Get ready to sip on holiday cheer! This Homemade Egg Nog is rich, creamy, and full of festive flavors like nutmeg and vanilla. Perfect for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a classic seasonal treat made from scratch!

Why You'll Love This Eggnog Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: Made with real ingredients for the perfect silky texture and indulgent flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spices to create your ideal holiday drink.
- Festive and Nostalgic: A homemade classic that brings warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- Egg Yolks: Provide the creamy base for the eggnog, giving it a rich and velvety texture.
- Milk: Adds smoothness and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- Whipping Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, silky consistency of the drink.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the eggnog and enhances its classic flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Infuse the drink with warm, aromatic spice notes.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant flavor that complements the spices.
- Cinnamon Powder: Enhances the spiced profile with a subtle, earthy warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the eggnog.
Optional Substitutions
- Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a nuttier flavor twist.
- Milk: Swap with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Whipping Cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a non-dairy alternative.
- Granulated Sugar: Replace with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a different sweetness profile.
How To Make Vanilla Eggnog
Step One: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Step Two: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, whipping cream, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Mix everything well. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and warm it up. Just before it starts to boil, turn off the heat. Remove the saucepan from the stove and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step Three: Slowly add the hot milk to the whipped eggs, tablespoon by tablespoon, allowing the eggs to gradually adjust to the temperature. Whisk vigorously while adding the milk.
Step Four: Once the milk and eggs are thoroughly combined and whisked, pour everything back into the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool completely. Using a strainer, strain the eggnog into a bottle, ensuring a smooth texture, and refrigerate it to keep it chilled.
Tips And Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, high-quality milk, and cream make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Temper the Eggs Carefully: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg yolks while whisking to prevent curdling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the eggnog to chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to let the flavors meld and thicken.
Best Way To Store Egg Nog
- Refrigerate: Store eggnog in an airtight container or a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir Before Serving: The ingredients may separate slightly in the fridge, so give it a good stir or shake before serving.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture can change when thawed.
What To serve with this recipe?
- Crustless Pumpkin Pie: A perfectly spiced, creamy dessert that pairs wonderfully with the rich, festive flavors of eggnog.
- Chocolate Oreo Cookies: Their chocolatey crunch provides a delightful contrast to the smooth and creamy eggnog.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Classic holiday cookies with warm spices that complement the nutmeg and cinnamon in the eggnog.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey rolls with a sweet cinnamon glaze make a decadent pairing.
- Cheese Platter: A mix of mild and sharp cheeses with crackers balances the sweetness of the eggnog for a sophisticated touch.
FAQ'S
Certainly! Reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweetness, or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
This recipe cooks the eggs to a safe temperature of 160°F, ensuring there’s no risk of consuming raw eggs. If you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs.
To make it thicker, you can simmer the mixture for a few extra minutes while stirring constantly or add a small amount of cornstarch (dissolved in cold milk) during cooking.
Homemade Egg Nog
Ingredients
- 6 Egg Yolks
- 2 Cups Milk
- ½ Cups Granulated sugar
- 1 Cup Whipping cream
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until smooth and thick.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, whipping cream, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Heat over medium-high until just before boiling, then remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Strain the eggnog into a bottle and refrigerate until chilled.