Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2024)

By Karen 29 Comments

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If you are looking for the best homemade eggnog without alcohol, look no further. I have tested my way through the most popular tasty eggnog recipes on the internet and developed the PERFECT recipe for you to sip by the fire this holiday season.

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (1)

I have a confession. I didn't try eggnog up until a few years ago because let's be honest...a drink made of eggs just didn't sound appetizing to me. But let me tell you, when my best friend (who has my highest foodie respect) told me she thinks about it all year round. I knew it was time to try a sip. The rest is history. I fell in love with the comforting and creamy texture and the sweet rich spices and now it is a seasonal tradition at our house!

After spending the last few years sampling various brands of store-bought egg nog, I decided to start experimenting with making it at home. As with most things, store bought doesn't even compare to the taste of homemade nog. If you give it a try, I KNOW you will agree and you will find it's easier than you think. But first, let's talk about what eggnog actually is.

What is Eggnog made from?

  • eggs
  • milk
  • vanilla
  • nutmeg
  • sugar
  • heavy cream
  • salt
Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2)

How To Make Eggnog From Scratch

  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (3)
  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (4)
  • Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (5)

You are going to start by warming some milk and vanilla on the stove in a medium sauce pan. While the vanilla infused milk is warming, you've got some work to do...

The secret to making perfect eggnog from scratch is all in the prepping of the eggs. You are going to beat the eggs and egg whites with the sugar, nutmeg and salt for a good five minutes. So turn on your favorite song, set a timer and be patient because this is a step you can't skip!

Next, you pour the egg mixture into the warm milk and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 degrees. At that point, you add in the heavy cream and strain the eggnog in a fine mesh strainer. Because you were whisking the entire time, you should have prevented any egg clumps, but straining it will help prevent an unseen lumps from making it into your glass.

How do you thicken eggnog?

If you follow directions exactly, you shouldn't have to thicken your nog. However, if for whatever reason you do find your eggnog a bit runny try adding another beaten egg white or two and continue to cook it. Keep in mind, your eggnog will thicken quite a bit as it sits in the fridge.

Homemade Eggnog without Alcohol

This recipe is alcohol free! Which means the entire family can enjoy it. My kids LOVE curling up with a cold glass of it by the fire. Just a small amount goes a long way and it's the perfect treat to end a winter day.

While this is a family friendly recipe, many people like to add alcohol to their nog.

What kind of alcohol goes in eggnog?

Brandy is the traditional choice if you want to turn this recipe into an adult treat. You could also add Rum, Bourbon or Cognac. Check out this classic recipe with the addition of Brandy.

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (6)

Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (7)

Eggnog Recipe

The best easy homemade egg nog recipe made with eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg and heavy cream.

5 from 12 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Karen

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
  • 3 Eggs
  • 3 Egg Yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 160z heavy cream

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium low heat, whisk together the milk and vanilla until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

  • In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar, nutmeg and salt for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become slightly frothy.

  • Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the vanilla and milk, whisking constantly to incorporate.

  • Return pan to medium low heat and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes, or until temperature reaches 165 degrees.

  • Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. If desired, you can pour the mixture through a strainer to ensure there are no lumps.

  • Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Pin It and Save It for Later!!Mention @FreshCoastEats or tag #freshcoasteats!

Is Eggnog a part of your holiday family traditions? Have you ever made your own at home? Let me know in the comments.

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Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (8)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany says

    This looks so yummy!

  2. admin says

    Thank you so much Brittany! You are going to love it!

  3. Rae says

    Oh, I can’t wait to try this recipe. I used to make eggnog in the blender years ago but stopped. This recipe sounds so much richer. Yummy!

  4. Joanne says

    I will have to serve this with my Christmas cookies 🍪!

  5. Joy says

    This looks so yummy! I could easily use this recipe to make a keto version for my family! Love the pictures - I am craving egg nog now 😉

  6. Mrs. P&P says

    I love egg nog, but I don't love the cost or the limited availability. I didn't realize it was this easy to make at home! This might be dangerous news for my waistline...

  7. Gillian says

    Sounds great. Eggnog is not something we drink at Christmas in Australia given the weather but I always thought it sounded yummy!

  8. admin says

    Thank you for checking it out, Gillian. I am so interested to learn about holiday traditions in Australia!

  9. admin says

    You're telling me! Thanks for the comment 🙂

  10. admin says

    Ooooh A Keto version would be great- I may have to work on one...thanks Joy!

  11. admin says

    Santa LOVES egg nog, too 🙂 Thanks for checking us out Joann!

  12. admin says

    Its so rich and super yummy. Come back and tell me what you think once you try it 🙂

  13. Kelli says

    This is a great idea for family gatherings this holiday season.

  14. Jeanne Cameron says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (9)
    Oh my, this post brought back some really old memories for me. When I was 13, my Great-grandfather was 95 and still living on his own in the old family farmhouse. That year, around the Christmas holidays, I ended up spending a lot of time with him at his place. I would go there on Friday night and stay until Sunday night. I would use this time to help him clean his house, I would bake some cookies and listen to all his stories once again. I loved hearing about the "good old days", no matter how often the repeats. During these visits, Papa would make sure he was up before me to stoke the coal furnace and light the coal stove. That way the place would be warm for me when I got up. I remember that he made me a glass of eggnog for breakfast each day. It wasn't as developed as your recipe, having been made out of whole milk, eggs and sugar then mixed by hand with manual mixer that you had to turn the crank on. I loved those eggnog mornings with Papa. Shortly after that, he had a turn in health and had to move in with his daughter, my grandmother. But I still cherish those moments. I think I will take some time right around the holidays to whip up a batch of your eggnog and toast to my Papa!

  15. Alexandra says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (10)
    Such a favourite and festive drink - love enjoying egg nog!

  16. admin says

    Thank you! It is one of my favorites, too!

  17. admin says

    Oh this is such a sweet story, thank you so much for sharing this memory Jeanne! Egg nog holds special memories for so many people and I am so glad that you had these moments with him!

  18. admin says

    Yes! So much better than store bought, too!

  19. Lizet Bowen says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (11)
    I've never made eggnog before, but I really like the flavor. Will share it with all my expat friends!

  20. Lisa Killian says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (12)
    Yum! I need to try this asap!

  21. admin says

    Thanks, Lisa - you will love it!

  22. admin says

    It's so easy! Give it a try, you will love it 🙂

  23. Lizet Bowen says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (13)
    This is a great recipe for us living outside the US. We miss being able to just buy it. I can't wait to share it with my ex-pat friends!

  24. Alexandra says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (14)
    I made this last year, and saved the recipe so I could make it again for the festive season this year. It is so delicious - a family favourite for sure. My Mum and I enjoyed it whilst we were putting the Christmas tree up!

  25. Michele Peterson says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (15)
    Surprisingly easy to make and so much better than store-bought!

  26. Christina says

    Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (16)
    This was so delicious! I can't wait to make this all holiday season long!

  27. Gail says

    Hi, I want to try this recipe, how long will the eggnog last in the fridge for?

  28. Trey says

    I made 2 batches worth of this with 1 cup of really good brandy

  29. Karen says

    Sounds delicious- brandy is always a win! So glad you loved it!

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Eggnog Recipe - Fresh Coast Eats - The best homemade recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes eggnog taste better? ›

Spiced Rum

Speaking of spice, this eggnog addition packs a punch. And one sip will be all the proof you need that rum isn't just for tiki drinks. With flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove taking center stage and a full-bodied creamy texture, spiced rum is a natural BFF for eggnog.

What is the best mix for eggnog? ›

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

How long does homemade eggnog stay fresh? ›

Depending on the amount of liquor you add, the eggnog base without the egg whites will also keep quite well for several days: Non-alcoholic eggnog: Consume within 1 day. Eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup liquor: Refrigerate for several days.

What gives traditional eggnog its frothy texture? ›

It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).

What does eggnog do to your body? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

How do I spice up my egg nog? ›

Pour 1 cup International Delight eggnog into your cup and add ½ Tbsp rum and mix well. Put whipped cream on top and sprinkle ⅛ tsp freshly ground cinnamon and ⅛ tsp freshly ground nutmeg. Enjoy it chilled or hot!

What alcohol goes in eggnog first? ›

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

What kind of brandy do you use for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Can I freeze eggnog? ›

If you want to extend the shelf life of eggnog beyond a few days, freezing is the way to go. Frozen eggnog lasts up to six months. Beyond this period of time, the quality of the eggnog will start to drop, so your best bet is to consume it within 4-6 months.

Can you drink year old eggnog? ›

Best Eggnog Recipe

Game plan: It's good to give the eggnog a full 3 weeks of aging or up to 1 year, but you can drink it right away; however, the flavor will be less rounded.

Does eggnog get better with age? ›

They found, unanimously, that aged nog was mellower and smoother than fresh nog. Similarly, Alton Brown says that "the longer the nog ages, the more mellow it will get." In The Art of Eating, Holly Jennings found three-week nog to be "rounder, smoother, and noticeably more complex."

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

If you over-cook the eggnog, it'll thicken too much (like custard). And if you're cooking it to be food-safety conscious, then you'll want to ensure that you reach your desired temperature. Again, I highly recommend using a digital thermometer.

What is the disease in eggnog? ›

“The most recent estimates indicate that about three out of every 10,000 eggs is positive for salmonella,” Schaffner said. “This means the risk from any individual egg is low, but of course the more eggs you combine, the higher the risk.” Pasteurization is one of the keys to avoiding salmonella poisoning from eggnog.

Why does my eggnog taste eggy? ›

I get that eggy flavor in my eggnog when I overcook it. Another way to try and mask it is to add more rum flavoring.

What gives eggnog its flavor? ›

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

Why does store-bought eggnog taste different? ›

Made with the typical ingredients (minus the alcohol), you'll also find thickeners and stabilizers, artificial colors and flavors; some are also sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

Why is Southern Comfort eggnog so good? ›

1. Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog. And the winner for our favorite store-bought eggnog comes from Southern Comfort. This eggnog had a clear spice flavor that was warming and delicious and a thick and creamy texture that merited the melted ice cream comparison.

Is eggnog supposed to be drunk hot or cold? ›

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

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