↑
amandascookin logo

Amanda's Cookin'

Delicious recipes and easy desserts!

Recipes | Beverages | Drinks | Homemade Eggnog
Drinks

Homemade Eggnog

Author by on Updated on

5 from 4 votes
Eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, and vanilla come together for this tested and perfected homemade eggnog recipe. It's thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of nutmeg.
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Jump to Recipe
Close up photo of three mugs full of Homemade Eggnog

Learn how to make creamy homemade eggnog spiced with warm nutmeg. It’s easier than you think but does require a little planning for chill time!

Homemade Eggnog in a reindeer mug


 

Why this recipe works

Homemade eggnog is a traditional Christmas treat around here. Making eggnog from scratch takes a little effort, but it’s totally worth it and tastes so much better than store-bought. It only requires eggs, sugar, salt, milk, nutmeg, vanilla, and heavy whipping cream to prepare.

This version is great for the kids, but adults may love my homemade eggnog cocktail too!

Close up photo of Homemade Eggnog in a mug

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredients for Homemade Eggnog

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

EGGS – This is not a raw egg eggnog recipe. We’ll be cooking the mixture in a saucepan so there’s no need to worry! The eggs are the foundation of the entire recipe which helps thicken the mixture for that classic eggnog taste.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups of the milk. Cook and stir fairly frequently over low heat until temperature reaches 165°. This can take 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.Saucepan of eggs with sugar and salt next to itMilk being added to the egg mixture in a saucepanEgg mixture in a bowl with vanilla, nutmeg and milk to the side
  2. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk.
  3. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. If mixture separates, you can process it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  4. Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 3-4 hours.
  5. When ready to serve, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Whisk the whipped cream gently into the cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.Cream beaten to soft peaksBowl of Homemade Eggnog

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Is eggnog made with raw eggs?

Traditionally eggnog is made with raw eggs, however, this recipe cooks the mixture to a safe temperature of 165F so you don’t have to worry about food-borne illnesses.

How do you store homemade eggnog?

Store your homemade eggnog in a jar or air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Can you freeze homemade eggnog?

Yes! You can freeze it in an air-tight container or jar, with a bit of room left at the top for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Mug of Homemade Eggnog with more behind it

Serving Suggestions

Homemade eggnog is a delicious addition to any Christmas party. Grab yourself some moose mugs to boost your holiday cheer and serve with your favorite Christmas cookies!

More Holiday Recipes

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES

12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!

 

Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!

 
 
Close up photo of three mugs full of Homemade Eggnog

Homemade Eggnog

Eggs, milk, cream, nutmeg, and vanilla come together for this tested and perfected homemade eggnog recipe. It's thick, creamy, and spiced with just the right amount of nutmeg.
5 from 4 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

Print It Rate It
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
3 hours 40 minutes
Calories: 461
Author: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 7 cups milk separated
  • 1 ½ teaspoons nutmeg plus additional for garnish
  • 2 Tablespoons vanilla
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream

Things You’ll Need

Before You Begin

  • Be sure to use a candy thermometer or other kitchen thermometer to ensure you reach the right temperature.
  • Keep an eye on the mixture, you don’t want to scorch the milk.
  • Be sure to plan ahead. The eggnog needs to chill for at least three hours.

Instructions

  • In a heavy saucepan, whisk eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups of the milk. Cook and stir fairly frequently over low heat until temperature reaches 165°. This can take 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.
  • Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk.
  • Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. If mixture separates, you can process it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  • Refrigerate, covered, until cold, about 3-4 hours.
  • When ready to serve, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Whisk the whipped cream gently into the cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.

Expert Tips & FAQs

  • Store your homemade eggnog in a jar or air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
  • You can freeze it in an air-tight container or jar, with a bit of room left at the top for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 461cal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 307mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 314mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 1411IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!

This post was originally published here on December 18, 2019.

Follow along

Amanda Davis

President at Amanda's Creative Studio, Inc.
Amanda Davis is the entrepreneurial mom of four grown children and four step children. She and her husband, Chef Antoine, love to cook together creating recipes for this blog. Amanda also make kid's crafts and creates decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also a craft book author five times over and product developer as well as the owner of FunFamilyCrafts.com. You can find her on social media by using the buttons to the left!
Follow along

Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)

Reader Interactions

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Visitor Favorites

Meet the Team

Amanda

Founder & President

Kristen

Editorial Manager

Lindsay

Staff Photographer

Antoine

Head Chef

As seen on: