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This creamy, rich, and easy eggnog recipe is the BEST holiday drink – perfect for all of your holiday parties!

Eggnog recipe served in a glass with nutmeg on top.
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It’s better Homemade!

Even though it’s freezing outside, there are a few cold drink recipes we always enjoy during the holidays – like Frozen Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Milkshakes, and this eggnog recipe!

If we are going to be honest, we haven’t always been fans of eggnog but after mastering an easy homemade version, we will never go back to store bought.

This homemade version is better than any store-bought eggnog. It’s not only delicious, but so simple. Plus, it’s Christmas in a cup (although we love it for Thanksgiving too). We also love that this is a non-alcoholic eggnog (no rum, brandy or bourbon) which means everyone can enjoy it!

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • Simple. Just mix up a few straightforward ingredients, most of which you probably already have on your shopping list!
  • Minutes to make. It has a quick prep time of only 15 minutes then you simply let it chill!
  • SO much flavor. It’s filled with delicious spices and tastes almost like melted Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.
Separating eggs in two white bowls.

Ingredients

  • 6 eggs, separated How to Separate Egg Whites, pasteurized eggs are your safest option to reduce a foodborne illness.
  • 1 cup sugar – divided
  • 6 cups milk – whole milk for the creamiest texture 
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • dash of salt
  • heavy cream – The more fat content the creamier the eggnog. Half and half or more whole milk may be used instead.
  • optional toppings – Top with Homemade Whipped Cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, cloves, or extra nutmeg. 

How to Make Eggnog

  1. PREP. Place a medium metal or glass mixing bowl in the refrigerator to be used later.
  2. EGG WHITES. In another medium bowl, beat 6 egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff. Fold in ¾ cup sugar, a few tablespoons at a time. Set aside.
  3. MILK MIXTURE. In a large bowl, beat 6 egg yolks until they turn a lemon-yellow color. Mix in the remaining ¼ cup sugar a few tablespoons at a time. Then whisk in 6 cups milk, 2 tablespoons vanilla,½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a dash of salt. Set aside.
    • Remove the chilled bowl from the refrigerator. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form.
  4. CHILL. Add the egg white mixture and the whipped cream to the egg yolk mixture and use a wooden spoon to stir together. Chill until cold, about 2 hours. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Is Eggnog Safe to Drink?

If you worry about consuming raw eggs, we recommend using pasteurized eggs. Pasteurization is a process that heats the eggs to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria.

Do not leave eggnog at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.

Easy eggnog recipe poured into white cups with pitcher in background.

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5 from 23 votes

Easy Eggnog Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna
This creamy, rich, and easy eggnog recipe is the BEST holiday drink – perfect for all of your holiday parties!
Servings: 8
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 6 large eggs, separated
  • 1 cup sugar, divided
  • 6 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • dash of salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled

Instructions 

  • Place a medium metal or glass mixing bowl in the refrigerator to be used later.
  • In another medium bowl, beat egg whites with a hand mixer until stiff. Fold in ¾ cup sugar, a few tablespoons at a time. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until they turn a lemon-yellow color. Mix in remaining ¼ cup sugar a few tablespoons at a time. Then mix in milk, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  • Remove the chilled bowl from the refrigerator. Pour in heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form.
  • Add the egg white mixture and the whipped cream to the egg yolk mixture and use a wooden spoon to stir. Chill until cold, about 2 hours.

Video

Notes

Safety. To reduce the chance of foodborne illness, use pasteurized eggs. Pasteurization is a process that heats the eggs to a temperature that kills harmful bacteria. Also, do not leave eggnog at room temperature for longer than 2 hours. 
Make ahead of time. Eggnog is best when chilled for at least a couple of hours before serving, but you can make it 8-12 hours before you plan to serve it. Stir before pouring.
Store. Keep eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best when used within 24 hours, but can last for 2-3 days.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 364kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 178mg, Sodium: 125mg, Potassium: 354mg, Fiber: 0.03g, Sugar: 35g, Vitamin A: 912IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 264mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

How to store homemade eggnog recipe?

Keep egg nog in an airtight container in the fridge. It is best when used within 24 hours but lasts up to 2-3 days.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 23 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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23 Comments

  1. Janice says:

    I’m just wondering if it is possible to use this eggnog in baking recipes? I have a recipe for eggnog bread and cookies.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes you can!!

  2. marie LeMoine says:

    It sounds delicious but i am concerned about the raw eggs

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Classic eggnog does use raw eggs. You could try substituting for pasteurized egg whites/egg products. Or pasteurizing the eggs yourself. I’m sure you could google how to do that if you wanted. The risk of getting sick is quite low, however, there is still the risk. But there are options out there you could look into if you are concerned about the raw eggs. 🙂

  3. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    My favorite holiday drink! I’ve never tried making homemade eggnog before but after trying this recipe I don’t think I’ll ever go back to store-bought. Thank you for sharing this recipe, it is so delicious!

  4. Katie says:

    5 stars
    One of the best treats around the holidays! I love that there’s a delicious version to make at home.

  5. Kristen says:

    5 stars
    This eggnog was to die for. I could not stop drinking it once I had made it and I finished it off myself in just three days.

  6. Michelle Brewster says:

    5 stars
    This is the most spectacular recipe!