Homemade Eggnog
In short: Creamy cooked eggnog made from egg yolks, milk, cream and nutmeg, served chilled with a little bourbon or rum, or none at all. It takes about 30 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 30 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 350 kcal
Eggnog is the creamy, spiced holiday drink Americans sip from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. This version cooks the egg yolks gently with milk and cream to 71°C (160°F), which gives a smooth, thick drink with far less risk than raw eggs, then chills it for a few hours so the flavors settle. Fresh nutmeg is the defining spice. Add bourbon, rum or brandy to taste, or leave it out for a family-friendly version.
Instructions
- Heat the milk, 250 ml (1 cup) of the cream, the nutmeg, cinnamon stick and salt in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl for 2 minutes until pale and thick.
- Slowly pour about 250 ml (1 cup) of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly, then pour everything back into the pan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the custard thickens slightly, coats the back of a spoon and reads 71°C (160°F). Do not boil.
- Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl set over ice. Stir in the vanilla, the remaining 250 ml (1 cup) cold cream and the alcohol, if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Whisk before serving and grate fresh nutmeg over each glass.
Tips
- For a lighter eggnog, replace half of the cream with milk. For a richer one, whip 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the cream to soft peaks and fold it in just before serving.
- Straining catches any bits of cooked egg, and setting the bowl over ice cools the custard fast so it stays smooth.
Questions and answers
Is homemade eggnog safe to drink?
This one is cooked to 71°C (160°F), the temperature recommended for egg-based drinks. Keep it refrigerated and drink it within 3 days.
Can I make eggnog without alcohol?
Yes. It tastes good without it. Serve it plain for children and add spirits to individual glasses.
What alcohol goes in eggnog?
Bourbon, dark rum, brandy or a mix of these are the classic choices. Start with 30 ml (1 oz) per glass and adjust to taste.
How long does it take to make Homemade Eggnog?
About 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Homemade Eggnog?
About 350 kcal per serving, with 6 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 29 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
| Sodium | 135 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
