The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (2024)

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Homemade eggnog is easy with our simple recipe using just cream, sugar, eggs, and spices. Enjoy it spiked or without alcohol.

By

Elise Bauer

The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated January 16, 2024

32 Ratings

The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (2)

In This Recipe

A traditional holiday drink dating back hundreds of years, eggnog is made with eggs (hence the name), milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/or brandy.

We grew up with eggnog, the kind you buy in a carton, and every Christmas holiday we kids drank up as much of it as we could.

I didn't even know that eggnog was a "spiked" drink until well into my adult years!

The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (3)

Even now, I prefer my eggnog only lightly boozed, if at all. So this recipe is only lightly spiked; feel free to increase the rum and bourbon to your heart's delight, or omit altogether if it's for the kids.

How to Make Eggnog

The eggnog base starts by beating egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy. Then you slowly whisk in hot milk that's been infused with cloves and cinnamon, which tempers the eggs so they don't curdle.

Finally, you warm the eggnog on the stovetop until it thickens. It's essentially a custard.

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Using Raw Egg Whites Safely

For a traditional eggnog you also whip up some egg whites to stiff peaks, and then fold those into the eggnog mixture, making it light and fluffy.

The egg whites are not cooked and these days some people avoid eating raw eggs because of the salmonella risk. If you want to incorporate beaten egg whites, one way to get around this is to use pasteurized eggs.

I've also just reheated the combined mixture (eggnog base with beaten egg whites mixed in), until it reaches 160°F, and then let the mixture chill again. That works too if eating raw eggs is a concern for you.

Need an egg-free version of eggnog? Try coquito! It's the Puerto Rican answer to eggnog, made with condensed milk, coconut, spices, and rum.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)GET THE RECIPE:

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What's Your Eggnog Tradition?

Is eggnog part of your family holiday tradition? If so, how do you like it—spiked or virgin? With whipped egg whites or without?

The Best Alcohol for Eggnog

Choose your favorite! Any of these are great:

  • Whiskey or bourbon
  • Rum
  • Brandy

You can mix them together, as we recommend for this recipe, or stick to a single one.

Save your top shelf liquor for sipping on its own; a mid-range affordable liquor is perfect. Avoid really cheap liquors, though, since the flavor tends to be harsh and throw off the drink.

When to Add the Alcohol

You can add the alcohol to either the full batch, or to your individual glass. There's no set amount, so we suggest adding a little, tasting...then add a little more, taste again. You can't go wrong!

Do you have to add alcohol? Absolutely not! Eggnog is delicious whether spiked or un-spiked.

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold?

Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat.

In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

Looking for More Holiday co*cktails?

  • Holiday Punch
  • Brown Sugar Irish Coffee
  • Coquito
  • Chocolate Sidecar

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Traditional Eggnog

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Chilling60 mins

Total Time85 mins

Servings4to 6 servings

If you would like your eggnog less rich, decrease the egg yolks from 6 to 4. Use 1/2 cup sugar if you would like it less sweet. We use 2% milk, but you can use the milk you have on hand.

For a kid-friendly eggnog, you can omit the bourbon and rum.

This recipe is easily doubled.

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks

  • 3/4 cup sugar

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 whole cloves

  • Pinch cinnamon

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (lightly packed)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons bourbon, or to taste

  • 2 tablespoons rum, or to taste

  • 4 egg whites, optional

Method

  1. Beat egg yolks, then add sugar:

    In a large bowl, use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat egg yolks until they become somewhat lighter in color. Slowly add the sugar, beating after each addition. Beat at high speed or whisk until fluffy.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (6)

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (7)

  2. Heat milk with cinnamon and cloves:

    Combine the milk, cloves, and cinnamon in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Slowly heat on medium heat until the milk mixture is steamy hot, but not boiling.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (8)

  3. Temper the eggs:

    Add the eggs by slowly adding half of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly while you add the hot mixture. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (9)

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (10)

  4. Cook until eggnog thickens:

    Cook the eggnog on medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, and coats the back of the spoon. It helps to have a candy thermometer, but not necessary; if you have one, cook until the mixture reaches 160°F.

    Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle. (If the mixture does curdle you may be able to save it by running it through a blender.)

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (11)

  5. Remove from heat and stir in the cream.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (12)

  6. Strain and chill:

    Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer to remove the cloves and any curdled bits that may have formed. Let chill for 1 hour.

    Simple Tip!

    In a hurry to serve your eggnog? Chill it in an ice bath.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (13)

  7. Stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and bourbon and rum:

    Feel free to omit for kid-friendly eggnog and proceed to chill.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (14)

  8. If you you want to include egg whites (optional):

    Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they reach soft peaks. Add a teaspoon of sugar and continue to beat until they reach stiff peaks. Gently fold into eggnog.

    Note that because of the salmonella risk from raw eggs, it is recommended that children, elderly, and people with compromised immune systems refrain from eating raw eggs such as the optional whipped egg whites in this recipe, unless you use pasteurized eggs.

    You can also reheat the combined eggnog and egg white mixture over a double boiler until it reaches 160°F, then remove from heat and let cool, then chill. The mixture will lose some of its fluffiness from the beaten egg whites, but not all, and the eggnog will be much airier than without the egg whites.

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (15)

    The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (16)

    Simple Tip!

    Eggnog will keep for several days in the fridge, especially if you've already added liquor (which acts as a preservative). Eggnog also tends to get better with time; it gets thicker and more silky, and the flavors meld together more uniformly.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

  • Classic co*cktails
  • Christmas
  • Eggs
  • Christmas Desserts
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
367Calories
22g Fat
31g Carbs
11g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4to 6
Amount per serving
Calories367
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g28%
Saturated Fat 12g60%
Cholesterol 268mg89%
Sodium 122mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 31g
Protein 11g
Vitamin C 0mg2%
Calcium 157mg12%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 228mg5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

The Best Eggnog Is This Easy Homemade Eggnog (2024)

FAQs

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

What makes eggnog taste better? ›

Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

Is eggnog bad for your heart? ›

“While there are different eggnog recipes, most eggnog will typically contain high amounts of fat from cream and milk, and added sugar for sweetness,” said Cohn. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat every day to support heart health.

Is eggnog bad for your kidneys? ›

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

How long should you age eggnog? ›

Combine dairy, booze, and salt in a second bowl or pitcher and then slowly beat into the egg mixture. Move to a large glass jar (or a couple of smaller ones) and store in the fridge for a minimum of 2 weeks. A month would be better, and 2 better still.

Why is eggnog so expensive? ›

Canadian chef Heidi Fink states that one of the reasons people are making less homemade eggnog is that the beverage is expensive to make, due to its use of substantial quantities of cream, eggs, and spirits. Concerns about the safety of raw eggs may be another reason for the decline in homemade eggnog making.

How long does fresh eggnog last? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

What pairs best with egg nog? ›

Experiment with different options and find the combination that you love best.
  • Amaro With Eggnog. ...
  • Applejack With Eggnog. ...
  • Bourbon With Eggnog. ...
  • Brandy With Eggnog. ...
  • Cognac With Eggnog. ...
  • Frangelico With Eggnog. ...
  • Scotch With Eggnog. ...
  • Sherry With Eggnog.
Nov 30, 2016

Is whiskey or rum better in eggnog? ›

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

How to jazz up egg nog? ›

Eggnog Bar
  1. Eggnog.
  2. Spirits: rum, bourbon, whiskey, and/or brandy.
  3. Whipped cream.
  4. Syrup: caramel and/or chocolate.
  5. Spices: nutmeg, cinnamon (sticks and ground), and/or pumpkin spice.
  6. Crushed gingersnap cookies or red-hot candies, or cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses (optional)
Dec 6, 2023

What is golden egg nog? ›

Hood Golden Eggnog's blend of extra creamy milk, sugared yolks and spices make it a holiday favorite, whether you drink it straight from the glass or use it in your favorite recipes.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

Why should you be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

What is the disease in eggnog? ›

Pasteurization is one of the keys to avoiding salmonella poisoning from eggnog. It's still a risk. England experienced an egg-related salmonella outbreak back in March. One way or another, 48 million people each year hit the foodborne illness jackpot.

Is egg nog inflammatory? ›

The spices can be anti-inflammatory- Eggnog commonly contains nutmeg, which has anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Downing a glass of it isn't the same as popping an Advil, but it's something. And now for the downside- Any health benefits in eggnog are undone by the alcohol, according to registered dietitianLiz Weinandy.

Is eggnog a junk food? ›

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

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