Discover the joy of Homemade Eggnog. This eggnog is effortlessly delightful, luxuriously thick, and creamy, enhanced with a warm whisper of nutmeg. One taste, and you’ll forget store-bought eggnog ever existed!
There’s a little something magical about homemade eggnog. It’s the creamy concoction that slides down your throat with a velvety caress, leaving a trail of sweetness tinged with a subtle kick of nutmeg. Making it at home is like bottling up the essence of the holidays; it’s crafting a tradition from scratch, with the power to turn even the chilliest of evenings into a warm gathering of friends and family.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Drink
- Homemade eggnog allows for personalization in flavor, from the choice of spices to the level of sweetness and the option to add alcohol.
- It’s a cherished holiday treat, evoking nostalgia and contributing to the warm, festive atmosphere of the season, just like my homemade Eggnog Ice Cream recipe.
- The homemade eggnog version often boasts a richer, creamier texture than store-bought varieties.
- Preparing egg nog at home can be a delightful and engaging activity, perfect for family bonding, and the joy of sharing a homemade treat.
- Homemade eggnog versions eliminate artificial preservatives and additives found in store-bought eggnog. This allows the eggnog to be healthier, fresher, and often more organic.
Recipe Ingredients
- Egg Yolks: Essential for the rich, creamy base of the eggnog.
- Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and balances the flavors.
- Whole Milk: Provides the liquid base and contributes to the eggnog’s smooth texture.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the eggnog.
- Nutmeg: A key spice that gives eggnog its distinctive, festive flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Adult Version: Add a splash of brandy, rum, bourbon, or whiskey for a rich, warming flavor. Adding alcohol also acts as a preservative.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with whipped cream on top before adding a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Vanilla Extract Addition: Enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon vanilla extract to the egg mixture, complementing the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Cloves for Spice: Introduce ground cloves to the spice mix for a deeper, aromatic flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup Sweetener: Substitute sugar with maple syrup for a distinct, rich sweetness and a touch of natural flavor.
How to Make Homemade Eggnog
Step #1: Attach the KitchenAid® Precise Heat Mixing Bowl to your Stand Mixer. Use the whisk attachment to cream together the egg yolks and sugar until light in color.
Step #2: With the Stand Mixer turned off, pour in the milk and cream. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and cinnamon.
Step #3: Preheat the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl to 160°F (71°C) and turn the Stand Mixer speed to “stir.” Allow the Stand Mixer’s whisk attachment to continue stirring the mixture until the temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). Turn off the Stand Mixer, lower the bowl stand, and remove the whisk attachment.
Step #4: Carefully remove the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl from the stand and use the lid to cover the bowl.
Step #5: Keep the bowl covered, except to stir occasionally, until the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl reaches 160°F (71°C). Turn off the heat and transfer the contents to a room-temperature container. Refrigerate the container until cool.
Step #6: For a frothy version, use your Stand Mixer to whip the egg whites into soft peaks, then gently mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Step #7: With the pouring shield attached to the bowl, turn the Stand Mixer speed to “stir” and slowly pour the chilled eggnog into the whipped egg whites. Mix until the whites are well incorporated into the nog.
Step #8: Serve the eggnog with a sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg on top and optional brandy, rum, bourbon, or whiskey for the adults.
Expert Tips
- Strain for Smoothness: Strain the mixture to remove any cooked egg bits for a silky texture.
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste; some like it sweeter, others prefer it less sweet.
- Temper Eggs: Gradually add hot milk to beaten eggs to prevent curdling.
- Use Freshly Whipped Egg Whites: For a frothy version, whip egg whites and fold them into the eggnog.
- Separate Eggs Carefully: Separate egg whites and yolks carefully to avoid any yolk in the whites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s kid-friendly if made without alcohol and cooking the egg mixture properly.
Traditional eggnog recipe requires eggs, but there are egg-free versions available.
Yes, but it’s optional. Common types of alcohol include rum, brandy, whiskey, or bourbon are common choices.
When making eggnog, it’s crucial to cook the egg mixture to 160°F (71°C) to eliminate the risk of salmonella, a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. This step ensures the eggs are safe to consume. Avoid using raw eggs, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and young children.
Storage Info
Store homemade eggnog in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for 2-5 days; alcohol can slightly extend its shelf life. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen. Frozen eggnog can last for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before use and give it a good stir or shake to recombine any separated ingredients.
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Homemade Eggnog Recipe
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Ingredients
- 8 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sugar + 2 tablespoons*
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg - freshly ground is best
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 egg whites*
- *For optional egg white addition - if using.
Instructions
- Attach the KitchenAid® Precise Heat Mixing Bowl to your Stand Mixer. Use the whisk attachment to cream together the egg yolks and sugar until light in color.
- With the Stand Mixer turned off, pour in the milk and cream. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Preheat the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl to 160°F (71°C) and turn the Stand Mixer speed to "stir." Allow the Stand Mixer's whisk attachment to continue stirring the mixture until the temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). Turn off the Stand Mixer, lower the bowl stand, and remove the whisk attachment.
- Carefully remove the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl from the stand and use the lid to cover the bowl.
- Keep the bowl covered, except to stir occasionally, until the Precise Heat Mixing Bowl reaches 160°F (71°C). Turn off the heat and transfer the contents to a room-temperature container. Refrigerate the container until cool.
- For a frothy version, use your Stand Mixer to whip the egg whites into soft peaks, then gently mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- With the pouring shield attached to the bowl, turn the Stand Mixer speed to “stir” and slowly pour the chilled eggnog into the whipped egg whites. Mix until the whites are well incorporated into the nog.
- Serve the eggnog with a sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg on top and optional brandy, rum, bourbon or whiskey for the adults.
NOTES
Nutrition
I was the same way as a kid, had a really bad “gag” effect to the texture of eggnog. Now that I’m older, and can start blending alcohol in with my eggnog, I’ve really enjoyed drinking it with rum and complimenting it with ground cinnamon. Who thinks this recipe for a candle that I found would be a fun family event to do this holiday season? https://www.naturesgardencandles.com/eggnog-candle-recipe