Homemade Eggnog

If there’s one drink that instantly feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, fuzzy blanket while your to-do list melts into the background, it’s Homemade Eggnog. And if you’ve only ever tried the store-bought stuff, get ready—you’re about to meet its richer, creamier, unbelievably comforting cousin. The best part? Making Homemade Eggnog at home isn’t nearly as intimidating as it sounds. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for anyone who wants a festive treat without adding stress to the season.

As someone who believes cooking should feel like comfort—not chaos—I’m obsessed with recipes that invite you to slow down without actually demanding much time. And Homemade Eggnog? Oh, it delivers. This dreamy mix of warm spices, silky cream, and just-sweet-enough flavor is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends, curling up with a holiday movie, or recovering from a week that felt like too many tabs open in your brain, this recipe is your moment of pure, creamy joy.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Eggnog

Let’s be honest—December is a whirlwind. School concerts, office potlucks, last-minute gift wrapping…it’s basically a sprint with Mariah Carey cheering you on. That’s exactly why you’ll fall in love with this Homemade Eggnog.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your cozy-season rotation:

• It tastes like the holidays in a cup—warm spices, creamy texture, and that classic eggnog richness.
• It’s simple to make, even if you’re not the “from-scratch” type.
• It’s naturally versatile. Want it thicker? Add cream. Want it lighter? Use 2% milk. Want it spiked? I won’t tell.
• It feels special, even on the busiest days.

And trust me—once you taste this, the store-bought carton won’t stand a chance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple pantry staples to bring Homemade Eggnog to life:

• 2 cups whole milk or 2%
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of ground cloves
• 6 egg yolks, room temperature
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• whipped cream (optional)
• extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

This recipe is all about slow, gentle heat—kind of like how your patience works at 5 p.m. on a Thursday. But don’t worry; the steps are super approachable and easy to follow.

Step 1: Warm the Spices

In a medium saucepan over medium to medium-low heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Keep whisking every few seconds as the mixture warms. You don’t want it to boil—you’re aiming for “almost boiling,” like it’s thinking about bubbling but hasn’t fully committed.

The spices will bloom in the warm milk, creating that signature cozy eggnog aroma. If your kitchen starts smelling like holiday magic, you’re doing it right.

Step 2: Whisk the Yolks and Sugar

In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar. Add the sugar gradually—about 2 tablespoons at a time—whisking well before sprinkling in more.

This step creates that velvety base eggnog is known for. You’ll see the mixture get thicker and paler as you whisk, like it’s softening into something luxurious.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Now we connect the warm milk mixture with the egg yolks.

Using a ladle, slowly add about ⅓ cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolk mixture. Whisk continuously as if you’re trying to keep the eggs relaxed so they don’t scramble. Repeat this step ladle by ladle until about ¾ of the milk mixture has been blended with the eggs.

This slow introduction—called tempering—brings everything to the same temperature without cooking the yolks too quickly. Think of it as warming them up gently instead of throwing them into the deep end.

Step 4: Cook Until Just Thickened

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Return the heat to medium-low and whisk constantly. Use a spoon or spatula to get into the curved edges of the pan—those tight spots love to hide little areas where eggs can stick.

Cook until the mixture reaches 160°F, which is safe for consumption and perfect for thickening. It should lightly coat the back of a spoon but will thicken even more as it cools.

Step 5: Add Vanilla & Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.

Pour the Homemade Eggnog into mugs or glasses, top with whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy, and sprinkle on a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.

You’ve just made a holiday classic—no carton required.

Mounia’s Tips for the Best Homemade Eggnog

After making this recipe more times than I care to admit (some weeks demand dessert in a cup), I’ve picked up a few tricks:

• If your mixture gets too thick, don’t panic. Add a splash of milk and whisk until smooth again. Thick eggnog is basically extra comfort waiting to happen.
• Use freshly grated nutmeg if you can. The flavor is unreal.
• Let it chill if you prefer cold eggnog—just cover and refrigerate for a few hours.
• Make it ahead for parties. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Serve warm for peak coziness. Truly, warm Homemade Eggnog feels like a holiday hug.

One December, during a week where life felt like one giant checklist, this recipe was my little escape. I stirred the pot slowly, watched the spices swirl, and realized that sometimes the simplest kitchen moments bring the biggest sighs of relief. And that’s exactly why I adore sharing recipes like this—the kind that feed your soul as much as your sweet tooth.

FAQ: Your Homemade Eggnog Questions Answered

Bring the Holiday Magic Home

Homemade Eggnog isn’t just a seasonal drink—it’s a moment. A pause. A reminder that even during our busiest months, small rituals can bring so much comfort. Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, sharing it with family, or sipping it solo while the world buzzes around you, this recipe brings warmth with every sip.

So go ahead—whisk up a batch of Homemade Eggnog, breathe in that cozy spice aroma, and enjoy a cup of holiday cheer made right in your own kitchen. You deserve it.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re already feeling the holiday magic from this Homemade Eggnog, you’re going to adore a few of my other cozy-season favorites. They’re perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you need a little extra cheer in your kitchen:

• Sip on something sparkly and fun with this frosty Midnight Frost Christmas Punch—it’s a party in a pitcher!
• Want a sweet treat that looks just as festive as it tastes? These adorable Christmas Tree Cakes always bring smiles.
• If you love creamy desserts, this dreamy White Chocolate Peppermint Pie is the kind of dessert people will talk about all season.
• And for a quick, delicious snack everyone grabs first, try these warm, cheesy Rotel Sausage Balls—they’re perfect for holiday munching.

If you make this Homemade Eggnog, I’d truly love to hear what you think. Don’t forget to leave a star rating and a quick review—your feedback means so much and helps others enjoy it too! ⭐️

Homemade Eggnog

---

• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Eggnog is creamy, smooth, and filled with warm holiday spices. Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect festive drink for cozy nights, family gatherings, or Christmas morning brunch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups whole milk or 2%

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• pinch of ground cloves

• 6 egg yolks, room temperature

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• whipped cream (optional)

• extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium to medium-low heat, whisk together the milk, cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat until almost boiling, whisking often.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar, adding the sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until thick and well combined.

3. Slowly ladle about ⅓ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Repeat until about ¾ of the milk mixture is incorporated.

4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook on medium-low, whisking constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F and lightly thickens.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.

6. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Notes

If the mixture becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it.

Chill for 2–3 hours for a colder, thicker eggnog.

Fresh nutmeg gives the best flavor.

Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 2–3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Drinks / Holiday
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg