Old Fashioned Eggnog: The Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

written byKresha Faber last updated on

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It's easy to have a love affair with this creamy, classic homemade eggnog recipe – after all, it's delicious, it's nourishing, and it's truly, deeply joy-inducing.

My new book, The DIY Pantry, is due on bookshelves in just a few days, so this week I'm publishing a few recipes from the book here on the blog, merely because I can't contain my excitement! Today it's Old-Fashioned Eggnog's turn in the spotlight.

Eggnog is undeniably one of my favorite beverages during the Christmas season, particularly at New Year's. Eggnog is one of winter’s delights and since the Middle Ages has served as a toast to prosperity and good health.

I eagerly and lovingly whisk a double batch in a big bowl each year, just because it's like drinking ice cream that's silky and sensuous and everyone always wants seconds.

And I must admit that I can't bring myself to buy it anymore. Even though we could easily drink eggnog every day during the holiday season, ever since I discovered the long list of undesirable ingredients in most store-bought brands (and since I took my first creamy sip of classic, old-fashioned, homemade eggnog), I simply make a point to make this homemade version once or twice every year. On each occasion, we savor it heartily.

Plus, on the years when we can get them, it helps us drink more raw milk and eat more raw egg yolks – and that's always a good thing. (If you can't or don't want to consume raw egg yolks, fear not – there are directions for how to cook homemade eggnog below too.)

A Word About Raw Egg Yolks

I *must* do my due diligence and remind everyone that whenever you're eating raw egg yolks, it is imperative that they are as absolutely as fresh as possible and that they are from pastured hens. If you can't find absolutely fresh eggs, make the cooked eggnog recipe below. It's just as delicious.

This isn't just a nutritional thing, as we discuss regularly here, but this is for your safety. While raw egg yolks contain a gorgeous amount of potent vitamins and minerals, they can also contain salmonella. If the eggs are super-fresh, those pathogens typically haven't had sufficient time to grow into large enough quantities to make you ill, but the longer they sit – even refrigerated – the more the pathogens can grow.

Conventional supermarket eggs typically sit for several weeks before they find their way into your shopping basket, and even eggs at the farmers market might have been laid a week or two ago, so while they might be fine for your breakfast scramble, more often than not, they won't be fine for raw consumption.

“So how do I find fresh eggs?” you ask.

Well, start by searching on Craigslist for people who have chickens in their backyards or small farms in your area that sell direct to consumer.

Next, check at your local farmers' market. If you don't know where there is one in your area, find one via Local Harvest, Eat Wild, or Sustainable Table.

You can also check at your local health food store for local farm fresh eggs. If need be, call the farm and ask what their typical timeline is for getting eggs to the store and ask the store how long eggs typically sit in the back.

But after all that, just sit back and enjoy this scrumptious, delicious, absolutely delightful, old-fashioned eggnog.

Here's to a healthy, blessed new year!

Old Fashioned Eggnog: The Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (3)

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Old-Fashioned Eggnog

A simple, decadent eggnog to celebrate the season

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Inactive Time3 hours

Total Time3 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 5 cups

Author: Kresha Faber

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 9 egg yolks, as fresh as possible
  • ¼ cup maple syrup, more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • lots and lots of fresh ground nutmeg, (I typically grate in at least 1/2 teaspoon, usually more)

Instructions

How to Make Traditional Homemade Eggnog

  • Place all ingredients in a blender or a large bowl. Blend or whisk until very smooth and a bit frothy.

  • Set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and preferably overnight to chill thoroughly and allow flavors to blend.

  • Serve chilled. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

How to Make Cooked Homemade Eggnog

  • Whisk together the egg yolks and the milk (but not the cream) in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pan if you have one.

  • Cook the mixture very gently over medium-low heat until it reaches a temperature of 160°F, stirring constantly so the eggs don’t curdle AND so the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. This is very important (and requires both patience and a strong arm). Remember: the eggs need to be cooked to 160°F to be safe, but they curdle at 170°F, so whisking is essential.

    If the eggs do curdle,

    it's not the end of the world: simply press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling. It won't be silky-smooth, but it will be sufficiently close.

    If you don’t have a thermometer,

    you’ll be able to tell the mixture has come to temperature when the mixture thickly coats the back of metal spoon and retains its shape when you drag your finger through the mixture on the spoon without filling in the gap.

  • When the egg mixture has reached 160°F, remove from the heat and chill the mixture completely. Pour in the remaining ingredients and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to allow flavors to mingle.

  • Serve chilled. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

IMPORTANT NOTE: Conventional, store-bought eggs absolutely should not be consumed raw, especially if you are pregnant or dealing with illness. If you are going to consume raw eggs, be sure to use only very fresh eggs from chickens that were raised on pasture.

If you are uncomfortable eating raw egg yolks or don’t have access to farm fresh eggs, simply use the cooked version of the recipe.

Related

Old Fashioned Eggnog: The Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (6)

Kresha Faber

Kresha is the mother of four super-cool kiddos, the wife of one handsome organic farmer, a former opera singer, and an avid researcher. She and her husband share a passion for living life thoughtfully and intentionally in response to God's grace in their lives and she loves to share good meals (and good wine) around a very large table.

Old Fashioned Eggnog: The Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between old fashioned eggnog and classic eggnog? ›

The difference between the two varieties is that “old fashioned” eggnog is creamier and more strongly spiced than “classic,” Darigold spokesperson Erin Byrne said. “Classic” eggnog has 6% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, whereas “old fashioned” eggnog has 7% butterfat and is spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.

Why is my homemade eggnog so thick? ›

The distinct flavors of egg, cream, and liquor meld together even after just a day or two in the fridge, making a smoother, more balanced cup of nog. The proteins in the eggs also start to thicken, giving eggnog its signature spoon-coating thickness.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

What is traditional eggnog made of? ›

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

What is the very best alcohol to put in eggnog? ›

Eggnog is typically made with rum, brandy or bourbon, and Brown likes to start with a combination of dark rum and cognac. But there's no need to go premium; he recommends using an affordable, high-proof VS cognac. The higher alcohol level will cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.

What is the best store bought eggnog to spike? ›

Best Eggnog to Spike: Southern Comfort Traditional Eggnog

It's worth noting that Southern Comfort also makes a vanilla flavored eggnog, but we found that version overpowering in its sweetness. If you're looking for a SoCo eggnog, go for the original.

Does eggnog get better with age? ›

This eggnog actually gets better the longer the nog ages in your fridge, even up to a full year! While I personally prefer the fresh stuff, as it ages in the fridge complexity of flavor just grows. Every year we try to save a small amount for a year to enjoy before or next year's batch is ready.

Does alcohol cook eggs in eggnog? ›

No. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, "eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill Salmonella that may be present. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill it completely." However, if you use pasteurized eggs, no further cooking is necessary.

How to tell if eggnog is spoiled? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

Why is it OK to drink eggnog? ›

You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says. Almost all the eggnog sold in stores is pasteurized, which kills bacteria, but he says to be sure to check that the carton or bottle is clearly labeled as such. If you make your own, use pasteurized liquid eggs, which are sold in a carton.

Why is eggnog so expensive? ›

Canadian chef Heidi Fink states that one of the reasons people are making less homemade eggnog is that the beverage is expensive to make, due to its use of substantial quantities of cream, eggs, and spirits. Concerns about the safety of raw eggs may be another reason for the decline in homemade eggnog making.

Is eggnog healthy? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

What is the difference between classic and original eggnog in Dairyland? ›

Dairyland Classic Eggnog is essentially Dairyland Original Eggnog but with more actual dairy. It tastes much like its cousin, although the added creaminess is immediately apparent.

Are there different types of eggnog? ›

In the American South, eggnog is made with bourbon. Eggnog is called "coquito" in Puerto Rico, where rum and fresh coconut juice or coconut milk are used in its preparation. Mexican eggnog, also known as "rompope", was developed in Santa Clara.

What is the difference between eggnog and light eggnog? ›

'Light' Eggnog Isn't So Light

Those labeled “reduced fat,” “low fat” or “light” typically contain about 140 calories and 3 to 6 grams of fat (about half from saturated fat) per half-cup serving. But the added sugars content is often similar to or only slightly lower than regular eggnog's.

What does traditional eggnog taste like? ›

What does eggnog taste like? It's sweet, rich, and very creamy. Think of a glass of custard or melted vanilla ice cream! But it also has a slightly spiced flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg.

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