What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade eggnog is rich, creamy, and full of festive flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. You’ll love how easy it is to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Creamy & dreamy texture—whipped egg yolks and cream create a velvety smooth sip every time.
- Just the right sweetness—adjust the sugar to your taste, making it as indulgent or light as you like.
- Warm, spiced aroma—nutmeg and cinnamon add that classic holiday scent you can’t resist.
Recipe
Homemade eggnog is a classic holiday drink that’s rich, creamy, and festive. Making it from scratch guarantees a fresh, custardy flavor that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Here’s how to create this delightful treat.
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy
Instructions
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites into two separate bowls.
- Add 1/3 cup sugar to the egg yolks and whisk until pale and creamy.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and reaches 160°F (71°C). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. If using alcohol, stir it in now.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cooled eggnog mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Serve cold, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol. Confirm the egg mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Equipment
Mixing bowls, whisk, saucepan, measuring cups and spoons, thermometer, electric mixer or hand whisk.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Cuisine
American
Serving
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Homemade eggnog is a rich and creamy holiday beverage. It contains essential nutrients from its ingredients.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade eggnog with festive cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies—they’re the perfect match for its creamy richness. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll serve it alongside spiced desserts like pumpkin pie or cinnamon-spiced brownies. These combos always make my holiday gatherings feel cozy and complete!
Festive Cookie Pairings
While eggnog tastes great on its own, pairing it with festive cookies can really take things up a notch. I love serving it with classic gingerbread cookies—their spicy warmth balances the creamy sweetness perfectly. Shortbread cookies are another favorite, their buttery richness complementing the eggnog’s smooth texture. For a fun twist, try snickerdoodles; their cinnamon-sugar coating adds just the right touch. Chocolate chip cookies are always a hit, too, especially when they’re slightly soft and warm. If you’re feeling fancy, delicate snowball cookies dusted with powdered sugar make a festive match. Any of these pairings turn eggnog into a full holiday treat!
Spiced Dessert Options
Eggnog pairs wonderfully with cookies, but spiced desserts take it to another level. Imagine warm gingerbread cake, its molasses richness melting into creamy eggnog, or cinnamon-dusted apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pumpkin pie’s earthy spices harmonize perfectly, while a slice of nutmeg-laced bread pudding feels like a cozy hug. Don’t forget chai-spiced snickerdoodles—their buttery crunch contrasts the drink’s smoothness. I love serving mini pecan tarts too; their caramelized sweetness balances eggnog’s richness. Each bite feels festive, like holiday magic on a plate. Trust me, once you try these combos, you’ll never go back to plain cookies again.
