Description
This homemade eggnog is the ultimate holiday drink—velvety smooth, perfectly spiced, and far superior to store-bought versions. With just 30 minutes of active prep and simple ingredients, you’ll create a festive masterpiece that becomes a cherished tradition.
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Extra nutmeg for garnish
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until pale yellow and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Combine milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium-low until steaming with small bubbles around edges, 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
3. Slowly temper egg yolks by adding 1/2 cup hot milk mixture while whisking constantly. Continue adding milk mixture gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly.
4. Pour tempered egg mixture back into saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 160°F and coats the back of a spoon, 8-10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Strain through fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
6. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly on surface. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Stir well before serving. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream if desired.
Notes
This recipe uses cooked eggs, making it safe for pregnant women and those concerned about raw eggs.
Eggnog thickens significantly as it chills—be patient and wait at least 4 hours before serving.
For a thinner consistency, stir in an additional 1/2 cup of cold milk before serving.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before serving as ingredients may separate.
Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
Fresh nutmeg makes a huge difference—invest in whole nutmeg and a microplane grater.
Never let the milk mixture boil or you’ll scramble the eggs.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: homemade eggnog, holiday drinks, Christmas eggnog, festive beverages, traditional eggnog recipe