A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

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Written by Elizabeth Nyland of Guilty Kitchen.

Fresh farm eggs: there’s nothing quite like them. What they offer more than anything else though, is food safety. Knowing where your eggs come from, what the chickens eat and how they live offers you greatinsightinto their health status. Plus, the quality of farm fresh eggs just can’t be beat, and are a dream to work with, as my homemade mayonnaise demonstrates so well.

Eating raw eggs can be dangerous as they can become contaminated with salmonella and you would never know it. Mostly this is dangerous for immune compromisedpeople, such as young children and the elderly or ill, but they can be dangerous for anyone.

Having fresher-than-fresh eggs that come from your own backyard chickens can reduce the risk of contamination as you are the one who has handled them from nest to kitchen, but it does not eliminate the possibility of contamination, it merely reduces the risk.

Not everyone has the opportunity to keep chickens, but it is easy to buy farm fresh eggs from roadside stands. An even better method would be to talk to the farmer and find out just how fresh those eggs are. Read more on ways to procure local fresh foodshere.


All photos by Elizabeth Nyland

When making recipes that call for raw eggs, such as the eggnog recipe below, be sure to use the freshest eggs possible. Wash the shells before cracking to ensure nothing gets into the egg once they are removed from the shell.

Holiday Eggnog

Having eggnog during the holidays has become a tradition dating back to when I was in high school. The first time I tried, I made four quarts and the only ones drinking it were my father and me. Good thing we liked it so much. Ever since then I’ve tried to make it every year when we have people over.

This recipe is more than simple to make and keeps well as there is alcohol present (caution: don’t save it for more than a couple of days without alcohol).

Try this recipe out and make eggnog an annual tradition in your house! We find it pairs beautifully with Pumpkin Chiffon Pie, but you can be the judge of that!


A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (3)

Classic Eggnog

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Prep Time: 6 minutes minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 cups

Calories: 473kcal

Author: Elizabeth Nyland

Ingredients

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/4 cups good quality bourbon or whiskey
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Whisk yolks with sugar until creamy and sugar begins to dissolve.

  • Add cream, milk, bourbon and rum and stir to combine.

  • Stir in nutmeg and vanilla and chill well.

  • Serve chilled on the rocks with a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

Notes

Variation 1: Include the egg whites
I don’t use the egg whites, but it is the traditional way. To use the whites, reserve 1/4 cup of the sugar. Beat egg whites to soft peaks and then beat in sugar until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup heavy cream. Fold egg whites into cream and serve on top of eggnog with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Variation 2: Cook the eggs
Making a danger-free eggnog is pretty easy too. Simply follow the same recipe above, but leave out the alcohol and mix only half the milk and cream into the blend, then heat the mixture in a glass or metal bowl over a pot of simmering water for about five or six minutes. Be sure to stir constantly. Refrigerate until well chilled.

When ready to serve, simply stir in the remaining cream and milk, as well as the bourbon and rum.

Variation 3: Virgin Eggnog
Follow the recipe as directed, omitting the alcohol and adding an extra 3/4 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of cream and 1-2 tablespoons of rum extract to the mix. Chill and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 225mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 153mg | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 930IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 0.4mg

What’s your traditional Holiday drink?

A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (4)

Elizabeth

On her blog, Guilty Kitchen, Elizabeth writes about the joys of local food, buying sustainable and feeling much too guilty after indulging in too many rich desserts.

A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between classic and regular eggnog? ›

The old-fashioned eggnog is made with raw eggs, milk, cream, bourbon, and sugar. Usually, compared to classic eggnog, this version is stronger and creamier in taste and texture.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

What makes eggnog taste better? ›

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!

What was the original eggnog? ›

While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval Britain “posset,” a hot, milky, ale-like drink. By the 13th century, monks were known to drink a posset with eggs and figs.

What is the best kind of egg nog? ›

  • Best Spice-Forward Eggnog: Family Farmstead. Fresh Direct. ...
  • Best Light Eggnog: Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog. Instacart. ...
  • Best Nondairy Eggnog: Chobani Oat Nog. Instacart. ...
  • Best Spiked Eggnog: Pennsylvania Dutch. Shop Wine Direct. ...
  • Best Nondairy Spiked Eggnog: Misunderstood Oat Nog. Misunderstood Whiskey Co.
Dec 13, 2023

What type of rum is best for eggnog? ›

Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand. Other Alcohol – You can switch up the ratios based on your personal preferences; feel free to swap in others like bourbon, Cognac, scotch, or brandy, as well. And how about a little peppermint schnapps for a festive flavor?!

What type of brandy is best for eggnog? ›

Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional Eggnog

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

Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

What can I add to eggnog to make it better? ›

Ingredients
  1. Eggnog.
  2. Spirits: rum, bourbon, whiskey, and/or brandy.
  3. Whipped cream.
  4. Syrup: caramel and/or chocolate.
  5. Spices: nutmeg, cinnamon (sticks and ground), and/or pumpkin spice.
  6. Crushed gingersnap cookies or red-hot candies, or cinnamon sugar for rimming glasses (optional)
Dec 6, 2023

How long is homemade eggnog good for? ›

A fresh batch of eggnog can mature for months, or even years. And some say that's a good thing.

What is golden egg nog? ›

Hood Golden Eggnog's blend of extra creamy milk, sugared yolks and spices make it a holiday favorite, whether you drink it straight from the glass or use it in your favorite recipes.

How to jazz up egg nog? ›

Spiced Rum

Speaking of spice, this eggnog addition packs a punch. And one sip will be all the proof you need that rum isn't just for tiki drinks. With flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove taking center stage and a full-bodied creamy texture, spiced rum is a natural BFF for eggnog.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

What does traditional eggnog taste like? ›

It's sweet, rich, and very creamy. Think of a glass of custard or melted vanilla ice cream! But it also has a slightly spiced flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

Is aged eggnog better? ›

Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

What's the difference between holiday nog in eggnog? ›

There's holiday nog made with milk and eggs but can't be called eggnog because of added booze, for example. Same goes for nog made of dairy alternatives, like almond or soy milk. But straight up milk and cream with no eggs—well, that's considered to be poor cousin of the real deal.

Is traditional eggnog hot or cold? ›

Is Eggnog Served Hot or Cold? Eggnog is traditionally served as a punch at parties, and as such, is usually chilled or room temperature. However, warmed eggnog is also a delightful treat. In this case, we say "to each your own!" Enjoy your eggnog however you like it.

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