Eggnog Recipe (no raw eggs)

Eggnog season is here, making it the perfect time to enjoy a creamy drink rich in flavor and tradition.

This classic cottage-style homemade eggnog recipe is an easy way to create a cozy holiday vibe your whole family will love.

Unlike grocery store options, this homemade version uses fresh ingredients for a velvety texture with a hint of spice.

Serve it at holiday gatherings or sip it by the fire; this non-alcoholic eggnog guarantees festive delight.

No raw eggs here! For us, raw eggs during the holiday season aren’t even on the radar.

Now, let’s dive into crafting your own eggnog with this simple, step-by-step recipe.

Ruby Ann and I often make our own eggnog during the holidays, perfecting this creamy eggnog recipe over the years.

Using simple ingredients and a traditional eggnog recipe method, we’ve created a homemade version that’s smooth, flavorful, and perfect for seasonal treats.

We love serving it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick for added charm at our holiday gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Classic Cottage-Style Homemade Eggnog

• Creamy Perfection: Achieve the best eggnog with a rich and creamy eggnog mixture that’s made with heavy whipping cream.
• Safe and Homemade: Our recipe uses a tempered method, eliminating the risk of salmonella while keeping that classic eggnog flavor.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Serve this creamy drink in an ice bucket or chilled in cups of milk with cinnamon sticks.
• A Time-Tested Favorite: Culinary historians will tell you that making your own recipe is a lot of fun and adds a personal touch to holiday traditions.
• Non-Alcoholic and Family-Friendly: This recipe is made without alcohol, making it perfect for older adults and anyone looking for a non-alcoholic eggnog option.

Tips for Making Classic Cottage-Style Homemade Eggnog

• Temper Slowly: The hardest part of making eggnog is tempering the raw eggs. Add the hot liquid slowly to avoid curdling. Then add back the the stove on low heat and heat until creamy.
• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Large eggs at room temperature blend more smoothly into the combined mixture.
• Cook on Medium-Low Heat: Heat the eggnog mixture gently to prevent it from cooking too quickly.
• Chill Completely: Use an ice bath to cool the mixture faster, then refrigerate for several hours to enhance the flavors.
• Add Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream beaten to soft peaks for a decadent touch.

FAQ

What makes this the best eggnog?

This traditional eggnog recipe uses fresh ingredients and a stovetop method to create a creamy drink that’s both smooth and safe to enjoy.

How do I temper raw eggs for eggnog?

Temper eggs by slowly whisking hot liquid into the egg yolks in a separate bowl. This ensures the eggs are heated without scrambling.

Can I make this eggnog recipe non-alcoholic?

Yes! This is a non-alcoholic eggnog recipe by default. However, you can add maple syrup or dark rum for extra flavor if desired.

How do I store leftover eggnog?

Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.

What’s the perfect way to serve eggnog?

Serve chilled with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for garnish. It’s a classic holiday treat!

Tools You May Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Fine mesh strainer
• Double boiler
• Ice bath

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Ingredients You Will Need to Make Classic Cottage-Style Homemade Eggnog

• Large Eggs (Yolks Only): Create the creamy eggnog mixture while adding richness and smoothness to the recipe.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the drink velvety and indulgent.
• Whole Milk: Adds body and balances the richness of the cream.
• Sugar: Sweetens the recipe while enhancing the natural flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warmth and depth of flavor to the eggnog.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Adds that signature holiday spice for a classic eggnog finish.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How To Make Classic Cottage-Style Homemade Eggnog

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, ¾ cup of sugar, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a whisk to prevent the sugar from settling at the bottom.

Warm the mixture until small bubbles begin to form around the edges, but do not let it boil. This step infuses the milk with the warm spices and dissolves the sugar evenly.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks

While the milk mixture is warming, separate 6 large egg yolks into a medium bowl.

Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat the yolks until they are smooth and creamy, with a pale yellow color.

This step ensures the egg yolks are evenly mixed, which is crucial for achieving a silky eggnog texture.

Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks

To temper the egg yolks, slowly add the warm milk mixture to the whisked yolks.

Begin with just a small amount, about 1/4 cup, pouring it in a thin stream while whisking vigorously.

Gradually add more of the warm milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, until the egg yolks are fully incorporated and warmed.

This slow process ensures the yolks are gently heated without curdling, creating a smooth and creamy eggnog base.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.

Return the saucepan to medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula to prevent sticking.

Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the mixture to separate.

The end of cooking is marked by a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Strain and Cool

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the eggnog mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.

Straining removes any small lumps, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture.

Place the bowl in an ice bath, gently stirring the eggnog to cool it down quickly.

This step helps preserve the creamy consistency while bringing the temperature down safely.

Step 6: Chill the Eggnog

Transfer the cooled eggnog to an airtight container or mason jar.

Seal the container tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives the eggnog its signature rich and creamy texture.

Stir well before serving to ensure an even consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the chilled eggnog into glasses or cups, leaving room for garnishes.

Top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch. Serve this creamy seasonal treat as a delightful addition to your holiday gatherings or a cozy evening by the fire.

Enjoy the perfect homemade eggnog, made with love and care!

Storage Ideas for Classic Cottage-Style Homemade Eggnog

• Refrigerate for Freshness: Store your eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir before serving.
• Freeze for Longer Storage: Pour leftover eggnog into ice cube trays and freeze. Use the cubes in coffee or blended drinks.
• Use Mason Jars for Convenience: Divide eggnog into individual servings in mason jars. This keeps portions fresh and easy to grab.
• Store in a Pitcher: Refrigerate eggnog in a lidded glass pitcher. Stir well before serving at holiday gatherings for easy pouring.
• Cool Quickly in an Ice Bath: Place freshly made eggnog in an ice bath to cool rapidly before transferring it to the fridge.

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