How to Make Delicious Homemade Eggnog for Christmas

There are some Christmas traditions that feel as timeless as fairy lights, mince pies, and watching the tree twinkle on a frosty evening. 

Eggnog is one of them. This luxurious, gently spiced festive drink has been enjoyed for centuries, and making it at home is far easier than many people imagine. 

Rich, velvety, and wonderfully warming, it’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, or for sipping quietly while wrapping presents.

Here’s how to create a batch of truly delicious homemade eggnog, tailored for the British kitchen.

Why Make Eggnog at Home?

Shop-bought eggnog is somewhat difficult to find in the UK, and when you do see it, it’s often overly sweet or lacking the silky richness people expect. Making your own allows you to:

Control the sweetness

Choose your spices

Use high-quality British cream and milk

Serve it alcohol-free or spiked

Create a show-stopping festive drink for guests

Plus, it fills your kitchen with a gorgeous aroma of nutmeg and vanilla, instantly Christmassy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are already in the average Christmas kitchen:

4 fresh egg yolks

100g caster sugar

500ml whole milk

250ml double cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra to garnish)

Optional: 60ml dark rum, brandy, or bourbon

If you’d prefer to make a fully pasteurised version, you can gently cook the mixture—details below.

How to Make Traditional Eggnog

1. Whisk the yolks

In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until thick, pale, and creamy. This gives the finished eggnog its signature smoothness.

2. Warm the milk

In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, double cream, vanilla, and nutmeg until steaming but not boiling.

3. Temper the eggs

Pour a small amount of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents curdling. Gradually add the rest until fully combined.

4. (Optional) Cook for pasteurised eggnog

Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat gently, stirring continuously, until it thickens slightly and reaches 71°C. Do not boil.

Remove from the heat immediately.

5. Add alcohol (optional)

If you’re making a grown-up version, stir in rum, brandy, or bourbon.

6. Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Eggnog is best served icy cold with a dusting of nutmeg.

Alcohol-Free Eggnog for the Whole Family

Eggnog doesn’t need alcohol to be delicious. Omit the spirits and serve the chilled drink with:

A cinnamon stick

A swirl of lightly whipped cream

A sprinkle of nutmeg or cocoa

It becomes a cosy, custardy festive treat suitable for children and adults alike.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in glass mugs topped with freshly grated nutmeg

Add a splash of coffee for a “Christmas latte” twist

Pour into a festive jug for the Christmas breakfast table

Use leftover eggnog in French toast or bread-and-butter pudding

How Long Does Homemade Eggnog Keep?

If cooked to the safe 71°C and stored in a sealed container in the fridge, eggnog will keep for 2–3 days.

The uncooked version should be consumed within 24 hours.

Make Eggnog Part of Your Christmas Tradition

Homemade eggnog feels like a small luxury in the heart of winter, a creamy hug in a glass. Whether you enjoy it fireside, serve it to friends on Christmas Eve, or use it to add flair to your seasonal bakes, it’s a festive ritual worth bringing into your own home.