Try this creamy and smooth old-fashioned holiday drink this Christmas. This classic homemade eggnog recipe has both spice and sweetness and is easy to make on the stovetop.

When I think of Christmas drinks, the first one that comes to mind is eggnog! I’ve been a fan for as long as I can remember. Even as a picky child, eggnog was always one of my favorite holiday drinks.

Around Christmas, the stores sell out of eggnog so instead of doing without, I make my own homemade eggnog. It’s actually quite easy and tastes even better, in my opinion.

When my daughter was young, she used to call eggnog, “Yellow milk”. She is following in my footsteps with her love of this perfect Christmas beverage.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

• It’s super creamy, perfectly spiced with just the right amount of sweetness.
• It makes about 5 cups of eggnog, but can be doubled or tripled if you need more.
• It takes only 30 minutes to make plus chill time in the fridge.
• The eggs are cooked so you don’t have to worry about consuming raw eggs.
• You can add a little alcohol to make an adult version.
• Easy to find ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Homemade Eggnog

• Large eggs – Buy pasteurized eggs for an extra measure of food safety.
• Granulated sugar
• Fine sea salt
• Whole milk – I don’t recommend substituting this ingredient since whole milk will give you the creamiest eggnog. We call this “homogenized milk” in Canada.
• Heavy whipping cream – This addition makes the eggnog even more creamy and yummy.
• Ground cinnamon – Use this ingredient in the drink itself and then add some extra for garnish.
• Ground nutmeg
• Pure vanilla extract – You can use artificial vanilla extract if that is what you have in your pantry.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

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Step One: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sea salt until combined. Set aside.

Step Two: In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking often, until it begins to steam, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step Three: Add 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture and whisk well. Add in another 1/4 cup of the milk mixture and whisk again. Repeat twice more so you’ve added a total of 1 cup of the milk mixture to the egg mixture.

Step Four: Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture and continue to heat and whisk almost constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and reaches 160F, about 15 minutes.

Step Five: Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Strain the mixture into a jar or other container with a cover. Allow to chill completely in the fridge.

Step Six: Stir well before serving and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Equipment Needed to Make Eggnog

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• Large saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowl

What to Serve with this Eggnog Recipe

Christmas Cookies

• Ritz Cracker Cookies
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies
• Thumbprint Cookies
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Christmas Treats

• Reindeer Chow
• Gingerbread Dip
• Cherry Cranberry Pie
• Sweet Spiced Pecans
• Gingerbread Muffins

Check all my Christmas recipes.

Variations

• Add some pumpkin puree to the mixture for a fall meets winter vibe.
• Love chocolate? Try adding a spoonful of Nutella for an even richer taste.
• Add some bittersweet chocolate shavings for garnish to complement the eggnog flavors.
• Try caramel extract instead of vanilla extract.

How to Store Homemade Eggnog

Store this eggnog in the refrigerator in covered jar or pitcher for up to three days. Give a little stir before you pour yourself a drink.

Can you Freeze Eggnog?

Yes, you can freeze homemade eggnog. Let it come to room temperature first after you cook it. Then, place in freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to three months. 

Remember to label the freezer bags so you know how long it will keep for.

When you’re ready to drink it again, place the frozen eggnog in the fridge to defrost overnight.

Can I add alcohol to this eggnog?

Yes, you can add alcohol to this eggnog recipe. You can either mix in the alcohol after the eggnog has cooled or add it to individual servings.

Some options include:

• Rum – Spiced rum is delicious!
• Brandy
• Bourbon
• Whipped Cream Vodka
• Vanilla Vodka
• Butterscotch Schnapps
• Peppermint Schnapps
• Kahlua
• Amaretto
• Whiskey
• Frangelico
• Scotch

Is eggnog served warm or cold?

Eggnog is typically served chilled. If you prefer warm eggnog, you can gently heat it until it is just warmed. Be careful not to overheat it or it will curdle. 

Can eggnog make you sick?

Raw unpasteurized eggs carry a risk of salmonella. To avoid getting sick, be sure to cook the egg mixture to 160F. You can purchase pasteurized eggs for an extra measure of safety.

Can you bake with eggnog?

Yes, you can bake with eggnog. I do it often during the holidays! I often will substitute eggnog in place of milk in recipes.

Here are some of the ways you can use up leftover eggnog in your recipes.

• Eggnog Dip
• Eggnog Donuts
• Eggnog Pie
• Eggnog Bread Pudding
• Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
• Eggnog Cupcakes
• Eggnog Breakfast Casserole
• Eggnog Pudding Shots

Holiday Drinks

• Christmas Punch
• Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
• Cranberry Mint Mocktail
• Gingerbread Latte
• Spiced Cranberry Punch
• Gingerbread Martini
• Gingerbread Eggnog

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