Rating: 3.60
(47)

Classic Eggnog

December 18, 2024

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.

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.

Classic Eggnog
Eggnog
3.60 from 47 votes
Classic, creamy eggnog, perfect for the holiday season.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

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

Serving: 1gCalories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 128mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 19gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 223kcal
Meal Type: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: eggnog, holiday, recipe
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. 5 stars
    This eggnog recipe is fantastic! I added a sprinkle of cinnamon too, and it was delicious! Perfect for the holidays!

    1. User avatar Random Dent says:

      5 stars
      I love adding cinnamon too! It really enhances the flavor. Glad you enjoyed it! 🎉

  2. User avatar babara.barton says:

    1 star
    Meh. Just mix milk and eggs??? Lol. No thanks.

  3. User avatar bobby.doyle says:

    5 stars
    Easy recipe! I made it for a party and everyone loved it! Will definitely make again.

  4. User avatar walter.bradtke says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe and it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time.

    1. User avatar bernetta.green says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! I actually adjusted the sugar amount too when I made it. Now it’s perfect for me!

    2. User avatar son.block4 says:

      2 stars
      Sweet? Really? I thought it was just right. Maybe you just have a super taste bud thing or something.

  5. User avatar roseanne.schmitt says:

    5 stars
    YUM! I added a bit of cinnamon too and it was heavenly.

    1. User avatar stephanie.lang2021 says:

      5 stars
      Cinnamon sounds like a great idea! I’ll have to try that next time.

    2. User avatar calvin.ernser says:

      3 stars
      Really? Cinnamon? That’s kinda odd with eggnog, but whatever floats your boat!

  6. User avatar Ryan Hermann says:

    5 stars
    This eggnog recipe is fantastic! So creamy and rich, just how I like it!

  7. User avatar lydia.spinka1952 says:

    3 stars
    I tried this recipe and it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Can I reduce the sugar without ruining it?

  8. User avatar renaldo.daugherty74 says:

    4 stars
    Eggnog rocks! Can you use egg whites? Asking for a friend. lol.

    1. User avatar mathilda.torp53 says:

      2 stars
      I think using egg whites is a bad idea. They’re for meringues, not drinks! Just use the yolks man.

    2. User avatar ana.christiansen says:

      4 stars
      Egg whites? Not sure, they might make it too frothy! Stick with the yolks for that rich flavor. 😉

  9. User avatar celia.kiehn says:

    4 stars
    Who uses brandy? Rum is the only way to go! Just sayin’.

  10. User avatar Slartibartfast says:

    2 stars
    Not my fav. I don’t get why people like eggnog. Tasted weird.

  11. 2 stars
    Meh. Just tastes like liquid custard to me. I’ll stick to store-bought.

  12. User avatar arletha.reilly2024 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! It was rich and creamy. My family loved it!

  13. 2 stars
    I tried this for Christmas and it was a disaster! The eggs scrambled, it didn’t thicken at all!

  14. User avatar margie.spinka says:

    2 stars
    Meh, not my fav. I think the whole milk made it kinda heavy. Might stick to store-bought next time. 2 stars.

  15. User avatar celeste.kuvalis says:

    4 stars
    Super yummy but I added a bit too much nutmeg. Oops!

  16. User avatar jacob.okuneva says:

    4 stars
    Super delicious! I use rum instead of brandy and it makes it even better. Will definitely make this again! Thanks!

  17. 4 stars
    I made this for Christmas and everyone loved it! Will definitely make it again!

  18. 5 stars
    This eggnog is so creamy and delicious! Perfect for the holidays!

  19. 3 stars
    Isn’t eggnog made with egg whites too? I thought that was the secret! Anyway, I guess it’s still good.

    1. User avatar Deneen Runte says:

      3 stars
      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.

    2. User avatar JinJenz says:

      4 stars
      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?

  20. User avatar sid.bauch30 says:

    5 stars
    My mom used to make eggnog every holiday season, and this recipe is just like hers! So nostalgic!

    1. User avatar clotilde.kunze49 says:

      5 stars
      Eggnog always reminds me of family too! It’s the best part of the holidays. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

  21. User avatar lane.bergstrom54 says:

    5 stars
    This eggnog is fantastic! So rich and creamy, perfect for the holidays. I added a bit more nutmeg for a stronger flavor. 5 stars!

  22. 1 star
    I don’t know, sounded too complicated for me. Can’t believe you heat the eggs! What if they scramble??

  23. User avatar enoch.koss2001 says:

    4 stars
    Can u use almond milk instead? I wanna try it healthy.

    1. User avatar angele.strosin29 says:

      4 stars
      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!

    2. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

      2 stars
      Almond milk? Really? That’s like, not eggnog anymore! Just use the real ingredients, come on.

  24. User avatar emilee.franecki13 says:

    3 stars
    Can you use whiskey instead of rum? Asking for a friend. 😂

    1. User avatar abdul.monahan1981 says:

      5 stars
      Yeah, why not? Whiskey can add a nice twist! Just go easy on it, friend! 😂

  25. User avatar Roderick Runolfsdottir says:

    4 stars
    Is it really necessary to use cream? Can I just use all milk?

  26. User avatar marcia.kris87 says:

    4 stars
    I skipped the alcohol and it still tasted amazing! A great non-alcoholic drink!

    1. User avatar lucila.wisoky2025 says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear it turned out great without the alcohol! Sometimes the classics can be enjoyed in different ways.

  27. User avatar Éomer says:

    3 stars
    Easy to make, but I think I prefer the store version. Less hassle!

    1. User avatar Jarrett Corwin says:

      4 stars
      I get that! Store versions are easy and tasty, but there’s just something special about homemade eggnog. It tastes more authentic to me!

  28. User avatar jenise.lehner61 says:

    5 stars
    Best eggnog ever!

  29. User avatar rochel.kerluke says:

    2 stars
    Eggnog is gross, why would anyone drink eggs like this? 😖

  30. User avatar cami.wisozk says:

    1 star
    I messed it up, don’t follow my lead. Curdled the eggs. No idea how.

    1. User avatar margorie.smitham36 says:

      4 stars
      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! 😊

  31. User avatar octavio.waters3 says:

    3 stars
    Tried it and it was too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut the sugar a bit next time.

3.60 from 47 votes
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