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Traditional Eggnog

Featured in Drinks for Every Season.

Mix egg yolks with sugar till light. Heat milk with spices, pour slow into eggs while stirring. Cook till thick, add cream and vanilla. Chill good. Add rum if you want just before serving. Top with fresh nutmeg. Makes rich holiday drink in bout 25 minutes.

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Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:57:04 GMT
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon are placed on a light-colored tablecloth, with cinnamon sticks and a pine cone nearby. | zestplate.com

Ever wondered what's the deal with eggnog and why folks can't get enough during the holidays? This velvety, seasoned drink feels like a warm hug in your glass! Our DIY eggnog brings together lush cream, toasty spices, and booze if you want it, making a festive sip that'll brighten your holiday mood. It's perfect whether you're throwing a bash or just want something nice for yourself - this timeless treat brings all the holiday vibes.

Benefits of Homemade Version

Making eggnog at home isn't as tough as you'd think! Ditch the cartons from the grocery store - when you make it yourself, you can tweak the sweetness, adjust the spices, and add just the right amount of alcohol for your perfect holiday drink. There's also something really special about watching basic ingredients turn into that signature smooth texture that makes homemade eggnog so fantastic.

Ingredients List

  • Egg Yolks: 6 big ones - they'll give your drink that rich smoothness
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup - helps everything taste just right
  • Whole Milk: 2 cups - go for full-fat for the best results
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup - creates that smooth, velvety feel
  • Spices: Whole cinnamon and cloves for that cozy warmth
  • Nutmeg: Grate it fresh if you can!
  • Vanilla: 1 1/2 teaspoons of the real stuff
  • Booze (if you want): 2 tablespoons each rum and bourbon
  • Egg Whites: 4 (if you want it fluffy)

How To Make Homemade Eggnog

Tackle the Eggs First
Whip those yolks until they look pale. Slowly add sugar while mixing until it gets fluffy - this sets up your flavor base.
Get the Milk Ready
Warm up your milk with the spices until it's steamy but not bubbling. This pulls all those yummy flavors into the milk.
Mix With Care
Pour half the warm milk into your egg mix slowly while whisking - this keeps the eggs from cooking! Then pour everything back into your pot.
Thicken It Up
Cook on low heat, always stirring, until it gets thick enough to stick to a spoon. Then mix in the heavy cream.
Add Final Touches
Pour through a strainer to catch the spices, then add vanilla and alcohol if using. Cool it down well. Want it extra fluffy? Mix in those whipped egg whites.
Get It Ready
Pour into nice glasses and top with a bit of fresh nutmeg. That's the holiday magic right there!

Historical Background

This holiday favorite has been around for hundreds of years. It started as a way to toast to good health and success, and it's changed from its European beginnings to become a beloved seasonal drink that gets people gathering around for a cup together.

Alcohol Options

Adding booze to your eggnog is like picking the right seasoning - some just work better! Bourbon gives you warmth, rum adds sweetness, and brandy brings fancy vibes. Go with what you love or mix them all for something special.

Staying Safe

Worried about using raw eggs? Here's what to do: warm your mix to 160°F, or just buy pasteurized eggs. You'll still get that awesome texture without any concerns. Don't want eggs at all? Try using coconut milk for a fun twist!

Ways To Enjoy

Drink your eggnog cold in pretty cups or warm it up when you need extra coziness. Don't forget that sprinkle of nutmeg on top - it's not just for looks, it adds that final touch that gets everyone grinning.

Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. | zestplate.com

Storage Tips

Your eggnog can stay good in the fridge for a few days - and it actually tastes better later! All the flavors mix together and mellow out, making something even tastier than when you first made it. Just stir it well before you pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Skip the booze?

More milk works fine. Extra cream good too. Still tastes rich. Kids can drink it. Just as nice.

→ Keeping leftovers?

Box it up tight. Three days cold tops. Shake before pour. Gets thick sitting. Fresh is best.

→ Raw eggs scary?

Cook em gentle. Stir while warm. Watch temp good. Don't scramble em. Worth doing right.

→ How serve it nice?

Chill real good. Fresh nutmeg top. Pretty cups help. Keep cold bits. Maybe whip cream.

→ Make it early?

Day or two fine. Gets better taste. Keep it cold though. Mix booze later. Stir before serve.

→ Getting too thick?

More milk helps thin. Stir real good. Don't cook long. Watch your heat. Easy fix quick.

→ Taking it places?

Keep it cold packed. Bring fresh tops. Take good cups. Worth ice box. Maybe backup drink.

→ Need it faster?

Have stuff ready. Quick cook works. One pot good. Still needs chill. Worth short wait.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need bigger pot. More chill time. Watch egg bits. Keep stuff cold.

→ Want more spice?

More nutmeg helps. Try cinnamon too. Fresh spice best. Even vanilla. Start slow though.

→ Eggs getting lumpy?

Stir more quick. Heat too high. Strain if need. Start over worst case. Watch temp close.

→ Too sweet or plain?

Add slow to taste. Can't fix too sweet. More spice helps. Rum cuts sweet. Balance is key.

Conclusion

Love this? Try warm spice tea next. Or make hot rum drink. Both perfect for cold days.

Traditional Eggnog

Got asked to bring something to the holiday party last minute. This eggnog saved me - just eggs, cream, spices and optional booze. Everyone loved it!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 large egg yolks.
02 3/4 cup sugar.
03 2 cups milk.
04 2 whole cloves.
05 Pinch cinnamon.
06 1 cup heavy cream.
07 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 2 tablespoons bourbon, or to taste.
10 2 tablespoons rum, or to taste.
11 4 egg whites, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are slightly lighter in color using a whisk or an electric mixer. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine milk, cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon. Heat gently on medium until steamy hot, ensuring it does not boil.

Step 03

Temper the eggs by slowly adding half of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 04

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until it slightly thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Aim for a temperature of 160°F.

Step 05

Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Step 06

Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer to remove the cloves and any curdled bits. Chill for at least an hour.

Step 07

Once chilled, stir in vanilla extract, freshly grated nutmeg, and the desired amount of bourbon and rum.

Step 08

For a fluffier texture, optionally beat egg whites until they form soft peaks, add a teaspoon of sugar, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold gently into the eggnog.

Notes

  1. For a less rich eggnog, reduce the egg yolks to 4.
  2. Adjust sweetness by using 1/2 cup of sugar.
  3. Make it kid-friendly by omitting the bourbon and rum.
  4. Eggnog can be doubled for larger gatherings.
  5. Store brewed eggnog in the fridge for several days, where the flavors will continue to meld.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl.
  • Whisk or electric mixer.
  • Thick-bottomed saucepan.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Candy thermometer (optional).
  • Mesh strainer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Alcohol.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 367
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 11 g