How to make homemade egg nog (2024)

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Have you ever made your own egg nog before? This homemade egg nog is easier than you think, and better than store-bought! It’s thick, rich and creamy. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one!

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Tools & Equipment to make this homemade egg nog

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Medium Sized Pot

Large bowl

Whisk

Ingredients in egg nog

Egg nog is made from ingredients you probably already have at home! Whole milk, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, vanilla extract, egg yolks, granulated sugar, heavy cream and cinnamon!

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What does eggnog taste like?

Eggnog is a sweet custard-like drink that’s thick, creamy, and rich.

Can you freeze egg nog?

Yes, you can freeze egg nog for up to six months, but you’ll want to be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container with enough room to allow for the eggnog to expand as it freezes.

How long does eggnog last in fridge

Homemade eggnog will last for 2-3 days in the fridge, and store-bought eggnog will last for 5-7 days after being opened.

How can you make egg nog alcoholic?

This egg nog recipe is made nonalcoholic, but you can add your favorite alcoholic beverage to make it your own. When serving, mix 1 part alcohol to five parts eggnog, and stir it together.

Liquor for egg nog

You can use brandy, dark rum, bourbon, or cognac for a classic eggnog, or add some southern comfort, or fireball to change up the flavor!

Who invented egg nog?

Eggnog originated in medieval Britain and was considered a luxury drink for the rich because milk, sherry, and eggs weren’t easily accessible to the lower classes.

When does eggnog come out?

In the US, the earliest you can typically find store-bought egg nog is mid-October, but it is most typical to find eggnog mid-November, just in time for Thanksgiving, and throughout the month of December.

But, since you can easily make eggnog with ingredients you already have at home, you can make eggnog anytime you want, all year long!

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How to make homemade egg nog

Whisk together milk, nutmeg, and vanilla in a medium saucepan.

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Add the cinnamon stick and bring to a low boil. It will take about 3-4 minutes to get there.

Crack egg yolks into a large bowl. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the yolks are pale in color.

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Add a spoonful of the hot milk to the egg yolks and mix well.

Continue to add the milk by the spoonful until about 1/4 cup of the hot milk has been mixed in, making sure to mix well between each addition.

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Finally, pour in the remaining hot milk, and whisk continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken.

The mixture will coat the back of the spoon when you raise a spoon out of the eggnog.

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At this point, remove the mixture from heat, and stir in the heavy cream.

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Chill the eggnog until you are ready to serve, about 2-4 hours.

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Serve with a cinnamon stick, whipped cream, or add bourbon, whiskey, southern comfort, or fireball to make a special alcoholic drink!

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Eggnog Easy Recipe

  • Author: Melissa
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes + 2-4 hours chill time
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 23 cups 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Have you ever made your own egg nog before? This homemade egg nog is easier than you think, and better than store-bought! Trust me, you’ll want to make this one!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon for topping, optional

Instructions

Whisk together milk, nutmeg and vanilla in a medium saucepan.

Add the cinnamon stick and bring to a low boil. It will take about 3-4 minutes to get there.

Crack egg yolks into a large bowl. Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the yolks are pale in color.

Add a spoonful of the hot milk to the egg yolks and mix well. Continue to add the milk by the spoonful until about 1/4 cup of the hot milk has been mixed in, making sure to mix well between each addition.

Finally, pour in the remaining hot milk, and whisk continuously. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken.

The mixture will coat the back of the spoon when you raise a spoon out of the milk.

At this point, remove the mixture from heat, and stir in the heavy cream.

Chill the eggnog until you are ready to serve, about 2-4 hours.

Serve with a cinnamon stick and whipped cream.

Want to make it alcoholic? When serving, mix 1 part alcohol to five parts eggnog, and stir it together. You can use brandy, dark rum, bourbon, cognac for a classic eggnog, or add some southern comfort, or fireball to change up the flavor!

Notes

You can add bourbon, or other alcohol, to this eggnog when the heavy cream is added.

Store in an airtight container (like a mason jar) will last up to 3 days.

  • Category: Hot drinks
  • Method: Stove top

Keywords: Eggnog Easy Recipe

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If you loved this post, you’ll love the Total Beginner’s Guide to Baking.

In the Total Beginner’s Guide to Baking, I break down all the things that you should know to be a better baker.

After reading through this guide you will know how to accurately measure any ingredient, and how to measure honey without having it stick to the cup! (Soooo annoying.)

There’s also an article with tips on how to read through recipes. It sets you on the right foot before you even start baking anything.

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I have a habit of baking AS I read through the recipe. So, I often miss a step, or screw up something that is explained in more detail lower on the page…. (will I ever learn?!!… Looking at my track record, no, probably not!)

But, you, my friend, won’t have to throw out so many ingredients because you have this article to help you through the recipe AND a worksheet to write down the important details before starting.

Anyways, this guide is 22 pages of helpful resources for the beginner AND intermediate baker. I am sure you will find it insanely useful on your baking journey.

Have fun baking!

How to make homemade egg nog (2024)

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