This Homemade Eggnog recipe is the perfect holiday treat. So delicious and simple to make, you will never want to buy eggnog from the store again!

This homemade eggnog recipe contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will make a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. 

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

If you have never made homemade eggnog recipes before, you will really be amazed at how simple it is to make yourself.

You can even add in some bourbon, rum, or brandy if you prefer an alcoholic eggnog recipe. 

Once you get all of the ingredients together, you are just minutes away from creating a delicious homemade eggnog recipe. 

Eggnog Ingredients

To make a simple homemade eggnog recipe, all you will need are Egg Yolks, Sugar, Heavy Cream, Milk, Nutmeg, Salt, Vanilla, and Cinnamon.

If you want an alcoholic eggnog recipe just add in your choice of bourbon, rum, or brandy.

How to Separate Egg Yolks

Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, I use an egg separator but there are many ways to separate the yolk from the whites without one. 

You may be able to do it another way without an egg separator but this little device sure makes it easy and you can pick them up really cheap in almost any housewares section.

I use my egg separator so often that I no longer need to explore other ways to do this but one way that has worked for me in the past, before discovering this handy tool is to use my fingers.

It is a messy way to do it but it works and does not require any tools.

Simply crack the egg in your hand and allow the whites to slip through your fingers into a bowl. 

Another way to separate the egg whites from the egg yolks is to place a strainer over a bowl.

Crack the egg into the strainer and allow the whites to slip through into the bottom bowl. 

How to Make Homemade Eggnog

After separating the egg yolks from the egg whites, the next step is to add the egg yolks and sugar to a bowl.

Stir the two ingredients together until well combined.

Set aside while starting the rest of the next step. 

Do You Have to Cook the Eggs to Make a Homemade Eggnog?

No! This may surprise some of you but a lot of recipes for homemade eggnog do not require any cooking at all. 

Although a lot of people make homemade eggnog without actually cooking the eggs, I always cook them. 

There are only two reasons that I can think of that one may want to omit the cooking part of this homemade eggnog recipe and in my opinion, they are not good reasons. 

One of the reasons is that this method is much faster because there is no cooling time and the other reason would be that you may get a richer egg flavor in the finished eggnog.

In my opinion, cooking the eggs offers a safe way to make homemade eggnog while still delivering a rich flavor. 

I see no reason to take a risk with raw eggs and unless you are training like Rocky, consuming raw eggs doesn’t seem to have any benefits when making an eggnog recipe. 

How to Cook Eggnog Safely

In a pot, cook the milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon.

Slowly add the egg mixture into the cream, milk, and spice mix on the stove.

Cook until it reaches 160 degrees, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

I use a cooking thermometer to ensure that my eggs are cooked safely. 

While I reach for a 160-degree reading, at times the temperature will exceed this if I am not constantly checking the temperature.

It’s not a big deal, try to stick in the 160 to 170 range, this will prevent burning. 

Once your homemade eggnog reaches the desired temperature, take the mixture off of the heat.

The next step is to stir in the cinnamon and vanilla.

I have used vanilla extract in the past for this eggnog recipe and was happy with the results until I discovered a delicious alternative.

I picked up a bottle of Spanish Vanilla and it really brings this recipe to a whole new level, in fact, it brings a lot of recipes to a whole new level. 

If you have yet to try this out, pick up a bottle and use it for all of your baking needs, you will not regret it. 

It can be hard to find at your local grocery store but I have found it in the weirdest places. 

Believe it or not, my go-to location to pick up a bottle is a small Amish community near my home, they have the coolest stuff.

How to Store Homemade Eggnog

After making the homemade eggnog, pour it into an airtight container or a container covered with plastic wrap. 

You can use a bowl with a lid but it is much easier to pour if stored in a pitcher. 

This prevents wasting any eggnog when transferring from the storage container to serving glasses. 

Refrigerate the homemade eggnog until chilled, this could take about 4 hours, depending on which container you have chosen to store the eggnog. 

Eggnog Topping Ideas

Stir before serving and add a topping of whipped cream or cool whip to the chilled eggnog.

If you love cinnamon as much as I do, then sprinkle a generous helping on top. 

You may also enjoy topping with a sprinkle of nutmeg or serving this eggnog with these eggnog dessert recipes.

For more recipes inspiration follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my free email newsletter to get recipes sent straight to your inbox.

I hope you enjoy this homemade eggnog recipe as much as my family did. Please share it on your favorite social media so everyone can try it out this holiday season. 

Don’t forget to leave a comment below, letting me know your thoughts. What is your favorite homemade eggnog topping?