Homemade Eggnog
There’s something about the rich, creamy flavor of homemade eggnog that brings instant warmth to any holiday gathering. For years, I bought store-bought eggnog, thinking it was good enough. But one chilly December afternoon, I decided to try making it from scratch, and it completely changed how my family and I enjoy this seasonal delight. The moment my kids took a sip, their eyes lit up with joy, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about how decadent it tasted.
Why do we love this eggnog so much? It’s all about the perfect blend of creamy milk, luscious heavy cream, and just the right amount of nutmeg to add a festive touch. It’s a drink that’s perfect for sipping by the fire or serving at a holiday party. Plus, I appreciate knowing exactly what ingredients are going into the mix, making it a healthier, fresher option than store-bought varieties. What makes this eggnog even better is how simple it is to whip up, even during the busiest time of the year. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a must-have in your home for years to come!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I make eggnog ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, eggnog tastes even better after a day or two in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of eggnog?
This recipe is non-alcoholic, making it kid-friendly. If you’d like to add a boozy twist for adults, a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy works well.
How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?
Homemade eggnog will keep for up to three days if stored properly in the fridge. Always check the smell and texture before serving to make sure it’s still fresh.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat option?
While you can use half-and-half or even more whole milk, keep in mind that the creaminess will be less rich. Heavy cream is what makes the texture luxuriously thick.
What You Need to Make Homemade Eggnog:
Ingredients:
6 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Tools:
Whisk
Saucepan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Fine mesh strainer (optional for an extra smooth texture)
How to Make It:
Whisk the eggs and sugar. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Heat the milk. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the whole milk until it’s steaming but not boiling.
Temper the eggs. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually add the remaining milk to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Cook the eggnog. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Finish with cream and flavorings. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
Chill and serve. Let the eggnog cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a sprinkle of extra nutmeg on top!
Tips:
Use fresh nutmeg. Grating fresh nutmeg makes a world of difference in flavor compared to pre-ground spice.
For a smoother texture, strain the eggnog. Use a fine mesh strainer before chilling to ensure no eggy bits remain.
Customize the sweetness. If you prefer your eggnog less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
Add a boozy twist. If you’re serving adults, mix in rum, bourbon, or brandy to taste.
Latest Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Incredible flavor! My kids loved this eggnog, and it was a big hit at our holiday party. It was so creamy and rich, better than any store-bought version I’ve tried!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a family gathering! We enjoyed this eggnog as a family, and even my picky eaters were asking for more. Next time, I’ll add a bit of cinnamon for extra warmth.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Holiday tradition! This is now our go-to eggnog recipe. I added a splash of bourbon, and it was divine!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good, but a bit sweet. It was delicious but sweeter than I prefer. I might cut back on the sugar next time.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy and delicious! I’m not usually a fan of eggnog, but this recipe changed my mind. It was so simple to make and tasted amazing!”
Printable Recipe:
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Homemade Eggnog
"Homemade Eggnog: Delight your family with this rich, creamy holiday classic. Perfectly spiced with nutmeg and made with simple ingredients, it’s a must-have for any festive celebration. Enjoy it plain or spiked for a special treat!"
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Tools:
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (optional for an extra smooth texture)
Instructions
- Whisk the eggs and sugar. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Heat the milk. In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the whole milk until it’s steaming but not boiling.
- Temper the eggs. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Gradually add the remaining milk to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the eggnog. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with cream and flavorings. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- Chill and serve. Let the eggnog cool, then refrigerate until chilled. Serve with a sprinkle of extra nutmeg on top!
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