Best Eggnog Recipe

This is the Best Eggnog Recipe you will ever find! 8 ingredients + 15 minutes. Ultra creamy. It’s hard not to drink it all, so make sure to save some for your family too!

This is an easy eggnog recipe, and I am going to show you exactly how I made it. I will also answer questions like, “What is eggnog?” and “What does eggnog taste like?” 

If you love this homemade eggnog, you should try out my eggnog cheesecake with gingerbread crust too! 

Why this homemade eggnog works:

• You only need 8 ingredients for this eggnog drink.
• This eggnog with rum will warm you up. 
• All you need is 15 minutes to make the best eggnog recipe. 
• Everyone loves this homemade eggnog recipe. 
• You can easily make the eggnog ahead of time and serve later. 

How To Make Eggnog

FIRST STEP: Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl. Use a handheld or stand mixer that has the whisk attachment. Continue mixing until it’s creamy and fluffy. This will take around 2-3 minutes.

SECOND STEP: Using a heavy saucepan heat the cinnamon and milk over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. 

THIRD STEP: After the milk mixture begins to boil, turn the heat to low. Then add 1/4 cup of the hot milk mixture to the bowl of egg yolks. Whisk until it’s combined.

FOURTH STEP: Carefully pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the hot milk saucepan. 

FIFTH STEP: Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir constantly and don’t allow the mixture to boil. If you let it boil, you will end up with scrambled eggs. 

SIXTH STEP: Remove the eggnog mixture from the stove and add the vanilla and nutmeg. Let it cool to room temperature and stir occasionally. 

SEVENTH STEP: In a medium bowl, mix the heavy cream until there are soft peaks.

EIGHTH STEP: Then add in the cream and rum to the cooled eggnog and whisk. Place the eggnog drink in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours. 

NOTE: I prefer the flavor and texture of eggnog when I chill it overnight, but it’s entirely up to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

What Is Eggnog?

Basically, eggnog is a punch that’s historically made around the holidays with eggs, milk, spices, and sugar. It’s also very well known as a punch you can add alcohol to for parties or events. You will find many adaptions all over the internet, but I find this is the best eggnog recipe I have ever made.

What Does Eggnog Taste Like?

Many people would say that eggnog tastes similar to melted ice cream. It’s creamy, and you can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and even pumpkin pie spice to give it more flavors. It’s a thick, creamy drink and has a unique flavor that’s sweet and delicious. 

How Long Does Homemade Eggnog Last And How To Store It?

You should pour the eggnog into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You could use a glass jar with a lid or any other container that you have on hand. 

Can I Freeze Eggnog?

Yes, you can freeze eggnog. Pour the eggnog into a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. It will last around 6 months in the freezer. 

To thaw, place the eggnog in the refrigerator overnight. Once it’s thawed, give it a stir or two and pour a glass to drink. 

If you make this Best Eggnog Recipe leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo #alsothecrumbsplease on Instagram! I would love to see your snap!

Love holiday entertaining? Try some of my other delicious holiday recipes:

• Gingerbread Eggnog
• Chocolate Gingerbread Men Cookies
• Eggnog Gingerbread Tiramisu

5 from 1 vote

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Best Eggnog Recipe

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Chill Time

2 hrs

Total Time

2 hrs 15 mins

 

This is the Best Eggnog Recipe you will ever find! 8 ingredients – 15 minutes. Ultra creamy. Watch out to save some eggnog for your family.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best eggnog, easy eggnog made from scratch, eggnog recipe, homemade eggnog recipe

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 247 kcal

Author: Sabine Venier

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 5/8 cup granulated white sugar (125g)
• 4 cups milk (960ml)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 vanilla beans (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360ml)
• 1/2 cup rum (120ml)

Instructions

1. With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment whisk egg yolks and sugar until creamy and fluffy for about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

2. Heat milk and cinnamon in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Stir continuously.

3. Turn heat down to low. Add about a 1/4 cup of hot milk to the egg yolks and whisk until combined. Pour tempered egg yolks into the hot milk.

4. Cook for about 5 minutes over low heat until the mixture gets thicker. Stir consistently. Do not boil at any time or you will end up with a scrambled egg mixture. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and nutmeg. Let cool to room temperature. Stir occasionally. 

5. Mix heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add cream and rum to cooled eggnog and stir with a whisk to combine. Chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. I prefer to chill mine overnight. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 1 week. 

Recipe Video

Notes

Recommendations

• Make sure not to let the eggnog boil after adding the egg mixture, or you will get scrambled eggs. 
• Adding the nutmeg while it's still hot will make the eggnog drink to be more flavorful. 
• Don't overcook the eggnog mixture. 
• Leave out the rum if you are serving it to kids or adults who don't drink alcohol. 

 

Substitutions

 

Can I Make This Eggnog Dairy-Free?

Yes, actually, you can make this eggnog with rum dairy-free. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different. But if you have dairy restrictions, you can swap out a couple of ingredients. Use full-fat coconut milk in place of regular milk. For the heavy whipping cream, use full-fat coconut milk, but refrigerate the can overnight. This will allow it to be thicker. Then add some powdered sugar to it and whip until soft peaks form just like the heavy whipping cream would. 

 

Can I Make This Easy Eggnog Recipe Kid Friendly?

Yes, absolutely! Simply make the recipe as directed, but leave out the rum. Sometimes I make 2 batches, one for the adults and one for the kids. 

 

What Alcohol Can I Put In Eggnog?

I prefer to use rum when I make my easy eggnog recipe. However, you can substitute the rum for other kinds of alcohol if you want to. Keep in mind that eggnog is way better with darker alcohol like rum. You could also use brandy, red wine, or bourbon if you wish to. Try several options to see what you like best. 

 

*First, cut off the straight end of the vanilla bean. Then place the tip of your sharp knife below the curled end and cut the vanilla bean through the middle of the bean lengthwise. Although you don't need to cut it all the way through, it's ok when you do so. Then open the vanilla bean and scrape out the flavorful seeds with the back of your knife. Then just use the seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Best Eggnog Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 247 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Cholesterol 146mg49%

Sodium 50mg2%

Potassium 139mg4%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 700IU14%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 124mg12%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.