Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large egg yolks; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream; Cinnamon; Nutmeg

If there’s ever a time to truly indulge, it’s the holidays—and nothing feels more decadent (or joyful) than sharing a creamy, Homemade Eggnog Recipe with the people you love. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a pitcher of pure comfort, flecked with freshly grated nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon, so much richer and more satisfying than anything you can find at the store. This cozy classic is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at every festive gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated—this Homemade Eggnog Recipe uses kitchen staples that blend together magically. Each one is essential, balancing flavor, giving an irresistibly creamy texture, or adding that unmistakable holiday fragrance.

Egg Yolks: The secret behind luscious, custard-like richness—use large, fresh eggs for silkiest results.
Granulated Sugar: Brings the perfect level of sweetness and helps whip the eggs into a light, creamy base.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For decadence! This is what makes your eggnog extra thick and dreamy.
Whole Milk: Lightens up the cream just enough and ensures the drink isn’t overwhelmingly heavy.
Freshly Grated Nutmeg: If you have whole nutmeg, grate it yourself—it makes the flavor truly pop.
Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds wonderful warmth; don’t skip it!
Salt: A tiny pinch balances out all the sweet and spice.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a soft, aromatic note.
For Serving – Whipped Cream, Extra Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These classic toppers make each glass beautiful and party-ready.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Egg Yolks & Sugar

Start by whisking the six egg yolks and granulated sugar together in a medium bowl. The goal is to create a light, thick, and creamy mixture—the sugar should dissolve and the yolks become pale yellow. This step is the key to a smooth and velvety Homemade Eggnog Recipe. Take your time and let your arm get a little workout; it’s worth it!

Step 2: Warm the Cream & Spices

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, freshly grated nutmeg, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Heat these together just until they reach a bare simmer—you don’t want a full boil, just enough to coax out the flavors and steam. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible, summoning the holiday spirit in an instant.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

This step sounds fancy but is totally doable. Slowly add a spoonful of the hot milk mixture into the egg and sugar bowl, whisking vigorously. Continue adding the hot milk a spoon at a time to gently bring up the temperature and prevent scrambling. Once most of the milk is mixed in, pour everything back into the saucepan. This gentle process guarantees a creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe, never grainy or lumpy.

Step 4: Cook and Thicken

With your mixture back in the saucepan, whisk it constantly over medium heat for a few minutes. As soon as it thickens slightly (usually when it reaches 160°F), remove from heat. The transformation will be subtle but magical—thicker, more custard-like, and glossy. Now, stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible warmth and aroma.

Step 5: Strain and Chill

Pour your fresh eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This simple trick removes any accidental egg bits and ensures your drink is unwindingly smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and pop in the fridge to chill. It will thicken as it cools, so if you prefer a thinner texture, feel free to whisk in a splash or two of extra milk before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Garnishes

The joy of the Homemade Eggnog Recipe isn’t complete without the perfect finishing touches. Crown each glass with a cloud of whipped cream, then shower with another pinch of ground cinnamon or a grating of fresh nutmeg. These toppers add both elegance and that unmistakable festive aroma—making every sip feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Eggnog is rich, so balance it with crisp cookies like biscotti, classic gingerbread men, or buttery shortbread. Savory treats such as spiced nuts or a slice of aged cheese also pair surprisingly well, keeping your holiday spread satisfying and full of contrasts. Your Homemade Eggnog Recipe will be the centerpiece, but the sides will complete the merriment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready flair, serve your eggnog in punch glasses or old-fashioned mugs with cinnamon sticks as swizzle sticks. Dust the rims with sugar and nutmeg for a sparkling touch, or add a splash of bourbon or rum for the adults. For kids, float a little scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s like an instant celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extra, simply transfer your Homemade Eggnog Recipe into a tightly sealed pitcher or jar and tuck it into the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to a week, and the flavors deepen over time, making the second glass even better than the first.

Freezing

Did you make a big batch? No problem! Pour any surplus eggnog into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying, and give it a good stir or blend for a silky finish.

Reheating

Prefer your Homemade Eggnog Recipe warm? To reheat, gently warm the eggnog in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Don’t let it boil, as you want to preserve that luxurious texture. Ladle into mugs, top with your favorite garnishes, and serve piping hot on a chilly night.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe alcohol-free?

Absolutely! This base recipe is naturally non-alcoholic. If you want an adult version, simply offer rum, bourbon, or brandy on the side for guests to add to their own glass.

Are raw eggs safe in eggnog?

This recipe tempers the eggs by gradually heating them with the milk mixture to 160°F, which is widely considered safe. If you’re still concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or consult your healthcare provider for extra reassurance.

Can this Homemade Eggnog Recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, with some delicious substitutions! Swap the whole milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choose a dairy-free creamer or full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The flavor will be a bit different, but still deliciously festive.

How do I make sure the eggnog isn’t lumpy?

Tempering the eggs carefully prevents scrambled bits. Always whisk constantly when adding hot milk to the eggs, and strain the mixture before chilling. If you still prefer it extra smooth, blend with a bit of cold milk till silky.

Is it possible to double this Homemade Eggnog Recipe?

For sure! This recipe scales up beautifully. Make sure you have a big enough saucepan and bowl. Adjust your stirring and tempering times just a bit if you’re preparing a much larger batch so everything stays silky smooth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about making your own Homemade Eggnog Recipe—especially when you get to share it with friends and family. Give it a try this season and see how quickly it becomes a treasured tradition in your home. Here’s to festive gatherings, laughter, and the creamiest, most delightful eggnog you’ve ever tasted!