Creamy Homemade Eggnog made with eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, and vanilla. A rich and spiced holiday drink that’s smooth, cozy, and festive.

Two glasses of creamy eggnog with cinnamon sticks rest on a wooden tray beside a blue and white striped cloth, featuring a classic homemade eggnog recipe perfect for the holidays.

My sister and I didn't grow up having eggnog every holiday season, but I loved it as an adult. I really wanted to give that tradition to my kids, so they could experience the same cozy memories I now had of the drink. So of course, I needed my own homemade eggnog recipe.

I used to think this was strictly a holiday drink, but I find myself craving it sometimes throughout the year. So one time when my daughter was describing what drink she likes, I knew exactly what it was and realized that drinks can be made anytime and shouldn't be confined to seasons.

This homemade version has that thick, custard-like consistency with a velvety smooth finish that coats your mouth in the most satisfying way. The flavor is rich and creamy with warm, aromatic spices that make it taste luxurious and comforting. It has the right amount of sweetness with this silky texture that's way more complex than anything you can buy in stores.

I make this whenever the craving hits now, not just in December, because it's become one of those drinks that brings instant comfort. I just need around 30 minutes total including cooling time, and the tempering process is easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it.

But of course, this eggnog comes out every Christmas season, like clockwork. The first time I made this for my kids, they were skeptical because they'd only tried the artificial-tasting store-bought stuff. But after one sip of the homemade version, they understood why my sister and I always got excited when mom would start making it.

Now my youngest asks for it randomly throughout the year, and I love that we've broken free from the idea that certain flavors belong only to certain seasons.

Ingredients

The egg yolks are what give this eggnog its creamy, rich base and that silky texture you expect from homemade eggnog. When I whisk them with granulated sugar, they create this thick, smooth custard foundation that's sweet but not overwhelming.

For the liquid part, I use both milk and whipping cream because the milk keeps it drinkable while the cream gives it that luxurious body. Cinnamon sticks get simmered right in the mixture so all that spice infuses throughout, and vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step Instructions

Two glasses of creamy eggnog topped with cinnamon sticks and powder rest on a wooden tray, offering a delicious taste of homemade eggnog.

Making homemade eggnog is simpler than it seems. With just a few basic steps, you can create a creamy, spiced drink that’s perfect for serving chilled during the holiday season.

Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar

Five egg yolks and sugar in a white bowl on a marble countertop, ready to become creamy eggnog, next to a striped blue and white cloth.

A metal whisk in a white bowl with yellow batter, perfect for preparing creamy eggnog, sits on a marble surface with striped towels nearby.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Whisk the two together until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and smooth. This step helps dissolve the sugar and creates the creamy base for the eggnog.

Heat the Milk and Cream

A saucepan of milk with a striped towel, cream in a small pitcher, two cinnamon sticks, and a small empty bowl—perfect for starting your homemade eggnog or creamy eggnog recipe.

A saucepan of milk on a marble counter, with a small bowl of vanilla extract and a striped towel nearby—perfect for starting your homemade eggnog recipe.

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, whipping cream, cinnamon sticks, and a pinch of salt. Place the pan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally. Warm the mixture until it is just about to boil, but do not let it come to a full boil. Once it is steaming and small bubbles appear along the edges, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Temper the Eggs

A bowl of beaten eggs next to a whisk, a bowl of cream, and a striped kitchen towel on a marble counter—perfect ingredients for a creamy eggnog recipe.

To prevent scrambling, you need to slowly introduce the hot milk mixture into the eggs. Add the milk mixture one tablespoon at a time into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Continue adding milk a little at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition, until the eggs have adjusted to the heat.

Cook the Eggnog

Once the egg mixture is tempered, pour it all back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture. Return the pan to medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the eggnog reaches 160°F. This ensures the eggs are cooked safely while keeping the mixture creamy. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.

Strain and Chill

Two glasses of homemade eggnog topped with cinnamon and garnished with cinnamon sticks sit on a wooden tray, showcasing the perfect creamy eggnog recipe for the holidays.

Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl, pitcher, or bottle. Strain the eggnog to remove any bits of cooked egg and the cinnamon sticks, leaving you with a smooth drink. Transfer the strained eggnog into a clean bottle or container and refrigerate until well chilled before serving.

Top Tips for Creamy Homemade Eggnog

Temper the eggs slowly: When adding the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, go slowly and whisk constantly to prevent scrambling.

Chill overnight for flavor: Let the eggnog rest in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight so the flavors of cinnamon and vanilla can fully develop.

Strain for a smoother texture: Don’t skip the straining step. It removes any bits of cooked egg and gives your eggnog a silky finish.

Other Drinks to Try

If you love the creamy richness of homemade eggnog, you might enjoy trying other cozy drinks that bring comfort in a mug. The colombian-inspired hot chocolate with cheese takes a traditional favorite and pairs it with a surprising touch of melted cheese, while the non-alcoholic irish coffee has the depth of coffee paired with a creamy topping for a soothing finish. Both are great choices for cooler days when you want something that feels hearty.

For a lighter but still flavorful option, the matcha latte with pistachio spread and the vanilla lavender oat milk latte balance earthiness with gentle sweetness and floral notes. If you’d like something chilled, the pumpkin-spice cold brew keeps things seasonal and refreshing, while the toasted almond mocktail adds a nutty depth that pairs well with desserts. Each of these drinks brings its own character, making them perfect companions to eggnog during the holiday season.

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