Easy Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes eggnog so thick? ›

Homemade eggnog is thickened first with egg yolks and then given even more texture by folding in whipped egg whites at the end. Those egg whites transform what can be a fairly heavy, overly rich drink into something airier and frothier — though no less decadent.

If you are really looking to knock out some calories, consider purchasing soy nog or rice nog. These alternatives to regular eggnog contain less fat and nearly half the calories of regular store-bought eggnog. Vanilla chai tea is also a great holiday alternative for those with non-dairy diets.

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.

“While there are different eggnog recipes, most eggnog will typically contain high amounts of fat from cream and milk, and added sugar for sweetness,” said Cohn. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat every day to support heart health.

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!

To make it thicker, use less milk. 1 cup of whole milk will make a smooth eggnog, but if you know that you like a thicker eggnog, stir in only ½ cup of milk.

"While culinary historians debate its exact lineage, most agree eggnog originated from the early medieval" British drink called posset, which was made with hot milk that was curdled with wine or ale and flavored with spices. In the Middle Ages, posset was used as a cold and flu remedy.

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

Making your own eggnog will spare you the additives found in store-bought varieties but a traditional recipe will be similar in calories and fat. You can lighten things up using low fat dairy products and going light on the sugar.

Rumchata Eggnog is an alcoholic beverage made with eggnog and RumChata® served in a glass with a cinnamon-sugar rim. It's the perfect co*cktail to serve at your Christmas and New Year's Eve parties!

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

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.

If you'd like to add rum to your mugful, opt for a golden or dark rum. These kinds of rum have more depth of flavor than white rum. You can also add spiced rum if you want to add a kick to your drink, but know that spiced rum may overwhelm the flavor of your homemade eggnog.

It's Easy to Make Eggnog Safer

The bacteria can make anyone sick, but young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable. You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says.

“Eggnog is made with 'heavy' ingredients that, eaten in exclusion of anything else, might cause stomach distress,” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs said. “Cream is full of fat and that takes longer to digest.

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

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.

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.

The role of sugar in eggnog

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

Beating eggs and sugar together

If you mix sugar into the yolks without whipping them first, you risk creating a chunky and unappealing texture in your eggnog. The key is to first thoroughly whip the egg yolks until they are smooth and well-aerated.