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Classic Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Close-up of a glass of creamy homemade eggnog, topped with a generous dusting of cinnamon.
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Make rich, velvety homemade eggnog from scratch. This old-fashioned recipe gives you instructions for a thick, creamy holiday drink that is far better than store-bought versions. You can easily make this recipe alcoholic with bourbon or rum, or keep it nonalcoholic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Optional: 1 cup bourbon, rum, or brandy

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale yellow and smooth.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream.
  3. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Do not let the mixture boil. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  5. If making the alcoholic version, stir in your choice of spirit now.
  6. Pour the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher to catch any bits of cooked egg.
  7. Cover the eggnog and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is very cold and thick.
  8. Serve the chilled homemade eggnog in glasses, topping each serving with a fresh sprinkle of ground nutmeg.

Notes

  • To make this a nonalcoholic eggnog recipe, simply skip adding the bourbon, rum, or brandy in step 6.
  • If you are concerned about using raw eggs, you can temper them over low heat as directed. The gentle heating process cooks the yolks sufficiently for a safe custard base.
  • This recipe is excellent for making ahead. It tastes even better after chilling overnight, allowing the spices to fully meld.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/homemade-eggnog-classic-creamy-recipe/