This recipe for Homemade Eggnog is a simple, sweet, creamy, rich and decadent custard-based drink punctuated with warm spices.
What is eggnog?
Eggnog is a sweet, rich dairy and custard-based drink, traditionally served at Christmas time and made with raw eggs (egg whites) and alcohol.
Why you'll love this recipe
This homemade nog recipe makes a small-batch, that can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Unlike Vietnamese Egg Coffee, there are no raw eggs or egg whites to deal with in this recipe since it's similar to making an egg custard ice cream base,
Similar to Matcha Chai Latte, the spices in this eggnog are warming.
There are only a few ingredients in this Homemade Eggnog, with no weird gums, thickeners, or artificial flavors.
This version doesn't contain alcohol, but you add it in if you like.
Ingredients you'll need
- egg yolks: save the egg whites for another use, such as meringues or Mini Pavlova
- granulated sugar: or any sweetener you like
- vanilla extract
- whole milk: or a non-dairy alternative such as coconut milk or soy milk
- heavy cream: gives it its rich creamy texture; you can also use coconut cream for a non-dairy version
- nutmeg: freshly grated is best, or you can use ground nutmeg
- ground cinnamon
How to make homemade eggnog
Add egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract to a heat-safe glass bowl.
Whisk egg mixture until lightened in colour. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream and heat to a simmer.
Gradually pour the warmed milk/cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking, also known as tempering the eggs.
Once all the milk/cream has been added to the egg mixture, pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan.
Stir the mixture until slightly thickened.
Add in the ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg.
Strain the eggnog into a clean jar and allow to cool.
Chill eggnog in the fridge before serving.
Optional additions & variations
Garnish with:
- whipped cream
- cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon
- additional nutmeg
- cloves (ground)
If you're feeling festive, you can also add a shot of:
- dark rum
- bourbon
- brandy
- whiskey
- Irish cream liqueur
You can transform the Eggnog into an Eggnog Latte, by adding in a shot or two of espresso. (My personal favourite).
Try a green tea Matcha Eggnog version with matcha powder.
If you switch the ratios of heavy cream to milk, you can churn it into eggnog ice cream.
How to store & serve
Store the Homemade Eggnog in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
You can serve it chilled or warm.
Other drink recipes you may like
Be sure to check out these recipes:
Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá)
Layered Strawberry Matcha Latte
Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!
Homemade Eggnog (Small-Batch)
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 45 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250 ml whole milk
- 125 ml heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract to a heat-safe glass bowl.
- Whisk egg mixture until lightened in colour. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream and heat to a simmer.
- Gradually pour the warmed milk/cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking, also known as tempering the eggs.
- Once all the milk/cream has been added to the egg mixture, pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture until slightly thickened.
- Add in the ground cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg.
- Strain the eggnog into a clean jar and allow to cool.
- Chill eggnog in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
Gen
We added a bit of whiskey to this and it has to be our new favorite winter cocktail - so good! Thank you for the recipe.
Mandy Applegate
I recently tried homemade eggnog and it was absolutely delicious! It was so much better than anything I've ever bought at the store.
Jenn
I can't ever drink store-bought eggnog after trying this! It was so rich and delicious and easy to make! I'm a big fan!
Lisa
It's only me and my husband this year so this smaller batch recipe made just the right amount for the two of us. However, it was so good, I wish I made a double batch!
MacKenzie
I love eggnog and didn’t realize how easy it is to make. This recipe is flawless.