Homemade Eggnog Recipe

two glass of eggnog with a pinch of nutmeg on top sitting on a wooden background

5 from 9 votes

This classic homemade eggnog recipe is the made with the freshest ingredients to create a fun holiday drink that cooks in less than 20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Spoonful of Flavor

Ingredients

6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups milk
2 cups whipping cream
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 whole cloves
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rum (optional)

Instructions

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the milk, cream, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir often until mixture reaches a bare simmer.
Whisk ½ cup of the hot milk mixture slowly into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Continue slowly adding the milk until incorporated.
Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and return to the stove.
Increase temperature to medium heat, whisking constantly for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is just slightly thickened. Do not allow it to boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and rum. Remove and discard the cloves, and allow the eggnog to cool for 1 hour before transferring it to a pitcher.
Refrigerate overnight in airtight container before serving for best taste. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Nutritional information does not include the optional rum.

EGGNOG WITH RUM: You can make this recipe with or without the rum. To create the eggnog with rum, add 1/2 cup of rum before chilling in the refrigerator.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Spices: You can add more or less spices, as desired to achieve the perfect eggnog flavor. Add ground cinnamon too, if desired.
Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use maple syrup instead.
You can use half and half instead of the whipping cream and milk.

Nutrition