The Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe

My Homemade Eggnog is extra creamy, a little boozy, and exceptionally easy to make. Try this once, and you’ll think twice before ever picking up a pre-mixed carton at the supermarket again.

What’s a holiday season without eggnog? For one thing, it could not be merrier.

In my family, spiked eggnog is a holiday tradition that comes out at parties, family dinners, and mostly “just because.” We always make extra, and it always goes faster than we expected. It could be from the daily splash in our morning coffee.

I like my eggnog creamy, smooth, and fresher than any store-bought eggnog which is also loaded with high fructose corn syrup. This eggnog recipe only takes 5 minutes to make and is written for easy customization. Whether you prefer bourbon or rum, this recipe is like holiday spirit in a cup. 

You can use this classic eggnog for baking things like Eggnog Pound Cake or starting your day with Eggnog French Toast recipe but my favorite way to make it even better is in an Eggnog White Russian. Now that’s my favorite way to be merry!

Ingredients for Homemade Eggnog

• Eggs – Make sure you use fresh eggs for this recipe. Most eggs are safe to consume raw these days but fresh is best. Also, you’re only using the egg yolks so save the egg whites for a batch of Christmas Meringue Cookies.
• Cream – I use a combination of half and half with heavy cream. You can use all cream for a more decadent eggnog or use whole milk for something a little less rich.
• Sugar – White sugar, or granulated sugar, is what I used for this recipe. You can substitute with brown sugar for a tasty and festive twist. Another fun variation is to substitute the sugar with maple syrup.
• Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract is the only way to go.
• Bourbon – I’m a bourbon lover but you can use dark rum if you prefer.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

How To Make Eggnog

1. Heat the cream mixture. Bring the half and half, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg to a low boil over medium heat. Reduce to low heat and simmer. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. You’ll want to keep an eye on this since milk is extremely quick to boil over.
2. Blitz the eggs. As soon as your sugar has dissolved, blend the eggs in your blender on low speed for 1 minute. You want the egg yolk mixture to be light and frothy, not stringy. (If you don’t have a blender, you can beat the eggnog using an electric mixer in a large bowl.)
3. Incorporate the heated cream. Slowly pour the heated cream mixture into the blender as you continue to blend on low speed. Pour using only a thin stream, so the introduction of heat doesn’t cook and curdle the eggs.
4. Blend in the booze. Combine milk and egg mixture for 30 seconds until light and frothy. Then add the bourbon. Blend the eggnog mixture for an additional 10-15 seconds to combine.
5. Pour and serve. Top your mugs of homemade eggnog with a sprinkling of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick and dive into this holiday staple. 

My Tips for Perfect Eggnog

• Don’t scramble the eggs. It is important to pour the heated cream mixture slowly. If you pour too much (or too fast) you’ll cook the eggs. And no one wants chunky eggnog!
• Chill it. Eggnog can be served at room temperature, right after whipping up a batch, or you can chill it in the fridge for a thick, cold, and creamy treat. 
• Store it right to save it. If you have any leftover eggnog, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Give it a good shake before serving. 

What To Serve With Eggnog

Homemade Eggnog is the official taste of the holidays and delicious enough to serve on its own. It’s even more decadent when served with my favorite holiday treats starting with Pumpkin Pie.

Sip yours alongside a large slice of spiced Gingerbread Coffee Cake or a pile of Gingerbread Men. It’s buttery, not too sweet, and the best accompaniment for a festive brunch or after-dinner treat.

Alternatively, you could whip up some Apple Butter Cheesecake Streusel Bars. They’re soft, chewy, and nutty. And they taste divine with a warm cup of homemade egg nog. 

Pecan Sandies are chock full of finely chopped pecans, simple to make, and the perfect cookies to dunk into your eggnog. It’s safe to say that Santa won’t be disappointed if you leave these out on Christmas Eve!

Is it safe to consume the raw eggs in this recipe?

If you’re concerned about egg safety you can relax. The alcohol in the recipe eliminates any bacteria present and preserves the eggs. For peace of mind, you can go a step further and use pasteurized eggs. (I do!)

Leftover Eggnog Recipes

Use any leftover eggnog as a dairy substitute in your holiday baking! It’s a delicious ingredient that will transform a regular recipe into something fun, festive, and impressive. Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Gingerbread Latte Cupcakes, Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies, and Gingerbread Scones are all excellent options.

Or try this easy Eggnog Pound Cake and this Eggnog French Toast!

More Holiday Cocktail Recipes We Love

• Sparkling Christmas Sangria
• The Best Hot Buttered Rum
• Mulled Wine
• Boozy Peppermint Mocha Coffee
• Hot Toddy
• Apple Pie Moonshine

For more easy holiday recipes to go with the best eggnog, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!