What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade eggnog recipe is full of rich, creamy flavors that will remind you of cozy holiday traditions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a drink that’s perfect for celebrating the season.
- It’s easy to make with pantry staples, so you can whip it up whenever the mood strikes.
- The creamy texture and warm spices make it feel like a festive treat in every sip.
- You can customize it with your favorite extras, like nutmeg or a splash of bourbon, to make it your own.
Recipe
Intro:
Homemade eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday classic made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and warm spices. This traditional recipe delivers a smooth, indulgent drink perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup bourbon, rum, or brandy
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 160°F/71°C). Do not boil.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla (and alcohol if using).
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or bowl.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve cold with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, reduce heavy cream or use half-and-half.
- Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Mixing bowl
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6–8 servings
Nutrition
Eggnog is a rich and creamy holiday drink, but it’s also high in calories and fat. Here’s the nutrition breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 246mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbs | 28g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 10g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade eggnog with seasonal cookies, especially ones like gingerbread or sugar cookies that bring out the holiday spirit. Warm pie slices, like apple or pumpkin, also complement the creamy richness of the drink perfectly. It’s a cozy combination that makes me feel like I’ve created a complete festive treat.
Seasonal Cookies
When I think of pairing homemade eggnog, seasonal cookies always come to mind as the perfect match. There’s something magical about dipping a soft, spiced gingerbread cookie into a creamy glass of eggnog—it’s like winter in a bite. I also love snickerdoodles for their cinnamon-sugar warmth or shortbread cookies for their rich, buttery flavor. Chocolate chip cookies are a classic choice, too, adding a hint of sweetness that complements the eggnog perfectly. Whether I’m baking them fresh or picking up a batch, cookies make eggnog feel even more festive. They’re simple, cozy, and just right for sharing.
Warm Pie Slices
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of pie to make homemade eggnog feel even cozier, especially when the flavors complement each other perfectly. I love pairing rich, creamy eggnog with a warm slice of pumpkin pie—the spices just seem to dance together. Apple pie with a flaky crust is another winner, its sweetness balancing the eggnog’s richness. For a decadent treat, try pecan pie; its gooey texture and nutty flavor are heavenly. If I’m feeling festive, I’ll even add a dollop of whipped cream. The mix of warm pie and cool eggnog is pure comfort, like a holiday hug.
