How To Make Homemade Eggnog + Recipe

8 servings
4 hr 20 min

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Homemade eggnog is simple to make and is tastier than it’s store-bought companions. This non-alcoholic eggnog recipe is not too thick but rich and sweet in flavor. It’s a must-make holiday favorite!

In this post, we will discuss what’s in eggnog, what alcohol can be added, does eggnog have raw eggs and what is the best homemade eggnog recipe!

How To Make Homemade Eggnog + Recipe | Gathered In The Kitchen

As silly as it seems, I had no idea that you could make eggnog at home. Some things just seem like they can only be store bought and not made at home…like Oreos for instance! I mean, have you ever heard of someone making an Oreo? Well, this is how I felt with eggnog!

As we enter into the most wonderful time of the year….where we fill our bellies with delicious holiday food and drink! I’m busy making recipes that have been passed down through both my family and my husband’s family through the generations. My grandma’s Gingerbread Boy Cookies and my husband’s grandma’s German Fruit Cake are some of our favorites holiday traditions.

But with all those delicious baked goods, you need something to wash them down! That’s where homemade eggnog comes in! …and guess what? You can make it at home!

homemade eggnog in glass with cinnamon stick on christmas themed platter

Truth be told, I never liked eggnog growing up because it was always store-bought and super super thick … like overly thick. One Christmas, when my hubby and I were dating, his mom made homemade eggnog and in an attempt to not be rude, I tried it. To my surprise, I actually liked it and to this day it’s my favorite eggnog out there!

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s take deep dive into what eggnog is and ways you can spice it up!


What’s In Eggnog?


Eggnog is made up of very few ingredients, making it an easy recipe to make at home! Just milk, eggs, sugar vanilla extract and a little salt.

How To Make Homemade Eggnog | Gathered In The Kitchen
What Alcohol Can You Add To Eggnog?


Brandy is often the alcohol of choice added to homemade or store-bought eggnog. If Brandy isn’t your preferred choice, you can add dark rum, Cognac or bourbon. There really is no right or wrong, add whichever type of alcohol you prefer.


Non-Alcoholic Eggnog


This recipe is non-alcoholic egg nog! I personally do not like alcohol in eggnog, however, my husband on the other hand likes it. To spike your homemade eggnog, pour a small amount of one of the above alcohols into your mug before adding your homemade eggnog.


Does Eggnog Have Raw Eggs?


No! While some recipes may possibly have raw eggs, my recipe does not. The eggs in this recipe are first separated by egg yolks and whites. Next, the egg yolks are added to the milk and sugar mixture that is fully cooked on the stove.

brown eggs in an antique wire basket sitting on marble counter | Gathered In The Kitchen
How Long Does It Take To Make Eggnog?


While the process of actually making eggnog takes about 1 hour, it’s best to let the eggnog chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. If possible, make the day before you wish to serve the eggnog.


How To Avoid Egg Chunks


Let me tell you, there is NOTHING worse than getting a chuck of egg in your eggnog drink. It’s literally like drinking scrambled eggs. Let me share my trick to avoid this mishap when making homemade eggnog! Before placing the eggnog into an air-tight container

to store in the refrigerator, pour it through a fine mesh strainer. Cheesecloth would also work, but that’s messy. Fine mesh strainers can be found at Walmart, so add one to your grocery pickup order!


How To Store Homemade Eggnog


Once you’ve made a batch of eggnog, it needs to be refrigerated. Store eggnog in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Eggnog can keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. So, once the eggnog has cooled, drink up! I like to store my eggnog in these glass pitchers because it looks so cute!


Let’s Make Homemade Eggnog Together!


In this video I show you how I make non-alcoholic eggnog at home!

YouTube video
The Best Homemade Eggnog Recipe


As mentioned, this recipe has been handed down three generations on my husband’s side of the family. This non-alcoholic homemade eggnog is simply delightful and delicious! …delicious enough that even the kids like it!


More Delicious Holiday Recipes!


Christmas Morning Breakfast Casserole

German Fruit Cake

Christmas Morning Cocktail, non-alcoholic

Orange Slice Cake

Red Velvet Christmas Crinkle Cookies

M&M Kissed Pretzels

Snowball Cookies aka Mexican Wedding Cookies

Gingerbread Boy Cookies

How To Make Homemade Eggnog + Recipe
Recipe details
  • 8  servings
  • Prep time: 4 Hours Cook time: 20 Minutes Total time: 4 hr 20 min
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Ingredients

  • 1/3 c sugar
  • 2 eggs, separate yolk and whites
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 4 c milk
  • 3 tbs sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 c whipping cream, optional
  • ground nutmeg for sprinkling, optional
Instructions

Separate egg yolks and whites into separate bowls
Beat sugar into egg yolks
Add salt; stir in milk
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly till mixture coats spoon
Let cool
Beat egg whites in separate bowl until till foamy
Gradually add 3 Tablespoons sugar, beating to soft peaks
Add to custard and mix thoroughly
Add vanilla and stir
Pour eggnog through a fine mesh strainer to remove any egg chunks
Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator to cool (about 4 hours) before serving
Optional Additions
Add alcohol of choice before serving
Serve topped with whipped cream and nutmeg, optional
Gathered In The Kitchen
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Comments
  • Veronica Veronica on Jan 01, 2023

    Can this eggnog be used in recipescalling for eggnog instead of commercial eggnog? It would mean I could make my Cherry Eggnog bread year around!

  • Rne11827603 Rne11827603 on Jan 04, 2023

    are egg whites safe to eat without cooking?

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