Homemade Eggnog – Creamy Holiday Delight

There's something absolutely magical about homemade eggnog, especially when it's made right in your own kitchen from scratch. It's that rich and creamy holiday drink that my family can't get enough of. Last weekend, I whipped up a batch just before we sat down for our Saturday movie night. Don, my husband, kept refilling his glass while under the warm glow of our fairy lights. Alex, my 12-year-old, gave his rare nod of approval which, let me tell you, is the ultimate seal of success in our house. If you're looking to bring a little joy and coziness to your family's gatherings, this eggnog recipe is going to be perfect for you. Here's another festive treat you might enjoy: Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Homemade Eggnog – Creamy Holiday Delight

Why you'll love this recipe

Simple to make and oh-so-satisfying: Just 15 minutes of prep!
Rich and creamy flavor with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Perfect for family gatherings: Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Minimal cleanup with my easy-to-follow steps.
Adaptable recipe: Make it your own with a few simple tweaks.

Ingredients

6 egg yolks
⅔ cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Homemade whipped cream (for serving)

Step-by-step instructions

In a medium bowl, beat eggs and sugar together with a handheld mixer (or a whisk for some arm exercise) until you achieve a thick, light, and fluffy texture, taking about a minute.
Heat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt in a medium saucepan until warm while whisking constantly.
Temper the eggs by slowly adding warm milk to the beaten eggs as you whisk vigorously.
Pour the tempered egg/milk mixture back into the saucepan and cook until it thickens but doesn't boil—you're aiming for 160 degrees F—whisking often.
Place the heavy cream into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top of the bowl.
Strain the egg mixture into the heavy cream, discarding anything left on the strainer.
Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Let it chill for about 4 hours.
Serve cold with a dollop of homemade whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Recipe tips & variations

Not a fan of heavy cream? You can adjust the ratio of cream to milk to suit your taste. Try using more milk for a lighter version.
For that perfect egg temper: Add the milk slowly and whisk vigorously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
Want a spiked version? Add a splash of bourbon or rum after step 7. It's a delightful twist adults will enjoy.
If you're avoiding sugar, try using a sugar substitute that works well for baking.

Storage & reheating

Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Before serving the leftovers, give it a good shake or stir, especially if it has thickened.
Please don't freeze it as the texture changes when thawed.

FAQs

How do you temper the eggs properly when making homemade eggnog?

Tempering eggs means introducing them to the warm milk gradually while whisking. This ensures they won't cook or scramble.

Can I adjust the cream-to-milk ratio in homemade eggnog?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace some heavy cream with milk for a lighter eggnog.

How long does homemade eggnog need to chill before serving?

I recommend chilling it for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better for a chilled, creamy texture.

How should I store leftover homemade eggnog and can it be frozen?

Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but avoid freezing as it can alter the texture.

Recipes you may like

Treat yourself or your loved ones with a Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a fresh morning boost.
Kick off your day with something nutritious like this Pineapple Green Smoothie—invigorating and healthy.
Consider the comforting taste of Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a zesty treat.