Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 3 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 6 large egg yolks; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups spiced rum or bourbon (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 19 reviews

There’s just something magical about a creamy, spiced glass of eggnog that immediately brings the cozy holiday vibes right to your kitchen. If you’ve ever wanted to impress your guests or treat yourself to a classic festive drink without the store-bought additives, this Homemade Eggnog Recipe is where you want to start. Trust me, once you try making eggnog from scratch, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for that carton from the grocery aisle. It’s rich, smooth, and just bursting with warm spices that perfectly hit that nostalgic note of winter comfort.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Spice Blend: The combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg delivers that quintessential eggnog warmth without overpowering the creamy sweetness.
Creamy Texture: Using both whole milk and heavy cream gives the eggnog a luscious mouthfeel that’s luxurious but not too heavy.
Tempering Eggs: Slowly incorporating hot milk into the yolks avoids curdling and ensures a silky custard base for a smooth drink.
Optional Spirit Addition: Adding spiced rum or bourbon elevates the flavor profile, with the option to make it boozy or alcohol-free depending on your preference.

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, homemade Christmas drinks - A clear glass mug filled with a thick, light brown creamy drink, topped with a dusting of brown spice powder, a whole cinnamon stick placed vertically on the left side, and a dark brown star anise resting near the top right edge of the drink. The mug has a clear handle on the right side and sits on a white marbled surface with a floating star anise and whole nutmeg along with cinnamon sticks spread around it. Near the top right corner, there is a second glass filled with a similar drink topped with brown spice powder. The scene includes small silver bells to the sides, giving a cozy, festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Homemade Eggnog Recipe really comes alive with its simple, quality ingredients working in harmony. Choosing the right dairy and fresh eggs makes all the difference, plus I love selecting fresh spices for a truly aromatic cup. Here’s a quick rundown of why each ingredient shines:

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, homemade Christmas drinks - Flat lay of whole milk in a small white ceramic bowl, whole cloves scattered beside it, a small white bowl filled with ground cinnamon, another small white bowl with ground nutmeg, six whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, granulated sugar in a small white bowl, heavy cream in a small white ceramic bowl, a vanilla bean pod placed next to a small white bowl with vanilla extract, and a small white bowl containing spiced rum, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Adds body and light creaminess, creating the perfect base without being too rich on its own.
Cloves: Just a few whole cloves lend a subtle, warm spice note that’s unmistakable in classic eggnog.
Ground cinnamon: Adds both spice and a touch of sweetness; I always dust a bit on top for garnish too.
Ground nutmeg: Brings signature eggnog flavor and warmth — fresh grated is best if you can manage it!
Egg yolks: The key to that luscious custard texture, giving richness and body to the drink.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough to balance the spices while letting the cream shine.
Heavy cream: The secret to creamy indulgence and silky smoothness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of gentle sweetness and depth that compliments the spices beautifully.
Spiced rum or bourbon (optional): For those who like a little kick, this gives the eggnog warmth and complexity — you can always leave it out!

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Eggnog Recipe is how versatile it is—feel free to make it truly your own! Over the years, I’ve played around with booze levels, spice intensity, and dairy ratios to match my mood or the occasion. You can adjust it to be richer, lighter, boozier, or completely kid-friendly.

Variation: I sometimes swap spiced rum for bourbon when I want that deep caramel flavor; other times I skip alcohol entirely for a family-friendly treat.
Dairy alternative: For a lighter version, try substituting half the heavy cream with almond or oat milk—they add a unique twist but keep it creamy.
Extra spice: If you’re a cinnamon fanatic, sprinkle a bit more into the milk mixture or on top before serving for a bolder punch.
Sweetener swap: Using brown sugar instead of granulated can add a caramel nuance that’s delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Spices

I start by gently warming the whole milk with whole cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. It’s crucial to heat it slowly and almost to boiling—but don’t rush. A slow simmer lets the spices infuse deeply without scalding the milk or losing that fresh flavor. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over!

Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar Until Fluffy

While the milk is heating, get your egg yolks and sugar waiting in a medium bowl. Whisk until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand whisk. Getting that nice airy texture is key to a smooth, creamy eggnog.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

This part takes a little patience but is the secret to success. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly—this warms the eggs without cooking them into scrambled bits. Keep adding the milk bit by bit until it’s all combined, then return the mix to the saucepan.

Step 4: Cook Until Slightly Thickened

Put the pan back on medium heat and stir continuously, cooking until the custard thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil or you’ll risk curdling. Once thickened, strain out those cloves and set aside to cool.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Vanilla, and Rum, Then Chill

After the custard blends down to room temp (I usually wait about an hour), fold in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and your choice of spiced rum or bourbon. Then patience—chill it in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight to let all those flavors marry beautifully.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Slow and Steady: Don’t rush heating the milk or tempering the eggs; this prevents scrambling and ensures smooth custard.
Spice it Fresh: Grinding fresh nutmeg right before making your eggnog takes the flavor up a notch.
Chill for Best Flavor: Homemade eggnog tastes even better after a night in the fridge, so make it ahead when you can.
Give It a Shake: Homemade eggnog can thicken or separate slightly in the fridge; just shake or whisk before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, homemade Christmas drinks - Two clear glass mugs filled with a creamy light brown drink, each topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The mug in front has a cinnamon stick standing upright and a dark brown star anise floating on the surface, while the mug behind has only the star anise on top. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface scattered with more star anise and nutmeg, with silver jingle bells and tied twigs adding a cozy, festive touch around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the classics, so I always garnish with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick. It looks festive and adds a gentle aroma as you sip. Sometimes I toss in a few whole cloves for a visual rustic touch, but those can be a surprise bite if you’re not careful!

Side Dishes

Pair your warm glass of eggnog with crunchy gingerbread cookies or buttery shortbread for a perfect holiday nibble. I also love serving it alongside spiced pound cake or even a simple biscotti for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving homemade eggnog in clear mugs or glasses so the creamy color pops. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a star anise on top gives it a holiday chic look. If you’re feeling fancy, rim the glass with cinnamon sugar—it adds a slight crunch and extra festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover eggnog in a sealed container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 2 to 3 days. Just remember to give it a good shake or stir before pouring, since the cream can separate slightly over time. I find that making it in advance actually develops the flavor even more—patience really pays off here!

Freezing

I’ve frozen homemade eggnog a couple of times, but honestly, the texture changes a bit once thawed due to the cream. If you want to freeze it, do so in an airtight container and thaw slowly in the fridge. I recommend using it in cooking or baking afterward, like in custards or bread puddings, to make the most of those flavors.

Reheating

If you like your eggnog warm, gently reheat it over very low heat while stirring frequently. Don’t let it boil or you’ll risk curdling your beautiful custard. For hot drinks, I usually serve it warmed just before guests arrive for that cozy, warming effect.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The alcohol is completely optional. You can omit the spiced rum or bourbon for a family-friendly, non-alcoholic eggnog. It will still be rich, creamy, and flavorful thanks to the spices and vanilla.
How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade eggnog should be consumed within 2 to 3 days for best freshness and safety. Always give it a shake or whisk before serving if it’s been sitting.
What can I use if I don’t have whole milk?

You can use 2% milk or a mix of milk and cream to mimic the fat content of whole milk, but whole milk does give the best texture and balance. Alternatively, dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk work if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the flavor will vary.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This recipe uses a gentle cooking process that heats the egg yolks with the milk mixture, effectively making a custard base that’s safe to consume. Always ensure you cook the egg mixture to the right thickness and temperature to avoid any food safety concerns.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade eggnog is like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug — and I hope after trying this recipe, you’ll feel the same! It’s one of those classic recipes that’s incredibly comforting and surprisingly simple once you know the steps. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or sharing it with friends at a festive gathering, this Homemade Eggnog Recipe never fails to bring smiles and a little extra joy. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and make your holiday season a bit more deliciously memorable.