Decadent, thick Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog is quite easy to make. Whisk up a batch of this favorite Christmas drink in no time. Way better than store bought!
Homemade eggnog is one of our favorite Holiday treats. It is thick and sweet, and almost reminiscent of melted ice cream. It tastes like Christmas in a glass. This homemade version is fully cooked for food safety and non alcoholic, making it the perfect family friendly recipe so everyone gets a taste.
This is so much better than what you can find at the grocery store, and the best part is you get to control the flavor. You can kick the cinnamon up a notch if you are a cinnamon lover, or tone it down. Adjusting the spices to your personal taste is the best. Making your own eggnog is totally easy. This right here is holiday decadence at its finest.
Do I have to cook eggnog?
Eggnog is traditionally made uncooked, with raw eggs. Store bought eggnog is pasteurized for food safety reasons. To keep this drink safe for everyone, we’ve written this recipe as a cooked version. For an uncooked version, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cloves, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Replace the cinnamon sticks with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and whisk in with the egg yolks. Slowly pour in milk, cream, and vanilla extract, whisk until thoroughly combined.
How long does homemade eggnog last?
It depends on the expiration dates on the milk and cream that you use to make the recipe. For best results, do not use milk or cream that is near its expiration date, as your eggnog will also expire soon. The best rule of thumb is to use the expiration dates on your milk and cream and go by whichever is soonest.
Can I add alcohol to this eggnog?
Yes, you can add alcohol to this eggnog for a spiked adult beverage. What type and how much alochol to add is a matter of personal preference. Dark rum, cognac, and bourbon are all traditional options. For a fun twist try Fireball whiskey.
If you like this recipe, you may also be interested in these other delicious Holiday recipes:
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Old Fashioned Homemade Eggnog
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 7 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream or half and half for a light version
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Put the milk, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and 1/2 tsp vanilla into a large saucepan. Put it over the lowest heat setting on your stove for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar for 1 minute.
- Turn the heat under the milk up to medium-high heat. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Slowly whisk in about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg/sugar mixture. Then pour all of the egg/sugar mixture back into the saucepan and whisk it all together. Put it over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes. It will thicken a bit.
- Pour the hot eggnog into a large bowl or beverage container and let cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Add cinnamon sticks back in (optional).
- After 1 hour, stir in the heavy cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and nutmeg. Store in the fridge and allow to cool for at least 4 hours before serving.
- For an uncooked version, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cloves, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Replace the cinnamon sticks with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and whisk in with the egg yolks. Slowly pour in milk, cream, and vanilla extract, whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Alcohol can be added before serving, to taste. Dark rum, cognac, and bourbon are all traditional options.