Homemade eggnog is a festive drink that people love, especially during the holiday season. This creamy and rich beverage is made with simple ingredients. With just a few steps, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade eggnog right at home. Whether you like it spiced or plain, this drink is sure to warm you up during cold winter nights. Bring a little cheer to your gatherings with this classic recipe.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this homemade eggnog recipe for many reasons. First, it is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. Even if you are not a skilled cook, you can make this drink easily. Second, the taste is delightful. You get a creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Lastly, making your own eggnog lets you control the ingredients. You can leave out things you don’t like or add more of what you enjoy. Serve it at gatherings, or sip it while cozying up at home. Whatever you choose, homemade eggnog will be a hit!
HOW TO MAKE Homemade Eggnog
Making homemade eggnog is fun and easy. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious drink that everyone will enjoy.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make homemade eggnog, you will need a few simple tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large saucepan
- Cooking thermometer
- Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
- Jar or container for storage
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sea salt until combined. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Heat over medium-low heat, whisking often, until it begins to steam, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture and whisk well.
- Add in another 1/4 cup of the milk mixture and whisk again. Repeat twice more so you have added a total of 1 cup of the milk mixture to the egg mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture and continue to heat and whisk almost constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and reaches 160 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Strain the mixture into a jar or other container with a cover.
- Allow to chill completely in the fridge. Stir well before serving and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Homemade Eggnog
Homemade eggnog is best served chilled. You can pour it into glasses and top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra touch. Some like to serve it with whipped cream on top. For a more festive look, consider adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer. This will add a nice aroma and flavor as you enjoy your drink. You can also serve it in a punch bowl for a gathering.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Homemade Eggnog
If you have leftover homemade eggnog, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it is in a covered container. The flavors may become stronger over time, which can be pleasant. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. To freeze homemade eggnog, pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last for several months in the freezer. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Homemade eggnog is perfect for holiday parties or relaxing evenings at home. It pairs well with festive treats like cookies, gingerbread, or fruitcake. It can also be enjoyed with a slice of pie, especially pumpkin or apple pie. For adult gatherings, feel free to add a splash of rum or bourbon to each glass for a spirited version.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to enjoy homemade eggnog. You can change a few ingredients to create your own version. Here are some ideas:
- Spiced Eggnog: Add a few drops of your favorite flavored extract such as almond or coconut.
- Chocolate Eggnog: Stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a rich, chocolatey taste.
- Vanilla Eggnog: Increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.
- Non-Dairy Version: Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk and cream for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use pasteurized eggs?
Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about food safety. They work well in this recipe.
2. How long does homemade eggnog last?
In the fridge, homemade eggnog lasts about one week. In the freezer, it can last several months.
3. Can I make eggnog in advance?
Absolutely! You can make eggnog up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.
4. Can I serve this warm?
While traditional eggnog is served chilled, you can heat it gently if you prefer a warm drink. Just be careful not to boil it.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Homemade Eggnog
If you want to save time during your holiday preparations, consider making homemade eggnog ahead of time. You can prepare it a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This way, it will be ready to serve when your guests arrive. Just remember to stir it well before serving, as the ingredients may settle. Enjoy your homemade eggnog with family and friends, and savor the joy of the season.
PrintHomemade Eggnog
A creamy and rich homemade eggnog recipe, perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sea salt until combined. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk, cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Heat over medium-low heat, whisking often, until it begins to steam, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture and whisk well.
- Add in another 1/4 cup of the milk mixture and whisk again. Repeat twice more so you have added a total of 1 cup of the milk mixture to the egg mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture and continue to heat and whisk almost constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and reaches 160 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Strain the mixture into a jar or other container with a cover.
- Allow to chill completely in the fridge. Stir well before serving and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Best served chilled. Can be paired with festive treats or enjoyed with a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 400mg
Keywords: eggnog, holiday drink, festive beverage, homemade eggnog, creamy eggnog
