If you have ever dreamed of capturing the warmth and comfort of the holiday season in a glass, this Homemade Eggnog Recipe is your perfect match. Rich, creamy, and spiced just right, it balances the smoothness of fresh dairy with warming notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of bourbon for those who love a little extra kick. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, this delightful drink brings everyone together with its nostalgic charm and indulgent flavor. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a celebration in every sip.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the perfect eggnog is all about simple, quality ingredients that blend seamlessly to create that luscious, velvety texture and comforting spice profile. Each component plays a vital role, from the richness of the heavy cream to the fragrant spices that awaken your senses.

½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the creamy base while helping to stabilize the egg yolks.
6 eggs, separated: Provides richness and structure—egg yolks for creaminess, whites for that light, airy finish.
2 cups milk: The foundation that melds the flavors and adds smoothness.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds decadent richness and luscious texture to the drink.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Offers warm, earthy spice that’s iconic in eggnog.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a gentle kick and cozy aroma.
⅛ teaspoon ginger: Brings subtle zing and complexity.
1 cup bourbon (optional): Elevates the eggnog with warmth and depth; omit for a non-alcoholic version.
4 candy canes, crushed: Infuses a festive peppermint touch that’s both fun and flavorful.
2 ounces chocolate, melted: A luscious garnish that adds a hint of indulgence.
6 cinnamon sticks: Perfect for stirring and adding visual appeal along with extra spice as you drink.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar and Egg Yolks

Start by setting aside one tablespoon of granulated sugar for later use with the egg whites. Then, place the egg yolks in the bowl of your mixer and beat them until they lighten in color and become creamy. Gradually add the remaining sugar while beating to ensure it dissolves completely, creating a smooth, sweet base that’s essential for that silky eggnog texture.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Spices

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir this mixture and gently bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once heated, remove the pan from heat – this warm, fragrant mixture is where all the comforting flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Temper the egg yolk mixture by slowly adding a ladle of the warm milk mixture at a time, stirring constantly. This gradual process prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly, allowing a silky, custard-like consistency. Keep adding 4 or 5 ladles of the milk mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Cook the Eggnog

Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly until the temperature reaches 160°F. This step is crucial to ensure the eggnog is safe to drink, and it will thicken slightly into the perfect creamy consistency you want for that comforting feel.

Step 5: Add Bourbon and Chill

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bourbon if you’re using it. Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. Cooling allows the flavors to deepen and the eggnog to thicken further, making each sip incredibly smooth and flavorful.

Step 6: Beat Egg Whites and Finish

Beat the reserved egg whites in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add the tablespoon of reserved sugar, then continue beating until stiff peaks develop. Gently fold these fluffy whites into the chilled eggnog to add lightness and delicate airiness that perfectly balances the creaminess.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Garnishes

The traditional touch makes all the difference when serving homemade eggnog. Crushed candy canes sprinkled on top offer a festive peppermint crunch, while a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a rich, classy element. Placing a cinnamon stick in each glass is not only charming but also subtly infuses extra spice with every stir.

Side Dishes

When thinking about what to enjoy alongside your eggnog, consider cozy, comforting treats like gingerbread cookies or buttery shortbread. These sweet bites complement the creamy, spiced flavors perfectly and elevate the overall festive experience with delightful textures and aromas.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, try serving your eggnog in vintage-style mugs or clear glass mugs to showcase its creamy color. Rim the glasses with crushed candy canes for a festive edge, or float a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for that extra aromatic touch that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your homemade eggnog can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation might occur. Freshness is key to maintaining that luscious texture and vibrant flavor.

Freezing

While freezing eggnog is possible, it’s generally not recommended because the dairy can separate and lose its creamy texture once thawed. If you do choose to freeze, use a well-sealed container and consume within a month, thawing slowly in the refrigerator and stirring gently before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your eggnog warm, reheat gently on low heat while stirring constantly. Avoid boiling, as the eggs may curdle. Warmed eggnog is perfect for a cozy evening and can be topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to revive its festive aroma.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bourbon, and you’ll still have a deliciously creamy and flavorful eggnog that everyone can enjoy. The spices and creamy base shine on their own, making it perfect for kids or those who prefer an alcohol-free version.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This recipe involves cooking the egg mixture to 160°F, which is the safe temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. This process ensures the eggnog is safe to consume while keeping its rich and creamy texture intact.

Can I substitute the bourbon with another liquor?

Definitely! You can experiment with rum, brandy, or even whiskey to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Each brings a unique twist, so feel free to get creative while keeping the spirits festive.

How long does homemade eggnog last?

Stored properly in the fridge, homemade eggnog is best consumed within 3 days to enjoy its fresh taste and optimal texture. Always keep it covered and chilled to extend its freshness as much as possible.

What’s the best way to whip the egg whites for the recipe?

Use a clean bowl and beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the egg whites form soft peaks before adding sugar. Then continue beating until stiff peaks form. This step adds a wonderfully light texture that makes the eggnog extra special.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe is truly a holiday classic that’s easy to make and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Its perfect balance of creamy richness and warm spices invites you to slow down and savor each festive moment. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of this timeless drink with your loved ones—cheers to a season filled with flavor and togetherness!

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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4.3 from 38 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Homemade Eggnog recipe is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, ideal for holiday gatherings. Made with fresh eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, it can be enjoyed with or without bourbon for a festive treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup bourbon (optional)

Garnishes

4 candy canes, crushed
2 ounces chocolate, melted
6 cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

Prepare Sugar: Set aside 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar to use later for beating egg whites.
Beat Egg Yolks: Place the egg yolks in the bowl of a mixer and beat until they lighten in color. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until the sugar dissolves completely, then set this mixture aside.
Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove the pan from heat once boiling.
Temper Eggs: Slowly add a ladle (about ¼ cup) of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly to temper the eggs. Repeat this process with about 4 to 5 ladles to gradually bring up the temperature without curdling the eggs.
Cook Eggnog: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently until the eggnog thickens and reaches 160°F on a thermometer to ensure safety. Be careful not to overheat to prevent scrambling.
Add Bourbon and Chill: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bourbon if using. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill thoroughly.
Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the reserved tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This adds volume and lightness to the eggnog.
Finish and Serve: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chilled eggnog mixture until fully combined. Serve the eggnog cold, garnished with crushed candy canes, melted chocolate drizzles, or cinnamon sticks as desired for extra festive flair.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality eggs because this recipe contains raw or lightly cooked eggs; pasteurized eggs can also be used for safety.
Adjust the amount of bourbon or omit it entirely to suit your preference or guests’ needs.
Serve immediately after folding in the egg whites for optimal texture or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
To enhance flavor, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top before serving.
Always keep the mixture chilled to reduce any risk associated with raw eggs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American