Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2024)

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This easy Homemade Eggnog is extra thick and creamy with the perfect amount of spices and sweetness. One sip of this old fashioned eggnog and I promise you will never buy store-bought eggnog again!

Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (1)

Table of Contents

  • A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe
  • What is Eggnog Made Of?
  • How to Make Eggnog
  • Can You Make Eggnog Ahead?
  • Is Eggnog Non-Alcoholic?
  • What Does Homemade Eggnog Taste Like?
  • Tips for Serving this Holiday Favorite
  • How to Store Leftovers
  • Can You Freeze Homemade Eggnog?
  • Get the Recipe
  • More Holiday Recipes to Try:

    A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe

    This week I’m sharing a classic Christmas recipe with you all… Homemade Eggnog! It’s not quite Christmas yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice, chilled glass of eggnog in preparation for the holiday season.

    This sweet drink is made with whole milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, and spiced rum; a combination that my family absolutely adores. From my recipe box to yours, enjoy this creamy homemade eggnog!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2)

    What is Eggnog Made Of?

    Wondering what you’ll need to make eggnog at home? Gather up these ingredients:

    • Whole Milk
    • Whole Cloves
    • Ground Cinnamon: plus a little for garnish if desired.
    • Ground Nutmeg
    • Egg Yolks
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Heavy Cream
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Spiced Rum: bourbon works too, but both are optional.

    Do you have to use heavy cream?

    Heavy cream will give you the thickest and creamiest final product, but you can absolutely use half and half if you would prefer.

    Half and half will be a little thinner and a little less rich, but not super noticeable to most eggnog fans!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (3)

    How to Make Eggnog

    This creamy eggnog can be made with only a few minutes worth of work, following these easy steps:

    Boil Milk: In a small saucepan, combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil

    Whisk Eggs: In a medium sized bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy and pale in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.

    Add Milk: Begin by adding a very small amount of the heated milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Do not add the hot milk too quickly or it will cook the eggs.

    Combine: Continue adding small amounts of the milk to the eggs, whisking constantly until all the milk is incorporated and well combined.

    Cook: Return to sauce and cook over medium heat until slightly thick and mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let mixture boil.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (6)

    Strain: Remove from heat and strain out cloves.

    Cool and Serve: Let mixture cool for one hour, then whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract and spiced rum. Chill for several hours, or overnight, before serving.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (7)

    Can You Make Eggnog Ahead?

    You can totally make this eggnog ahead of time. In fact, aging it a little bit enriches the flavor! So, if you decide to make the eggnog ahead of time, refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to drink it.

    Is Eggnog Non-Alcoholic?

    Traditionally eggnog has alcoholic spirits in it, such as spiced rum or bourbon. But eggnog can definitely be non-alcoholic! If you want to leave out the spiced rum, it will still be full of rich, creamy, Christmas flavor. :)

    What Does Homemade Eggnog Taste Like?

    If you’ve never had eggnog before, you’re probably wondering what it tastes like. After all, it’s not every day that you add eggs to a drink! But the truth is that eggnog tastes like a creamy glass of melted ice cream infused with holiday spirit. Eggnog and ice cream share many ingredients in common, so their flavor profile is surprisingly similar.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (8)

    Tips for Serving this Holiday Favorite

    Here are some tips for serving the best eggnog over the holidays:

    • Carefully Cook the Eggnog: It’s important that the mixture does not boil because the eggs may curdle, so stir the eggnog occasionally and do not cook the eggnog for more than 5 minutes.
    • For Creamier Eggnog: Slightly reduce the amount of milk, and add a little bit more heavy cream.
    • Serve with Whipped Cream: And top with extra cinnamon!
    • Serve Cold or Warm: You can serve eggnog chilled or warm, whichever you prefer!

    How to Store Leftovers

    Eggnog should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it again. Make sure you shake it before serving in case it has settled.Homemade eggnog will last for 2-3 days in the fridge.

    Can You Freeze Homemade Eggnog?

    Eggnog can be frozen in an airtight container, but it’s best to drink it fresh. If you do decide to freeze it, though, make sure you leave an inch or two of space in the container and write the date on the top of the lid.

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (9)

    I am so excited for you to try this old fashioned homemade eggnog recipe! It’s a favorite among our friends and family and is highly requested every year!

    When you try out a batch, please share a photo below in the comments. I love to see how recipes turn out for you!

    If you love this homemade eggnog, try the Puerto Rican coconut version: Coquito!

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (10)

    4.6 from 64 votes

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 6 servings

    Homemade Eggnog

    This easy Homemade Eggnog is extra thick and creamy with the perfect amount of spices and sweetness. One sip of this old fashioned eggnog and I promise you will never buy store-bought eggnog again!

    Prep Time5 minutes minutes

    Cook Time15 minutes minutes

    Total Time20 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 3 whole cloves
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus a little for garnish if desired
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 6 large egg yolks
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ¼ cups spiced rum, or bourbon, optional

    Instructions

    • In a small saucepan, combine milk, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (11)

    • In a medium sized bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (12)

    • Whisk until light and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.

    • Begin by adding a very small amount of the heated milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Do not add the hot milk too quickly or it will cook the eggs.

    • Continue adding small amounts of the milk to the eggs, whisking constantly until all the milk is incorporated and well combined.

      Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe - Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (13)

    • Return to sauce and cook over medium heat until slightly thick and mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let mixture boil.

    • Remove from heat and strain out cloves.

    • Let mixture cool for one hour, then whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract and spiced rum. Chill for several hours, or overnight, before serving.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1, Calories: 641kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 22g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 315mg, Sodium: 130mg, Sugar: 40g

    © Jessica – The Novice Chef

    Cuisine: American

    Category: Christmas

    Categories:

    • 30 Min or Less
    • Christmas
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Holidays
    • Recipes
    • Videos

    More Holiday Recipes to Try:

    • Classic Gingerbread Recipe
    • Grinch Pancakes
    • Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Reindeer Poop

    Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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    • Butterscotch Haystacks

    • Meringue Christmas Trees

    • Candied Carrots Recipe

    Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe -  Make the Best Eggnog with Spiced Rum! (2024)

    FAQs

    Is spiced rum best for eggnog? ›

    What Kind of Rum Goes Best with Eggnog? “I like something with a little bit more body and flavor than say, just like a silver [or white rum],” says Chamberlain. “Those are good, but I feel like you can bring more to the party—the party being eggnog.” That's why he prefers a spiced rum or an aged rum.

    What is the ratio of eggnog to rum? ›

    Here's your golden ratio for pop-up holiday cheer: Combine 1 part of your selected spirit to 5 parts prepared eggnog. Want us to make it even easier on you? If you buy a 1-quart container of eggnog, you should use 6.5 ounces of liquor, total.

    What is the best alcohol to add to eggnog? ›

    Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional Eggnog

    For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog. It's important to note, though, that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet.

    Is Kraken spiced rum good in eggnog? ›

    Eggnog & Kraken Spiced Rum

    This rum altered the consistency of the eggnog, so I was hesitant to try it, but the flavor was actually great. Whatever spices are in the rum paired well with this eggnog.

    Can you just add rum to store-bought eggnog? ›

    If you're looking for a traditional approach, spike store-bought eggnog using your favorite liquor like brandy, bourbon, or rum. This super-simple recipe makes six 6½-ounce servings.

    Should you put dark or light rum in 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.

    How long does homemade eggnog with rum last? ›

    Depending on the amount of liquor you add, the eggnog base without the egg whites will also keep quite well for several days: Non-alcoholic eggnog: Consume within 1 day. Eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup liquor: Refrigerate for several days.

    How much alcohol does it take to preserve eggnog? ›

    Sara Christensen at The Kitchn writes, “Very few bacteria, including salmonella, can survive in the presence of alcohol, as has been proven in lab experiments at Rockefeller University.” When made with a two-to-one ratio of two parts dairy to one part liquor, the eggnog can last for several weeks in the refrigerator, ...

    Can I use vodka instead of rum in eggnog? ›

    Eggnog is traditionally made with rum, but it would not lose any of its novelty or disgusting flavor if you adulterated that sickly sweet confection with vodka.

    What do you call eggnog with alcohol? ›

    "Tom and Jerry is a form of hot eggnog [co*cktail] that was once popular." The Tom and Jerry was invented by British journalist Pierce Egan in the 1820s, using brandy and rum added to eggnog and served hot, usually in a mug or a bowl. It is a traditional Christmastime co*cktail in the United States.

    Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

    Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

    Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

    Does alcohol make eggnog safe? ›

    Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria.

    What's a good spiced rum for eggnog? ›

    Blackpool Spiced Rum from Lemon Hart & Son is here to save spiced rum, and Moore says it's one of his top choices for eggnog. "It's killer, with all these really, really rich flavors and cooking spices. Put that in eggnog with a little sherry.

    Is Bacardi spiced rum good with eggnog? ›

    As synonymous with the holiday season as Mariah Carey, BACARDÍ Eggnog is Christmas in a cup – or in a glass in this case. Made with BACARDÍ Spiced rum it's just like melted ice cream; smooth, creamy and sweet but with a gentle kick of nutmeg spice.

    Is Kraken rum the same as Captain Morgan? ›

    The vanilla notes of the Kraken pair well with the Barritt's, the subtle hints of spice from the rum and ginger beer keeping the vanilla in check. In contrast, the Captain smells and tastes like a rum and co*ke. It's very sweet with no evidence of ginger or spice.

    What is spiced rum best with? ›

    What to mix with spiced rum - for the beginners
    • Orange juice.
    • Cranberry juice.
    • Pineapple juice.
    • Apple juice.
    • co*ke.
    • Tonic water.
    • Ginger beer.
    Apr 6, 2023

    What is spiced rum? ›

    A Spiced Rum is any kind of rum that has been flavored with natural herbs and spices. The spices are generally derived from seeds, roots, dried fruits, barks, or leaves. For instance, clove, cinnamon, cassia, vanilla, star anise, citrus fruit, nutmeg, cardamom, orange peel, ginger, pepper, allspice, among many others.

    What does spiced eggnog taste like? ›

    It tastes a bit like melted ice cream that's been spiced with nutmeg.

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