Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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.

Choose The Right Spirit

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

People with diabetes, lactose intolerances, or egg and dairy allergies, as well as those abstaining from alcohol would all find this drink to be problematic. For the rest of people who don't mind ice cream and whipped cream every so often, imbibing a glass or two can still raise a red flag to the digestive system.

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.

Homemade eggnog typically lasts in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to refrigerate it promptly after preparing it as the cold temperature slows down the growth of bacteria and helps maintain the quality. Use a jar, bottle or container with a tight fitting lid for best results.

They made the eggnog before Thanksgiving as usual, but added enough salmonella to mimic getting between one and ten bad eggs to the recipe and then tested it for bacteria over a three-week period. Adding the alcohol immediately reduced the number of bacteria, but there were still plenty left.

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Hood Golden Eggnog's blend of extra creamy milk, sugared yolks and spices make it a holiday favorite, whether you drink it straight from the glass or use it in your favorite recipes.

When to add alcohol to eggnog? ›

The right way to do it is by pouring the nog first, and then slowly pouring in the booze while stirring. Finish up all the whisking of the cream, sugar, and eggs, and at the end, add in in the bourbon (and/or rye, rum, brandy, etc). Add acid: It's a law of the lab.

Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.

For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog. It's important to note, though, that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet. Combining them will produce something that someone with a sweet tooth will love, but that others may find cloying.

Whiskey and bourbon are also great matches for this subtly spiced sip. Both of these spirits work well with holiday flavors like vanilla and spice, so adding a dram to your mug of eggnog is as natural as pairing peppermint with chocolate. Be sure to use a good whiskey that you enjoy sipping on its own.

Undercooked eggnog will be thin and watery; overcooked custard will curdle. The difference is a matter of only a few degrees. For perfectly smooth eggnog: Pour through a sieve before chilling.

Because the eggnog thickens the longer you keep it stored in your refrigerator (and it's quite boozy), you can always dilute it by adding more milk just before serving.

If your eggnog is lumpy, it's likely due to the eggs. Eggnog should be cooked on low heat very slowly and stirred often or you risk scrambling the eggs. Scrambled eggs will lead to a lumpy (rather than creamy) texture in your eggnog. If you only have a few lumps, simply strain the mixture before serving.

You can use an instant read thermometer or candy thermometer to check the liquid for reaching its food-safe temperature. If the egg yolks do curdle a little, it's OK! While not ideal, the eggnog is not ruined. Once you strain the mixture before chilling, this will remove any curdled pieces.