Homemade Eggnog

More Ways to Search: Recipe Index

Home » Appetizers » Homemade Eggnog

Our family’s favorite homemade eggnog recipe is a delicious blend of creamy goodness with just the right consistency and a perfect blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. The recipe is so simple to prepare, thanks to my foolproof method, that you will never need that store-bought carton again. Get ready for the ultimate eggnog experience that will leave everyone wanting more!

Overhead view of eggnog in a large cup topped with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

This is our favorite eggnog recipe to date! I have been making it since I was a teenager and perfected it over the years. I even made it super easy and foolproof!

We love enjoying this eggnog around Christmas time, along with plenty of Christmas music! Other treats we love are Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Dark Chocolate Truffles, and No-Churn Peppermint Cookie Ice Cream.

Why I Love This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

  • Perfect for use in other recipes.
  • It has a much better ingredient list than the store-bought stuff.
  • Delicious with or without alcohol
  • It’s the perfect balance of spices and sweetness.
  • There are no raw eggs in this recipe, and no tempering, so the chance of curdling is significantly reduced!
Ingredients: egg yolks, nutmeg, whole clove, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, sugar, half and half.

Key Ingredients:

HALF AND HALF: I find this to be the easiest instead of using a combination of heavy cream and milk.
SPICES: I love the combination of nutmeg (freshly grated is the BEST!), whole clove, and cinnamon.
VANILLA

SUGAR
EGG YOLKS
SALT
: Trust me you need a little salt!

Five pictures showing how to make eggnog.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog:

This is just a quick overview of the method for this homemade eggnog. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

STEP 1: Combine the eggs and sugar until well combined. Whisk in the half and half, spices, and salt.

STEP 2: Cook over medium-low heat until slightly thickened or until it reaches a temperature of 160-165 degrees F. Stir in the vanilla.

STEP 3: Pour into a container, cover, and chill for at least 4 hours. Serve!

A tall jar of homemade eggnog ready to serve.

FAQs

WHAT’S THE BEST ALCOHOL TO SPIKE EGGNOG WITH?

Common choices are brandy, rum, bourbon, or whisky.

DOES ALCOHOL MAKE EGGNOG LAST LONGER?

This is a complicated question because homemade eggnog isn’t meant to last as long as store-bought, but in short, yes, more alcohol helps eggnog last longer. The reason is that bacteria cannot thrive in alcohol, so the more alcohol content there is, the longer it will last.

A glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream.

How To Store Eggnog?

Eggnog should be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will last longer if mixed with alcohol.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all my latest updates!

A tall jar of homemade eggnog ready to serve.

Homemade Eggnog

Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade eggnog recipe
Our family's favorite homemade eggnog recipe is a delicious blend of creamy goodness, with just the right consistency and a perfect blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. The recipe is so simple to prepare, thanks to my foolproof method, that you will never need that store-bought carton again. Get ready for the ultimate eggnog experience that will leave everyone wanting more!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
CHILL TIME:: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 (1/2 cup servings)
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 4 cups (945ml) half and half
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 2 whole cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  • In a large heavy saucepan, combine the eggs and sugar. Whisk in the half and half until well combined. Whisk in the nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until it reaches a temperature of 160-165℉ or until slightly thickened. It will thicken more as it cools.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour into a pitcher and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Overnight is best.

Notes

  1. STORAGE: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 
  2. Freshly ground nutmeg will give the best flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 187mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 614IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 145mg | Iron: 0.4mg

4 thoughts on “Homemade Eggnog”

  1. 5 stars
    I am not a fan of egg non but my family loves this. So much better than the store bought. We do not use alcohol in our egg nog.

    Reply
  2. Admiring tһe commitment yοu put into ʏour site and іn depth inf᧐rmation ʏou
    provide. It’s gгeat to come across a blog eνery оnce іn a ᴡhile
    that isn’t the same old rehashed material.
    Wonderful read! Ι’ᴠe saved үour site and I’m including yⲟur RSS feeds to mʏ Google account.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating