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| Meta Title | Homemade Eggnog Recipe: How to Make it |
| Meta Description | This easy eggnog recipe is the ideal holiday drink to serve guests during the festive season. Rich, creamy and spiced with nutmeg and vanilla, it's a winner! |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Is there any drink more Christmassy? We spill our top tips and tricks with our best-ever homemade eggnog recipe.
No holiday bash can truly be considered complete without a creamy, custardy nutmeg-laced cup of homemade eggnog. Like
hot buttered rum
and warm apple cider, this easy eggnog recipe is one of the quintessential
Christmas drinks
to serve at all your festive fĂȘtes.
Flavored with vanilla and nutmeg and sweetened with sugar, eggnog gets its creamy, decadent texture from whole milk, heavy whipping cream and eggs. Set aside any misgivings you may have about using raw eggs in eggnog. Youâll gently cook the eggs in milk until they reach a safe temperature that zaps any potentially harmful bacteria.
Whether you like your eggnog spiked with a slug of spirits or prefer it without, this jolly
mixed drink
is a stellar way to usher in the holidays.
What alcohol goes into eggnog?
Most alcoholic homemade eggnog recipes feature brown spirits like
rum
, brandy,
whiskey or bourbon
. These spiritsâ complex, rich aromas and flavors complement the eggnog ingredients.
If you prefer sticking to clear spirits,
vodka
and flavored vodka (especially those with seasonal flavors like gingerbread and peppermint) are fantastic in eggnog, too. Whatever you spike your eggnog with, budget-friendly booze is best. Add 1/4 cup of your preferred alcohol to the eggnog and adjust as needed.
Eggnog Ingredients
Eggs:
Because eggs are integral to eggnog, you want to use the best, freshest eggs you can buy. Consider picking some up at your local farm stand or farmers market if possible.
Sugar:
The sweetness of eggnog is part of its joy. Use white and brown sugar interchangeably, and donât hesitate to adjust the sugar to your taste.
Salt:
Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance out the sweetness of the eggnog. You wonât taste it, but it makes a difference.
Whole milk:
For the most decadent homemade eggnog, whole milk is the way to go. Swap in skim or non-fat milk, but your eggnog will be less thick.
Vanilla extract
: Use the
best vanilla extract
since vanilla does the heavy lifting in the flavor department. Take things up a notch with a whole vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste instead of extract. P.S. Did you know you can make your own
vanilla extract
?
Nutmeg:
A hint of nutmeg lifts this creamy cocktail and gives it those cozy, spiced Christmas vibes.
Heavy whipping cream:
Along with eggs, heavy whipped cream gives eggnog a super silky, rich texture.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the eggnog base
Taste of Home
Pour the eggs, sugar, and salt into a heavy-bottom saucepan and whisk well to combine. Slowly add 4 cups of milk while cooking the mixture over low heat.
Taste of Home
Stirring regularly, continue cooking until the mixture reads between 160° to 170°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Taste of Home
Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
Editorâs Tip:
Donât let the milk mixture come to a boil! No one wants bits of scrambled egg in their eggnog. Low and slow is the secret to great eggnog. Immediately transfer the mixture to the bowl as soon as it hits 160° to 170°.
Step 2: Add the flavorings and chill
Taste of Home
Whisk the vanilla, nutmeg, and remaining milk into the mixture. Prepare an ice bath and place the bowl in it, stirring gently but continuously until the mixture cools. Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours.
Editorâs Tip:
If the milk mixture separates, fear not! Pop it in a blender and blitz until smooth.
Step 3: Make the whipped cream
Taste of Home
Beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently whisk the whipped cream into the cooled milk mixture.
Taste of Home
Garnish with an extra dash of nutmeg, then serve.
Taste of Home
Eggnog Variations
Spice up the eggnog:
This homemade eggnog recipe calls for nutmeg, but the holiday season is all about gorgeous, warming baking spices. Sprinkling additional spices like cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger or
pumpkin pie spice
mix adds an extra layer of festive flair to any eggnog recipe.
Make flavored eggnog:
Add
chocolate liqueur
, homemade
creme de menthe
or RumChata to your eggnog. Mix a scoop of pumpkin puree to make pumpkin eggnog, or pour some eggnog into your holiday hot chocolate (with or without a splash of alcohol).
Make dairy-free eggnog:
Use your preferred
non-dairy milk alternatives
instead of milk. Coconut and almond milk lend themselves well to eggnog. Instead of heavy cream, try cream of coconut. Youâll wind up with an irresistible coconut eggnog reminiscent of a
coquito
. Itâs a fabulous way to bring a touch of the tropics to your home in the heart of winter.
How to Store Eggnog
Keep eggnog in a covered container in the fridge. Be sure to enjoy it within two to three days. Spiking the eggnog with alcohol will extend its shelf life to about five days.
Can you freeze eggnog?
While you can freeze eggnog, like with most recipes containing dairy, expect the texture to change once it has defrosted. If youâve made eggnog for sipping, itâs best to enjoy it before it takes a trip to the freezer. Frozen, then thawed eggnog works best in recipes as a custardy, vanilla-tinged flavor boost. To freeze eggnog, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for the liquid to expand. When frozen, it should last six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Homemade Eggnog Tips
Taste of Home
How can you make sure eggnog is safe to drink?
Heating eggnog up to 160° kills off harmful bacteria like salmonella. Remember, when cooking the eggnog up to the safe zone, maintain a low heat and stir the mixture so the eggs heat gently and gradually. This will prevent the dreaded scrambled egg texture. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy to be confident your eggnog is safe to drink
and
scrambled egg-free.
How can you use leftover eggnog?
Once you know how to make eggnog, you can add it to all sorts of seasonal recipes. A splash of eggnog seriously upgrades sweet dishes for breakfast, brunch or dessert. There are tons of delicious
holiday recipes to make with eggnog
, like using leftovers for
eggnog French toast
and
eggnog cranberry muffins
. Better still, eggnog is phenomenal when added to holiday cookies, sweet loaves and
eggnog cream puffs
.
TEST KITCHEN APPROVED
Ingredients
12 large eggs
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 cups whole milk, divided
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups heavy whipping cream
Additional nutmeg, optional
Shop Recipe
Directions
In a heavy saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook and stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°-170°, 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.
Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. (If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth.) Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours.
To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.
Loading Popular in the Community
Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday drink came from the kitchen, not from the store. âPat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Recipe Creator |
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#content)
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Homemade Eggnog Recipe photo by Taste of Home
[TEST KITCHEN APPROVED](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/test-kitchen-approved/)
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# Homemade Eggnog

Homemade Eggnog Recipe photo by Taste of Home
[TEST KITCHEN APPROVED](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/test-kitchen-approved/)
[4\.9 \| 21 Reviews](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#Reviews "Review Count")
Total Time:Prep: 15 min. Cook: 30 min. + chilling

By [Camille Berry](https://www.tasteofhome.com/author/camille-berry/)
Recipe by Pat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Tested by [Taste of Home Test Kitchen](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/test-kitchen-approved)
[Taste of Home's Editorial Process](https://www.tasteofhome.com/about-taste-of-home/)
Updated on Jun. 18, 2024
[Jump to Recipe](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#RecipeCard)
[Save Saved Saving](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/)
**Getting your [Trinity Audio](https://trinityaudio.ai/) player ready...**
Is there any drink more Christmassy? We spill our top tips and tricks with our best-ever homemade eggnog recipe.
No holiday bash can truly be considered complete without a creamy, custardy nutmeg-laced cup of homemade eggnog. Like [hot buttered rum](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hot-buttered-rum/) and warm apple cider, this easy eggnog recipe is one of the quintessential [Christmas drinks](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/christmas-drinks/) to serve at all your festive fĂȘtes.
Flavored with vanilla and nutmeg and sweetened with sugar, eggnog gets its creamy, decadent texture from whole milk, heavy whipping cream and eggs. Set aside any misgivings you may have about using raw eggs in eggnog. Youâll gently cook the eggs in milk until they reach a safe temperature that zaps any potentially harmful bacteria.
Whether you like your eggnog spiked with a slug of spirits or prefer it without, this jolly [mixed drink](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-mixed-drinks/) is a stellar way to usher in the holidays.
## What alcohol goes into eggnog?
Most alcoholic homemade eggnog recipes feature brown spirits like [rum](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-rum/), brandy, [whiskey or bourbon](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bourbon-vs-whiskey/). These spiritsâ complex, rich aromas and flavors complement the eggnog ingredients.
If you prefer sticking to clear spirits, [vodka](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-vodka-brands/) and flavored vodka (especially those with seasonal flavors like gingerbread and peppermint) are fantastic in eggnog, too. Whatever you spike your eggnog with, budget-friendly booze is best. Add 1/4 cup of your preferred alcohol to the eggnog and adjust as needed.
## Eggnog Ingredients
- **Eggs:** Because eggs are integral to eggnog, you want to use the best, freshest eggs you can buy. Consider picking some up at your local farm stand or farmers market if possible.
- **Sugar:** The sweetness of eggnog is part of its joy. Use white and brown sugar interchangeably, and donât hesitate to adjust the sugar to your taste.
- **Salt:** Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance out the sweetness of the eggnog. You wonât taste it, but it makes a difference.
- **Whole milk:** For the most decadent homemade eggnog, whole milk is the way to go. Swap in skim or non-fat milk, but your eggnog will be less thick.
- **Vanilla extract**: Use the [best vanilla extract](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/best-vanilla-extract/) since vanilla does the heavy lifting in the flavor department. Take things up a notch with a whole vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste instead of extract. P.S. Did you know you can make your own [vanilla extract](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-vanilla-extract-at-home/)?
- **Nutmeg:** A hint of nutmeg lifts this creamy cocktail and gives it those cozy, spiced Christmas vibes.
- **Heavy whipping cream:** Along with eggs, heavy whipped cream gives eggnog a super silky, rich texture.
## Directions
### Step 1: Prepare the eggnog base

Taste of Home
Pour the eggs, sugar, and salt into a heavy-bottom saucepan and whisk well to combine. Slowly add 4 cups of milk while cooking the mixture over low heat.

Taste of Home
Stirring regularly, continue cooking until the mixture reads between 160° to 170°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Taste of Home
Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
*Editorâs Tip:* Donât let the milk mixture come to a boil! No one wants bits of scrambled egg in their eggnog. Low and slow is the secret to great eggnog. Immediately transfer the mixture to the bowl as soon as it hits 160° to 170°.
### Step 2: Add the flavorings and chill

Taste of Home
Whisk the vanilla, nutmeg, and remaining milk into the mixture. Prepare an ice bath and place the bowl in it, stirring gently but continuously until the mixture cools. Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours.
*Editorâs Tip:* If the milk mixture separates, fear not! Pop it in a blender and blitz until smooth.
### Step 3: Make the whipped cream

Taste of Home
Beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently whisk the whipped cream into the cooled milk mixture.

Taste of Home
Garnish with an extra dash of nutmeg, then serve.

Taste of Home
## Eggnog Variations
- **Spice up the eggnog:** This homemade eggnog recipe calls for nutmeg, but the holiday season is all about gorgeous, warming baking spices. Sprinkling additional spices like cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger or [pumpkin pie spice](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-pumpkin-pie-spice/) mix adds an extra layer of festive flair to any eggnog recipe.
- **Make flavored eggnog:** Add [chocolate liqueur](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-liqueur-recipe/), homemade [creme de menthe](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-homemade-creme-de-menthe/) or RumChata to your eggnog. Mix a scoop of pumpkin puree to make pumpkin eggnog, or pour some eggnog into your holiday hot chocolate (with or without a splash of alcohol).
- **Make dairy-free eggnog:** Use your preferred [non-dairy milk alternatives](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/non-dairy-milk-alternatives/) instead of milk. Coconut and almond milk lend themselves well to eggnog. Instead of heavy cream, try cream of coconut. Youâll wind up with an irresistible coconut eggnog reminiscent of a [coquito](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/coquito/). Itâs a fabulous way to bring a touch of the tropics to your home in the heart of winter.
## How to Store Eggnog
Keep eggnog in a covered container in the fridge. Be sure to enjoy it within two to three days. Spiking the eggnog with alcohol will extend its shelf life to about five days.
## Can you freeze eggnog?
While you can freeze eggnog, like with most recipes containing dairy, expect the texture to change once it has defrosted. If youâve made eggnog for sipping, itâs best to enjoy it before it takes a trip to the freezer. Frozen, then thawed eggnog works best in recipes as a custardy, vanilla-tinged flavor boost. To freeze eggnog, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for the liquid to expand. When frozen, it should last six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
## Homemade Eggnog Tips

Taste of Home
### How can you make sure eggnog is safe to drink?
Heating eggnog up to 160° kills off harmful bacteria like salmonella. Remember, when cooking the eggnog up to the safe zone, maintain a low heat and stir the mixture so the eggs heat gently and gradually. This will prevent the dreaded scrambled egg texture. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy to be confident your eggnog is safe to drink *and* scrambled egg-free.
### How can you use leftover eggnog?
Once you know how to make eggnog, you can add it to all sorts of seasonal recipes. A splash of eggnog seriously upgrades sweet dishes for breakfast, brunch or dessert. There are tons of delicious [holiday recipes to make with eggnog](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/holiday-recipes-to-make-with-eggnog/), like using leftovers for [eggnog French toast](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-french-toast/) and [eggnog cranberry muffins](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cranberry-eggnog-muffins/). Better still, eggnog is phenomenal when added to holiday cookies, sweet loaves and [eggnog cream puffs](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-cream-puffs/).
## Watch How to Make Homemade Eggnog

â
[back to content](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/)
[TEST KITCHEN APPROVED](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/test-kitchen-approved/)
## Homemade Eggnog
[4\.9 \| 21 Reviews](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#Reviews "Review Count") [Add your review](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#Reviews "Add your review")
Yield:12 servings (3 quarts)
Prep:15 min
Cook:30 min
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### Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups whole milk, divided
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Additional nutmeg, optional
[Text Ingredients](<sms:?&body=Homemade Eggnog%20%0Ahttps://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/%20%0A%20%0AINGREDIENTS%20%0A%20%0A12 large eggs%20%0A1-1/2 cups sugar%20%0A1/2 teaspoon salt%20%0A8 cups whole milk, divided %20%0A2 tablespoons vanilla extract%20%0A1 teaspoon ground nutmeg%20%0A2 cups heavy whipping cream%20%0AAdditional nutmeg, optional%20%0A>)
[Shop Recipe](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#relish-shop)
### Directions
1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook and stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°-170°, 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.
2. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. (If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth.) Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours.
3. To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.
### Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 411 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 247mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 0 fiber), 13g protein.
Author
Camille Berry
Born into a family of restaurateurs, Camille went on to work in the food and beverage industry and then became a certified sommelier. After years of working as a sommelier and wine director, she swapped her wine key for a keyboard and now spends her days freelancing for sites like Taste of Home, Food & Wine and Prevention.
[Read More](https://www.tasteofhome.com/author/camille-berry/)

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Loading Popular in the Community
Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday drink came from the kitchen, not from the store. âPat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Recipe Creator
Loading Reviews
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| Readable Markdown | Is there any drink more Christmassy? We spill our top tips and tricks with our best-ever homemade eggnog recipe.
No holiday bash can truly be considered complete without a creamy, custardy nutmeg-laced cup of homemade eggnog. Like [hot buttered rum](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hot-buttered-rum/) and warm apple cider, this easy eggnog recipe is one of the quintessential [Christmas drinks](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/christmas-drinks/) to serve at all your festive fĂȘtes.
Flavored with vanilla and nutmeg and sweetened with sugar, eggnog gets its creamy, decadent texture from whole milk, heavy whipping cream and eggs. Set aside any misgivings you may have about using raw eggs in eggnog. Youâll gently cook the eggs in milk until they reach a safe temperature that zaps any potentially harmful bacteria.
Whether you like your eggnog spiked with a slug of spirits or prefer it without, this jolly [mixed drink](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-mixed-drinks/) is a stellar way to usher in the holidays.
## What alcohol goes into eggnog?
Most alcoholic homemade eggnog recipes feature brown spirits like [rum](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-rum/), brandy, [whiskey or bourbon](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/bourbon-vs-whiskey/). These spiritsâ complex, rich aromas and flavors complement the eggnog ingredients.
If you prefer sticking to clear spirits, [vodka](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-vodka-brands/) and flavored vodka (especially those with seasonal flavors like gingerbread and peppermint) are fantastic in eggnog, too. Whatever you spike your eggnog with, budget-friendly booze is best. Add 1/4 cup of your preferred alcohol to the eggnog and adjust as needed.
## Eggnog Ingredients
- **Eggs:** Because eggs are integral to eggnog, you want to use the best, freshest eggs you can buy. Consider picking some up at your local farm stand or farmers market if possible.
- **Sugar:** The sweetness of eggnog is part of its joy. Use white and brown sugar interchangeably, and donât hesitate to adjust the sugar to your taste.
- **Salt:** Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance out the sweetness of the eggnog. You wonât taste it, but it makes a difference.
- **Whole milk:** For the most decadent homemade eggnog, whole milk is the way to go. Swap in skim or non-fat milk, but your eggnog will be less thick.
- **Vanilla extract**: Use the [best vanilla extract](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/best-vanilla-extract/) since vanilla does the heavy lifting in the flavor department. Take things up a notch with a whole vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste instead of extract. P.S. Did you know you can make your own [vanilla extract](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-vanilla-extract-at-home/)?
- **Nutmeg:** A hint of nutmeg lifts this creamy cocktail and gives it those cozy, spiced Christmas vibes.
- **Heavy whipping cream:** Along with eggs, heavy whipped cream gives eggnog a super silky, rich texture.
## Directions
### Step 1: Prepare the eggnog base

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Pour the eggs, sugar, and salt into a heavy-bottom saucepan and whisk well to combine. Slowly add 4 cups of milk while cooking the mixture over low heat.

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Stirring regularly, continue cooking until the mixture reads between 160° to 170°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 to 35 minutes.

Taste of Home
Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
*Editorâs Tip:* Donât let the milk mixture come to a boil! No one wants bits of scrambled egg in their eggnog. Low and slow is the secret to great eggnog. Immediately transfer the mixture to the bowl as soon as it hits 160° to 170°.
### Step 2: Add the flavorings and chill

Taste of Home
Whisk the vanilla, nutmeg, and remaining milk into the mixture. Prepare an ice bath and place the bowl in it, stirring gently but continuously until the mixture cools. Cover and refrigerate for at least three hours.
*Editorâs Tip:* If the milk mixture separates, fear not! Pop it in a blender and blitz until smooth.
### Step 3: Make the whipped cream

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Beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently whisk the whipped cream into the cooled milk mixture.

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Garnish with an extra dash of nutmeg, then serve.

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## Eggnog Variations
- **Spice up the eggnog:** This homemade eggnog recipe calls for nutmeg, but the holiday season is all about gorgeous, warming baking spices. Sprinkling additional spices like cinnamon, clove, allspice, ginger or [pumpkin pie spice](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-pumpkin-pie-spice/) mix adds an extra layer of festive flair to any eggnog recipe.
- **Make flavored eggnog:** Add [chocolate liqueur](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/chocolate-liqueur-recipe/), homemade [creme de menthe](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-homemade-creme-de-menthe/) or RumChata to your eggnog. Mix a scoop of pumpkin puree to make pumpkin eggnog, or pour some eggnog into your holiday hot chocolate (with or without a splash of alcohol).
- **Make dairy-free eggnog:** Use your preferred [non-dairy milk alternatives](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/non-dairy-milk-alternatives/) instead of milk. Coconut and almond milk lend themselves well to eggnog. Instead of heavy cream, try cream of coconut. Youâll wind up with an irresistible coconut eggnog reminiscent of a [coquito](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/coquito/). Itâs a fabulous way to bring a touch of the tropics to your home in the heart of winter.
## How to Store Eggnog
Keep eggnog in a covered container in the fridge. Be sure to enjoy it within two to three days. Spiking the eggnog with alcohol will extend its shelf life to about five days.
## Can you freeze eggnog?
While you can freeze eggnog, like with most recipes containing dairy, expect the texture to change once it has defrosted. If youâve made eggnog for sipping, itâs best to enjoy it before it takes a trip to the freezer. Frozen, then thawed eggnog works best in recipes as a custardy, vanilla-tinged flavor boost. To freeze eggnog, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for the liquid to expand. When frozen, it should last six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
## Homemade Eggnog Tips

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### How can you make sure eggnog is safe to drink?
Heating eggnog up to 160° kills off harmful bacteria like salmonella. Remember, when cooking the eggnog up to the safe zone, maintain a low heat and stir the mixture so the eggs heat gently and gradually. This will prevent the dreaded scrambled egg texture. Keep an instant-read thermometer handy to be confident your eggnog is safe to drink *and* scrambled egg-free.
### How can you use leftover eggnog?
Once you know how to make eggnog, you can add it to all sorts of seasonal recipes. A splash of eggnog seriously upgrades sweet dishes for breakfast, brunch or dessert. There are tons of delicious [holiday recipes to make with eggnog](https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/holiday-recipes-to-make-with-eggnog/), like using leftovers for [eggnog French toast](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-french-toast/) and [eggnog cranberry muffins](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cranberry-eggnog-muffins/). Better still, eggnog is phenomenal when added to holiday cookies, sweet loaves and [eggnog cream puffs](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/eggnog-cream-puffs/).
[TEST KITCHEN APPROVED](https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/test-kitchen-approved/)
### Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups whole milk, divided
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Additional nutmeg, optional
[Shop Recipe](https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/homemade-eggnog/#relish-shop)
### Directions
1. In a heavy saucepan, whisk together eggs, sugar and salt. Gradually add 4 cups milk; cook and stir over low heat until a thermometer reads 160°-170°, 30-35 minutes. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a large bowl.
2. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg and remaining milk. Place bowl in an ice-water bath, stirring until milk mixture is cool. (If mixture separates, process in a blender until smooth.) Refrigerate, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours.
3. To serve, beat cream until soft peaks form. Whisk gently into cooled milk mixture. If desired, sprinkle with additional nutmeg before serving.
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Once, I asked my mother how to make eggnog, and she showed me this recipe. After just one taste, folks will know this homemade holiday drink came from the kitchen, not from the store. âPat Waymire, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Recipe Creator |
| Shard | 32 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 10228571909016460632 |
| Unparsed URL | com,tasteofhome!www,/recipes/homemade-eggnog/ s443 |