nutmeg instant holiday cheer!

This one is a timeless favorite. Creamy, warming, and perfectly balanced, it’s the kind of cocktail you can sip slowly while catching up with family or enjoying a cozy night in.

Eggnog White Russian

A fun twist on the classic cocktail creamy, coffee-flavored, and dangerously easy to drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
• 3 oz eggnog
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a short glass with ice.
2. Pour in vodka and coffee liqueur.
3. Top with eggnog and stir gently.
4. Optional: dust with cocoa powder or nutmeg on top.

This is perfect if you love a coffee kick with your holiday cheer. It tastes indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make for a small gathering.

Eggnog Martini

Feeling fancy? This one’s for you. Smooth, creamy, and just festive enough to impress guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz amaretto or Irish cream liqueur
• 3 oz eggnog
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Ice cubes
• Optional: cinnamon-sugar rim

Instructions:

1. Rim a martini glass with cinnamon sugar (optional but adds a nice touch).
2. Shake vodka, amaretto, eggnog, and cinnamon with ice until chilled.
3. Strain into the glass and sprinkle with a touch of nutmeg.

Martinis might sound fancy, but this is surprisingly easy and everyone will think you’ve gone all out with the holiday cocktails.

Peppermint Eggnog

A minty twist that tastes like candy canes in a glass perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz vanilla vodka
• 3 oz eggnog
• Crushed candy cane for the rim

Instructions:

1. Dip the rim of your glass in syrup, then in crushed candy cane.
2. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass.
3. Garnish with a mini candy cane for festive flair.

This one is always a hit at parties adults love it, and it’s visually stunning on a holiday table.

Tips for Perfect Eggnog Every Time

Making eggnog might feel intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty simple. Here are a few tips from my experience:

1. Spice it up: Nutmeg is classic, but a pinch of cinnamon or allspice can add a fun twist.
2. Chill properly: Eggnog tastes best when it’s cold and has had a chance to sit for a bit. I like to make mine in the morning and let it chill until evening.
3. Customize your sweetness: Start with less sugar you can always add more to taste.
4. Creamy is key: Heavy cream makes all the difference in richness, but you can use half-and-half if you prefer something a little lighter.
5. Serve with flair: A sprinkle of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a candy cane garnish makes your eggnog feel extra festive.

Kid-Friendly Version

If you’re serving eggnog to kids or anyone who prefers non-alcoholic drinks, skip the booze entirely. You can also add a splash of chocolate syrup or a tiny pinch of cinnamon for fun flavor variations. I like to make a big batch and keep it in the fridge it’s perfect for holiday movie nights or cozy afternoons by the fire.

Big-Batch Eggnog for Parties

Hosting a holiday party? Eggnog is perfect for that because you can make it in advance and keep it in the fridge. Here’s a simple way to make a punch bowl-sized batch:

Ingredients (serves 10–12):

• 1 quart (4 cups) milk
• 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
• 1 cup sugar
• 8 large eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Optional: 1–2 cups rum, bourbon, or brandy

Instructions:

1. Follow the classic or cooked eggnog recipe, just scaling up your ingredients.
2. Chill completely in a punch bowl.
3. Just before serving, fold in the whipped egg whites and top with nutmeg.
4. Serve with ladle and festive cups.

You can even add a festive touch with cinnamon sticks or cranberries floating on top. It looks gorgeous and is perfect for guests to help themselves.

Homemade eggnog is one of those rare treats that’s as much about the process as it is about the result. Whisking the eggs, warming the milk, and letting those spices bloom fills your kitchen with the smell of the holidays and that in itself is part of the joy. Whether you’re sipping it straight, serving it to kids, or turning it into a festive cocktail, eggnog is a drink that brings people together.

It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s full of nostalgia. And best of all? It’s versatile. Make it traditional, make it spiked, or make it pepperminty either way, you’ll have a holiday favorite that everyone will remember.

So grab your whisk, pour yourself a cup (or a cocktail!), and enjoy a little liquid holiday magic. Cheers to family, friends, and all the cozy moments in between!

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