A Classic Homemade Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional eggnog made of? ›

Eggnog is traditionally made with eggs, egg yolk, sugar, milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract. It's often spiked with brandy, rum or other liquor, and topped with freshly grated nutmeg and/or cinnamon sticks.

Dairyland Classic Eggnog is essentially Dairyland Original Eggnog but with more actual dairy. It tastes much like its cousin, although the added creaminess is immediately apparent.

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.

Spiced Rum

Speaking of spice, this eggnog addition packs a punch. And one sip will be all the proof you need that rum isn't just for tiki drinks. With flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove taking center stage and a full-bodied creamy texture, spiced rum is a natural BFF for eggnog.

Depending on the amount of liquor you add, the eggnog base without the egg whites will also keep quite well for several days: Non-alcoholic eggnog: Consume within 1 day. Eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup liquor: Refrigerate for several days.

For the brandy eggnog, Korbel VS was the brand of choice, and it produced a perfectly balanced drink. This eggnog had a nice sweetness in every sip, which paired admirably with the creamy egg base.

Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional 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.

"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.

The bubblegum or banana flavor you mention in certain commercial eggnogs may be the result of specific artificial or natural flavorings used in their recipes. If you want to replicate that flavor in homemade eggnog, you can try experimenting with natural flavor extracts or essences.

The drink first made its appearance in the American colonies in the 18th century, where both eggs and rum were plentiful. Eggnog was particularly popular around Christmastime because of its warm temperature and the addition of flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean, that embodied the winter season.

Is egg nog good for you? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

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.

It's rich, creamy, sweet, and comforting. And while you can always buy it at the store, it's a heck of a lot better when you make it yourself. Plus, homemade eggnog spiked with SoCo is a surefire way to make sure that all your friends want to hang out at your place during the holiday season.

If you love thick, rich and sweet eggnog, this one Won't let you down. Has an extra spicy nutmeg, cinnamony zest that spreads joy. “Southern Comfort Eggnog!”

Pour 1 cup International Delight eggnog into your cup and add ½ Tbsp rum and mix well. Put whipped cream on top and sprinkle ⅛ tsp freshly ground cinnamon and ⅛ tsp freshly ground nutmeg. Enjoy it chilled or hot!

You can ensure that you and your guests are sipping safely, though, Rogers says. Almost all the eggnog sold in stores is pasteurized, which kills bacteria, but he says to be sure to check that the carton or bottle is clearly labeled as such. If you make your own, use pasteurized liquid eggs, which are sold in a carton.

Store-bought eggnog still contains eggs, but most are already pasteurized, so even the sickliest Scrooge can likely have a sip.

You'll find festive cartons of chilled nog in the refrigerator section of the grocery store from Halloween through New Years. Made with the typical ingredients (minus the alcohol), you'll also find thickeners and stabilizers, artificial colors and flavors; some are also sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

Information. Pasteurized shell eggs are heated in warm water baths using controlled time and temperature, to destroy any bacteria that might be present, but the process does not cook the eggs. Any process used for eggs in shell pasteurization has to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).