Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Glass with a handle filled with boozy eggnog.

4.6 from 64 votes

Yield: 6 servings

This easy homemade eggnog recipe is extra thick & creamy with the perfect amount of spice. One sip and you'll never buy store-bought again! It’s so simple to make and can be customized with your choice of alcohol — or enjoyed as-is for a family-friendly version.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Chill Time3

Total Time20

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
3 whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus a little for garnish if desired
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 large egg yolks
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups spiced rum, or bourbon, optional

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Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.
In a medium sized bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Whisk until light and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.
Begin by adding a very small amount of the heated milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Do not add the hot milk too quickly or it will cook the eggs.
Continue adding small amounts of the milk to the eggs, whisking constantly until all the milk is incorporated and well combined.
Return to sauce and cook over medium heat until slightly thick and mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let mixture boil.
Remove from heat and strain out cloves.
Let mixture cool for one hour, then whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract and spiced rum. Chill for several hours, or overnight, before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can totally make this eggnog ahead of time. In fact, aging it a little bit enriches the flavor! So, if you decide to make the eggnog ahead of time, refrigerate it in an airtight container until you're ready to drink it.

Storing: Eggnog should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy it again. Make sure you shake it before serving in case it has settled. Homemade eggnog will last for 2-3 days in the fridge.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 641kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 22g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 315mg, Sodium: 130mg, Sugar: 40g