1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Traditional Eggnog

Traditional Eggnog

Featured in Refreshing Drink Recipes for Every Occasion.

Beat sugar and yolks till smooth. Warm spices in milk, stir gently into yolks. Heat till thick and silky. Add cream and extract, cool it completely. For adults, splash in rum before pouring! Sprinkle nutmeg on top. About 25 minutes is all you need for this festive drink.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:33:53 GMT
Glasses of velvety eggnog with cinnamon sprinkled on top, set on a neutral cloth with a pine cone and cinnamon sticks nearby. Pin it
Glasses of velvety eggnog with cinnamon sprinkled on top, set on a neutral cloth with a pine cone and cinnamon sticks nearby. | chefmelt.com

Ever wonder about eggnog and why it's such a hit during holiday season? This velvety, seasoned beverage feels like a warm hug in your cup! Our DIY eggnog combines thick cream, cozy spices, and liquor if you want it, making a festive sip that'll brighten your holidays. Perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home, this timeless drink always brings that special holiday magic.

Benefits of Homemade Version

Whipping up eggnog at home isn't hard at all! Ditch the cartons from the market - making your own lets you tweak the sweetness, spice levels, and booze to match exactly what you like. There's also something truly satisfying about watching basic ingredients turn into that signature smooth texture that makes traditional eggnog so beloved.

Ingredients List

  • Egg Yolks: 6 large ones - they're the secret to that luxurious thickness
  • Sugar: 3/4 cup - ties everything together perfectly
  • Whole Milk: 2 cups - don't skimp on fat for best results
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup - creates that smooth mouthfeel
  • Spices: Whole cloves and cinnamon for that cozy feeling
  • Nutmeg: Grate it yourself for amazing flavor!
  • Vanilla: 1 1/2 teaspoons of the real stuff
  • Spirits (optional): 2 tablespoons each bourbon and rum
  • Egg Whites: 4 (optional) for a lighter texture

Simple Preparation Steps

Beat Your Eggs
Whip those yolks until they lighten up. Slowly add sugar while mixing until it gets nice and fluffy - this builds your taste base.
Heat Your Milk
Warm the milk with your spices until it's hot but not bubbling. This pulls all those yummy flavors out.
Mix With Care
Pour half the warm milk into your egg mix while stirring - this keeps eggs from cooking too fast! Then pour everything back into your pot.
Thicken It Up
Cook on low heat, always stirring, until it's thick enough to stick to a spoon. Add your heavy cream after that.
Add Final Touches
Remove the spices, mix in vanilla and any alcohol you want. Cool it down. For extra lightness, mix in those whipped egg whites.
Get Fancy
Grab some cute glasses and don't forget fresh nutmeg on top. That's what makes it special!

Historical Background

This delightful drink has been part of winter celebrations for hundreds of years. What started as a way to toast good health in Europe has grown into a beloved holiday custom that brings friends and family around to share good times together.

Alcohol Options

Adding booze to your eggnog is like picking the right seasoning - each type brings something different! Bourbon adds a warm hug, rum brings a sweet kiss, and brandy gives an elegant touch. Go with what you love or mix them all for something unique.

Egg Concerns

Worried about using raw eggs? No problem! Just warm your mixture to 160°F or grab some pasteurized eggs at the store. You'll still get that amazing texture without any stress. Can't do eggs? Try using coconut milk for a totally different but tasty twist!

Presentation Tips

Enjoy your creation cold in fancy glasses or warm it up when it's extra chilly outside. Don't skip that little sprinkle of nutmeg on top - it's not just pretty, it's the perfect finishing flavor that makes everyone happy.

Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. Pin it
Three glasses of creamy eggnog topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive decorations. | chefmelt.com

Storage Tips

Your eggnog can stay good in the fridge for a few days - and it actually tastes better over time! The flavors blend together more deeply, creating something even tastier than when you first made it. Just stir it well before you pour.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I leave out the alcohol?

Yes! Add more milk or even extra cream to keep the richness. It's perfect for kids and still tastes great.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Seal it up and refrigerate, but no more than three days. Give it a good shake to mix. Always better fresh, though.

→ What about the raw eggs?

Heat carefully while stirring to cook them gently without scrambling. Keep an eye on the temperature to do it right.

→ How can I make it look fancier when serving?

Serve cold in nice glasses, add fresh nutmeg on top, and maybe a dollop of whipped cream. Presentation makes a difference.

→ Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare it a day or two before. The flavors get better! Just chill it, add alcohol later if needed, and stir before serving.

→ What if mine gets way too thick?

Just mix in some extra milk and stir well. Don’t overcook it next time. Keep an eye on the heat!

→ How do I transport it safely?

Pack it in a cooler to keep it cold, bring a fresh topping, and maybe some sturdy cups. Backup drinks couldn’t hurt either.

→ What’s the quickest way to make it?

Have all your ingredients ready and use one pot to speed things up. Make sure to chill it for at least a bit. Totally worth it!

→ Can I double the recipe?

Sure! Just use a bigger pot, allow extra chilling time, and be careful not to overheat the eggs. Keep everything icy cold.

→ What if I want it spicier?

Add more nutmeg or cinnamon, maybe both. Freshly grated spices are always best. But go slow—it’s easy to add too much!

→ Why is it a bit lumpy?

Whisk faster and lower the heat if this happens. You can strain it for a smooth texture or start again if needed. Be mindful of the temperature.

→ Too sweet or not flavorful enough?

Add sugar or spice to adjust the flavor, but do it gradually. If it's overly sweet, a touch of rum balances it out nicely.

Conclusion

If you liked this, try making a hot cider or mulled wine. They're lovely when the weather's crisp!

Traditional Eggnog

Last-minute party request? This quick eggnog came through! Eggs, cream, warming spices, and optional alcohol. Everyone was asking for more!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Beverages

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 5 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 yolks from large eggs.
02 2 cups of milk.
03 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
04 A pinch of ground cinnamon.
05 2 tablespoons of dark rum, or however much you like.
06 1 cup of full-fat cream.
07 2 whole cloves.
08 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla essence.
09 2 tablespoons of bourbon whiskey, or as you prefer.
10 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
11 4 egg whites, optional for a fluffier drink.

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a big bowl and whisk the egg yolks. Keep going until they’re paler in color, using a whisk or an electric mixer. Slowly sprinkle in the sugar, mixing as you go, until soft and airy.

Step 02

In a pot, mix the milk, the cloves, and the cinnamon. Warm it up over medium heat without letting it boil—just get it steaming.

Step 03

To avoid scrambled eggs, carefully pour half of the warm milk mix into the whisked yolks while stirring constantly. Then pour it all back into the pot.

Step 04

Let the blend cook over medium heat, stirring nonstop with a wooden spoon. Once it slightly thickens and gently coats the back of the spoon, you’re good. Aim for around 160°F.

Step 05

Take it off the heat and stir in the heavy cream.

Step 06

Pass the mix through a fine mesh sieve to catch the cloves and any unwanted chunks. Pop it in the fridge and cool for at least an hour.

Step 07

Once it’s nice and cold, add the vanilla, nutmeg, and as much rum and bourbon as you’d like. Stir until combined.

Step 08

If you want it light and frothy, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add a teaspoon of sugar while whipping until you get stiff peaks. Fold them gently into the eggnog.

Notes

  1. For a lighter version, try using 4 egg yolks instead of 6.
  2. Cut down on sugar by using just 1/2 cup.
  3. To make this kid-friendly, skip adding any alcohol.
  4. Double up the recipe if you’re hosting a big group.
  5. Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. The flavor actually improves!

Tools You'll Need

  • Whisk or hand mixer.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Heavy-bottom saucepan.
  • Metal spoon for stirring.
  • Optional: Candy thermometer.
  • Strainer with fine mesh.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Alcohol.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 367
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
  • Protein: 11 g