Homemade Eggnog
This Homemade Eggnog (Non-Alcoholic) is a sweet, creamy holiday treat that feels like a warm hug in a cup. It’s smooth, rich, and full of cozy spices with a gentle touch of peppermint that makes every sip feel festive. The flavor is comforting and nostalgic, The kind of drink that instantly brings joy to the table and reminds you of the simple pleasures of the season.
This recipe is very close to my heart, as it was one of my late daughter Jeanelle’s favorite holiday drinks. When our family lived in the Chicago area, eggnog season became a fun tradition we looked forward to every year. During Christmas, we would buy ten cartons from the grocery store, knowing it would disappear from the shelves once the holidays ended. We stacked them in our outdoor freezer so we could enjoy a cup anytime we wanted. Jeanelle loved it so much, and having eggnog ready to grab always filled our home with warmth and happiness.
Those memories inspired us to create our own homemade version, something we could enjoy any time of the year, not just during the holidays. Every batch brings back a little piece of the joy Jeanelle shared with us, and now I’m grateful to share this recipe with you to enjoy. I hope each sip brings comfort, warmth, and a little bit of the same happiness we felt during those sweet moments together. This eggnog has become more than a drink for our family, it’s a reminder of love, tradition, and the simple joys we hold close.
Fun Facts About Eggnog
Eggnog has been enjoyed for hundreds of years and was originally a special drink served only during celebrations and winter gatherings.
The word “eggnog” comes from “noggin,” a small wooden cup used in old English taverns.
In early America, eggnog was so popular that families often had their own secret recipes passed down through generations.
Many grocery stores only sell eggnog from November to December, which is why so many families stock up during the holidays.
Some people enjoy eggnog warm, while others prefer it chilled, both ways are traditional.
In some cultures, eggnog is served to welcome guests, symbolizing warmth, comfort, and good cheer.
Homemade eggnog, like your recipe, lets families enjoy this sweet, creamy drink any time of the year, not just during the holiday season.
Eggnog has inspired many treats from ice cream to lattes showing just how loved this flavor is around the world.
Ways to Enjoy Homemade Eggnog
Serve it chilled Cold eggnog is classic. Chilling it lets the spices settle and the creamy texture thicken, giving you a smooth, refreshing sip every time.
Warm it gently on the stove Heating eggnog slowly creates a cozy, comforting drink, perfect for cold winter nights. The warmth brings out the cinnamon and nutmeg even more.
Top with whipped cream A spoonful of whipped cream adds extra richness and makes each cup feel like a special treat. It also balances the spices with a soft, sweet finish.
Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon A light dusting of warm spices on top adds aroma and enhances the holiday flavor. It makes the drink smell as good as it tastes.
Blend it with ice for a frosty shake Turning eggnog into a shake gives you a fun, dessert‑like drink. It’s creamy, cold, and perfect for kids or anyone who loves a sweet frozen treat.
Pour it over ice This lightens the texture and makes it easier to sip. It’s great for people who prefer a thinner, more refreshing version.
Good Pairing Snacks
Gingerbread cookies The warm spices in gingerbread match perfectly with eggnog’s creamy sweetness. Together, they taste like pure holiday comfort.
Sugar cookies Simple and sweet, sugar cookies let the eggnog shine. They’re great for dipping or enjoying on the side.
Cinnamon rolls Soft, warm, and full of cinnamon, these pair beautifully with the cool, creamy eggnog. It feels like a cozy holiday breakfast.
Shortbread cookies Buttery and delicate, shortbread adds a nice contrast to the richness of eggnog. The textures complement each other so well.
Banana bread Moist and lightly sweet, banana bread adds a homey touch. The flavors blend nicely with the spices in the eggnog.
Holiday pastries (croissants, sweet rolls, danishes) Light, flaky pastries balance the thick, creamy drink. They make the whole experience feel like a festive brunch.
Fresh fruit slices (apple or pear) A lighter option that cuts through the richness. The crisp fruit adds freshness and keeps the snack plate balanced.
Homemade Eggnog (Non-Alcoholic)
8
servings15
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minutesHomemade Eggnog made creamy and smooth with warm holiday spices and a hint of peppermint. This non‑alcoholic version is rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family. Chilled until thick and topped with whipped cream and nutmeg, it brings a festive, cozy flavor that feels right at home during the holidays.
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Ingredients:
8 pieces 8 Room Temperature Egg Yolks
1 cup 1 White Sugar (Adjust to taste)
3 cups 3 Whole Milk
3 cups 3 Heavy Cream
5 pieces 5 Cinnamon Sticks
5 pieces 5 Star Anise
1 tbsp 1 Whole Cloves
1 tbsp 1 Nutmeg
1 tsp 1 Salt
1 tbsp 1 Peppermint Extract
- Garnish
Canned whipped cream, for topping
Extra Cinnamon and Nutmeg, for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the whites, reserving the whites for another use if you like. Let the yolks sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes so they blend more smoothly into the mixture.
- Whip Yolks & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room‑temperature egg yolks and sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale yellow, thick, and slightly fluffy.
- Infuse the Milk & Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, salt, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and grated nutmeg. Warm the mixture over medium‑low heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes steaming but not boiling, which takes about 10–12 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let the spices steep gently for another 5 minutes.
- Temper the Eggs: While the milk mixture stays on low heat, carefully scoop out 2 cups of the warm liquid, adding it to the egg mixture one cup at a time. Pour slowly and whisk continuously with the mixer on low to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Combine & Cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Stir in the peppermint extract, then continue stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon; when you run your finger through the coating, it should leave a clean line.
- Finish & Chill: Remove the pot from the heat and whisk the mixture for about 5 minutes to help it cool down. Strain it through a fine strainer to remove the whole spices and any solids. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then, if desired, stir in 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 4 hours so it can thicken and develop deeper flavor.
- Serve: Once chilled, pour the eggnog into mugs or glasses. Top each serving with a swirl of canned whipped cream, add a cinnamon stick or star anise for garnish, and finish with a light grating of fresh nutmeg for a festive aroma.
Equipment:
- Hand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat‑safe spatula
- Fine strainer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups u0026 spoons
- Serving mugs or glasses
Recipe Video
Notes:
- Be gentle with the heat.
- Make sure not to overcook or let the mixture boil – boiling can cause the eggs to scramble and ruins the smooth texture. If it looks like it’s about to boil, immediately turn off the heat to protect your beautiful eggnog.
- The texture will thicken as it chills – refrigerate for at least 4 hours for best results.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 355kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin A: 22IU
- Calcium: 18mg
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Final Thoughts
This Homemade Non‑Alcoholic Eggnog is more than a sweet holiday drink, it’s a piece of our family’s story. Every creamy sip reminds me of the laughter, traditions, and simple joys we shared, especially with my daughter Jeanelle, who loved this treat so much. Creating this recipe allowed us to keep those memories close and enjoy the flavor we cherished all year long. I hope it brings the same warmth, comfort, and happiness to your home, and that it becomes a little tradition you can share with the people you love.
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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