If you’ve ever wanted to capture the cozy magic of holiday drinks at home, then you’re in for a real treat with this Homemade Eggnog Recipe. I promise, once you try this silky, spiced, creamy goodness, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those pre-made cartons at the store. It’s rich without being heavy, perfectly balanced with warm spices, and yes, you can definitely add that splash of rum for that classic festive kick. Trust me, this is a fan-freaking-tastic recipe that gets rave reviews every time I make it for friends or family.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Texture: The combination of whole milk and heavy cream gives the eggnog a perfectly smooth and luscious mouthfeel.
Balanced Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg, plus whole cloves, infuse the drink with warm and inviting holiday flavors.
Tempering Technique: Slowly whisking hot milk into egg yolks avoids scrambling and creates a silky custard base.
Flexible Spirit Option: Adding spiced rum or bourbon is totally optional, letting you control the boozy level to your liking.

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, easy eggnog at home - A clear glass mug filled with a thick, light brown creamy drink, topped with a dusting of brown spice powder, a whole cinnamon stick placed vertically on the left side, and a dark brown star anise resting near the top right edge of the drink. The mug has a clear handle on the right side and sits on a white marbled surface with a floating star anise and whole nutmeg along with cinnamon sticks spread around it. Near the top right corner, there is a second glass filled with a similar drink topped with brown spice powder. The scene includes small silver bells to the sides, giving a cozy, festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this homemade eggnog recipe plays an important role in creating that nostalgic, comforting flavor we all crave. Plus, I love sharing tips so you get the best out of your shopping and kitchen prep.

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, easy eggnog at home - Flat lay of whole milk in a small white ceramic bowl, whole cloves scattered beside it, a small white bowl filled with ground cinnamon, another small white bowl with ground nutmeg, six whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, granulated sugar in a small white bowl, heavy cream in a small white ceramic bowl, a vanilla bean pod placed next to a small white bowl with vanilla extract, and a small white bowl containing spiced rum, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Provides a rich base that’s creamy but still light enough to balance with the heavy cream.
Whole cloves: Whole spices like cloves release a deeper aroma during heating than pre-ground versions.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of the warm spice profile that pairs perfectly with nutmeg and vanilla.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet, nutty depth that’s classic in eggnog.
Egg yolks: Create the custard consistency that makes eggnog so silky and indulgent.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens all those bold flavors without overpowering.
Heavy cream: Boosts richness and gives the drink that luxurious, creamy finish.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and brightness that balances the spices.
Spiced rum or bourbon (optional): Offers that traditional boozy note, but you can go alcohol-free easily by skipping it.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this homemade eggnog recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the spices, swap the alcohol, or play around with dairy options to suit your taste or dietary needs. Let me tell you about a few ways I’ve enjoyed tweaking this recipe to keep it fresh and exciting.

Variation: One year, I skipped the rum and instead added a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist — it was totally unexpected and delicious.
Dairy swap: I’ve used half-and-half instead of heavy cream when I wanted a slightly lighter version, and it worked well.
Spice adjustments: For a bit more warmth, I increased cinnamon by half a teaspoon once — just make sure not to overpower the delicate custard base.
Alcohol-free: Simply omit the spiced rum or bourbon, and you’ll have a festive, kid-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Milk and Spices

Start by gently heating the whole milk on low-medium heat with the whole cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I like to give the spices enough time to release their scent without rushing to a boil — slow and steady wins here. When you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges, that’s your cue it’s ready for the next step. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep things smooth and prevent scorch spots on the bottom.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat your egg yolks with the sugar until they turn light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes if you’re whisking by hand or with an electric mixer. The change in color and volume is your sign that the sugar is well integrated, and your eggs are ready to be tempered.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs Carefully

This step is critical—slowly add just a little of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling, which can happen if you add hot liquid too fast. Gradually work in the rest of the milk, and then transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan. It takes a bit of patience, but it’s worth it!

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Return the mix to medium heat and stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—think rich custard, not pudding. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil; you just want it to thicken gently. Then, strain out the cloves and let the mixture cool for about an hour.

Step 5: Add Cream, Vanilla, and Optional Spirits

Once the base has cooled, whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling festive, the spiced rum or bourbon. This combination is what transforms the eggnog into the luxurious, festive drink we all love. Then, place your eggnog in the fridge to chill for at least three hours or overnight.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Tempering Patience: If you rush adding hot milk to the eggs, you’ll get lumps—so take your time and whisk steadily!
Spice Quality Matters: Fresh ground cinnamon and nutmeg really make a difference in flavor depth.
Straining Step: Don’t skip straining out the cloves—it keeps the texture smooth and avoids surprise bites.
Chill Overnight: Making this a day ahead always gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Homemade Eggnog, festive eggnog recipe, holiday eggnog, creamy spiced eggnog, easy eggnog at home - Two clear glass mugs filled with a creamy light brown drink, each topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The mug in front has a cinnamon stick standing upright and a dark brown star anise floating on the surface, while the mug behind has only the star anise on top. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface scattered with more star anise and nutmeg, with silver jingle bells and tied twigs adding a cozy, festive touch around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping each glass with freshly grated nutmeg and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon—that little pop of spice aroma right at the surface is unbeatable. Sometimes, I add a cinnamon stick to stir the drink, which also doubles as a charming edible garnish. For festive parties, a few star anise pods floating on top always earn compliments.

Side Dishes

This homemade eggnog pairs perfectly with holiday favorites like gingerbread cookies or sugar-dusted snickerdoodles. I also enjoy serving it alongside buttery shortbread or even a cheese platter with mild cheeses for a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love to serve the eggnog in vintage glass mugs or coupe glasses, garnished with edible gold dust or a sugared cranberry on the rim. It really adds a festive sparkle to the table and makes guests feel special. You could even layer in some whipped cream just before serving for that ultra-decadent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover eggnog in a sealed glass jar or airtight container in the fridge. Shake it well before pouring because some creaminess settles at the bottom. Although it tastes best fresh, homemade eggnog will keep beautifully for 2-3 days. Just make sure to smell and check texture before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing eggnog is tricky because the dairy can separate when thawed, which impacts texture and flavor. I’ve tried it once by freezing in ice cube trays to add to coffee later, and it worked okay for small amounts but I wouldn’t recommend freezing large batches if you want that silky mouthfeel.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy warmed eggnog, do it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling to keep the custard base smooth and to prevent curdling. Warmed eggnog is especially comforting on chilly evenings and works beautifully with a cinnamon stick stir.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just leave out the spiced rum or bourbon, and you’ll still have a rich, creamy, and flavorful eggnog that everyone can enjoy. The alcohol is optional and doesn’t affect the core custard flavor.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This homemade eggnog recipe uses a cooking technique called tempering combined with cooking the egg and milk mixture to a safe temperature, so you don’t have to worry about raw eggs. Just make sure to follow the steps carefully to avoid any curdling or scrambling.
How long does homemade eggnog keep in the fridge?

Store your eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Always give it a good shake before serving again since ingredients may settle at the bottom.
Can I prepare this eggnog recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead improves the flavor by letting the spices and cream meld together beautifully. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat eggnog?

Reheat it slowly over low heat, stirring constantly but never letting it boil, to keep it smooth and avoid curdling. Warm eggnog is a comforting treat during cold nights.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Homemade Eggnog Recipe with you feels like passing along a little holiday cheer from my kitchen to yours. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for celebrations. I love how it fills the house with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg and brings everyone together for a cozy sip. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make this your own festive tradition. Here’s to homemade goodness in every glass!