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Dasher's Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

A homemade eggnog recipe that is not too thick, but still ultra creamy. With just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, Dasher's creamy eggnog drink is perfect for Christmas. Eggnog is equally delicious spiked as non-alcoholic and I'll show you all my tricks in this easy recipe.

 

A glass and a small bottle of eggnog. Glass garnished with cinnamon stick.

 

omemade eggnog is miles better than store bought. And let me just start by saying it is almost as easy as driving to the store and getting a bottle or carton. Using great ingredients like fresh eggs, heavy cream and spices, it's hard not to love this recipe.

 

Because this recipe uses only the egg yolks, you will have leftover egg whites. Egg whites are great to use in Dancer's cherry eggnog pavlova, and bonus - the whipped cream uses 'leftover' eggnog as well! Other great recipes with egg whites are of course salted caramel macarons and peppermint mocha macarons.

 

A glass with homemade eggnog with a cinnamon stick floating on the foam.

 

What ingredients are in eggnog?

 

All eggnog recipes usually include fresh egg yolks, milk and/or heavy cream, sugar and spices. Nutmeg is essential, but also other warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves and vanilla can and should be used.

 

How to thicken eggnog

 

To make a thicker eggnog, opt for more heavy cream than milk, or even just go all in with heavy cream and omitting milk altogether. Using more egg yolks will also thicken the nog, in the past I've used 12 egg yolks in this recipe, but I found it too thick for my liking.

 

Alcohol will also thicken the eggnog in the fridge. Here's some additional info if you've made a too thin eggnog.

 

Pouring homemade eggnog in a small glass.

 

How to add alcohol to making spiked eggnog

 

Spiked eggnog, or eggnog with alcohol, is a delicious Christmas drink. As I've mentioned in other paragraphs, alcohol actually also serves a purpose in eggnog. It serves as a thickener and preservative, which both are great arguments for spiking up the eggnog.

 

Although as a preservative you need to add way more alcohol than what is tasty, in my opinion. The best, tasty ratio is 1 part alcohol to 5 parts eggnog.

 

But that doesn't mean that this recipe needs alcohol - far from it. In fact, all the photos you see here are of non-alcoholic eggnog. Anyway, the best alcohol to add to eggnog is:

 

  • brandy, the classic alcohol for eggnog
  • rum, the other popular alcohol used in eggnog, I use dark!
  • cognac
  • Bourbon

 

But really, whatever floats your boat - I will never judge a vodka eggnog either.

 

Glass and bottle with eggnog. Gold ornaments around on a wooden table.

 

Is homemade eggnog safe?

 

Don't worry about the eggs. In this recipe, we will heat the eggs, and if you want to be extra sure - use a thermometer, eggs are safe to consume when heated up to 160F (71C).

 

Using pasteurized eggs makes this less of an issue, as those eggs are considered safer. I always go for farm-fresh pasteurized eggs. Fresh eggs simply taste better, which will also make a better-tasting eggnog.

 

As I've said before, using raw pasteurized eggs in drinks like whiskey sour and gin fizz is no problem. So there's absolutely nothing to worry about in this recipe either!

 

Ingredients to make the recipe.

 

How long does homemade eggnog last?

 

Eggnog needs to be refrigerated, and when stored correctly it can last for about 2-3 days. Depending on your ingredients, this can vary. I've had homemade eggnog last for over a week in the fridge.

 

You can tell if it has gone bad by the smell. If it has a somewhat sour smell, discard the nog. And also if the color has changed and/or the texture is lumpy, discard it.

 

Using alcohol in the eggnog will make it last longer, as alcohol is a preservative. If you want your eggnog to last more than a few days, it is recommended to use a ratio of two parts dairy to one part liquor.

 

If this is a little too boozy for your taste (me too!), you can thin it out with some extra cream when you serve.

 

Leftover Eggnog Recipes

 

If you're in a rush to use your leftover eggnog, here's what I do with it: Cookies and pavlova.

 

 

As you may have noticed, this list will continue to grow for at least 3 more eggnog recipes in the future (Santa's reindeer are waiting in line). I've got the ideas, but I don't want to spoil the surprise just yet!

 

Christmas Pavlova Dessert with whipped cream and cherry sauce dripping down the sides.

Dancer's Christmas Pavlova with Eggnog Whipped Cream and Cherry Sauce.

 

Dasher's Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

 

This recipe is just so simple! In a large saucepan, add milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla extract (1). Let this mixture come up to a boil or at least 160F (71C) for super safe eggs. Set aside and let the mixture cool a little.

 

Steps to homemade eggnog.

 

Meanwhile, whip eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy with air bubbles (2). I used a handheld mixer for about 5 minutes. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the eggs, through a strainer, while you continue to whip (3). Stir in alcohol of choice, if using. Let the eggnog rest for about 1 hour to overnight in the fridge to let the flavors blend together.

 

Although I always go for 1 tiny glass warm eggnog right out of the batch because I'm impatient and it still tastes amazing. Enjoy! Next, why don't you try my Scandinavian Mulled Wine Recipe - the best ever gløgg!

 

Homemade nog seen from an angle to show the foam on top.

 

Did you like this recipe? Homemade Eggnog is best served with

 

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later! To make sure you’re never missing another recipe, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter. As a thanks you will receive a free e-cookbook Travels Through the Seasons, with many delicious recipes from around the world that suit different seasons of the year. 

 

In order to keep the blog up and running this post may contain affiliate links, it will be at no extra cost to you, please read the disclosure for more information.

 

This recipe was originally published on Dec 27th 2017, but updated on Jan 3rd 2020 for better photos and content.

 

 

📖 Recipe

A glass with homemade eggnog with a cinnamon stick floating on the foam.

Dasher's Creamy Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Yield: 20 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Resting: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Creamy, sweet and smooth eggnog. The perfect Christmas drink!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups milk, 750ml
  • 2 cups heavy cream, 500ml
  • 3 cinnamon sticks, or 1 teaspoon ground
  • 5 whole cloves, or ¼ teaspoon ground
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg + more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 10 fresh egg yolks*, about 200g / 7oz
  • ¾ cup sugar, 170g
  • 1-2 cups dark rum, optional

Instructions

  1. Heat milk mixture: In a large saucepan, add milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Let this mixture come up to a boil or at least 160F (71C) for super safe eggs. Set aside and let the mixture cool a little.
  2. Whip eggs and sugar: Meanwhile, whip egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy with air bubbles. I used a handheld mixer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour milk into eggs: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the eggs while you continue to whip. Stir in alcohol of choice, if using. Let the eggnog rest for about 1 hour to overnight to let the flavors blend together. Strain out the spices before drinking.
  4. How to store: Store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator for 2-3 days(discard when it has a slightly sour smell). 

Notes

* To avoid any risk of salmonella, use fresh pasteurized eggs. Heating eggs up to 160F (71C) also makes them safer. 

Any ratio of milk to heavy cream will work, more heavy cream resulting in a thicker eggnog. Add alcohol to your own liking, non-alcoholic is also delicious but tends to taste sweeter.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: ½ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 116Total Fat: 7.6gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 26mgCarbohydrates: 10.1gFiber: 0.1gProtein: 2.8g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or tag @thegingerwithspice on Instagram, I'd love to see!

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Angela Barthauer

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

The recipe is partially hidden by pop up ads. 😔

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

Hello, Angela! There are ads in the recipe card, but I cannot see that they hide the recipe. Are you still able to see the recipe or do you want me to send you a screenshot of the recipe? I will let my ad company know you had this issue. Thank you for letting me know!

Colleen

Sunday 2nd of December 2018

This eggnog looks very creamy, and I know my husband would love it with a dash of rum

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 4th of December 2018

Thank you! Yes, it already contains rum, but add more to your own liking :)

Sri Mallya

Sunday 2nd of December 2018

Love the presentation and the recipe. Perfect for holiday!

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 4th of December 2018

Thank you!

Alisa Infanti

Sunday 2nd of December 2018

I honestly never knew what egg nog was made of so this was interesting but wondered if there is a reason why you couldn't drink egg nog everyday.... not that I would want to but is there a reason? Your pictures are beautiful

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Sunday 2nd of December 2018

Hello Alisa. No there's no reason for that, just that it's calories and alcohol. And I wouldn't want people to tire of something because they drink it everyday. Just me trying and failing at being funny! I changed up the text a little. :) Thanks for the compliment!

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