Ever tried making your own eggnog? This creamy, rich, and festive drink is easier to prepare than you might think—and it’s even better than store-bought! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, this eggnog is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog
- Thick, creamy, and full of warm spices
- Made with simple ingredients you already have at home
- Easy to customize with or without alcohol
Tools & Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for topping)
How to Make Homemade Eggnog
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, nutmeg, and vanilla. Add the cinnamon stick and bring to a low boil over medium heat (about 3-4 minutes).
- Whisk the Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly add a spoonful of hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously. Repeat with a few more spoonfuls until about ¼ cup of hot milk has been added.
- Combine and Cook: Gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Finish and Chill: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the eggnog cool, then chill in the refrigerator for 2–4 hours.
- Serve: Pour into mugs or glasses. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Optional Additions To make your eggnog alcoholic, mix 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog. Classic choices include:
- Brandy
- Bourbon
- Dark rum
- Cognac
- Southern Comfort or Fireball for a fun twist
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze eggnog? A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: How long does eggnog last in the fridge? A: Homemade eggnog lasts 2-3 days. Store-bought versions typically last 5-7 days once opened.
Q: Who invented eggnog? A: Eggnog originated in medieval Britain as a luxury drink, thanks to its rich ingredients like milk, sherry, and eggs.
Q: Can I make eggnog any time of year? A: Absolutely! Since the ingredients are common pantry staples, you can enjoy eggnog all year round.
You Might Also Love:
- Apple Crisp
- Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
- Snickerdoodle Apple Pie
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
Cozy, comforting, and indulgent—this homemade eggnog recipe is perfect for celebrating the season!