Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2024)

By Karen 29 Comments

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If you are looking for the best homemade eggnog without alcohol, look no further. I have tested my way through the most popular tasty eggnog recipes on the internet and developed the PERFECT recipe for you to sip by the fire this holiday season.

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (1)

I have a confession. I didn't try eggnog up until a few years ago because let's be honest...a drink made of eggs just didn't sound appetizing to me. But let me tell you, when my best friend (who has my highest foodie respect) told me she thinks about it all year round. I knew it was time to try a sip. The rest is history. I fell in love with the comforting and creamy texture and the sweet rich spices and now it is a seasonal tradition at our house!

After spending the last few years sampling various brands of store-bought egg nog, I decided to start experimenting with making it at home. As with most things, store bought doesn't even compare to the taste of homemade nog. If you give it a try, I KNOW you will agree and you will find it's easier than you think. But first, let's talk about what eggnog actually is.

What is Eggnog made from?

  • eggs
  • milk
  • vanilla
  • nutmeg
  • sugar
  • heavy cream
  • salt
Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2)

How To Make Eggnog From Scratch

  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (3)
  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (4)
  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (5)

You are going to start by warming some milk and vanilla on the stove in a medium sauce pan. While the vanilla infused milk is warming, you've got some work to do...

The secret to making perfect eggnog from scratch is all in the prepping of the eggs. You are going to beat the eggs and egg whites with the sugar, nutmeg and salt for a good five minutes. So turn on your favorite song, set a timer and be patient because this is a step you can't skip!

Next, you pour the egg mixture into the warm milk and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 degrees. At that point, you add in the heavy cream and strain the eggnog in a fine mesh strainer. Because you were whisking the entire time, you should have prevented any egg clumps, but straining it will help prevent an unseen lumps from making it into your glass.

How do you thicken eggnog?

If you follow directions exactly, you shouldn't have to thicken your nog. However, if for whatever reason you do find your eggnog a bit runny try adding another beaten egg white or two and continue to cook it. Keep in mind, your eggnog will thicken quite a bit as it sits in the fridge.

Homemade Eggnog without Alcohol

This recipe is alcohol free! Which means the entire family can enjoy it. My kids LOVE curling up with a cold glass of it by the fire. Just a small amount goes a long way and it's the perfect treat to end a winter day.

While this is a family friendly recipe, many people like to add alcohol to their nog.

What kind of alcohol goes in eggnog?

Brandy is the traditional choice if you want to turn this recipe into an adult treat. You could also add Rum, Bourbon or Cognac. Check out this classic recipe with the addition of Brandy.

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (6)

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (7)

Eggnog Recipe

The best easy homemade egg nog recipe made with eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg and heavy cream.

5 from 12 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Karen

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Eggs
  • 3 Egg Yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 160z heavy cream

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium low heat, whisk together the milk and vanilla until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

  • In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar, nutmeg and salt for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become slightly frothy.

  • Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the vanilla and milk, whisking constantly to incorporate.

  • Return pan to medium low heat and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes, or until temperature reaches 165 degrees.

  • Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. If desired, you can pour the mixture through a strainer to ensure there are no lumps.

  • Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Pin It and Save It for Later!!Mention @FreshCoastEats or tag #freshcoasteats!

Is Eggnog a part of your holiday family traditions? Have you ever made your own at home? Let me know in the comments.

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Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (8)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany says

    This looks so yummy!

  2. admin says

    Thank you so much Brittany! You are going to love it!

  3. Rae says

    Oh, I can’t wait to try this recipe. I used to make eggnog in the blender years ago but stopped. This recipe sounds so much richer. Yummy!

  4. Joanne says

    I will have to serve this with my Christmas cookies 🍪!

  5. Joy says

    This looks so yummy! I could easily use this recipe to make a keto version for my family! Love the pictures - I am craving egg nog now 😉

  6. Mrs. P&P says

    I love egg nog, but I don't love the cost or the limited availability. I didn't realize it was this easy to make at home! This might be dangerous news for my waistline...

  7. Gillian says

    Sounds great. Eggnog is not something we drink at Christmas in Australia given the weather but I always thought it sounded yummy!

  8. admin says

    Thank you for checking it out, Gillian. I am so interested to learn about holiday traditions in Australia!

  9. admin says

    You're telling me! Thanks for the comment 🙂

  10. admin says

    Ooooh A Keto version would be great- I may have to work on one...thanks Joy!

  11. admin says

    Santa LOVES egg nog, too 🙂 Thanks for checking us out Joann!

  12. admin says

    Its so rich and super yummy. Come back and tell me what you think once you try it 🙂

  13. Kelli says

    This is a great idea for family gatherings this holiday season.

  14. Jeanne Cameron says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (9)
    Oh my, this post brought back some really old memories for me. When I was 13, my Great-grandfather was 95 and still living on his own in the old family farmhouse. That year, around the Christmas holidays, I ended up spending a lot of time with him at his place. I would go there on Friday night and stay until Sunday night. I would use this time to help him clean his house, I would bake some cookies and listen to all his stories once again. I loved hearing about the "good old days", no matter how often the repeats. During these visits, Papa would make sure he was up before me to stoke the coal furnace and light the coal stove. That way the place would be warm for me when I got up. I remember that he made me a glass of eggnog for breakfast each day. It wasn't as developed as your recipe, having been made out of whole milk, eggs and sugar then mixed by hand with manual mixer that you had to turn the crank on. I loved those eggnog mornings with Papa. Shortly after that, he had a turn in health and had to move in with his daughter, my grandmother. But I still cherish those moments. I think I will take some time right around the holidays to whip up a batch of your eggnog and toast to my Papa!

  15. Alexandra says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (10)
    Such a favourite and festive drink - love enjoying egg nog!

  16. admin says

    Thank you! It is one of my favorites, too!

  17. admin says

    Oh this is such a sweet story, thank you so much for sharing this memory Jeanne! Egg nog holds special memories for so many people and I am so glad that you had these moments with him!

  18. admin says

    Yes! So much better than store bought, too!

  19. Lizet Bowen says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (11)
    I've never made eggnog before, but I really like the flavor. Will share it with all my expat friends!

  20. Lisa Killian says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (12)
    Yum! I need to try this asap!

  21. admin says

    Thanks, Lisa - you will love it!

  22. admin says

    It's so easy! Give it a try, you will love it 🙂

  23. Lizet Bowen says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (13)
    This is a great recipe for us living outside the US. We miss being able to just buy it. I can't wait to share it with my ex-pat friends!

  24. Alexandra says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (14)
    I made this last year, and saved the recipe so I could make it again for the festive season this year. It is so delicious - a family favourite for sure. My Mum and I enjoyed it whilst we were putting the Christmas tree up!

  25. Michele Peterson says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (15)
    Surprisingly easy to make and so much better than store-bought!

  26. Christina says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (16)
    This was so delicious! I can't wait to make this all holiday season long!

  27. Gail says

    Hi, I want to try this recipe, how long will the eggnog last in the fridge for?

  28. Trey says

    I made 2 batches worth of this with 1 cup of really good brandy

  29. Karen says

    Sounds delicious- brandy is always a win! So glad you loved it!

Leave a Reply

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

What makes eggnog better? ›

Low calorie flavorings like orange zest, vanilla and cinnamon can also give your homemade eggnog a boost. Bottom Line: Make your own eggnog so you can control the quality and the amount of the ingredients – especially the high calorie ones.

What kind of brandy do you use for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

What kind of rum do you use for eggnog? ›

What Kind of Rum Goes Best with Eggnog? “I like something with a little bit more body and flavor than say, just like a silver [or white rum],” says Chamberlain. “Those are good, but I feel like you can bring more to the party—the party being eggnog.” That's why he prefers a spiced rum or an aged rum.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

What does eggnog do to your body? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

“While there are different eggnog recipes, most eggnog will typically contain high amounts of fat from cream and milk, and added sugar for sweetness,” said Cohn. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat every day to support heart health.

Is it OK to drink eggnog everyday? ›

“Think what's in it: heavy cream, milk, sugar, whipped eggs and alcohol.” And with the recommended serving size a paltry half a cup, eggnog is easy to over-indulge. High in fat and sugar, a single serving contains one-third of the fat Americans should eat daily.

Is vodka good in eggnog? ›

Can I mix volka with eggnog? Assuming you mean vodka, sure. Personally I'd suggest adding dark rum or bourbon or brandy to your eggnog - spirits that add flavor as well as 'punch' - but vodka works just fine.

What Whisky is best for eggnog? ›

Made with eggs, sugar, spices, and of course, whiskey, this rich and creamy beverage is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. To make Wigle's spiked eggnog, we recommend using a good quality whiskey like Yule Tidings but other whiskeys will be equally delicious. Wigle PA Bourbon eggnog is also highly recommended!

Is fireball and eggnog good? ›

Fireball eggnog may become one of your new favorite Christmas drinks. The popular cinnamon whiskey is a fantastic base for this classic holiday co*cktail. It gives eggnog a touch of warm spice, subtle sweetness, and an inviting aroma that's sure to put everyone in a festive mood.

Can you just add rum to store bought eggnog? ›

If you're looking for a traditional approach, spike store-bought eggnog using your favorite liquor like brandy, bourbon, or rum. This super-simple recipe makes six 6½-ounce servings.

Can you put Bacardi in eggnog? ›

As synonymous with the holiday season as Mariah Carey, BACARDÍ Eggnog is Christmas in a cup – or in a glass in this case. Made with BACARDÍ Spiced rum it's just like melted ice cream; smooth, creamy and sweet but with a gentle kick of nutmeg spice.

What is the name of the alcohol in eggnog? ›

Traditional eggnog has a significant fat content, due to the use of cream, and a high sugar content. Ingredients vary significantly between different recipes. Alcohol used in different national and regional versions of eggnog include brandy, cognac, bourbon, whiskey, sherry, rum and grain alcohol.

Does eggnog taste better with alcohol? ›

Eggnog is the holiday sludge that some people can't live without and others can't stand. It's a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites. For those of legal drinking age, the beverage tastes even better with a splash of alcohol.

What kind of alcohol is Southern Comfort? ›

Southern Comfort (often abbreviated SoCo) is an American, naturally fruit-flavored, whiskey liqueur with fruit and spice accents. The brand was created by bartender Martin Wilkes Heron in New Orleans in 1874, using whiskey as the base spirit. Whiskey was replaced by a neutral spirit under the ownership of Brown–Forman.

Is Malibu rum good with eggnog? ›

Drinking. - Rum Eggnog - Ingredients: 2oz Malibu Coconut Rum, 6oz Milk, 1 tsp Powdered Sugar, 1 Egg, Nutmeg. How To Mix: 1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Irish Coffee glass.

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