Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 egg yolks; 4 cups whole milk; ¾ cup sugar; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 whole cloves; 1 cup rum; 2 tsp vanilla

Homemade eggnog is a classic holiday beverage with a rich, creamy texture and a tantalizing mix of flavors. This recipe is straightforward, and the end result is a decadent treat that's well worth the effort. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or elegant holiday parties, homemade eggnog is a festive tradition that can be enjoyed by all.

Photos of Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in households. However, the whole cloves and cinnamon stick might not be readily available in your pantry. These spices are vital for infusing the milk with a warm, festive flavor. You can easily find them in the spice aisle of any supermarket.

Ingredients for Homemade Eggnog

Egg yolks: These are the yellow part of the egg, they provide richness and work as a thickening agent in the eggnog.

Whole milk: It forms the base of the eggnog, providing a creamy, rich texture.

Sugar: Used as a sweetener.

Heavy cream: Added for an extra layer of creaminess.

Cinnamon stick: It infuses the milk with a warm, comforting flavor.

Whole cloves: Another spice that is used to infuse the eggnog with its distinctive taste.

Rum: A traditional ingredient in eggnog. You can adjust the amount to taste or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.

Vanilla: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

One reader, Benedick Fazio says:

This homemade eggnog recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavor make it the perfect holiday treat. The combination of rum and spices adds a delightful kick. It's a hit at every gathering, and my friends always ask for the recipe. Highly recommended!

Benedick Fazio

Key Techniques for Making Homemade Eggnog

How to prepare an ice bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and water, making sure it's big enough to hold the bottom of the saucepan.

How to whisk the egg yolks: Whisk the egg yolks until they become light in color and slightly foamy.

How to combine the milk, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick: In a small saucepan, mix the milk, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick.

How to whisk the milk mixture: Whisk the milk mixture over medium heat until it becomes hot, but not boiling.

How to incorporate the hot milk mixture into the eggs: Gradually scoop about 2 cups of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking after each addition.

How to thicken the egg mixture: Pour the warm egg mixture into the milk and whisk over medium heat for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.

How to cool the eggnog mixture: Place the mixture in an ice bath and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes.

How to stir in the cream, rum, and vanilla: After removing from the heat, stir in the cream, rum, and vanilla.

How to chill the eggnog: Chill the eggnog for at least 24 hours before serving.

How to serve the eggnog: Serve the eggnog over ice with a dash of nutmeg.

How To Make Homemade Eggnog

This homemade eggnog recipe is made from scratch using fresh eggs mixed with hot milk and warm spices for an irresistible drink you will always look for.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 1 day

Total: 1 day 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

10egg yolks
4cupswhole milk
¾cupsugar
1½cupsheavy cream
1cinnamon stick
3whole cloves
1cuprum
2tspvanilla

Instructions

Prepare an ice bath big enough to put at the bottom of the saucepan.
Whisk the egg yolks until light in color and slightly foamy.
Combine the milk, sugar, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan.
Whisk over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
Scoop about 2 cups of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, a little bit at a time, whisking after each addition.
Pour the warm egg mixture into the milk, then whisk over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from the heat, then place mixture in an ice bath.
Whisk for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in the cream, rum, and vanilla.
Chill the eggnog for at least 24 hours.
Serve over ice with a dash of nutmeg, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 423.80kcal
Fat: 24.96g
Saturated Fat: 14.16g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.74g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.56g
Carbohydrates: 26.88g
Fiber: 0.19g
Sugar: 26.35g
Protein: 7.44g
Cholesterol: 255.98mg
Sodium: 78.25mg
Calcium: 192.50mg
Potassium: 217.32mg
Iron: 0.59mg
Vitamin A: 303.72µg
Vitamin C: 0.28mg

Crucial Technique for Perfecting Your Eggnog

When tempering the egg yolks with the hot milk mixture, it's crucial to add the hot liquid slowly and whisk constantly. This process, known as tempering, gradually increases the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from scrambling. If you add the hot liquid too quickly, the eggs could cook and create lumps in your eggnog. So, patience and constant whisking are key for a smooth and creamy homemade eggnog.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Eggnog

Prep ahead: Prepare the eggnog base a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and develop, saving time on the day of serving.

Efficient assembly: Use an electric mixer to whisk the egg yolks and incorporate the warm milk mixture, ensuring a smooth and quick process.

Chill strategically: Utilize an ice bath to rapidly cool the eggnog mixture, reducing chilling time and expediting the overall preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Eggnog Recipe

egg yolks - Substitute with 1 cup of pasteurized egg product: Pasteurized egg product can be used as a safe alternative to raw egg yolks, especially for those concerned about food safety.
whole milk - Substitute with 2 cups of half-and-half and 2 cups of heavy cream: This substitution will provide a richer and creamier texture similar to whole milk.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup or honey: Both maple syrup and honey can add a natural sweetness and unique flavor to the eggnog.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture while adding a hint of coconut flavor to the eggnog.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a convenient alternative to whole cinnamon stick, providing the same warm and aromatic flavor.
whole cloves - Substitute with ground cloves: Ground cloves can be used in place of whole cloves to infuse the eggnog with a warm and spicy flavor.
rum - Substitute with bourbon or brandy: Both bourbon and brandy can be used to add a rich and complex flavor to the eggnog, similar to rum.
vanilla - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste can be used as a concentrated alternative to vanilla extract, providing a robust vanilla flavor to the eggnog.

Presenting Your Homemade Eggnog

Elevate the glassware: Use elegant, crystal glassware to serve the eggnog, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg: Sprinkle a delicate dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top of the eggnog just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a pop of color.
Incorporate a cinnamon stick: Place a cinnamon stick as a garnish in each glass, adding a visual element and infusing a subtle hint of spice into the presentation.
Serve on a silver tray: Present the eggnog on a polished silver tray, elevating the overall presentation and adding a touch of luxury to the serving experience.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an opulent touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the eggnog, creating a visually stunning and luxurious presentation.
Use a vintage ladle: Serve the eggnog using a vintage, ornate ladle, adding a sense of tradition and elegance to the presentation.
Accompany with homemade gingerbread cookies: Serve the eggnog alongside homemade gingerbread cookies, adding a delightful accompaniment and enhancing the overall festive presentation.
Present with a sprig of fresh mint: Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint, adding a pop of vibrant green and a hint of refreshing aroma to the presentation.
Incorporate a festive ribbon: Tie a festive, silk ribbon around the stem of each glass, adding a decorative touch and enhancing the overall holiday-themed presentation.
Serve in a silver punch bowl: For a grand presentation, serve the eggnog in a polished silver punch bowl, creating a stunning centerpiece for the holiday table.

Essential Tools for Making Eggnog at Home

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making pie crusts, pesto, and other recipes that require finely processed ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, whisking, and stirring. It comes in various sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic, and is used for preparing batters, doughs, salads, and more.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Eggnog

Refrigerate the eggnog in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor will actually improve as it sits!
For longer storage, you can freeze the eggnog for up to 6 months. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen eggnog overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk or shake before serving to redistribute any ingredients that may have settled.
If you find that the eggnog has separated slightly after freezing and thawing, simply blend it in a blender for a few seconds to re-emulsify the mixture.
For an extra-special touch, garnish each glass of eggnog with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick before serving.

Reheating Leftover Homemade Eggnog

The best way to reheat leftover homemade eggnog is to pour it into a saucepan and heat it gently over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching or curdling. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the eggs to cook and the texture to become grainy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the eggnog in the microwave using short intervals and stirring between each interval. Start with 30 seconds on medium power, stir, and then continue heating in 15-second intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
If the eggnog has thickened during storage, you can thin it out by whisking in a small amount of milk or cream before reheating. This will help restore its original consistency.
For a quicker and easier method, you can enjoy leftover eggnog cold, straight from the refrigerator. Simply give it a good stir or shake before serving to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
If you find that the flavor of the eggnog has diminished after storage, you can enhance it by adding a fresh grating of nutmeg or a splash of rum before serving.

Interesting Trivia About Eggnog

The homemade eggnog recipe is a traditional holiday drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. Eggnog is believed to have originated in Europe and was brought to the United States in the 18th century. It is often served during the Christmas season and is a popular beverage at holiday gatherings and parties. Eggnog can be enjoyed with or without alcohol, making it a versatile drink for people of all ages. It is often garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg, adding a festive touch to the creamy, rich beverage. Eggnog has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families around the world.

Making Eggnog at Home: Is It Cost-Effective?

The homemade eggnog recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are fairly common and affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its simplicity and delightful taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and enjoyable treat for the whole family.

Is Homemade Eggnog Healthy or Unhealthy?

This homemade eggnog recipe, while delicious and indulgent, is not particularly healthy. The high amounts of whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar contribute to its rich flavor but also make it calorie-dense and high in saturated fats. The addition of rum further increases the calorie count and adds alcohol to the mix. Consuming this eggnog in moderation is key, as overindulging can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk to decrease the saturated fat content
Replace some or all of the heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or coconut cream for a lighter alternative
Experiment with using fewer egg yolks or replacing some with egg whites to lower the cholesterol content
Reduce the amount of rum used or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version
Add more spices like nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor without relying on sugar or fat

By making these adjustments, you can create a healthier version of eggnog that still captures the essence of this classic holiday drink.

Editor's Take on This Homemade Eggnog Recipe

This homemade eggnog recipe is a classic and indulgent holiday treat. The combination of rich egg yolks, creamy milk, and heavy cream, infused with warm spices and a hint of rum, creates a luscious and flavorful drink. The method of tempering the eggs ensures a smooth and velvety texture, while the addition of vanilla adds a delightful aroma. Allowing the eggnog to chill for 24 hours enhances the flavors, resulting in a decadent and satisfying beverage. Serve over ice with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch. This recipe is sure to impress and delight your guests during the holiday season.

Enhance Your Homemade Eggnog Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese, perfect for pairing with the rich and indulgent eggnog.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze, providing a savory and tangy contrast to the sweet eggnog.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: Savory bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with creamy goat cheese, offering a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors to complement the eggnog.

Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Eggnog

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It's easy to make and pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The combination of citrus and herbs adds a burst of flavor to the tender chicken.

Mixed Berry Crisp: This mixed berry crisp is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for showcasing the fresh flavors of summer. The combination of sweet berries and crispy topping is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Go Well With Homemade Eggnog

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and savory appetizer, try making stuffed mushrooms. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients such as cream cheese, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful bite-sized treat.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that consists of grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It's a light and refreshing option to start off a meal.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Create a succulent and flavorful dish by grilling a perfectly seasoned salmon fillet. The smoky char from the grill adds depth to the fish's natural flavors, while the seasoning enhances its taste. Serve it with a refreshing side salad and a squeeze of lemon for a light and satisfying meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Prepare a delicious and colorful dish by stuffing bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs. The peppers are then baked until tender, allowing the flavors to meld together. Top them with melted cheese for a gooey and indulgent finish. This hearty and wholesome meal is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Why trust this Homemade Eggnog Recipe:

This recipe is a classic eggnog recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of egg yolks, whole milk, and heavy cream creates a rich and creamy base, while the addition of rum and vanilla adds depth of flavor. The use of cinnamon stick and whole cloves infuses the eggnog with warm, aromatic spices. The step-by-step instructions ensure that the eggnog is prepared with care and attention to detail. Trust in the traditional ingredients and method to deliver a delicious and indulgent holiday treat.

Share your thoughts on this homemade eggnog recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long can I store homemade eggnog in the refrigerator?

You can store homemade eggnog in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it tightly covered to maintain its freshness.

Can I make this eggnog recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can definitely make this eggnog recipe without alcohol. Simply omit the rum and increase the amount of milk or cream to maintain the desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of alcohol in this eggnog recipe?

Absolutely! You can use bourbon, brandy, or whiskey instead of rum for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect alcohol for your taste.

Can I make this eggnog recipe ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can make this eggnog recipe ahead of time. In fact, it's best to let the flavors meld together by chilling the eggnog for at least 24 hours before serving.

Can I use pasteurized eggs for this eggnog recipe?

Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs for this eggnog recipe to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. It's always important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients when making eggnog.