By Karen 29 Comments
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If you are looking for the best homemade eggnog without alcohol, look no further. I have tested my way through the most popular tasty eggnog recipes on the internet and developed the PERFECT recipe for you to sip by the fire this holiday season.
I have a confession. I didn't try eggnog up until a few years ago because let's be honest...a drink made of eggs just didn't sound appetizing to me. But let me tell you, when my best friend (who has my highest foodie respect) told me she thinks about it all year round. I knew it was time to try a sip. The rest is history. I fell in love with the comforting and creamy texture and the sweet rich spices and now it is a seasonal tradition at our house!
After spending the last few years sampling various brands of store-bought egg nog, I decided to start experimenting with making it at home. As with most things, store bought doesn't even compare to the taste of homemade nog. If you give it a try, I KNOW you will agree and you will find it's easier than you think. But first, let's talk about what eggnog actually is.
What is Eggnog made from?
- eggs
- milk
- vanilla
- nutmeg
- sugar
- heavy cream
- salt
How To Make Eggnog From Scratch
You are going to start by warming some milk and vanilla on the stove in a medium sauce pan. While the vanilla infused milk is warming, you've got some work to do...
The secret to making perfect eggnog from scratch is all in the prepping of the eggs. You are going to beat the eggs and egg whites with the sugar, nutmeg and salt for a good five minutes. So turn on your favorite song, set a timer and be patient because this is a step you can't skip!
Next, you pour the egg mixture into the warm milk and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 degrees. At that point, you add in the heavy cream and strain the eggnog in a fine mesh strainer. Because you were whisking the entire time, you should have prevented any egg clumps, but straining it will help prevent an unseen lumps from making it into your glass.
How do you thicken eggnog?
If you follow directions exactly, you shouldn't have to thicken your nog. However, if for whatever reason you do find your eggnog a bit runny try adding another beaten egg white or two and continue to cook it. Keep in mind, your eggnog will thicken quite a bit as it sits in the fridge.
Homemade Eggnog without Alcohol
This recipe is alcohol free! Which means the entire family can enjoy it. My kids LOVE curling up with a cold glass of it by the fire. Just a small amount goes a long way and it's the perfect treat to end a winter day.
While this is a family friendly recipe, many people like to add alcohol to their nog.
What kind of alcohol goes in eggnog?
Brandy is the traditional choice if you want to turn this recipe into an adult treat. You could also add Rum, Bourbon or Cognac. Check out this classic recipe with the addition of Brandy.
Eggnog Recipe
The best easy homemade egg nog recipe made with eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg and heavy cream.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Karen
Equipment
Saucepan, Thermometer
Ingredients
- 3 cups Whole Milk
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 Eggs
- 3 Egg Yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 160z heavy cream
Instructions
In a small saucepan over medium low heat, whisk together the milk and vanilla until mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar, nutmeg and salt for 5 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become slightly frothy.
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the vanilla and milk, whisking constantly to incorporate.
Return pan to medium low heat and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes, or until temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until well combined. If desired, you can pour the mixture through a strainer to ensure there are no lumps.
Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
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Is Eggnog a part of your holiday family traditions? Have you ever made your own at home? Let me know in the comments.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Brittany says
This looks so yummy!
admin says
Thank you so much Brittany! You are going to love it!
Rae says
Oh, I can’t wait to try this recipe. I used to make eggnog in the blender years ago but stopped. This recipe sounds so much richer. Yummy!
Joanne says
I will have to serve this with my Christmas cookies 🍪!
Joy says
This looks so yummy! I could easily use this recipe to make a keto version for my family! Love the pictures - I am craving egg nog now 😉
Mrs. P&P says
I love egg nog, but I don't love the cost or the limited availability. I didn't realize it was this easy to make at home! This might be dangerous news for my waistline...
Gillian says
Sounds great. Eggnog is not something we drink at Christmas in Australia given the weather but I always thought it sounded yummy!
admin says
Thank you for checking it out, Gillian. I am so interested to learn about holiday traditions in Australia!
admin says
You're telling me! Thanks for the comment 🙂
admin says
Ooooh A Keto version would be great- I may have to work on one...thanks Joy!
admin says
Santa LOVES egg nog, too 🙂 Thanks for checking us out Joann!
admin says
Its so rich and super yummy. Come back and tell me what you think once you try it 🙂
Kelli says
This is a great idea for family gatherings this holiday season.
Jeanne Cameron says
Oh my, this post brought back some really old memories for me. When I was 13, my Great-grandfather was 95 and still living on his own in the old family farmhouse. That year, around the Christmas holidays, I ended up spending a lot of time with him at his place. I would go there on Friday night and stay until Sunday night. I would use this time to help him clean his house, I would bake some cookies and listen to all his stories once again. I loved hearing about the "good old days", no matter how often the repeats. During these visits, Papa would make sure he was up before me to stoke the coal furnace and light the coal stove. That way the place would be warm for me when I got up. I remember that he made me a glass of eggnog for breakfast each day. It wasn't as developed as your recipe, having been made out of whole milk, eggs and sugar then mixed by hand with manual mixer that you had to turn the crank on. I loved those eggnog mornings with Papa. Shortly after that, he had a turn in health and had to move in with his daughter, my grandmother. But I still cherish those moments. I think I will take some time right around the holidays to whip up a batch of your eggnog and toast to my Papa!Alexandra says
Such a favourite and festive drink - love enjoying egg nog!admin says
Thank you! It is one of my favorites, too!
admin says
Oh this is such a sweet story, thank you so much for sharing this memory Jeanne! Egg nog holds special memories for so many people and I am so glad that you had these moments with him!
admin says
Yes! So much better than store bought, too!
Lizet Bowen says
I've never made eggnog before, but I really like the flavor. Will share it with all my expat friends!Lisa Killian says
Yum! I need to try this asap!admin says
Thanks, Lisa - you will love it!
admin says
It's so easy! Give it a try, you will love it 🙂
Lizet Bowen says
This is a great recipe for us living outside the US. We miss being able to just buy it. I can't wait to share it with my ex-pat friends!Alexandra says
I made this last year, and saved the recipe so I could make it again for the festive season this year. It is so delicious - a family favourite for sure. My Mum and I enjoyed it whilst we were putting the Christmas tree up!Michele Peterson says
Surprisingly easy to make and so much better than store-bought!Christina says
This was so delicious! I can't wait to make this all holiday season long!Gail says
Hi, I want to try this recipe, how long will the eggnog last in the fridge for?
Trey says
I made 2 batches worth of this with 1 cup of really good brandy
Karen says
Sounds delicious- brandy is always a win! So glad you loved it!
