Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

BySarah Nenni-Daher Updated:

This thick and creamy homemade eggnog recipe is the perfect drink for the holidays. Spiked or not, it is lip-smacking delicious.

Because store-bought eggnog is seasonal, you can only have it for a few months. With this homemade eggnog, you can enjoy it all year round.

H closeup Image of 3 glass coffee cups with eggnog, garnished with a cinnamon stick and pinecones, cinnamon sticks and a green napkin in the background on a white surface
A thick and creamy Homemade Eggnog is the perfect holiday drink.

RELATED READING: This Easy Eggnog Fudge Recipe is WOW-Worthy!

Thick and Creamy Eggnog Recipe

Here at Ruffles and Rain Boots, we are all about the holidays. We love to deck the halls and trim the tree every year.

What better way to celebrate this time of year than to have a cold cup of homemade eggnog? There is something special about toasting the season with it.

What I love about this eggnog recipe is how versatile it is. You can add your choice of spices or alcohol or garnish it with a vanilla bean with a cinnamon stick. Oh yum! Let’s get started.

No Time to Make This Now? Save or Share This

Still, looking for those cinnamon sticks? No worries. You can just save this delicious eggnog recipe with your favorite beverage or drinks pin board or share it on Facebook. Using the sharing buttons will make it easy to find when you are ready to jump into making your eggnog.

V Overhead image of a glass coffee cup filled with eggnog, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slice, with cinnamon sticks, orange slices, one cones and a metal cheese grater in the background, with a green napkin in the forefront, all on a white surface.
Thick and creamy eggnog, seasoned with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.

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Tips for Making Homemade Eggnog

  • For an extra thick and creamy eggnog, you can whip your heavy cream with a whisk or electric hand, or stand mixer. Once the cream is thick, fold it into your recipe.
  • If you overcook your homemade eggnog, it will become very thick, like custard. Be sure to keep an eye on your thermometer. No guessing on this one!
  • If your eggnog gets clumpy when you chill it, it is most likely from a lack of proper mixing. Try putting the eggnog back in the saucepan, medium on medium-low, and mix properly. This should fix the issue.
V image with a single glass coffee cup in the front filled with eggnog and garnished with a cinnamon stick, on a wooden cutting board, with two other glasses in the background, with cinnamon sticks and orange slices all on a white surface.
This homemade eggnog is a delicious custard-based seasonal drink.

Ingredients for Eggnog

You likely have most of what you need for this easy eggnog recipe. Pick up the heavy cream and let’s get started.

  • egg yolks
  • white granulated sugar
  • milk
  • heavy cream
  • vanilla extract
  • nutmeg
  • cloves
  • cinnamon
  • bourbon or brandy (optional)
V image of the ingredients for homemade eggnog, including eggs, cream, vanilla and cinnamon sticks on a white surface.

Each step for this homemade eggnog is detailed below so it is easy to follow. Keep this page open while you are creating your Christmas eggnog. If you would rather have a printable recipe, scroll down and select print.

V Overhead image of a hand holding an electric hand mixer, in a glass bowl filled with unbeaten eggs, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl add the eggs, and using a stand or electric mixer, beat the egg yolks.

V Overhead image of a hand holding an electric hand mixer, in a glass bowl filled with eggs, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

Using a stand or electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high until frothy.

V Overhead image of a saucepan with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

Add the milk, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla to the saucepan.

V Overhead image of a hand holding a glass measuring cup over a glass bowl with a whisk in it, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

Remove the milk from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg mixture.

V Overhead image of a wooden spoon over a saucepan, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and warm.

V Overhead image of a hand holding a small pitcher of cream, pouring it into a saucepan, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

Remove the mixture from the heat and add the heavy cream.

V Overhead image of a glass measuring cup with a small metal strainer in the top, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

To remove any curdled bits, pour the eggnog through a sieve.

V Overhead image of a hand holding a shot glass, pouring liquor in a saucepan, with eggs and cinnamon sticks in the background with a blue and white plaid napkin in the forefront on a white surface.

For spiked eggnog, add brandy and bourbon and stir.

V Image of a glass coffee cup with eggnog, garnished with a cinnamon stick and orange slice, with cinnamon sticks and orange slices in the background on a white surface.

Garnish with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, and/or a dried orange and serve chilled.

Notes for Making the Best Eggnog Drink Recipe

  • Eggnog is notoriously delicious in your morning coffee or when making French toast.
  • Substitute the bourbon or brandy for a flavored liqueur like peppermint, gingerbread, or white or milk chocolate.
  • Homemade eggnog will last 2-3 days if refrigerated, while the store-bought version can last up to 5-6 days. If you add alcohol to your recipe, it can extend the shelf life of your eggnog by 1-2 additional days.
  • You can freeze eggnog for up to 6 months. Be sure to store it in an air-tight, freezer-safe container with a bit of room at the top.

More Holiday Recipes and Crafts You May Also Like

Please Save or Share This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Your shares are how this site grows and I sincerely appreciate it. Please save or share this homemade holiday drink recipe on your favorite beverage pin board or share it on Facebook.

V Image of 3 glass coffee cups with eggnog, garnished with a cinnamon stick and pinecones in the background on a white surface
A thick and creamy homemade eggnog recipe is a sweet holiday drink.
Yield: 4

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

V image with a single glass coffee cup in the front filled with eggnog and garnished with a cinnamon stick, on a wooden cutting board, with two other glasses in the background, with cinnamon sticks and orange slices all on a white surface.

You are never going to drink store-bought eggnog after you make this homemade eggnog recipe. It is the perfect Christmas beverage recipe.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon for garnish
  • Optional - 1 ounce each of brandy and bourbon

Instructions

  1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl and using a stand or electric mixer, beat the egg yolks on high until they become pale
    in color (about 3-4 minutes.)
  2. Slowly mix in the white granulated sugar. Continue to beat on high until frothy (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Add the milk, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla to the saucepan.
  4. Heat on medium heat until warm, whisking continuously.
  5. Remove the milk from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
  6. Once combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and warm on medium heat, stirring continuously until the temperature reaches 160°
  7. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
  8. To remove any curdled bits, pour the eggnog through a sieve.
  9. For spiked eggnog, add brandy and bourbon and stir.
  10. Place in the fridge for 1 hour to cool. Garnish with cinnamon and serve chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 568Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 354mgSodium: 87mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 0gSugar: 58gProtein: 10g

All nutrition information is estimated. For accuracy, please calculate your exact brands and ingredients if accuracy is desired.

Did you make this yummy recipe?

Please leave a comment or share a photo and tag me @rufflesandrain

© Sarah Nenni-Daher
Cuisine: Desserts / Category: Food

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