Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

October 1, 2023 by Beth Pierce 75 Comments

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It is that time of the year again, and this luscious Homemade Eggnog Recipe comes together quickly in just a few easy steps and tastes much better than store-bought. We enjoy ours topped with a little whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon. For entertaining, we make two batches, one alcohol-free and the other spiked with a little bit of brandy or rum. We love to serve this forChristmasEve dinner and at our holiday parties.

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a creamy milky custard dairy beverage lightly seasoned with nutmeg and sometimes other spices. It is traditionally served around the holiday season chilled and sometimes spiked with a bit of rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy.

Why this recipe works!

It tastes SO MUCH better than store-bought without all those darn preservatives. There isn’t any boxed or bottled processed smell or taste. Only all-naturalingredientsfor exceptionalflavor.
It is so easy to make that even your teenager can handle this. You can also have this fresh creamy treat in just a few simple steps.
You can make this eggnog recipe in about the time it takes to drive to the grocery store.
With only wholesome natural ingredients, this is one refreshment you can feel good about feeding your family.

How to make Homemade Eggnog

Start by heating the milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves together over medium heat, frequently whisking to prevent anything from burning to the bottom of the pan. Heat the milk mixture until it is hot but not boiling. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, adding the sugar a couple of tablespoons at a time and mixing thoroughly.

Now using a soup ladle, spoon about half a ladle full of the hot milk mixture into the eggs and whisk to combine. Continue adding more and more until most of the milk mixture has been mixed in. Make sure you are whisking thoroughly after each addition. Now, pour the egg mixture back into the pan on the stove with the remaining milk mixture. Then cook until the mixture reaches 160-170 degrees F, whisking constantly. Do not allow the mixture to boil. It will be slightly thick but will thicken more as it cools. Finally, remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and alcohol if adding it. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or pour into a sealable pitcher and chillin thefridgefor several hours before serving.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the final mixture cooks those raw eggs to 160 degrees F.
Stir and whisk almost constantly. Keep it going, as you want the egg yolks and sugar incorporated well. You don’t want the milk mixture to burn or scorch to the bottom of the pan, and you don’t want egg pieces floating around in your final creamy custard mixture. Remember that a spoon helps reach the bottom inside corners of the pot, but a whisk helps keep everything combined.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
I like the spices on the light side. However, they can be adjusted to suit your taste.
For best results, chill overnight.
If spiking, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the Eggnog.

What type of alcohol goes in Eggnog

Rum, brandy, bourbon, or whiskey can be added to Eggnog. I prefer rum, but I like brandy or whiskey as well. Trust me when I say that. Just a small amount is all you need so it does not overwhelm the Eggnog. I always start with a little bit because you can add more, but you sure can’t take it back.

More holiday recipes to try!

Butter Cookies

Cranberry Sauce

Rum Balls

Sausage Stuffing

Spritz Cookies

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Traditional Eggnog Recipe

A creamy, easy-to-make homemade eggnog with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. Just as creamy as the store-bought brands without any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Make this holiday treat and impress your family and friends.

5 from 37 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: beverage

Cuisine: Americen

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 308kcal

Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk or 2%
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of cloves
6 egg yolks room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
whipped cream optional
extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg optional

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium/medium-low heat, combine milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk very frequently while bringing the mixture almost to boiling.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Add sugar 2 tablespoons at a time, whisking thoroughly before adding more.
Using a soup ladle, add about 1/3 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly. Keep adding the hot mixture to the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly between each addition. When most of the milk mixture has been whisked into the egg mixture (about 3/4 of it), add it back to the saucepan.
Cook until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F, whisking constantly. Use a spoon to reach those tight edges at the base of the pan. It will be slightly thick but will thicken more as it cools.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Serve with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the final mixture cooks those raw eggs to 160 degrees F.

Stir and whisk almost constantly. Keep it going, as you want the egg yolks and sugar incorporated well. You don't want the milk mixture to burn or scorch to the bottom of the pan, and you don't want egg pieces floating around in your final creamy custard mixture. Remember that a spoon helps reach the bottom inside corners of the pot, but a whisk helps keep everything combined.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

I like the spices on the light side. However, they can be adjusted to suit your taste.

For best results, chill overnight.

If spiking, add 2-3 ounces of dark rum, whiskey, bourbon, or brandy. It will hit the spot just right without overwhelming the eggnog.

Nutrition

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Nutrition Disclaimer: All nutritional information shared on this site is an approximation. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on this site should be used as a general guideline.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Erica
November 28, 2023 at 10:14 pm

I substituted the eggs for quail eggs (allergy) and the milk for oatmilk and used a dairy free cream. (Really sounds delicious doesn’t it 😆)
I can not believe how amazing this turned out!! So delicious and easy to make. I can’t wait to share with my family!!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 29, 2023 at 9:19 am
  Thanks, Erica! Sounds like you were sucessful in adapting the recipe to your needs. I love a good cook!
  Reply
- Belle
  December 03, 2023 at 5:55 pm
  Where do you get quail eggs?
  Reply
Elisa
November 07, 2023 at 12:28 pm

We have used this recipe for several years. It is alwasy creamy, and so delicious. It is easy to make and so much better than the premade junk from the store. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 09, 2023 at 8:49 am
  Thanks, Elisa! I am glad that you like the homemade eggnog recipe.
  Reply
Shelby
November 07, 2023 at 12:18 pm

This homemade eggnog recipe is so rich and delicious. I look forward to making it all year!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 09, 2023 at 8:39 am
  Thank you, Shelby! I feel the same way. It is just that good.
  Reply
Justine
November 07, 2023 at 11:49 am

I’ve always wanted to try homemade eggnog, but it seemed super intimidating – this recipe was great! So easy, awesome tips and directions, it was really easy to follow and came out tasting WONDERFUL.
Reply
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Candied pecans recipe - A Dish of Daily Life Easy Meringue Cookies Recipe - Princess Pinky Girl 3 White Chocolate No-Bake Festive Candy Recipes The Best Sugar Cookie Icing Recipe (No Corn Syrup) | Wholefully
- Beth Pierce
  November 09, 2023 at 8:34 am
  Thanks, Justine! I am so glad that you liked it. We love it too!
  Reply
Sisley
November 07, 2023 at 11:01 am

I’d never made homemade eggnog before but it was so easy, good, and creamy. It was a test run for the holidays. I can’t wait to make it again at Christmas.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 09, 2023 at 8:33 am
  Thanks, Sisley! So glad that you liked the eggnog.
  Reply
Kate
November 07, 2023 at 10:09 am

A perfect classic eggnog! I love the fresh flavors.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 09, 2023 at 8:30 am
  Thanks, Kate!
  Reply
Norma
October 12, 2023 at 2:51 am

I had never tried egg nog but always been intrigued by it. I tried this recipe out and it was really tasty and quite easy. I will make it at Christmas this year. Thanks for the great recipe, Beth!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  October 13, 2023 at 10:44 pm
  You are most welcome, Norma! So glad that you liked it!
  Reply
Natalie
October 10, 2023 at 7:24 pm
My family really enjoyed this. It is so much better than store bought and not too difficult to make. I am going to make a spiked batch for Thanksgiving. I know everyone will love it.
Reply
Tammy
October 10, 2023 at 10:36 am
Homemade eggnog is sooo delicious! I’ve only had fresh once at a holiday party years and years ago and always wanted to make my own. Now I have a recipe 😀 Thank you!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  October 11, 2023 at 5:55 pm
  My pleasure, Tammy! Enjoy!
  Reply
Sue
October 10, 2023 at 10:09 am

Your Homemade Eggnog Recipe was absolutely delightful! There’s nothing quite like the rich, creamy goodness of homemade eggnog during the holiday season. I love the idea of offering both alcohol-free and spiked versions for guests—it’s a thoughtful touch for everyone’s preferences. Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon are the perfect finishing touches.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  October 19, 2023 at 8:01 am
  Thanks, Sue! So glad that you liked the eggnog. We love it too. It is delicious.
  Reply
Marie
October 10, 2023 at 7:28 am

Ohhh! I didnt know I could make EGGNOG by myself. It turned out so creamy and tasty with none of that fake carton taste.
Reply
Janice
October 10, 2023 at 3:43 am
Eggnog is such an American classic! I can never find it in shops here, so thank you so much for your recipe.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  October 18, 2023 at 9:57 am
  You are most welcome, Janice!
  Reply
Sarah
October 10, 2023 at 3:34 am

This eggnog is so creamy and delicious. I ran a test run for the holidays and it is amazing with our without alchohol. Thanks for the inspiration.
Reply
Lisa
October 10, 2023 at 2:31 am
Eggnog is something I always wanted to try. This recipe looks easy to follow and I will give it a go at home.
Reply
Mel
October 09, 2023 at 3:10 pm

This sounds like a great version of the drink. It’s a classic for Christmas parties.
Reply
Stephanie
October 09, 2023 at 2:55 pm

I never cared for eggnog until I tried this recipe. My goodness, it is so much better than the eggnog in cartons – I am sure we will make this often during the holiday season.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  October 15, 2023 at 5:17 pm
  You are right this homemade eggnog is so much better. The stuff in the cartons tastes so processed.
  Reply
- Kit
  November 29, 2023 at 12:01 am
  I haven’t made this yet, i had a question. Will the recipe still work using lactose free milk?
  Reply
  - Beth Pierce
    November 30, 2023 at 9:21 am
    I am not sure. I have not tried. Perhaps one of the readers will know the answer to that.
    Reply
Tisha
October 08, 2023 at 8:16 pm
See Also
Authentic Bienenstich Kuchen (German Bee Sting Cake Recipe)

Delicious, easy, and perfect for the holidays. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Reply
Erin
October 07, 2023 at 7:39 am
Was really fantastic! I will make this again for the holidays. I wanted to try it first.
Reply
Fransic verso
December 29, 2022 at 6:53 am

What a great recipe! We really enjoyed it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Reply
Ebony
December 22, 2022 at 9:51 am

My family and I were just experimenting with eggnog cocktail recipes this week! I decided to try this recipe to make our eggnog from scratch and it turned out perfect! Way better than the store bought stuff! This recipe is a keeper for sure!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  December 23, 2022 at 7:56 pm
  Thanks so much, Ebony. So glad that you liked the eggnog! It is quite yummy!
  Reply
Brian
December 21, 2022 at 12:33 pm

Cool. I never tried to make this before. I know it’s always a big thing around the holidays.
Reply
briannemanzb
December 21, 2022 at 5:44 am

This is so much better than a store-bought. For the past year, we just buy from stores but now that I have perfected your recipe. It’s gonna be a tradition to have homemade eggnog every year.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  December 24, 2022 at 10:28 am
  So glad that you like it! We love it too! It is amazing!
  Reply
Sienna
December 20, 2022 at 3:25 pm

I was just at a bakery with an eggnog flavor discussing how I actually have never had eggnog and have no idea what it is! I asked the person helping us what was in eggnog and they said it was their favorite treat they make but he didn’t really know! I did enjoy the treat it was creamy and nutmeg-y and I’m so excited to find your recipe and try out the actual real-deal drink for myself!
Reply
Jennifer L Prince
December 20, 2022 at 9:56 am
I’ve never tried making egg nog before. I need to test this recipe. It sounds fun!
Reply
DDana
March 14, 2022 at 2:50 pm
The taste is really good but for some reason after I refrigerated it it’s now sooooooo thiiiiiick. More like a thick pudding than a drink. Not sure what I did wrong. Gonna try just adding more milk to it.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  March 14, 2022 at 9:41 pm
  Humm. Let me think about that one.
  Reply
Mandie
December 26, 2021 at 1:06 am
I love Eggnog. I can’t wait to try making it myself. My only question is.. do you have to add clove? I can’t stand the smell or taste of clove. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  December 26, 2021 at 8:16 am
  No you do not have to add it. Enjoy your eggnog.
  Reply
  - Mandie
    December 26, 2021 at 7:14 pm
    Thank you sooo much!
    Reply
IceCreamnStickyFingers
November 23, 2021 at 12:36 am
I think my grandma used to make homemade Egg Nog. Personally, I’ve never tried making it but I do drink at least one glass a year. It is very unhealthy but oh so tasty.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 23, 2021 at 6:33 pm
  I do love a glass of homemade eggnog. It is so incredibly yummy!
  Reply
Sarah Bailey
November 21, 2021 at 5:32 pm
Do you know I’ve never had eggnog! Now
I can try it by making my own!
Reply
Lynndee
November 21, 2021 at 8:01 am
I have never tried making my own eggnog. Thank you for the recipe. Will try it sometime.
Reply
Catalina
November 21, 2021 at 4:59 am

Oh yes! I love this holiday season for this eggnog drink. I am so happy to make it at home now.
Reply
Lisalisa
November 21, 2021 at 12:23 am
This looks delicious! I must confess I have never had eggnog before! I may need to try your recipe.
Reply
Mommy Blog Expert
November 20, 2021 at 10:43 pm
I’m a huge egg nog fan, especially during the holidays. Your recipe looks so good, I have to try making this.
Reply
- Beth Pierce
  November 20, 2021 at 11:01 pm
  Thanks! Enjoy!!
  Reply
Alita Pacio
November 20, 2021 at 6:24 pm

I grew up eating eggnog. My mom used to make it. I thought I’ll learn how to make it too. Thank you for your recipe
Reply
Beth
November 20, 2021 at 5:51 pm

We love eggnog! I’ll have to try this recipe!
Reply
Richelle Milar
November 20, 2021 at 10:15 am
This is a such really amazing recipe, It look so good! I would love to try this!
Reply
Tara Pittman
November 19, 2021 at 1:15 pm
My husband loves eggnog. I will have to make this for him.
Reply
vickie rampelbergh
October 17, 2021 at 11:55 pm

This Eggnog recipe is a winner for me Beth , I surely will be making this for the Holidays !!!
Reply
Andrea Thueson
September 03, 2021 at 3:29 pm

I never thought of making homemade eggnog, and this recipe made it super easy to do! My family loved it 🙂
Reply
Natalie
September 03, 2021 at 2:03 pm

This has me so excited for the holidays!! Homemade eggnog is the best!! So rich & creamy!
Reply
Faye Roner
September 03, 2021 at 2:02 pm

I could drink homemade eggnog all year long! So delicious!
Reply
April
December 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm

So delicious! Perfect for giving as a gift, too – who doesn’t love homemade eggnog?
Reply
Lily
December 16, 2020 at 3:05 pm

This was incredible so much flavor, this is the perfect eggnog for these cold and gloomy days. I drank 3 mugs of it while watching my show 🙂
Reply
Shelley
December 16, 2020 at 2:57 pm

My family just loves eggnog, and this one is so pretty! They’ll absolutely love it!
Reply
Kevin
November 02, 2020 at 2:17 pm

Nothing beats homemade eggnog! This looks like it is going to be a winner!
Reply
Catalina
October 30, 2020 at 4:47 pm

It’s great to make eggnog at home! Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
Haley Williams
October 30, 2020 at 9:14 am

This is amazing! Can’t believe how easy it is to make homemade eggnog
Reply
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
October 30, 2020 at 3:25 am

This Homemade Eggnog looks absolutely delicious! Yummy!
Reply
Vikki
October 30, 2020 at 1:13 am

This eggnog is so delicious! A tasty holiday treat my friends will love
Reply
Amanda
October 29, 2020 at 5:24 pm
I love eggnog but it always sells out so quick so this is perfect!
Reply
Dorothy Reinhold
October 29, 2020 at 5:09 pm
I have never attempted to make eggnog homemade! This is the year for me to start that tradition.
Reply
Vicky
October 27, 2020 at 3:53 pm

Eggnog is a wonderful holiday beverage! Thanks for this recipe!!
Reply
Jessica Formicola
October 27, 2020 at 3:42 pm

I’ve always wanted to try making homemade eggnog, and this recipe looks perfect! Can’t wait to try it out soon!
Reply
Tara
October 27, 2020 at 3:07 pm

Yum! So perfect for the season and definitely better than homemade. I love how easily the eggnog comes together too.
Reply
Tisha
October 27, 2020 at 2:53 pm

I know a few people that love eggnog, Making it at home would be wonderful for them!
Reply