If you’re craving a festive treat that feels cozy, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent, I’ve got you covered with my Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe. It’s that classic holiday drink, but without the fuss—ready in just five minutes and tastes like a dream. You’ll find it’s the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and spirited with a lovely smooth texture. Whether you’re making it for a party, or just a special night in, this eggnog will have everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Quick to Make: You can whip this up in just five minutes—no slaving over the stove required.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Thanks to the blend of milk and cream, it’s velvety without being too heavy.
- Balanced Flavor: The perfect mix of warming nutmeg, vanilla sweetness from maple syrup, and just the right kick from brandy and rum.
- Customizable: You can easily swap dairy or alcohol to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but powerful together: fresh eggs create the creamy base, maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with depth, and the boozy trio of brandy, bourbon, and rum bring that classic holiday cheer. Using fresh spices like nutmeg really ties everything together. Don’t stress about sourcing fancy versions—just quality basics will do.
- Large eggs: Fresh, preferably at room temperature for the smoothest blend.
- Maple syrup: Choose pure maple syrup instead of processed sugars for natural sweetness and complexity.
- Milk (dairy or dairy-free): Whole milk gives richness, but almond or oat milk work nicely if you prefer non-dairy.
- Heavy cream or coconut cream: This is what makes the eggnog luxuriously creamy—coconut cream adds a subtle tropical twist.
- Brandy or bourbon: Adds warmth and depth—feel free to pick your favorite spirit here.
- Rum: Essential for that traditional flavor profile; dark rum works beautifully.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible, for the best aromatic spice punch.
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks: Perfect for garnishing and adding a fragrant touch.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it depending on the occasion or who’s coming over. You can keep it traditional or switch things up without losing any of that cozy magic.
- Dairy-Free Version: I swap the milk for almond milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and honestly, it’s just as luscious!
- Alcohol-Free: For family-friendly gatherings, skip the spirits and add a little extra nutmeg and cinnamon for warmth.
- Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for an extra holiday hug in a glass.
- Sweetness Swap: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup makes a fine substitute, just adjust to taste.
How to Make Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Step 1: Blend Eggs and Maple Syrup
Start by adding your eggs and maple syrup into a high-powered blender. Here’s a tip I learned early on: blend this mixture for exactly 4 minutes on high speed. Set a timer so you don’t underblend or overblend—it really makes the difference between a silky, airy texture and a curdled mess. This step smooths out the eggs while incorporating sweetness perfectly.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients and Blend
Next, pour in the milk, heavy cream (or coconut cream), brandy, rum, and freshly grated nutmeg. Blend again, but only for about 10 seconds—just enough to combine everything without losing that lovely light texture. After this, your eggnog base is pretty much ready to chill and enjoy.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Transfer your eggnog to an airtight container and pop it into the fridge until it’s nicely chilled. I usually let it rest for at least an hour, but if you’re in a rush, a quick chill in the freezer for 20 minutes works fine. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle stir—sometimes it settles a bit in the fridge—and pour into your favorite glasses. Don’t forget to garnish with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for that perfect festive touch.
Pro Tips for Making Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe
- Use a High-Powered Blender: It ensures the eggs whip smoothly and blend fully with the maple syrup, giving that signature fluffy creaminess.
- Timing is Everything: I found that blending for exactly 4 minutes for the eggs and syrup is key to avoid graininess or separation.
- Fresh Nutmeg Is a Game-Changer: Pre-ground nutmeg works too, but freshly grated packs a much brighter, more complex flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Don’t skip the chilling step; it lets the flavors marry and thickens the texture beautifully.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Garnishes
I like to garnish with a cinnamon stick because it not only looks charming but infuses a subtle warmth as you sip. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg sprinkled on top also adds that extra festive aroma and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a few whole cloves or a star anise make beautiful and tasty garnishes too!
Side Dishes
This eggnog pairs wonderfully with classic holiday cookies—think gingerbread, snickerdoodles, or buttery shortbread. I also love serving it alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and dried fruit for a more grown-up spread. It’s surprisingly versatile and a great companion to most festive appetizers.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve done fun little mason jars decorated with twine and sprigs of holly or rosemary to give them that rustic Christmas vibe. Another favorite is serving eggnog in chilled coupe glasses with a cinnamon stick resting inside, making each glass look elegant and inviting. If kids are having their own version, candy canes make great edible garnishes to stir in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover eggnog in a tightly sealed glass container in the fridge, which keeps it fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Before serving leftovers, give it a good stir or gentle shake because it can separate slightly when sitting. It’s best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.
Freezing
I personally don’t recommend freezing eggnog because the texture changes with the cream and eggs once thawed, becoming a bit grainy or watery. It’s much better to make it fresh or stash leftovers in the fridge for a few days of enjoyment.
Reheating
If you prefer your eggnog warm, gently heat it on the stove over very low heat, stirring constantly. Avoid boiling as it can cause the eggs to scramble and ruin the silky texture. I usually just enjoy it chilled, but warming it is a cozy option on chilly nights.
FAQs
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Is it safe to use raw eggs in homemade eggnog?
Great question! This Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe uses raw eggs, so make sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs from a trusted source. You can also opt for pasteurized eggs available in many grocery stores if you want to be extra safe. The blending process also helps to slightly thicken and emulsify the mixture.
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Can I make this eggnog without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just omit the brandy, bourbon, and rum and increase the spices a bit to compensate. The maple syrup and cream will still give you a deliciously rich and festive drink everyone can enjoy.
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How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your eggnog should last about 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Always give it a sniff and a stir before serving; if it smells off or the texture changes dramatically, it’s best to discard.
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Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even simple syrup. Just adjust the amount to taste since some are sweeter than maple syrup. Keep in mind this might slightly change the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe has become my go-to for holidays and cozy nights alike. It’s quick, foolproof, and always brings a little extra joy to the table. Honestly, once you try making eggnog from scratch, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the pre-made stuff. So, grab your blender and give it a whirl—I promise it’ll become a holiday tradition you and your loved ones look forward to each year!
Print
Simple Homemade Eggnog Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade eggnog recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced holiday cocktail that is ready in just 5 minutes. Made with fresh eggs, maple syrup, milk, cream, and a mix of brandy, bourbon, and rum, this festive drink is garnished with nutmeg and cinnamon for traditional warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Eggnog Base
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
Alcohol & Spices
- ⅓ cup brandy or bourbon
- ⅓ cup rum
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions
- Blend eggs and maple syrup: Add the eggs and maple syrup to a high-powered blender and blend on high speed for exactly 4 minutes using a timer to ensure proper mixing and aeration.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the milk, heavy cream, brandy, rum, and nutmeg. Blend again for an additional 10 seconds just to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill: Transfer the eggnog into an airtight container and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled to enhance flavors and texture.
- Serve: Stir the chilled eggnog before pouring into glasses, then garnish with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for added aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Homemade eggnog is a delicious holiday cocktail that’s ultra creamy, perfectly spiced, and spiked for a festive occasion.
- This recipe is quick and easy, taking only 5 minutes to prepare.
- Use a high-powered blender and a timer to achieve the ideal texture and consistency.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and coconut cream.
- Adjust the alcohol amounts according to preference or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 442 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 122 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 196 mg
