how to make homemade eggnog


Smooth and creamy, homemade eggnog boasts a rich, festive flavor with a warm blend of eggs, cream, whiskey, and hints of vanilla and nutmeg.

A glass of eggnog being picked up off the table.

The texture is velvety, courtesy of the whipped egg whites, creating a luscious consistency. The flavor is a harmonious dance of sweetness from sugar, warmth from whiskey, and the aromatic embrace of vanilla and nutmeg. Sipping this eggnog is like indulging in a festive symphony of deliciousness, making it a perfect holiday treat for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients for Homemade Eggnog

Elevate your holiday spirits with this homemade eggnog! A symphony of 8 eggs, sugar, cream, milk, whiskey, vanilla, and nutmeg creates a festive delight.

  • Eggs: Contribute richness and a velvety texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens, balancing the flavors.
  • Cream: Adds luxurious decadence to the eggnog.
  • Milk: Provides a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Whiskey: Imparts warmth and depth, elevating the drink.
  • Vanilla Extract [paid link]: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet and aromatic touch.
  • Nutmeg: Adds a festive and aromatic richness, completing the eggnog experience.
HOMEMADE EGGNOG 2

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Crafting homemade eggnog offers a personalized touch, superior taste, and control over ingredients. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and festive flavors, making it a rewarding and delightful experience that surpasses store-bought alternatives. It’s a special, festive treat to share with loved ones during the holiday season, creating lasting memories.

  1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  3. Combine the egg yolk mixture with heavy cream, whole milk, whiskey, vanilla extract [paid link], and grated nutmeg. Mix well.
  4. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Refrigerate the eggnog for at least a couple of hours to chill.
  6. Before serving, give it a good stir and sprinkle some extra nutmeg on top for garnish.

Why this recipe works

  1. Balanced Ingredients: The precise blend of eggs, sugar, cream, milk, whiskey, vanilla, and nutmeg creates a harmonious and flavorful eggnog.
  2. Textural Excellence: The combination of whipped egg whites and other ingredients yields a velvety and creamy texture, enhancing the overall indulgence.
  3. Customizable Elegance: Homemade allows for personalization, adjusting sweetness, alcohol content, and spices, making it tailored to individual preferences for a truly special and memorable experience.

Recipe tips and kitchen tricks

  1. Separate Eggs Carefully: Ensure no trace of yolk contaminates egg whites for successful whipping. Use room-temperature eggs for easier separation.
  2. Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks: Achieve a fluffy texture by whipping egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding lightness to the eggnog.
  3. Chill Ingredients in Advance: Refrigerate cream, milk, and whiskey beforehand for a colder mixture, enhancing the eggnog’s refreshing quality when served.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spiked Chocolate Eggnog: Add cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Incorporate chocolate liqueur for an extra kick.
  2. Maple Bourbon Eggnog: Replace sugar with maple syrup. Use bourbon for a rich and smoky flavor.
  3. Vanilla Cinnamon Eggnog: Increase vanilla extract [paid link] for a pronounced vanilla taste. Sprinkle cinnamon for a warm and aromatic touch.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Classic Mug Sip: Serve chilled eggnog in festive mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  2. Warm Comfort: Heat gently for a comforting warm drink. Top with whipped cream for added indulgence.
  3. Eggnog Latte: Mix with brewed coffee for a creamy latte. Dust with cinnamon or cocoa.
  4. Dessert Parfait: Layer with whipped cream in dessert glasses. Add crumbled cookies for texture.
  5. Cocktail Twist: Create eggnog cocktails with a splash of your favorite spirits. Garnish with cinnamon sticks for flair.

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

Storing:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep away from strong-smelling foods to maintain flavor.

Freezing:

  • Eggnog may separate upon thawing, so shake or whisk [paid link] before serving.
  • Freeze in airtight containers, leaving room for expansion, for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

  • Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
  • Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Serve immediately for a comforting drink.

frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I make eggnog without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply omit the whiskey for a non-alcoholic version. Adjust sweetness accordingly.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and use a non-dairy cream.

What if I don’t have fresh nutmeg?

Ground nutmeg works, but use a smaller amount, as it’s more potent. Adjust to taste.

Can I make it ahead for a party?

Yes, prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. Give it a good stir before serving.

How can I make it less sweet?

Gradually reduce the sugar, tasting as you go. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.

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Homemade Eggnog is rich and creamy with warm undertones from the nutmeg. It's a tradition that for me, just says it's the holidays.

Homemade EggNog

Ronda Eagle | Kitchen Dreaming
Homemade Eggnog is rich and creamy with warm undertones from the nutmeg. It’s a tradition that for me, just says it’s the holidays.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 8 cups
Calories 483 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 large eggs , separated
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 3/4 cup whiskey [See Note 2] (we use crown royal)
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract [paid link]
  • 2 teaspoons fresh nutmeg , grated [See Note 3]

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer [paid link], beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add the 2/3 cup sugar and continue to mix together until it has dissolved.
  • Add the milk, cream, bourbon (or whiskey) and nutmeg and stir to combine. If you chose to omit the alcohol, increase the milk by 3/4 cup to account for the omission.
  • Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer [paid link] and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running gradually add the 2 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Whisk [paid link] the egg whites into the milk mixture. Chill and serve.

Notes

  1. This recipe is easily doubled.
  2. The alcohol may be omitted without substitution.
  3. Nutmeg adds a warmth and flavor to the eggnog.
  4. Nutrition is calculated based on the recipe as written. Additions, omissions, or substitutions will change the calculated values shown. The addition, omission, or substitution of ingredients will alter the nutritional information shown. Nutrition percentages are based on a 2000-calorie diet. The FDA recommends 80 micrograms of vitamin K.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 11gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 280mgSodium: 147mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 1342IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 3µgVitamin E: 1mgVitamin K: 2µgCalcium: 205mgFolate: 32µgIron: 1mgZinc: 1mg
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4 thoughts on “how to make homemade eggnog”

  1. Making this tomorrow for New Years Eve! I know it will be a hit! I think the Crown Royale vanilla whisky will be great in it! Thank you!

    Reply

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