If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays, I have to share this delightful Homemade Eggnog Recipe with you. This creamy, spiced drink blends rich egg yolks, velvety cream, and warm spices with just the right touch of bourbon to create a festive beverage that feels like giving your taste buds a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or cozying up by the fire, this eggnog strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smooth that keeps people coming back for seconds. It’s truly a classic comfort drink elevated with homemade love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this homemade eggnog sing, you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients. Each component plays a wonderful role in creating the texture, flavor, and festive feel of the drink. From the simple sweetness of sugar to the aromatic spices and creamy dairy, every ingredient brings something special to this recipe.

½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the spices perfectly.
6 eggs, separated: Egg yolks give richness while the whites whip into frothy peaks for a light finish.
2 cups milk: Provides a smooth base and balances the cream.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the eggnog luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Classic warming spice that is synonymous with eggnog.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds cozy, familiar spice notes.
⅛ teaspoon ginger: Gives a subtle zesty kick to round out the flavor.
1 cup bourbon (optional): Brings depth and a boozy warmth but can be left out for a non-alcoholic version.
4 candy canes, crushed: Great for adding a festive peppermint note if you wish.
2 ounces chocolate, melted: A luscious touch for dipping glasses or drizzling.
6 cinnamon sticks: Perfect for stirring or garnishing your served eggnog.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar and Beat Egg Yolks

Start by setting aside one tablespoon of the granulated sugar for later. Then, add the egg yolks to the bowl of your mixer and beat them until they lighten beautifully in color. Gradually mix in the remaining sugar and continue beating until the sugar dissolves completely. This step ensures your egg mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, providing the backbone of your eggnog’s rich texture.

Step 2: Heat the Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir gently and bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch. Once it reaches the boil, remove the pan from the heat. The warming spices infuse the dairy with that unmistakable eggnog aroma that sets the mood for the holidays.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Tempering is a crucial technique here. Slowly add one ladle of the hot milk mixture at a time into the egg yolk mixture while continuously stirring. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling. After incorporating about 4 or 5 ladles, the egg mixture gradually warms up and becomes ready to be cooked safely without curdling.

Step 4: Cook the Eggnog

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This delicate heating step is key to achieving that silky, custard-like consistency without cooking the eggs too harshly.

Step 5: Add Bourbon and Chill

Remove your cooked eggnog from the heat and stir in the bourbon if you’re using it. This adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the drink. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. Cooling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the eggnog that refreshing chill that’s so satisfying.

Step 6: Beat Egg Whites and Finish

In a separate bowl, whip the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form. Then add the reserved tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Gently fold these beaten egg whites into the chilled eggnog to create a light and frothy texture that will make every sip feel extra special. Serve your Homemade Eggnog Recipe cold for the best experience.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your eggnog is where you can really make it feel magical. Cinnamon sticks make elegant stirrers, and a freshly grated sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds inviting fragrance. For a peppermint twist, rim your glasses with crushed candy canes or sprinkle some on top. If you want to be a bit playful, drizzle melted chocolate inside the glasses before pouring in the eggnog for a beautiful swirl effect.

Side Dishes

Eggnog pairs wonderfully with classic holiday treats. Think buttery sugar cookies, spiced gingerbread, or flaky puff pastries. Small bites that aren’t too sweet let the eggnog shine as the star of the show while still offering delightful contrasts of flavor and texture. Consider serving alongside roasted nuts or dried fruit for added variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving eggnog in charming mugs or clear glasses lets the creamy color and texture shine through, adding to the festive ambiance. You can also create an eggnog bar, offering toppings like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, shredded coconut, or ground spices so guests can personalize their drinks. For a wow factor, serve in mini mason jars tied with twine and a candy cane handle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days if stored in an airtight container. Make sure it stays cold to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.

Freezing

Because of the dairy and eggs, freezing homemade eggnog is not generally recommended as it can affect the texture upon thawing. If you must freeze it, do so without the whipped egg whites and thaw slowly in the fridge, then whisk well before serving. Keep in mind the texture might be less creamy.

Reheating

Reheating eggnog is possible but should be done gently over low heat to avoid curdling the eggs. Warm it just until hot, not boiling, and whisk continuously. Adding fresh whipped cream on top after reheating is a lovely way to revive its creamy richness.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The bourbon is optional and can be easily omitted for a family-friendly or non-alcoholic version. The rich, spiced flavors shine on their own, so you won’t miss the boozy kick.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This recipe cooks the eggs through a gentle heating process which brings the mixture to 160°F, making it safe to consume by reducing any bacteria risks. Be sure to use pasteurized eggs if you want extra peace of mind.

How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?

Your homemade eggnog will stay fresh for up to three days when properly refrigerated in an airtight container. Always smell and check the texture before serving to make sure it’s still good.

Can I prepare this eggnog in advance?

Yes! In fact, chilling the eggnog for at least an hour before serving helps the flavors meld perfectly. You can make it the day before your gathering for maximum deliciousness.

What can I use instead of bourbon?

If you prefer a different flavor or want no alcohol, consider using rum, brandy, or even spiced syrup for a similar warm essence. Just adjust amounts to taste to keep the balance harmonious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sipping on a glass of homemade eggnog that’s been made with care and love, and I hope this Homemade Eggnog Recipe inspires your next festive gathering. It’s creamy, spiced, and effortlessly elegant — a perfect holiday tradition you’ll want to share with friends and family year after year. So, grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and let the holiday cheer begin!

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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4 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Homemade Eggnog recipe is a creamy, spiced holiday classic, perfect for festive gatherings. Made with fresh eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, it offers a rich and velvety texture. Bourbon adds a delightful optional kick, while crushed candy canes and melted chocolate provide festive garnishes that elevate this traditional drink.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
6 eggs, separated
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon 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 from the total amount for later use.
Beat Egg Yolks: In the bowl of your mixer, add the egg yolks and beat until they lighten in both texture and color. Gradually add the remaining sugar while continuing to beat until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this mixture aside.
Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir well and heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove from heat promptly to avoid curdling.
Temper Eggs: To avoid cooking the egg yolks too quickly, slowly add a ladle of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture while stirring continuously. Repeat, adding 4 to 5 ladles gradually to gently raise the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
Cook Eggnog: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 160°F, which ensures the mixture is safe to consume and thickened slightly.
Add Bourbon and Chill: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the bourbon if using. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Beat Egg Whites: In a clean medium bowl, beat the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the reserved tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form to add lightness and volume to the eggnog.
Finish and Serve: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chilled eggnog mixture to create a fluffy texture. Serve cold, garnished with crushed candy canes, melted chocolate, and cinnamon sticks for added flavor and festive presentation.

Notes

Ensure eggs are fresh and preferably pasteurized for safety, especially when consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs.
To make the recipe non-alcoholic, omit the bourbon.
The eggnog can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
If you prefer a thicker eggnog, cook the mixture slightly longer while carefully monitoring temperature.
Crushed candy canes can provide a subtle peppermint flavor and festive look when used as garnish.
Serve eggnog chilled for the best taste experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American