Homemade Eggnog Recipe: A Rich and Creamy Holiday Classic

There’s something undeniably special about homemade eggnog. It’s creamy, rich, and infused with just the right amount of warm spices and a hint of booze to make the holiday season feel even more festive.

Sure, you can buy eggnog at the store, but trust me—once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back.

I used to think making eggnog at home was complicated, but once I tried it, I realized it’s actually pretty simple.

Plus, you can control the sweetness, spice level, and how boozy (or not) you want it. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire, serving it at a holiday party, or just indulging in a classic winter treat, this homemade eggnog recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why Make Eggnog at Home?

If you’ve never tried homemade eggnog, you’re seriously missing out. The store-bought versions can be overly sweet, thick, and sometimes even artificial-tasting.

When you make it yourself, you get a fresh, creamy, perfectly balanced drink that’s far superior. Plus, it’s fun to make!

Here are a few reasons why I love making my eggnog:

• Better taste: Homemade eggnog is richer and fresher than anything store-bought.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spices, and alcohol to your liking.
• No preservatives: Just real, wholesome ingredients.
• Perfect for gatherings: A big batch of homemade eggnog is a crowd-pleaser at any holiday party.

Now, let’s get to the good part—how to make it!

The Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Eggnog Base:

• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
• A pinch of salt

For the Boozy Kick (Optional):

• ½ to ¾ cup dark rum, bourbon, or brandy

For Topping:

• Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended)
• Extra ground nutmeg or cinnamon for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thick. This step is important because it helps create that signature creamy texture.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Spices

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir occasionally and heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling. You want it steaming, but if it starts bubbling, lower the heat.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Now comes the key step—tempering the eggs. Slowly add a ladleful of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Continue adding small amounts of warm milk while whisking until the mixture is well combined.

Step 4: Cook the Eggnog

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil! It’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Strain and Cool

For the smoothest texture, strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for even better flavor).

Step 6: Add the Booze (If Using)

Once the eggnog is chilled, stir in the rum, bourbon, or brandy if you’re making the spiked version. Mix well to combine.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Pour the eggnog into glasses, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon. Take a sip and enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness!

Alcohol-Free Version

If you prefer your eggnog without alcohol, simply leave out the booze. It’s still incredibly delicious and perfect for the whole family. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra depth of flavor.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about homemade eggnog is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

Spiced Eggnog

• Add a pinch of cloves and a dash of ginger for a bolder spice profile.

Chocolate Eggnog

• Melt 2 ounces of dark chocolate into the milk mixture for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Coffee Eggnog

• Stir in ½ cup of strong brewed coffee or a shot of espresso for a caffeinated boost.

Dairy-Free Eggnog

• Substitute coconut milk and almond milk for the whole milk and heavy cream.

Maple Eggnog

• Swap the granulated sugar for pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Tips for the Best Homemade Eggnog

• Use fresh eggs. Since eggs are a key ingredient, fresh, high-quality eggs make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t rush the tempering process. Slowly adding warm milk to the eggs prevents them from scrambling.
• Chill overnight if possible. The flavors meld together beautifully when left to rest.
• Use freshly grated nutmeg. It has a more vibrant and complex flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
• Adjust the sweetness. If you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.

What to Serve with Eggnog

Eggnog is a delicious drink on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right treats. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Gingerbread cookies – The warm spices in gingerbread complement the flavors in eggnog perfectly.
• Sugar cookies – A simple, buttery sugar cookie is a great match.
• Cinnamon rolls – The soft, sweet cinnamon flavor pairs beautifully with creamy eggnog.
• Pecan pie – If you want an ultra-indulgent holiday treat, this is the way to go.
• Cheese platter – A mix of creamy and sharp cheeses can balance out the richness of eggnog.

Wrapping Up

There you have it—my go-to homemade eggnog recipe! Whether you like it boozy or alcohol-free, spiced or classic, this creamy, dreamy drink is a must-have for the holiday season. Once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.

So, are you ready to give it a try? Let me know in the comments how your homemade eggnog turns out and if you add any special twists of your own! Cheers to a festive, cozy season! 🥂🎄