Cozy Homemade Eggnog Recipe: Winter’s Sweetest Sip

Creamy, rich eggnog with a homemade eggnog recipe brings festive cheer to any holiday gathering.

Generations have cherished this classic drink as a wintertime staple.

Whisking together fresh eggs, cream, and warm spices creates a luxurious beverage that warms the soul.

The combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat.

Holiday traditions come alive with each smooth, velvety sip of this nostalgic drink.

Spike it with rum or enjoy it pure – this recipe promises a delightful experience that captures the essence of seasonal celebrations.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless classic that never fails to spark joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 143 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients To Whisk Homemade Eggnog Like A Pro

• Egg Yolks: Provides rich, velvety texture and golden color to the eggnog, ensuring a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and adds sweetness, choosing fine granulated sugar works best for smooth blending.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy base with a silky consistency, selecting full-fat dairy ensures maximum richness.
• Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Infuses warm, aromatic holiday spices that define classic eggnog's signature flavor profile.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall depth and smoothness, opting for pure vanilla delivers the most authentic taste.
• Bourbon, Rum, Brandy: Optional spirits that add complexity and traditional festive warmth, choose high-quality liquors for best results.

Tools That Make Homemade Eggnog Easier To Mix

• Large whisk: Perfect for blending egg yolks and sugar into a smooth, creamy mixture.
• Medium mixing bowl: Essential for whisking egg yolks and combining ingredients comfortably.
• Saucepan: Key for heating milk, cream, and spices evenly and safely.
• Wooden spoon or rubber spatula: Great for stirring and preventing mixture from sticking to pan.
• Instant-read thermometer: Helps ensure precise cooking temperature for food safety.
• Pitcher or glass container: Ideal for chilling and storing finished eggnog.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.

Homemade Eggnog Steps From Start To Sip

• Creamy Egg Blend

Crack those golden egg yolks into a welcoming bowl. Sprinkle in sugar and whisk with enthusiasm until the mixture transforms into a silky, pale canvas that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Warm Milk Symphony

Pour milk and cream into a saucepan, inviting nutmeg and cinnamon to join the dance. Gently warm the liquid, letting the spices whisper their aromatic secrets without reaching a boil.

• Egg Transformation

Carefully introduce hot milk to egg mixture, stirring constantly. This delicate process prevents scrambled eggs and creates a smooth, luxurious base that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Magical Cooking Moment

Return the blended liquid to the stove. Stir lovingly until the mixture thickens just enough to coat a spoon, signaling the perfect consistency is near.

• Flavor Finale

Pull the pan from heat. Welcome vanilla and a splash of bourbon (if feeling festive) into the mix. These final touches elevate the drink from simple to spectacular.

• Chill and Celebrate

Transfer your creation to a waiting container. Let it rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and develop. When ready, pour into festive glasses, crown with a cloud of whipped cream, and dust with a sprinkle of nutmeg magic.

Flavor Adjustments For Homemade Eggnog Lovers

• Creamy Eggnog Perfection: Tips for a Luxurious Holiday Drink
• Egg Safety First: Use pasteurized eggs or carefully heat the mixture to 160°F to eliminate any risk of foodborne illness, ensuring a safe and delicious treat for everyone.
• Smooth Texture Trick: Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential bits of cooked egg, creating an ultra-smooth and silky consistency that's pure liquid luxury.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast whole spices like nutmeg and cinnamon briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and bring deeper, more complex warmth to the drink.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cow's milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a plant-based version that's equally creamy and festive, perfect for those avoiding dairy.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Replace bourbon or rum with vanilla extract or maple syrup for a family-friendly version that still captures the classic eggnog essence, making it enjoyable for all ages.

Fun Ways To Pour And Serve Homemade Eggnog

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Serve the eggnog in a beautiful glass pitcher surrounded by pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and small ornaments for a stunning Christmas display.
• Boozy Beverage Bar: Set up a station with different liquors like bourbon, rum, and brandy so guests can customize their eggnog strength and flavor profile.
• Dessert Pairing Paradise: Complement the creamy eggnog with classic holiday cookies, gingerbread, or chocolate truffles for a delightful taste experience.
• Garnish Galore: Top each glass with freshly whipped cream, a light dusting of nutmeg, and a small cinnamon stick stirrer for an elegant and festive presentation.

Best Tips To Store Homemade Eggnog Safely

• Smart Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the eggnog in an airtight glass container for maximum freshness, which helps maintain its smooth texture and prevents absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Longevity Planning: Store homemade eggnog safely for 3-4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator, always keeping it sealed and checking for any changes in smell or consistency before consuming.
• Freezing Strategy: Pour cooled eggnog into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give a good stir before serving to restore original texture.
• Single-Serving Hack: Portion leftover eggnog into small mason jars or silicone molds for convenient individual servings that can be easily grabbed for quick enjoyment or added to morning coffee for a festive twist.

Velvety Homemade Eggnog Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy homemade eggnog delights with classic holiday flavors from traditional family recipes. Smooth, rich custard mixed with bourbon and nutmeg creates a festive drink you’ll savor during winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml/16.2 fl oz) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml/8.1 fl oz) heavy cream
• 6 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) bourbon, rum, or brandy
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Ground nutmeg (for garnish)
• Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Egg Base Preparation: Whisk egg yolks with sugar until the mixture becomes pale and forms a smooth, ribbon-like consistency that falls gracefully from the whisk.
2. Dairy Infusion: Gently heat milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a saucepan, allowing the spices to release their aromatic essence without scorching or boiling.
3. Tempering Process: Slowly stream the warm spiced dairy into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling and create a uniform, silky texture.
4. Custard Development: Return the combined liquid to the saucepan, stirring constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon without reaching a full boil.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, bourbon, rum, or brandy, blending thoroughly to distribute the complex flavor profile evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Chilling and Maturation: Pour the eggnog into a sealed container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Serving Finale: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, presenting a luxurious and festive holiday beverage.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Temper egg yolks slowly by adding hot dairy in small, steady streams while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth, silky texture without scrambling eggs.
• Control Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to monitor mixture, ensuring it reaches 160°F to eliminate bacteria without overheating, which can cause separation or grainy consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; replace eggs with cornstarch and plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow eggnog to rest in refrigerator for 24-48 hours before serving, enabling spices to meld and develop richer, more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Drinks, Cocktails
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 143.66
• Sugar: 8.61 g
• Sodium: 32.85 mg
• Fat: 7.45 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.33 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.93 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.69 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2.96 g
• Cholesterol: 128.97 mg