Classic Eggnog is the quintessential holiday drink, known for its rich, creamy texture and warm, spiced flavor. Traditionally enjoyed throughout the Christmas season, this festive beverage has become synonymous with holiday cheer, evoking feelings of coziness and nostalgia. Whether served chilled or warm, eggnog offers the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy notes that make it a beloved tradition in many households.
The base of Classic Eggnog is simple yet indulgent, made from eggs, sugar, milk, and heavy cream. These ingredients are whisked together to create a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and satisfying. The addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla gives eggnog its signature flavor, infusing the drink with warmth and complexity. Some recipes call for a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy to add a bit of extra warmth and depth, making it the perfect drink for sipping by the fire.
Eggnog can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference. Some people enjoy it chilled, served over ice, while others prefer it heated, creating a comforting, warming drink for cold winter nights. The versatility of eggnog allows it to be adapted to suit any occasion, from casual holiday parties to elegant dinner gatherings.
For those who prefer a lighter version, there are plenty of eggnog alternatives available that use lower-fat milk, dairy-free options, or even plant-based eggnogs made with almond or coconut milk. You can even make a non-alcoholic version for all ages to enjoy, or get creative with flavored twists, like spiced chai eggnog or caramelized eggnog or eggnog pie.
Eggnog is more than just a drink, it’s a symbol of the holiday season. Whether you’re sipping it with friends and family or enjoying it on your own, eggnog brings warmth and cheer, making it a must-have during the festive season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk whole milk preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness
- 3 units eggs large
- 1/2 cup sugar granulated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg plus more for garnish
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup brandy or rum optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and cream.
- Heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and creamy.
- Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, nutmeg, cloves, and brandy or rum if using.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve chilled, with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top.
Nutrition
This eggnog recipe is fantastic! I added a sprinkle of cinnamon too, and it was delicious! Perfect for the holidays!
I love adding cinnamon too! It really enhances the flavor. Glad you enjoyed it! 🎉
Meh. Just mix milk and eggs??? Lol. No thanks.
Easy recipe! I made it for a party and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again.
I tried this recipe and it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time.
I get what you mean! I actually adjusted the sugar amount too when I made it. Now it’s perfect for me!
Sweet? Really? I thought it was just right. Maybe you just have a super taste bud thing or something.
YUM! I added a bit of cinnamon too and it was heavenly.
Cinnamon sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that next time.
Really? Cinnamon? That’s kinda odd with eggnog, but whatever floats your boat!
This eggnog recipe is fantastic! So creamy and rich, just how I like it!
I tried this recipe and it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Can I reduce the sugar without ruining it?
Eggnog rocks! Can you use egg whites? Asking for a friend. lol.
I think using egg whites is a bad idea. They’re for meringues, not drinks! Just use the yolks man.
Egg whites? Not sure, they might make it too frothy! Stick with the yolks for that rich flavor. 😉
Who uses brandy? Rum is the only way to go! Just sayin’.
I made this for my family, and they loved it! But I think 1/2 cup of sugar is way too much. I might cut it down next time.
Not my fav. I don’t get why people like eggnog. Tasted weird.
Yum! First time making it and I loved it. Just made my family a big pitcher for Christmas! 😊
Meh. Just tastes like liquid custard to me. I’ll stick to store-bought.
This recipe is fantastic! It was rich and creamy. My family loved it!
I tried this for Christmas and it was a disaster! The eggs scrambled, it didn’t thicken at all!
Meh, not my fav. I think the whole milk made it kinda heavy. Might stick to store-bought next time. 2 stars.
Looks good, but where’s the rum? Eggnog is not eggnog without the kick! I’m adding double the booze next time.
Super yummy but I added a bit too much nutmeg. Oops!
Super delicious! I use rum instead of brandy and it makes it even better. Will definitely make this again! Thanks!
I made this for Christmas and everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again!
This eggnog is so creamy and delicious! Perfect for the holidays!
Isn’t eggnog made with egg whites too? I thought that was the secret! Anyway, I guess it’s still good.
IDK, I always thought it had egg whites too. Anyway, I’m not big on eggnog anyway, but I guess if you like it, that’s cool.
Actually, eggnog is mainly made with egg yolks! The egg whites are usually not included in traditional recipes. But hey, it’s still super delicious, right?
My mom used to make eggnog every holiday season, and this recipe is just like hers! So nostalgic!
Eggnog always reminds me of family too! It’s the best part of the holidays. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
This eggnog is fantastic! So rich and creamy, perfect for the holidays. I added a bit more nutmeg for a stronger flavor. 5 stars!
This is the best eggnog recipe I’ve ever tried! It’s super creamy and not too sweet. Perfect for the holidays!
I don’t know, sounded too complicated for me. Can’t believe you heat the eggs! What if they scramble??
Can u use almond milk instead? I wanna try it healthy.
I think almond milk might work, but it could change the flavor a bit since it’s not as rich as whole milk. Just experiment and see how it turns out!
Almond milk? Really? That’s like, not eggnog anymore! Just use the real ingredients, come on.
Can you use whiskey instead of rum? Asking for a friend. 😂
Yeah, why not? Whiskey can add a nice twist! Just go easy on it, friend! 😂
Is it really necessary to use cream? Can I just use all milk?
I skipped the alcohol and it still tasted amazing! A great non-alcoholic drink!
Glad to hear it turned out great without the alcohol! Sometimes the classics can be enjoyed in different ways.
Easy to make, but I think I prefer the store version. Less hassle!
I get that! Store versions are easy and tasty, but there’s just something special about homemade eggnog. It tastes more authentic to me!
Best eggnog ever!
Eggnog is gross, why would anyone drink eggs like this? 😖
I messed it up, don’t follow my lead. Curdled the eggs. No idea how.
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Just make sure to temper the eggs next time by slowly adding the hot milk. You’ll get it right! 😊
I skipped the alcohol and it was still delicious! Very festive and perfect for Christmas gatherings.
This eggnog recipe is fantastic! It’s creamy and rich just like my grandma used to make. Perfect for the holidays!
Tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut the sugar a bit next time.
Could someone explain why it needs to be heated but not boiling? Doesn’t make sense to me.
tasty eggnog! 😋 😋 Just like my grandma used to make! Definitely a keeper.
Eggnog is just raw eggs??? Yuck. Who wants to drink that? I don’t get it.
I didn’t have nutmeg, so I used paprika instead. It turned out weird…not recommended! 😬
Oh no! Paprika? That’s a bold choice! Maybe next time stick with nutmeg. 😅
I love eggnog, but this one has too much nutmeg for my taste. Would cut it down next time. Still tasty tho!
Wut is heavy cream? Can I use milk instead? I’m not a chef, I just wanted some holiday drink!
I tried making this and it was a disaster! The eggs scrambled and I ended up with egg drop soup instead. 🙁
Easy to follow but I’ll stick with store-bought next time. It wasn’t worth the effort for me.
I get it, it can be a lot of work! But homemade eggnog has a flavor you just won’t find in store-bought. Maybe give it another shot next holiday?
Uhh, I dunno, it’s eggnog. How hard can it be? Just mix stuff! Store-bought might be convenient but it ain’t the same, trust me!
Way too sweet for my taste. I don’t understand why folks love eggnog so much!
Egg on nog? Why not just drink straight eggs? I’m confused who drinks this.
Just made this for a family gathering, and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again!
It was okay but I think I messed it up somehow. The texture was off, and I’m not sure if I added too much milk or what. I’ll try again.
Absolutely loved this recipe! So rich and creamy. Perfect for the holidays!
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s a staple in my family during the holidays. 🥳
I couldn’t taste the nutmeg despite adding more than suggested. Also, I used whiskey instead of brandy… big mistake.
Mine thickened a little less than expected, but it still tasted amazing. I used dark rum and the nutmeg smell while it was heating was unreal. Next time I’ll cook 2 minutes longer.
Why so many eggs? That’s gotta be unhealthy. I won’t be trying this.
This eggnog is a game changer! So creamy and delicious! Perfect for the holidays.
I’ve drank lots of eggnog but this one not good, too many eggs!
Instructions are unclear, I didn’t know when to stop cooking! Mine scrambled 🙁
You gotta add more rum! It’s not eggnog without a kick, right?
Totally agree! More rum makes it festive! 🎉
Tastes like Christmas. The cloves are subtle but noticeable in a good way. I chilled overnight and it got even thicker—10/10 comfort drink.
Yes!! “Subtle but noticeable” is exactly it—cloves can get overwhelming if you go heavy. Love that you chilled it overnight; that thicker texture is the sweet spot.
I tried something similar but mine never got that thick—maybe I didn’t cook it long enough. Also I used rum (not brandy) and it tasted kinda eggy at first, lol. Still, this sounds comforting.
Yum!
I’m skeptical about the 5–7 minutes thing. Eggnog depends so much on heat and pan… but I followed it and it turned out creamy. Not too sweet either, which I appreciated.
Never made eggnog before, but this recipe was easy to follow. It turned out great! Thanks!
Very rich. I added a pinch more nutmeg for garnish like the recipe says. However, it’s a bit too boozy for me (even with only half the brandy). Would reduce alcohol next time.
Totally agree—eggnog can get boozy fast. Next time I’d cut the brandy in half (or use a splash) and let the spices do the work.
I used almond milk instead of whole milk and it was still good! Experimenting is fun.
Almond milk? Really? I don’t think that would taste right in eggnog. Whole milk is a must!
I LOVE experimenting! Glad to hear it turned out good! I’ll have to try that myself! 😊
Is it really eggnog if it doesn’t have cream? This recipe is too watery without it!
But eggnog traditionally is made with milk too! Not everyone likes it super thick. Just add more cream if you want!
I agree! It needs the cream to make it rich and creamy. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Why would you add brandy? Just drink the milk! This is silly.
Brandy gives it a nice kick! Milk’s good too but eggnog’s all about that festive flair! 🎉
I don’t think this is how you make eggnog. It seems way too complicated for just a drink.
Is the nutmeg really necessary? I don’t like that spice much.
This is honestly the creamiest eggnog I’ve made. The nutmeg/clove combo is perfect and the 5–7 minutes on the stove thickens it just right. I skipped the rum only because of kiddos and it still tasted great.
Bad experience. The eggs didn’t mix well and it was chunky 🤢. What did I do wrong? 😩
I left out the cloves and nutmeg, and it was still really nice! Just a bit sweet for my taste.
Glad to hear it turned out nice! I think the sweetness really brings out the flavor. Maybe next time try just a pinch of nutmeg for more depth?
Why would anyone put cloves in eggnog?! That’s just wrong. Stick to just nutmeg. 😡
I used coconut milk instead because I’m lactose intolerant. It was a different taste, but still festive!
This eggnog turned out delicious! Perfect for the holidays. My family loved it!
I don’t get what the fuss is about. This tasted too sweet for my liking.
I think it depends on your taste buds! Eggnog is supposed to be sweet and festive. Maybe you should try reducing the sugar next time? Delicious otherwise!
This eggnog is heavenly! I made it with rum, and it’s the best I’ve ever had. Will definitely make it again!
OMG yes! I’ve been searching for a homemade recipe and this is it! ❤
Tried this recipe and it came out pretty good, but mine turned out a bit too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
Sweet? I thought it was just right! Maybe you just like it less sweet. Everyone has their taste, I guess!
I totally agree! It was a bit sweet for me too. I might try just 1/4 cup sugar next time.
Great recipe! I added some cinnamon and it made it perfect! Definitely a keeper!
Kinda bland, needs more sugar I think. 3 stars.
Best eggnog ever!!! 🎉 Made it for my family gathering and everyone loved it!
Simply egg-cellent! I used non-alcoholic options and it was still great. Thanks!
This turned out super creamy and honestly tasted like the eggnog from those holiday markets. The “hot but not boiling” step is key—followed it and it never scrambled.
I was skeptical about cooking the eggs with only 5–7 minutes, but it thickened nicely. I used dark rum and it was very flavorful. Next time I’ll add a bit more nutmeg for sure.
Super easy—way less scary than I thought. I strained mine just in case (habit from custards) and it came out smooth. Would definitely make again for parties.
Ok but why is it called eggnog if there’s no eggnog spices besides nutmeg and cloves? Also, I used cinnamon and it wasn’t the same… maybe my jar was old.
It’s called eggnog because it’s primarily an egg-based custard drink (eggs are the “nog” part), not because it needs a big spice blend. Nutmeg + cloves are the classic combo, and cinnamon can taste a little different since it’s not the traditional profile. Also yeah—old spices definitely dull/change the flavor.
The instructions are pretty clear, but I’d love a note like “do not boil” louder. I almost walked away and that would’ve been bad. Luckily I stayed with it.
Not a fan of eggnog, sorry! Just can’t get over the eggy taste. I’ll stick to hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate is way better! Who even likes eggnog anyway? 😅
Um, is this really safe to drink? I heard raw eggs can be dangerous. Not gonna risk it, thanks.
Eggnog…Isn’t that just for Christmas? Anyway, I tried with the brandy and it was okay. Wouldn’t do again though.
I used to think that too, but I love eggnog any time of the year! Maybe try spicing it up with different flavors next time?
Who drinks eggnog in the summer? It’s a winter thing! Brandys okay but it’s made better with rum! Trust me on this.
I didn’t have heavy cream, so I used more milk and honestly it was thinner. Still flavorful though. If you want the “real” eggnog mouthfeel, don’t cheap out on the cream.
This is soooo good! I also like it warm. Have you tried it warm? Just warm it up in the microwave!
Yummm!! Best holiday treat ever! My family loved it. Making it for the party next week! 🎉
This is probably good, but I don’t like raw egg vibes even if you cook it a bit. I wish it gave an internal temp like 160°F or something. I’m picky.
Ok wow. Simple ingredients, feels fancy. The nutmeg garnish makes it smell like Christmas instantly. Will make again!
Right?? The nutmeg garnish is everything. I love how it instantly smells like the holidays even before you taste it. 😄
Eggnog with raw-ish vibes?? Like, you heat it but not boiling… I don’t trust it, lol. Also I used 2% milk by mistake and it was way less rich.
I honestly don’t like eggnog. I’d rather have hot chocolate. But this looks nice for those who do.
Hot chocolate is the best! But I gotta say, this eggnog recipe looks super creamy. Maybe I’ll give it a try for the holiday parties. 🙂
I was nervous about tempering the eggs, but whisking constantly worked. Mine came out a little thicker than expected after I may have overcooked by a minute—still delicious though. Would make again for sure.
Brandy or rum is not optional in my house 😄 The flavor is way more festive. Only thing is I wish it stated whether to use light or dark rum—mine was a bit strong.
Looks fancy! But why would anyone put alcohol in it? That just ruins it for those who don’t drink. No thanks.
Lol, it’s just for fun! A lotta people like it with the alcohol, but yeah, you can skip it. Personally, I love my eggnog a little boozy!
I get your point! But you can totally make it without alcohol, just leave it out. It’s still delish! 😊
Way too much nutmeg for me. I know it says more for garnish, but 1/4 tsp inside is kinda aggressive. Next time I’ll cut it in half and add more only on top.
Not sure about heating “hot but not boiling.” I think mine actually simmered a bit and it curdled slightly. Tasted okay, but texture was off. Maybe lower heat next time.
Yeah, “hot but not boiling” is super vague. I’ve found keeping it closer to low-medium helps—like barely steaming. If it simmers even a little, the eggs can curdle fast.
Mine came out a little too thin even after chilling. I think I didn’t whisk enough or my heat was too low. Still tastes good though—just not as thick as expected.
I’ve had that happen too—usually it means it didn’t hit the thickening point. Next time try cooking it closer to where it coats the back of a spoon, and keep stirring the whole time (no low heat just “warm”). Also make sure you temper slowly when you mix the hot milk in.
OMG! Just made this for a party and it disappeared in minutes! 100% recommend!
Easy to make! I added a little cinnamon, and it worked perfectly! Cheers! 🥛✨
This reminds me of store-bought eggnog, but richer. The vanilla + clove combo smells amazing while it’s chilling. I let it sit overnight and it was even better.
This eggnog is the best I’ve ever made! So creamy and rich. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
Not bad, but I think I messed up the whisking step—mine looked a bit curdled before it came back together. Still drank it anyway and it was fine with extra rum. Lol.
Very easy to make! I used almond milk instead and it was delish! 🌱
I followed the recipe but it ended up tasting like sweet milk. What did I do wrong?
Good recipe, but I added twice the nutmeg and it was perfect for me! 😁
Finally an eggnog that doesn’t skip the step where you temper the eggs. That “hot but not boiling” reminder is key—mine always turns into scrambled egg soup if I rush it. Delicious after chilling!
5 stars. so good!!
I don’t trust recipes that say 5-7 minutes like it’s universal. My stove runs hot. Still, the “stirring constantly” saved me. Just pay attention to the texture more than the timer.
Eggnog always sounds fancy but it’s basically custard, right? I followed it and it thickened fast. I used less sugar because I like it less sweet—no complaints from anyone.