Indulge in the creamy, rich flavors of homemade eggnog. This classic holiday beverage is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. With a blend of milk, cream, and aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
While most of the ingredients for this eggnog recipe are common, you might need to pick up heavy cream and ground nutmeg if they're not already in your pantry. Heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, while ground nutmeg provides that quintessential holiday flavor.

Ingredients For Eggnog Recipe
Eggs: The base of the eggnog, providing richness and thickness.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.
Milk: Helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety consistency.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, spicy flavor typical of eggnog.
Ground cinnamon: Complements the nutmeg with a hint of spice.
Technique Tip for Making Eggnog
When whisking the eggs and sugar, make sure to do so until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. This ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved and the eggs are well incorporated, which will help create a smoother texture in your eggnog.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu provides a similar creamy texture and can be blended smoothly into the mixture.
eggs - Substitute with banana: Mashed banana can add sweetness and thickness, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a rich, deep sweetness and can enhance the holiday flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that maintains a similar consistency.
milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that offers a creamy texture.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative that mimics the richness of heavy cream.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice provides a similar warm, spicy flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Ground mace is closely related to nutmeg and offers a similar taste.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom adds a unique, aromatic flavor.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and other spices that complement the eggnog.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Eggnog
How to Store or Freeze Your Eggnog
- Store your freshly made eggnog in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back, to keep it at a consistent temperature.
- For optimal freshness, consume your eggnog within 2-3 days. This ensures the flavors remain vibrant and the texture stays smooth.
- If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing. Pour the eggnog into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the eggnog in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir or shake before serving to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
- For an extra touch of holiday magic, garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or a cinnamon stick before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the eggnog into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. This method ensures the eggnog remains smooth and creamy.
- Use a double boiler to gently reheat the eggnog. Place the eggnog in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- For a quick reheat, microwave the eggnog in a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent overheating.
- If you prefer a frothy texture, use a milk frother or immersion blender to reheat the eggnog. Heat the eggnog in a saucepan until warm, then froth it to your desired consistency.
Essential Tools for Making Eggnog
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to whisk the eggs and sugar together until combined.
Whisk: A tool used to blend the eggs and sugar smoothly and to incorporate air into the mixture.
Saucepan: A medium-sized pan used to heat the milk and cream over medium heat.
Stove: The appliance used to provide heat for cooking the milk and cream mixture.
Measuring cups: Tools used to accurately measure the milk, cream, and sugar.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure small quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Wooden spoon: A utensil used to stir the mixture constantly while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the eggnog before serving.
Serving glasses: Glasses used to serve the chilled eggnog.
How to Save Time on Making Eggnog
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can whisk the eggs and sugar together quickly and efficiently.
Heat milk and cream together: Combine milk and heavy cream in the same saucepan to save time.
Temper the eggs carefully: Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture to avoid curdling and save time on corrections.
Chill faster: Pour the eggnog into a shallow dish to cool it more quickly in the refrigerator.

Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until combined.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
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