Classic Eggnog Recipe (2024)

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Classic homemade eggnog - the perfect festive drink! Cooked and uncooked versions of this simple recipe and the option to make it spiked for the grown ups!

This post was originally published in December 2015 – it has been retested, rephotographed, rewritten, and republished (to make it better for you!) in November 2020.

Classic Eggnog Recipe (1)

Saturday was our end of year dance show. It was a whole week of dancing every night after work plus late night rehearsals Thursday and Friday and then the 2 shows on Saturday, so bySunday I was well & truly tuckered out. Especially considering the dressing room FULL of teenage girls I was in! Phew! But after a big sleep in, cookies for breakfast, redecorating the tree because it fell over, catching up on a week's worth of advent calendar chocolate, cookies for lunch and then 1 glass of substantially spiked eggnog (it was the afternoon) I was feeling pretty festive!

I had never even heard of eggnog until a few years ago. I had it at a Christmas party we went to when we stayed with my Aunty & Uncle who live in the US and it was a life-changing moment. Since then, eggnog has been compulsory on Christmas Eve.It is just plain delicious. Creamy, spicy, boozy & somehow refreshing. The perfect drink for family time.

Classic Eggnog Recipe (2)

Are the eggs raw?

The eggnog version I usually make is uncooked, so worth keeping in mind if you are sensitive to uncooked eggs, although both my kids drink this with no problems and I have also had it while pregnant (just obviously without the booze!) I use the eggs that our clever chooks lay so I know that they are fresh, but if you would prefer to cook it, the instructions are in the recipe card.

Ig eggnog alcoholic?

Yes! Eggnog usually contains rum or bourbon but it is also easy enough to make this non-alcoholic...just leave it out! My kids both love this as a milkshake type drink!

I usually use dark rum in my eggnog but you can substitute bourbon for rum if you would prefer and after talking to a friend, we decided that vanilla vodka wouldn't be a bad idea either!

The recipe can easily be halved for a small crowd or doubled for a party and if you have leftovers you have to try these Eggnog Snickerdoodles or simply put it in an ice cream churner (or just in a freezer proof container) for the best eggnog ice cream!

Recipe adapted slightly from Alton Brown

Classic Eggnog Recipe (3)

Classic Eggnog Recipe (4)

Eggnog

Recipe for classic homemade eggnog - the perfect festive drink! Cooked and uncooked versions and the option to spike for the grown ups!

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Chilling time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Author: Laura

Ingredients

  • 4 egg whites
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup + 1 Tablespoon white sugar (divided)
  • 500 ml milk
  • 250 ml cream
  • 120 ml dark rum (can be left out)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or using a hand mixer whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Leaving the mixer running, gradually add 1 Tablespoon of sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form. Transfer to another bowl if you need to use the stand mixer bowl for the next step.

  • Using the stand mixer, whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add ¼ cup sugar and continue to whisk until it is completely dissolved.

  • Stir in the milk, cream, nutmeg and rum (if using).

  • Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve.

Cooked eggnog

  • Whisk the egg yolks until they lighten in color. Gradually add ¼ cup sugar and continue to whisk until it is completely dissolved.

  • Add the milk, cream and nutmeg to a medium sized pot and stir to combine. Bring almost to the boil, stirring occasionally. Temper the eggs by pouring ½ cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture and whisking together. Do this another 2 times (adding a total of 1.5 cups of liquid to the eggs) and then pour the egg mixture back into the pot. Cook for a couple more minutes, remove from the heat, add the rum (if using) and transfer to a jug or mixing bowl and chill in the fridge.

  • Whisk the egg white until soft peaks form. Leaving the mixer running, gradually add 1 Tablespoon of sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form. Fold into the chilled mixture and serve!

  • This recipe can easily be halved for a small crowd, or doubled for a party!

Nutrition

Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 293mg | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 280mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1380IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 205mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Classic Eggnog Recipe (6)Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says

    Mum always used to make eggnog (minus the rum) on Christmas Eve for us. It's definitely a tradition I want to start up again. Pinning your recipe for next week! Thank you so much for all of your support of Fabulous Foodie Fridays throughout the year. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years! xx

    Reply

    • Classic Eggnog Recipe (7)Laura says

      It has become a tradition at our house too! Still good minus the rum but it really takes it over the top! Thanks for hosting all year, it's been the best thing! Have a great Christmas! xx

      Reply

  2. Classic Eggnog Recipe (8)Michele @ Alwayzbakin says

    We love eggnog at my house. I've never thought of making it myself. I HAVE to try this! Eggnog tends to be expensive as well, so double bonus to make it!

    Reply

    • Classic Eggnog Recipe (9)Laura says

      We can't buy it here in NZ so I have to make it!! It's so delicious you should definitely try it! 🙂

      Reply

  3. Classic Eggnog Recipe (10)Lisa @ Chocolate Meets Strawberry says

    Oooh, eggnog, yum! You had me at rum! I'm really not a fan of alcohol (not sure why, not even wine really) but ALWAYS have a place in my kitchen for rum...often in the form of rum balls. So I'm thinking that adding eggnog to my list of rummy favourites would be a GREAT idea! 🙂

    Reply

    • Classic Eggnog Recipe (11)Laura says

      Oooo I loooove rum balls!! Rum is probably the most used spirit in our house too, and usually in the kitchen! You will love this eggnog!

      Reply

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Classic Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is George Washington's recipe for eggnog? ›

“One-quart cream, one-quart milk, one dozen tablespoons sugar, one-pint brandy, ½ pint rye whiskey, ½ pint Jamaica rum, ¼ pint sherry – mix liquor first, then separate yolks and whites of 12 eggs, add sugar to beaten yolks, mix well. Add milk and cream, slowly beating.

What is the difference between old-fashioned and classic 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. Top it off with freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon sticks.

What is the ratio for eggnog? ›

Here's your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.

How do you make eggnog in 1859? ›

From 'The Philosophy of Housekeeping' By Joseph Bardwell Lyman, 1859. Egg Nog. — Teaspoonful of sugar well beaten with an egg; add a gill of milk, and then, by degrees, one or two tablespoonfuls of good French brandy; spice with grated nutmeg.

What was the original eggnog made of? ›

"While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval" British drink called posset, which was made with hot milk that was curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices.

What is traditional eggnog made of? ›

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

What's the best alcohol for eggnog? ›

For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog. Try at least two styles of whiskey. Remember that whiskeys vary greatly from one style to the next and even within each style.

What makes eggnog better? ›

Low calorie flavorings like orange zest, vanilla and cinnamon can also give your homemade eggnog a boost. Bottom Line: Make your own eggnog so you can control the quality and the amount of the ingredients – especially the high calorie ones.

What is Southern Comfort eggnog? ›

Southern Comfort Eggnog is a delicious treat that will liven up any holiday party. This rich & creamy eggnog is perfect when served in a glass or when used in your favorite recipes. Deliciously Rich and Creamy Taste. Made with High Quality Milk and Cream. Ultra-Pasteurized.

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 kind of rum do you use 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.

Why is my homemade eggnog thin? ›

This one is pretty easy and there's no fuss at all. If it's too thick, add more milk and heavy cream. If it's too thin, you can dissolve about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in cold milk, add it to the mixture over the stove, and stir until it thickens to your liking.

Why is aged eggnog better? ›

The idea? 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.

Why is eggnog only sold once a year? ›

Why don't dairy manufacturers make eggnog all year long? It doesn't sell. Demand for eggnog follows traditional consumption patterns that date back hundreds of years.

What changed to make eggnog a popular holiday drink by the 1700s? ›

By the time the recipe finally made its way across the Atlantic to colonial America, it became very popular thanks to the widespread availability of eggs, milk, and cheap spirits. Caribbean rum and homemade moonshine were often used as substitutes for brandy and wine, which were heavily taxed.

What are the ingredients in favorite day eggnog? ›

Ingredients: milk, sugar, cream, skim milk, whey, egg yolks, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, carrageenan, spices, salt, gelatin, annatto-turmeric color.

Who was the first person to make eggnog? ›

Origins. While no one knows who invented eggnog, most historians and foodies generally agree eggnog originated in medieval Britain. The upper classes were the only ones to have access to the milk, sherry, and eggs required to make the first version of eggnog, so it began as an exclusive beverage.

What is the best alcohol for eggnog? ›

Traditionally, it should be rum. I'd do bourbon because I love bourbon and I think bourbon goes well with the flavors of eggnog. Brandy also works quite well. There's always vodka if you're looking for a 'cleaner' flavor.

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