Homemade Eggnog (Traditional Recipe) - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

Traditional eggnog made with egg yolks, cream, milk, a heavy pour of rum, and thickened with whipped egg whites. Serve it chilled with a dash of nutmeg on top.

Homemade Eggnog (Traditional Recipe) - Homemade Hooplah (1)

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Table of Contents

  • About Homemade Eggnog
  • Does eggnog have raw egg in it?
  • How long will homemade eggnog last?
  • What type of alcohol should you use?
  • Can you make eggnog without the alcohol?
  • More great eggnog recipes
  • How to make homemade eggnog
  • Recipe Details

About Homemade Eggnog

With chilly weather on the way, there are few things better than evenings curled up by a fire with a big glass of eggnog.

And like most holiday treats, homemade eggnog is so much better than store-bought.

Plus, this recipe can also be used in most baked goods, giving you multiple ways to enjoy this classic flavor all holiday season long.

Does eggnog have raw egg in it?

Thisis a traditional eggnog recipe, which means that it does use raw eggs and the eggnog is not cooked or heated.

I know the idea of consuming raw eggs can be a little scary, but fear not! The secret to your safety is in the alcohol. Bacteria (including Salmonella) cannot live in alcohol. And the more alcohol you use, the longer the eggnog will stay fresh in your fridge.

If you’d like to read more about why it’s safe to drink classic eggnog recipes like this one, check out this article: Why You Shouldn’t Fear the Eggnog.

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How long will homemade eggnog last?

When whipping up a batch of eggnog, keep in mind that how much alcohol you use will determine not only the flavor but also how long the eggnog will stay fresh in your refrigerator.

For example, if you use 1/2 cup alcohol, the eggnog should keep for up to three days in a sealed container.

And if you use 1 cup of alcohol or more, the eggnog should keep for a few weeks and even thicken a little over time, giving it a deliciously creamy texture. It’s not uncommon for traditional eggnog like this to be prepared around Thanksgiving and aged until Christmas.

What type of alcohol should you use?

When choosing the type of alcohol to mix in your eggnog, keep the following in mind:

  • Dark rum or brandy are the most common choices for eggnog, but you can also use bourbon or whiskey.
  • High alcohol concentration can help compliment the sweetness of the eggnog.
  • Unless you come across a flavor combination that wows you, avoid too many flavors or infusions. They could mask or even ruin the flavor of the eggnog itself.
  • Don’t worry about splurging on top self booze; it’s usually not worth the money when you’re using the spirit as a mixer. Pick something mid-shelf in a price range that works for you.

Can you make eggnog without the alcohol?

Because this particular recipe does not temper the eggs, I cannot recommend making it without the alcohol. You need the alcohol in order to ensure food safety for the eggnog.

If the alcohol is a concern, try to find an eggnog recipe where the eggs are tempered (slowly heated to 160°F). And if you make an eggnog recipe that doesn’t have alcohol, you can always add a small amount of rum extract (typically anywhere from a teaspoon to a tablespoon) to still have the flavor without the kick.

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Notes & tips for how to make eggnog

  • As stated above, this eggnog recipe is made with raw eggs and alcohol. Unforunately, I don’t have instructions for how to make this recipe without raw eggs, how to temper the eggs, or how to make it without alcohol. Sorry!
  • For the best results, make sure the eggs you use are very fresh. A simple trick I use is to grab an egg carton from the back of the cooler at the grocery store; these are usually fresher than the eggs in the front of the case.
  • Like the glasses that are used in these photos? They’re great for all types of drinks! You can get a set here:Bormioli Rocco Essenza Water Glasses.

More great eggnog recipes

How to make homemade eggnog

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Crack open the eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks into twolarge bowls. Cover the bowl with the egg whites with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until called for in a later step.

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Step 2 – For the bowl with the egg yolks, add the sugar and salt, then whisk until the mixture is creamy and a pale yellow color.

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Step 3 – Add the heavy whipping cream, milk, and rum, then whisk again.

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Step 4 – Cover the bowl and chill for about an hour.

Step 5 – When ready to serve, bring out both bowls (the mixed eggnog and egg whites). For the bowl with the egg whites, use a hand mixer to whip the egg whites until ultra fluffy and stiff peaks form.

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Step 6 – Add the whipped egg whites into the bowl with the eggnog, then gently mix together until it’s nice and creamy.

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Step 7 – Serve with sprinkled nutmeg and enjoy!

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4.82 from 11 votes

Homemade Eggnog

25 minutes mins prep + 1 hour hr Chill TIme

490 kcal

Yields: 6 drinks

Traditional eggnog made with egg yolks, cream, milk, a heavy pour of rum, and thickened with whipped egg whites. Serve it chilled with a dash of nutmeg on top.

Ingredients

US CustomaryMetric

  • 6 large egg, very fresh

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 1 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 1/2 cup rum, or up to 1 cup *

  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg, optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • In two large bowls, crack open eggs and separate the egg whites in one bowl and the egg yolks in another.

  • Cover bowl with egg whites with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until called for in a later recipe step.

  • In the bowl with the egg yolks, add sugar and salt, thenwhiskuntil consistency is smooth and mixture is a pale yellow in color.

  • Pour in heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and rum and whisk until combined.

  • Cover bowl with mixed eggnog with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

  • When ready to serve eggnog, remove both bowls (eggnog and egg whites) from refrigerator.

  • Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 5-8 minutes. Add whipped egg whites to the bowl with the eggnog and gently mix until clumps are mostly gone and eggnog is thick and creamy.

  • Serve eggnog immediately with sprinkled nutmeg on top.

Notes

* For food safety, rum (or other alcohol of your choosing) must be used in this recipe. How much rum you use depends on taste and how long you’d like the eggnog to remain fresh. With 1/2 cup rum, eggnog will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you use 1 cup or more of rum, the eggnog will remain good in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks and will thicken while it ages.

Recipe makes 6 cups of eggnog.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 490kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 274mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 1244IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 1mg

I do my best to provide nutrition information, but please keep in mind that I’m not a certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information discussed or disclosed in this post should only be seen as my best amateur estimates of the correct values.

Author: Chrisy

Homemade Eggnog (Traditional Recipe) - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in eggnog? ›

A traditional holiday drink dating back hundreds of years, eggnog is made with eggs (hence the name), milk, cream, spices like nutmeg and vanilla, and fortified with rum, whisky, and/or brandy.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

What is the traditional alcohol in eggnog? ›

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

How was eggnog originally made? ›

"While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval" British drink called posset, which was made with hot milk that was curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

How long does each type of eggnog last? Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

What are the ingredients in favorite day eggnog? ›

Ingredients: milk, sugar, cream, skim milk, whey, egg yolks, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, carrageenan, spices, salt, gelatin, annatto-turmeric color.

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

“While there are different eggnog recipes, most eggnog will typically contain high amounts of fat from cream and milk, and added sugar for sweetness,” said Cohn. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat every day to support heart health.

What makes eggnog taste better? ›

Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

Why can't you drink a lot of eggnog? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

What type of rum is best for eggnog? ›

If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.

What's the best brandy for eggnog? ›

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

What does the nog mean in eggnog? ›

Some say “nog” comes from “noggin,” meaning a wooden cup, or “grog,” a strong beer. By the late 18th century, the combined term “eggnog” stuck. Eggnog purists argue that those who don't like the Yuletide drink have simply never tasted the real thing.

Who was the first person to drink eggnog? ›

Culinary historians have traced the origins of egg-nog to the medieval British punch called “posset,” warm milk curdled with alcohol such as wine or beer, flavored with spices. In medieval Europe, monks added their own twist by serving posset with figs and eggs.

Why is eggnog only made during Christmas? ›

Why don't dairy manufacturers make eggnog all year long? It doesn't sell. Demand for eggnog follows traditional consumption patterns that date back hundreds of years. The drink was a wintertime favorite of the British aristocracy, who took it warm, mixed with brandy or sherry to prevent spoilage.

Why do Americans drink eggnog? ›

The drink's wintry spices, and the preference for serving it hot, made nog a Yuletide mainstay. As milk, eggs, sugar and rum became more affordable and abundant, eggnog became accessible to everyday Americans. Today, people around the world enjoy it, often putting regional spins on the recipe.

Is eggnog healthy? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Why is eggnog a Christmas drink? ›

In the 1700s, rum from the Caribbean was the American eggnog alcohol of choice. But it was scarce during the revolution, so it was traded out for moonshine. This might explain why it became associated with the Christmas season. It warmed up drinkers in the cold weather, and true eggnog called for expensive liquor.

What makes eggnog different from milk? ›

At its core, eggnog is an emulsion of milk and/or cream, sugar, and, yes, eggs. Unlike in an egg cream—a similar old-timey drink that actually gets its name from the foamy, whipped egg white-like texture achieved by mixing seltzer and dairy fat—the “egg” in eggnog is very, very real.

What's the difference between eggnog and rompope? ›

Even though the kingship between rompope and eggnog is indisputable, there is a slight difference between these two hearty drinks: The traditional eggnog recipe called for whole eggs, whereas rompope just called for egg yolks—hence the very distinctive hues of each drink.

References

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