Description
Creamy Homemade Eggnog is the ultimate holiday drink—rich, velvety, and perfectly spiced with nutmeg and vanilla. This festive classic is easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to bring cozy Christmas cheer to your table. Once you taste it, you’ll never buy store-bought again!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Ground nutmeg or cinnamon stick for garnish
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Thermometer (optional)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a saucepan, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and creamy.
- Heat Milk and Cream: In another pan, combine milk, cream, and nutmeg. Warm gently over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the eggs, a little at a time, to prevent curdling.
- Cook Until Thickened: Return mixture to the stove. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 160°F (70°C) and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Flavor and Chill: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Whisk or blend before serving for a frothy finish. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Notes
- Low and slow: Heat gently to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Use fresh nutmeg for the best holiday aroma and flavor.
- Make-ahead: Chill for several hours or overnight—flavor improves with time.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge up to 3 days. Whisk before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight and stir before serving.
- Variations: Try maple eggnog (add maple syrup), vanilla bean eggnog, or dairy-free coconut milk version.
- Serve chilled with biscotti, cookies, or slices of pumpkin bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Cooked / Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Homemade Eggnog, Creamy Eggnog, Christmas Drink, Holiday Beverages, Classic Eggnog Recipe, Non-Alcoholic Eggnog