Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2024)

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This easy Homemade Eggnog is extra thick and creamy with the perfect amount of spices and sweetness. One sip of this old fashioned eggnog and I promise you will never buy store-bought eggnog again!

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (1)

Table of Contents

  • A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe
  • What is Eggnog Made Of?
  • How to Make Eggnog
  • Can You Make Eggnog Ahead?
  • Is Eggnog Non-Alcoholic?
  • What Does Homemade Eggnog Taste Like?
  • Tips for Serving this Holiday Favorite
  • How to Store Leftovers
  • Can You Freeze Homemade Eggnog?
  • Get the Recipe
  • More Holiday Recipes to Try:

    A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe

    This week I’m sharing a classic Christmas recipe with you all… Homemade Eggnog! It’s not quite Christmas yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice, chilled glass of eggnog in preparation for the holiday season.

    This sweet drink is made with whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and spiced rum; a combination that my family absolutely adores. From my recipe box to yours, enjoy this creamy homemade eggnog!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2)

    What is Eggnog Made Of?

    Wondering what you’ll need to make eggnog at home? Gather up these ingredients:

    • Whole Milk
    • Whole Cloves
    • Ground Cinnamon: plus a little for garnish if desired.
    • Ground Nutmeg
    • Egg Yolks
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Heavy Cream
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Spiced Rum: bourbon works too, but both are optional.

    Do you have to use heavy cream?

    Heavy cream will give you the thickest and creamiest final product, but you can absolutely use half and half if you would prefer.

    Half and half will be a little thinner and a little less rich, but not super noticeable to most eggnog fans!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (3)

    How to Make Eggnog

    This creamy eggnog can be made with only a few minutes worth of work, following these easy steps:

    Boil Milk: In a small saucepan, combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil

    Whisk Eggs: In a medium sized bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy and pale in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.

    Add Milk: 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.

    Combine: Continue adding small amounts of the milk to the eggs, whisking constantly until all the milk is incorporated and well combined.

    Cook: 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.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (6)

    Strain: Remove from heat and strain out cloves.

    Cool and Serve: Let mixture cool for one hour, then whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract and spiced rum. Chill for several hours, or overnight, before serving.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (7)

    Can You Make Eggnog 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.

    Is Eggnog Non-Alcoholic?

    Traditionally eggnog has alcoholic spirits in it, such as spiced rum or bourbon. But eggnog can definitely be non-alcoholic! If you want to leave out the spiced rum, it will still be full of rich, creamy, Christmas flavor. :)

    What Does Homemade Eggnog Taste Like?

    If you’ve never had eggnog before, you’re probably wondering what it tastes like. After all, it’s not every day that you add eggs to a drink! But the truth is that eggnog tastes like a creamy glass of melted ice cream infused with holiday spirit. Eggnog and ice cream share many ingredients in common, so their flavor profile is surprisingly similar.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (8)

    Tips for Serving this Holiday Favorite

    Here are some tips for serving the best eggnog over the holidays:

    • Carefully Cook the Eggnog: It’s important that the mixture does not boil because the eggs may curdle, so stir the eggnog occasionally and do not cook the eggnog for more than 5 minutes.
    • For Creamier Eggnog: Slightly reduce the amount of milk, and add a little bit more heavy cream.
    • Serve with Whipped Cream: And top with extra cinnamon!
    • Serve Cold or Warm: You can serve eggnog chilled or warm, whichever you prefer!

    How to Store Leftovers

    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.

    Can You Freeze Homemade Eggnog?

    Eggnog can be frozen in an airtight container, but it’s best to drink it fresh. If you do decide to freeze it, though, make sure you leave an inch or two of space in the container and write the date on the top of the lid.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (9)

    I am so excited for you to try this old fashioned homemade eggnog recipe! It’s a favorite among our friends and family and is highly requested every year!

    When you try out a batch, please share a photo below in the comments. I love to see how recipes turn out for you!

    If you love this homemade eggnog, try the Puerto Rican coconut version: Coquito!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (10)

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 6 servings

    Homemade Eggnog

    This easy Homemade Eggnog is extra thick and creamy with the perfect amount of spices and sweetness. One sip of this old fashioned eggnog and I promise you will never buy store-bought eggnog again!

    Prep Time5 minutes minutes

    Cook Time15 minutes minutes

    Total Time20 minutes minutes

    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

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (11)

    • In a medium sized bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (12)

    • 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.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (13)

    • 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.

    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

    © Jessica – The Novice Chef

    Cuisine: American

    Category: Christmas

    Categories:

    • 30 Min or Less
    • Christmas
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Holidays
    • Recipes
    • Videos

    More Holiday Recipes to Try:

    • Classic Gingerbread Recipe
    • Grinch Pancakes
    • Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Reindeer Poop

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Related Posts

    • Gingerdoodle Cookies

    • Butterscotch Haystacks

    • Meringue Christmas Trees

    • Candied Carrots Recipe

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe -  Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2024)

    FAQs

    How much rum should I put in my eggnog? ›

    For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. If you're mixing up a larger quantity in a pitcher of punch bowl, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots, or a half-gallon carton with about none shots.

    Is spiced rum best for eggnog? ›

    What Kind of Rum Goes Best with Eggnog? “I like something with a little bit more body and flavor than say, just like a silver [or white rum],” says Chamberlain. “Those are good, but I feel like you can bring more to the party—the party being eggnog.” That's why he prefers a spiced rum or an aged rum.

    How do you make eggnog taste better? ›

    Drizzle a little chocolate sauce into the shaker with the eggnog for a chocolate eggnog. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

    How long does homemade eggnog with rum last? ›

    The more liquor you add, the longer it will keep — non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within 1 day; eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup of liquor will keep for several days; and eggnog with 1 1/2 cups of liquor will keep for several weeks and continue aging and thickening quite nicely.

    Can you just add rum to store bought eggnog? ›

    If you're looking for a traditional approach, spike store-bought eggnog using your favorite liquor like brandy, bourbon, or rum. This super-simple recipe makes six 6½-ounce servings.

    What is the best rum to use in eggnog? ›

    Ten To One Dark Rum

    "Rum is such a perfect pairing with eggnog," said Rena Long, bar lead at both Selva and Fora in Chicago's The Hotel Emily. She recommends Ten To One Dark Rum: "The hints of baking spices really shine through in the eggnog."

    What alcohol is good in spiced eggnog? ›

    Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional Eggnog

    For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog.

    What is the best liquor to add to eggnog? ›

    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 goes in first rum or eggnog? ›

    Alcohol: If you want to add alcohol to your eggnog, start with ¼ cup brandy, bourbon, rum or whisky added at the same time as the vanilla, or after cooling the eggnog.

    How to jazz up egg nog? ›

    Swap an ounce of your chosen liquor for an ounce of Port (this works especially well with rum or brandy) or Madeira (mixed with rum, this variation makes the historic Baltimore Eggnog). Add chilled coffee or cold-brew coffee for a creamy nog that channels a mocha latte vibe.

    How long will homemade eggnog last? ›

    For example, if you use 1/2 cup alcohol, the eggnog should keep for up to three days in a sealed container. And if you use 1 cup of alcohol or more, the eggnog should keep for a few weeks and even thicken a little over time, giving it a deliciously creamy texture.

    When to add alcohol to eggnog? ›

    Chill it in an ice bath. Stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, and bourbon and rum: Feel free to omit for kid-friendly eggnog and proceed to chill.

    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."

    Can I freeze eggnog? ›

    Luckily, you can freeze eggnog and enjoy it safely past the holiday season. In fact, the sweet, custardy liquid is great to keep on hand to add extra flavor to recipes or speed up a quick and convenient breakfast (like this Eggnog French Toast Casserole).

    Does homemade eggnog need to be refrigerated? ›

    Follow the recipe carefully. Refrigerate it at once. When refrigerating a large amount of cooked eggnog, divide it into several shallow containers.

    How do you add liquor to store bought eggnog? ›

    The golden ratio for this little holiday cheer is 1 to 5. Just to be clear, that's 1 part booze to 5 parts eggnog (definitely not the other way around). And once you've mixed it all up, ensure you serve it with flair. Top each glass with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and maybe a cinnamon stick for added flavour.

    Is it OK to drink a lot of eggnog? ›

    “Think what's in it: heavy cream, milk, sugar, whipped eggs and alcohol.” And with the recommended serving size a paltry half a cup, eggnog is easy to over-indulge. High in fat and sugar, a single serving contains one-third of the fat Americans should eat daily.

    What is the ratio of eggnog to bourbon? ›

    A solid alcohol-to-eggnog ratio is 1:5 (1 part spirit, 5 parts eggnog). This applies to both store-bought and homemade. eggnog. So if you buy a one-quart container of eggnog, add 6.5 ounces of your chosen liquor(s).

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