Homemade Eggnog

When it’s cold outside, you can’t go wrong with a cozy glass of Homemade Eggnog!

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Why You Will Love Homemade Eggnog

  • It’s the perfect cozy holiday drink. Eggnog is comforting, warming, and perfect for the holiday season!
  • You can customize the alcohol. This can be made completely alcohol-free, or you can choose your favorite liquor to add.
  • It’s a great excuse to make homemade whipped cream. Because all eggnog needs whipped cream, right?!

Ingredients Needed for This Easy Eggnog Recipe

Ingredient quantities are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

  1. Milk
  2. Heavy whipping cream
  3. Cinnamon
  4. Nutmeg
  5. Eggs
  6. Powdered sugar
  7. Vanilla extract
  8. Alcohol of choice (optional)
  9. Toppings: homemade whipped cream, cinnamon, cinnamon sticks

How To Make Homemade Eggnog (Quick Overview)

The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the homemade eggnog recipe. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.

In a large pot, combine milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar.

overhead view of eggnog mixture in pot ready to be cooked

Heat until it simmers, then let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

overhead view of egg mixture thoroughly combined in white bowl

Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture until well blended.
Return the mixture to the pot, cover, and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches 160°F and coats the back of a spoon.

Don’t skip the 160°F requirement – it’s essential to be able to consume the egg yolks safely.

overhead view of ladel adding hot milk mixture to egg mixture to bring up temperature of egg mixture before fully combining

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and alcohol (if using), then cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Popular alcohol choices for eggnog include bourbon, brandy, rum, vanilla vodka, and cognac.

overhead view of pot with fully combined milk and egg mixture

Once cooled, stir the eggnog before serving.

Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired. Serve with a cinnamon stick.

More Holiday Drink Recipes

More Holiday Dessert Recipes

  • Got a sweet tooth but short on time? Dive into the no-bake peanut butter pie! It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from family gatherings to friendly meet-ups. Whether it’s your Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas dessert table, or a Halloween bash, this pie fits right in!
  • Thanksgiving isn’t the same without a delectable pie! Enter the classic pecan pie, which ditches the corn syrup but keeps all the delicious flavor your family will love.
  • Ready to wow your party guests? The chocolate pudding pie is the showstopper with its fantastic taste that leaves everyone wanting more!
  • Captivate your family’s hearts and taste buds with apple crisp with oats. The tempting aroma of apples and cinnamon will enchant even the biggest Scrooge in your family this holiday season.
  • Spread pure holiday joy with peanut butter chocolate balls—a bite-sized delight sure to wow family and friends!
  • Host a party and wow your guests with this no-bake chocolate cream cheese dessert. Known as “chocolate heaven,” one taste and they’ll be believers.
  • Need a last-minute treat? No worries—whip up this quick and delicious peanut butter no-bake cream cheese dessert in no time!

Happy eggnog-drinking!

overhead view of the best homemade eggnog in a serving glass topped with whipped cream and cinnamon with a cinnamon stick as a straw next to pine tree christmas decor

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Homemade Eggnog

overhead view of the best homemade eggnog topped with whipped cream and cinnamon with a cinnamon stick as a straw next to pine tree decor
When it's cold outside, you can't go wrong with a cozy glass of Homemade Eggnog!
Servings 6
Course Drinks
Cuisine American, Western
Keyword easy, fresh, homemade
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 3/4 to 1 cup powdered sugar, divided (amount depends on sweetness preference)
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup alcohol of choice (optional; popular choices include bourbon, brandy, rum, vanilla vodka, and cognac)
  • homemade whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan or pot, mix together milk, heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Heat the mixture until it simmers, then let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks along with the remaining powdered sugar until they are light and fluffy.
  • Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously until everything is well blended.
  • Return the combined mixture to the large saucepan or pot, cover it, and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches 160°F and coats the back of a wooden spoon. (Note: Achieving 160°F is essential for safety.)
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and alcohol (if using), then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
  • Once the eggnog has cooled, give it another stir before serving.
  • If desired, garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve with a cinnamon stick.

Notes

  • Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Estimates (Per Serving)

Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 294mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1559IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.

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