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This creamy, rich, and easy eggnog recipe is the BEST holiday drink – perfect for all of your holiday parties!
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.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 15 minutes
CHILL TIME: 2 hours
- 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
- PREP. Place a medium metal or glass mixing bowl in the refrigerator to be used later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Leftover eggnog can used to make Eggnog Bread, Eggnog French Toast, Eggnog Cookies, and Eggnog Milkshakes.
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.
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Easy Eggnog Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
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.
how many does this serve?
This recipe serves about 12.
We had this kind of eggnog all the time when I was a child, but since then there is so much concern about the raw eggs. Should I be concerned?
I don’t worry too much about it, in this, but it’s honestly a personal preference 🙂
How long will this eggnog keep in the refrigerator?
Ours is gone so fast, so I am not exactly sure how long it will last. We prefer fresh, so I wouldn’t keep longer than a couple days. But, you can also freeze it in an airtight freezer container, leaving a little room for the liquid to expand when it freezes.
This was really really easy to make I Added a bit of cinnamon as well. It was really good!
I love eggnog! Thank you for this recipe. I’ve always bought it before but not this year!
It wouldn’t be the holidays without this tasty drink. A must have for every party.
So tasty and so easy to make! We love it and make it all season long!
I’ve never made homemade before this and it was so delicious! I don’t think i’ll ever be able to go back to store bought!
My hubby thanks you! He can’t get enough eggnog all winter long! It was so much better than store bought & now he wants me to keep ingredients on hand, so he can have it anytime!
Did you kNow you can make a great tasting eggnog at home? If Eggnog is your drink you need to give this a try.
This eggnog recipe is incredibly special. the holidays just aren’t the holidays without it. thanks for sharing
I agree!! You are so welcome!