Eggnog Easy Recipe
This easy homemade eggnog recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and warmly spiced holiday treat made from whole milk, egg yolks, and a touch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfectly chilled and optionally spiked with your favorite liquor, it’s a festive classic that’s comforting and delicious.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping, optional)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Combine Milk and Spices: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, ground nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract. Add the cinnamon stick to infuse flavor as the milk heats.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the milk to a low boil, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent scorching.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: Meanwhile, crack the 6 large egg yolks into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together with the 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Repeat until you’ve incorporated about 1/4 cup of hot milk, making sure the egg yolks are warmed gently to avoid curdling.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
- Finish the Eggnog: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream to add richness and creaminess to the eggnog.
- Chill: Transfer the eggnog to a container and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours until thoroughly chilled and flavors melded.
- Serve: Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Add whipped cream if desired.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): For an adult version, mix 1 part of your preferred alcohol (brandy, dark rum, bourbon, cognac, Southern Comfort, or Fireball) to 5 parts eggnog and stir well before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs for safety and taste.
- Be careful when heating the milk and egg mixture; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- For a non-alcoholic drink, simply omit the alcohol and garnish with cinnamon sticks or freshly grated nutmeg.
- Store leftover eggnog in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute milk and cream with almond or oat milk and coconut cream, but the texture and flavor will differ.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: eggnog, holiday drink, creamy beverage, homemade eggnog, spiced drink, festive cocktail, vanilla nutmeg eggnog