The Easiest Old Fashioned Eggnog

No drink spells Christmas more than a classic eggnog!

It’s Christmas Day; a day of celebration and togetherness. And, yes, if you’re lucky, lots of presents, copious amounts of food, and plenty of eggnog!

This classic drink originated in medieval England so it has been a tradition for a very long time! This drink consists of an egg custard spiked with bourbon and topped with whipped egg whites.

In this version, we chose to cook the egg custard and we’re glad we did as we much preferred the thicker consistency.

This is the perfect drink to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Why you will love this Eggnog recipe…

Simple ingredients- You can probably make this drink from ingredients you already have on your fridge and liquor cabinet.
Quick to make- The whole process takes just 25 minutes.
Christmas classic- Eggnog is synonymous with Christmas in so many cultures, so it’s a handy recipe to have on hand.
Festive adult drink- The booze makes this a great drink for adults to get into the Christmas mood.
Comfort drink- It’s sweet and warming from the bourbon, perfect on a cold winter’s day.

Eggnog (cooked)

Embrace the warmth of the holidays with a comforting cup of homemade Eggnog. Creamy, rich, and infused with warm spices, this classic drink is sure to spread holiday cheer.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Drinks

Cuisine English

Servings

Calories 252 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 3 cups whole milk
▢ 1 cup heavy or double cream
▢ 3 cinnamon sticks
▢ 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed
▢ 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
▢ 5 eggs, separated
▢ ⅔ cup caster (superfine) sugar
▢ ¾ cup 175ml bourbon (I used Jim Beam)

Instructions

Ingredients

In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean & seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted.
Slowly whisk in the milk (a little at first to temper the mixture) and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over moderately low heat, stirring continuously.
Cook the mixture until thickened (if you have a thermometer, take it to 160°F (71°C), but no higher.*
Remove from the heat immediately and stir in the bourbon. Decant into a medium mixing bowl, and set in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
Beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined.
Serve immediately and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. NB: The mixture will eventually separate; if so, simply give it a whisk.

Notes

Should your custard split, quickly transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blitz – it should come together again.

Nutrition

Calories 252kcal (13%)Carbohydrates 7g (2%)Protein 7g (14%)Fat 16g (25%)Saturated Fat 9g (56%)Polyunsaturated Fat 1gMonounsaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0.01gCholesterol 147mg (49%)Sodium 82mg (4%)Potassium 210mg (6%)Fiber 1g (4%)Sugar 6g (7%)Vitamin A 738IU (15%)Vitamin C 0.2mgCalcium 161mg (16%)Iron 1mg (6%)

Keyword Eggnog

Tried this recipe?Let us know if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

Eggnog is traditionally served at Christmas time during festive celebrations or Christmas dinner. This is also the ideal beverage to whip up for a Christmas party, especially when paired with cinnamon rolls for the perfect cozy treat!

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

Blend if your custard splits – Should your custard split, quickly transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blitz, it should come together again.
Change up the alcohol – Try some spiced rum or whiskey to mix up the flavor.
Always temper the eggs – When combining the eggs and milk, it’s key to add a little of the milk first to temper the eggs and prevent the mixture from curdling.
Always rest overnight – This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Eggnog is traditionally served at Christmas

Storage Suggestions

To store- Cover the bowl with clingfilm and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Eggnog (cooked) FAQs

Is eggnog alcoholic?

Traditionally, eggnog is alcoholic but you can easily make it alcohol-free by leaving out the bourbon. This also makes it suitable for children to enjoy.

Is it safe to heat up eggnog?

Although this beverage is usually served cold, it can be heated if you prefer. We recommend doing this on low heat in a pot on the stovetop to prevent it splitting.

Is eggnog supposed to be cooked?

There are many versions of eggnog that don’t require cooking but we prefer to cook it as it creates a thicker texture and removes the risks of contracting salmonella from the uncooked egg.