Creamy, sweet, and thick, this traditional holiday eggnog is one step away from being a custard dessert. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla combine perfectly with the smooth texture and the optional kick of rum. Why settle for store-bought when it’s easy and fun to learn how to make homemade eggnog!

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

It’s eggnog season! Hooray!

Just in case you’ve never tried this tasty beverage, it’s a lot like a custard dessert in a glass. In fact, eggs are one on the main ingredients in custard desserts, so this really isn’t that far off.

Today, I’m not only sharing my favorite eggnog recipe, I’m also going to take you through how to make homemade eggnog step by step. You won’t believe how easy and fun making eggnog can be!

It might just become your new holiday tradition!

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

We’re coming into the final stretch now. I feel like Christmas is closing in, and there’s still so much to do! So many presents to wrap (ahem – I am the ultimate Santa, by the way). So many cookies to bake! So many cupcakes to frost!

There’s so much to do for the holiday, and I’m loving every minute of it.

Speaking of cupcakes, I have three dozen cooling on the counter, waiting for me to make the frosting. One will be coming to work with me, one going with my mom, and the third I’m sending into work with Andrew.

I hope everyone likes salted caramel buttercream.

Who am I kidding? Everyone likes salted caramel buttercream. 

Not to mention, it’s almost my birthday! I happen to be born right next to Christmas, which means I get to eat extra sweets this month. Yay! I’ve already decided to just take a relaxing day off, go to the nail salon, and catch the final Hunger Games movie with Andrew. I can’t wait!

But first, I’d like to share with you one of the greatest holiday traditions of all time: How to Make Homemade Eggnog.

Here we go!

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

First, pour 3 cups of milk into a saucepan.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Add about 4 whole cloves to the milk.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Next, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the milk.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Then add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.


 

 

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Give it a little whisk just to mix the ingredients together.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Over low heat, slowly bring milk to a boil, whisking occasionally. Once it starts boiling, remove from heat.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Next, separate 12 eggs and add yolks to a bowl. Add 1 cup of sugar and whisk together.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Whisk until they’re thick and the sugar is mixed in completely.

If you don’t want to waste the egg whites, try out this Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Seed Angel Food Cake!


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Then, pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking it together quickly.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Then pour the whole mixture back into the saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thick (but not boiling!).

This should only take 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the whole cloves.

Then set it aside and allow to cool for about an hour.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

After it’s cool, pour 2 cups of light cream into the egg mixture.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Then whisk it together.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

And 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Whisk together.


How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Finally, whisk in 1/2 cup light rum.


Then pour it into a glass and enjoy!

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

 

You’ve just learned how to make homemade eggnog! You can let this cool in the refrigerator before serving if you’d like it colder and thicker than this.

It’s up to your own personal preference.

Honestly, mine usually doesn’t last long enough to sit in the refrigerator.

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

If you like this recipe, be sure to follow me here on Pinterest! 

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

Creamy, sweet, and thick, this traditional holiday eggnog is one step away from being a custard dessert. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla combine perfectly with the smooth texture and the optional kick of rum. Why settle for store-bought when it's easy and fun to learn how to make homemade eggnog!
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Cocktails, Dessert
Cuisine: American, British
Author: Jacqui
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients
 
 

  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 12 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups half and half
  • 1/2 cup rum
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Equipment

  • Bowl

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan add milk, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, cloves, and cinnamon.
  • Slowly bring milk to a boil over low heat (about 5 minutes). Then remove from heat.
  • In a mixing bowl add egg yolks. Whisk together with sugar until thick and completely combined. Pour hot milk into eggs, whisking quickly.
  • Pour whole mixture back into sauce pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Use a strainer or slotted spoon to remove cloves. Discard cloves.
  • Remove eggnog from heat and let cool for about an hour in the refrigerator. Once cooled, whisk in cream, rum, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
  • Serve immediately or cold.

Notes

Click on the time in the instructions to start a timer!

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcal (11%)Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)Protein: 8g (16%)Fat: 12g (18%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 212mg (71%)Sodium: 57mg (2%)Potassium: 188mg (5%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 20g (22%)Vitamin A: 487IU (10%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 137mg (14%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @Jacqui_DishingDelish and tag #dishingdelish!

 

We are a participant in both the RewardStyle and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and through RewardStyle.