Eggnog recipe: Try this homemade recipe to make the famous Christmas drink at home

Eggnog is the holiday “treat” some people cannot live without, even if there are plenty of others who cannot stand it. It is a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks and whipped egg whites, and for fans of legal drinking age, it often tastes even better with a splash of alcohol.

What does eggnog taste like?

Eggnog is very sweet and creamy, with a texture similar to custard. Some versions have a subtle hit of sweet spice thanks to cinnamon, while others lean more heavily on vanilla for extra richness. The overall flavor is thick, indulgent and unmistakably festive, whether you love it or not.

How to make eggnog at home

Homemade eggnog might even be better than the bottled version, mainly because you can adjust it to suit your own tastes. It is also surprisingly easy to make, as this top-rated six-step recipe from Allrecipes shows.

However, give yourself plenty of time to make it, as the drink should be refrigerated for at least eight hours before serving.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 12 large egg yolks
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 4 cups light cream
• 2 ½ cups light rum (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Recipe

1. Heat the milk, cinnamon, cloves and ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
2. Whisk the egg yolks until light yellow. Add the sugar and whisk again until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, adding it little by little so the eggs do not curdle.
4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
5. Strain to remove the cloves and allow the mixture to cool for one hour.
6. Stir in the cream, remaining vanilla, nutmeg and rum, if desired. Refrigerate overnight, or for at least eight hours, before serving.

How much alcohol should you add to eggnog?

There is no strict rule for how much alcohol to add to eggnog, but many people prefer a ratio of about one part spirit to every five parts eggnog. Alcohol cuts through the richness and sweetness, so if you prefer a stronger, more bitter kick, you can always add a little more.

In addition to rum, brandy, bourbon and cognac are also commonly used in eggnog.

Is eggnog healthy?

It is hard to make a drink this creamy and thick truly healthy. A single cup of eggnog can contain up to 350 calories. Still, do not let that stop you. It is the holiday season, after all, and some traditions are meant to be enjoyed exactly as they are.

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