Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large egg yolks; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups milk; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; pinch ground cinnamon; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love whipping up this Homemade Eggnog Recipe whenever the holiday season rolls around. There is something so comforting and indulgent about the rich, creamy texture and warm spices that make it feel like a true festive treat. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet tastes far more luxurious than anything you’ll find in stores. Whether I’m cozying up by the fire or sharing with friends at a holiday gathering, this eggnog always delights and brings that extra sparkle to the season!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

What I find truly special about this Homemade Eggnog Recipe is its incredible flavor balance. The smoothness of the heavy cream, the gentle sweetness of the sugar, and the warming notes of nutmeg and cinnamon blend perfectly together. Each sip feels like a hug in a glass! It’s rich but not overwhelming, with just the right hint of vanilla to round everything out. I always feel like I’m indulging in something magical but still wonderfully approachable.

Another thing I adore about this recipe is how easy it comes together. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques. With just a few simple steps, I can turn basic ingredients into this creamy, festive drink. It’s ideal for holiday brunches, winter parties, or even quiet nights when I want to treat myself. Plus, it’s great to make ahead and chill, which takes some pressure off when hosting. Honestly, the homemade touch makes all the difference — and once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to every holiday season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six items arranged on a white marbled surface: in the top left, a white bowl with six bright yellow egg yolks inside; to the right, two small white bowls with red and brown spices; below these bowls, two clear glass measuring cups filled with white liquids, one slightly larger and placed closer; at the bottom left, a brown glass bottle with a red and white cap; and at the bottom right, a white bowl filled with white granulated sugar with a silver spoon resting in it. The setup is bright and clean, evenly lit, and arranged in a loose cluster. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Homemade Eggnog Recipe are straightforward but absolutely key to achieving that luscious taste and velvety texture. Each one plays a vital role — from the rich egg yolks that bring creaminess to the fragrant spices that add warmth. Using fresh and quality components really elevates the flavor and makes the experience extra special.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

6 large egg yolks: These provide the creamy, rich base essential for that classic eggnog texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to balance the spices.
2 cups milk: I prefer whole milk for a creamier result, but you can use what you have.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives the eggnog its signature warm, nutty aroma and flavor.
Pinch ground cinnamon: This spice adds depth and a subtle kick of warmth.
1 cup heavy cream: This extra creaminess is what makes the eggnog so decadently smooth.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a beautiful sweet fragrance that ties all the flavors together.

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl, add the egg yolks and start mixing them on medium speed with a hand or stand mixer. Slowly add the sugar as you mix, then increase to high speed and beat until the mixture turns very pale, light, and fluffy. This step is crucial to give your eggnog a smooth and airy texture.

Step 2: Meanwhile, place milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Heat this over medium-high until it just begins to simmer. You want it hot but not boiling to avoid curdling later on.

Step 3: Temper the egg and sugar mixture by slowly ladling the warm milk into it while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and gradually brings them up to temperature.

Step 4: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly, using a wooden spoon to check thickness. When it coats the back of the spoon, and you can draw a line with your finger without it immediately filling in, it’s ready to take off the heat.

Step 5: Remove from heat, then stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. These last additions give the eggnog its rich creaminess and that lovely aromatic finish.

Step 6: Strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any cooked egg bits or spice clumps, ensuring the smoothest texture. Let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour until fully chilled.

Step 7: Serve cold for the best flavor and consistency. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any settled spices or cream. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a small gathering or a cozy family treat. Prep time is around 15 minutes, with 20 minutes needed to cook the mixture gently on the stove. You’ll want to add about 1 hour of chilling time for the best flavor and texture, making the overall total roughly 1 hour and 35 minutes. Planning ahead is key so you can relax and savor your Homemade Eggnog Recipe without rush.

How to Serve This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

A clear glass filled with a creamy pale yellow drink topped with light brown cinnamon powder and two cinnamon sticks standing upright near the center. The glass has a textured bottom and sits on a round wooden coaster with dark brown edges, accompanied by star anise pieces placed around it. The background shows a white marbled surface with a soft focus of another similar glass on a wooden coaster and a small green artificial tree to the right. The overall scene is bright and cozy, with a festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this eggnog chilled in pretty glass mugs or clear glasses, so the creamy texture and specks of spice really shine through. Garnishing with a fresh grate of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick instantly makes it feel more festive and special. Sometimes I sprinkle a little crushed candy cane on top for a holiday twist that’s both colorful and delicious.

Pairing it with classic holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, spiced nuts, or buttery shortbread really complements the rich flavors of the eggnog. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside savory appetizers like baked brie or roast turkey sliders for a balanced holiday spread. The warmth of the nutmeg and cinnamon makes it lovely for cold winter evenings, so serving it after a hearty meal is always a crowd-pleaser.

For beverages to accompany your eggnog, I sometimes serve sparkling wine or a light, fruity red to contrast the creaminess. If you want to keep it non-alcoholic, a cozy cup of chai tea or mulled cider pairs beautifully. This drink can be enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer, warming it gently on the stove can create a comforting hot beverage perfect for snowy nights or casual get-togethers.

Variations

I’m always experimenting with variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, swapping whole milk for almond or oat milk and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream can create a delicious vegan-friendly eggnog variation that’s still rich and flavorful. Just choose pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute to keep it safe and tasty.

Another favorite twist is adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to turn this into an adult holiday cocktail. You can also experiment with spices by adding cardamom, cloves, or even a touch of freshly grated ginger to amp up the festive aroma. For those who prefer a lighter drink, reducing the heavy cream slightly and using low-fat milk works well without sacrificing too much richness.

There’s also a no-cook shortcut where you use pasteurized eggs and whisk everything together without heating, which is great for when time is tight. However, I find the cooked method produces a much more luscious eggnog with that classic smooth texture I adore. Feel free to try different methods to find what suits your style best!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover eggnog in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Glass jars or sealed pitchers work beautifully because they prevent the eggnog from absorbing any fridge odors. Stored properly, homemade eggnog remains delicious for up to 4 days. If you spike it with alcohol, you can stretch that up to about one week. I make sure to give it a good stir before serving leftovers, as the spices and cream can settle over time.

Freezing

While I love this Homemade Eggnog Recipe fresh, freezing it isn’t an option I recommend. The high dairy content makes it prone to separating and becoming grainy once thawed, which takes away from the smooth texture that makes it so special. Instead, I suggest making smaller batches if you want to enjoy it over an extended period rather than freezing large quantities.

Reheating

Eggnog is best served chilled, but if you prefer it warm, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent scorching or curdling, and be careful to never let it boil. Boiling ruins the texture and flavor, so slow and steady warming is key. Warmed eggnog is a beautiful way to cozy up in the winter, but remember that reheating multiple times will degrade the quality, so only heat what you plan to serve immediately.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can. For an egg-free version, try using a commercial egg replacer or silken tofu blended smoothly as a base. While the flavor will be different, adding cream, spices, and vanilla can still create a tasty, creamy drink perfect for those avoiding eggs.

Is this Homemade Eggnog Recipe safe to consume because it contains raw eggs?

This recipe cooks the egg yolks gently with warm milk, which reduces the risk by bringing them to a safe temperature. If you want extra peace of mind, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute. Always store the eggnog properly and consume within a few days for food safety.

Can I prepare the eggnog in advance?

Absolutely! I actually recommend making it a few hours or even a day before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the eggnog to chill completely. It’s a great way to save time on the day of your gathering and still impress your guests.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this vegan, substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a plant-based egg replacer or blended silken tofu instead of egg yolks. Adding vanilla and spices per the recipe keeps the festive flavor intact.

What’s the best way to garnish and serve eggnog?

I always love grating fresh nutmeg or adding a cinnamon stick to each glass for a lovely aroma and pretty presentation. You can also add a drizzle of caramel or sprinkle some crushed peppermint for extra holiday cheer. Serve it chilled in glass mugs or festive cups to really elevate the experience.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to add a truly special touch to your holiday celebrations, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Homemade Eggnog Recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a festive favorite that I keep coming back to year after year. Trust me, once you make it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy this cozy, joyful drink together!