Homemade Old Fashioned Eggnog Recipe

ByNancy Lopez Posted on

A mug full of homemade old fashioned eggnog is creamy and rich and full of Christmas memories. It’s a nostalgic experience that resonates with the warmth and cheer of the season. This classic, traditional and simple old-fashioned eggnog recipe is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings. 

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A clear glass full of old fashioned eggnog served over ice and with a cinnamon stick sticking out of it.
Homemade Old Fashioned Eggnog

Old Fashioned Eggnog

Ah I love the holiday season, a time when delicious treats and festive drinks take center stage. One classic holiday beverage that never goes out of style is eggnog.

You might already know that I was born in Mexico but raised in the Midwest. I value being a child of both cultures, blending Mexican traditions with American holidays and enjoying diverse foods.

My childhood neighborhood included Americans, Mexican-Americans, Mexicans, and people from around the world, and my friends had various backgrounds and they often introduced me to their traditional dishes.

​I first encountered American eggnog at my best friend’s house, where her family made it as part of their holiday tradition. Back then, I wasn’t too fond of dairy-based foods, so I politely sipped it and slowly finished the small cup over hours to avoid being impolite. Haha, manners mattered!

A glass full of homemade old fashioned eggnog and a pitcher of eggnog in the background.
Non-Alcoholic Old Fashion Eggnog

Later on when I married into an American family, eggnog was something they always had at their holiday dinners. Every year since our marriage and up until a couple years before his death, my then husband, would make a few bowls of his old fashioned eggnog throughout the Christmas season.

This is his recipe and one that has been hugely popular with my readers since I first published it on the blog many years ago. I gave it a little facelift and added new photos and a video so that you all can keep enjoying this easy traditional eggnog recipe. 

An old fashion traditional recipe for making Christmas eggnog

​He always said about his eggnog, “it’s creamy, rich, like Christmas and full of childhood memories.”

Amigos, for you eggnog fans out there, you’re in for a treat because this homemade eggnog recipe is quite delicious and if I who didn’t used to be a fan of eggnog says this, you know it’s going to be good! 

​Mexican eggnog is called rompope and it’s made a bit differently than American eggnog. I’ll share the rompope homemade version another time. 

How to Make Old Fashion Eggnog from Scratch

A Brief History of Eggnog

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick journey back in time to uncover the origins of this beloved beverage. Eggnog has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was enjoyed in Britain as a warm, ale-based drink.

During colonial times in America, George Washington had his own special recipe for eggnog that’s still cherished today. The tradition has evolved over centuries, but the essence of eggnog has remained constant—a creamy, indulgent concoction perfect for the Christmas holidays.

Mixing traditional eggnog ingredients in a large metal bowl.
Uncooked Eggnog Recipe

Is This a Cooked or Uncooked Eggnog Recipe?

Traditional eggnog is made uncooked and uses raw eggs.

Some of you may be wondering if it’s safe to use raw eggs in eggnog. Using pasteurized eggs can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses – but of course it’s not guaranteed 100%.

​If you have a compromised immune system, or are pregnant, or an elderly person, then please consider using a cooked custard base for your eggnog. I also don’t suggest serving this to children.

​I cannot make any guarantees to upon choosing to make uncooked eggnog you are solely responsible for any side effect. 

​When using eggs (be it for cooked or uncooked eggnog) make sure they are the freshest available. Of course we are not responsible for the eggs you use so it is your call.

Store-bought eggnog is cooked to prevent food-borne illnesses amongst the public. 

Egg yolks and sugar in small bowls to be used in making old fashion eggnog.
Old Fashioned Eggnog Ingredients

​Traditional Eggnog Ingredients 

The key ingredients for making homemade uncooked old fashioned eggnog are quite basic and easy to find just about anywhere. You’ll notice that it’s basically the same ingredients used to make ice cream – so you really can see just how decadent eggnog is. Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card further down below. ​

  • Yolks from Large Eggs: The foundation of eggnog and what provides that luscious, creamy texture is eggs. Some people will beat the egg whites to soft peaks before mixing into the eggnog mixture, we’re keeping it much simpler and creamier and using just egg yolks.  
  • Heavy Cream: To make your eggnog extra rich and decadent. (also called heavy whipping cream)
  • Whole Milk: For a creamy yet slightly lighter base. Don’t sub with low-fat milk because whole fat milk will yield thicker and better tasting eggnog.
  • Sugar: To add the perfect level of sweetness.
  • Aromatic Spices: Spices like nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon are commonly used.
  • Alcohol: You can choose to make this a boozy eggnog or serve without alcohol, your choice. Dark rum, cognac, and bourbon are spirits commonly used. Whiskey and brandy are also used in George Washington’s eggnog recipe. For a slightly less boozy version you could use rum extract instead. 

How to Make Old Fashion Eggnog

This is the best eggnog recipe because it’s so incredibly easy to make!

We’re using a blender, a bowl and whisk to whip up our eggnog. So there’s no need for an electric mixer (aka hand mixer) or bowl of a stand mixer to prepare this recipe.

Blending egg yolks with sugar in a blender to make eggnog.

​Step 1: Place the egg yolks and white sugar into the blender. Blend for about 2 minutes or until the sugar mixture thickens up. Pour the yolk mixture into a large bowl, then whisk in milk and cream. Continue mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Mixing homemade old fashion eggnog in a large metal bowl.

Step 2: Sprinkle in the nutmeg and pour in the vanilla, mix until well incorporated. Taste and adjust nutmeg if desired. I prefer to let people add their own spirit of choice for an alcoholic eggnog. But if you prefer you can add the spirit of your choice now.

Uncooked old fashion eggnog inside a large metal mixing bowl.

​Step 3: Pour into a pitcher or punch bowl and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Always keep in the refrigerator until right before serving. Serve by placing whole cinnamon sticks inside the mugs as drink stirrers. Then sprinkle a hint of nutmeg or a pinch of ground cinnamon over each cup before serving.

Glass full of old fashioned eggnog served over ice cubes and sprinkled with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Old Fashioned Eggnog Served on Ice

The Best Results

If this is your first time making eggnog, don’t worry because as you can see this is an incredibly delicious homemade eggnog recipe is super easy to make. The reward is a velvety creamy eggnog treat that’s worth the effort.

​Make sure to ask your family and holiday dinner guests if they are ok with an uncooked eggnog, if so you may want to make a double batch. If not then prepare a cooked version for them. 

Storage and Serving

The flavors actually get better over time, so it’s a good thing to make it a the night before of when you plan to serve it. Once your eggnog is ready, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then the next day before serving, give it a good stir and sprinkle some extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and add a whole cinnamon stick to each glass if desired. 

​For the best food safety it’s best to consume this homemade within a day of preparing it. 

Two glasses and a glass pitcher filled with homemade eggnog recipe.

Homemade Old Fashioned Eggnog

Homemade old fashioned eggnog is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. This classic drink has a rich history and a flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you choose to enjoy it with a hint of rum or opt for a non-alcoholic version, your taste buds are in for a treat. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover that there’s nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy goodness of homemade eggnog. 

A clear glass full of old fashioned eggnog served over ice and with a cinnamon stick sticking out of it.
A clear glass full of old fashioned eggnog served over ice and with a cinnamon stick sticking out of it.

How to Make Old Fashioned Eggnog

Nancy Lopez & MexicanMadeMeatless.com
A simple old-fashioned eggnog recipe handed down by generations of family. Raw eggs, full fat milk and thick cream make this the best holiday drink.
5 from 15 votes
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Video

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Drinks, Non-Alcoholic
Cuisine American, Christmas
Servings 8 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 12 medium egg yolks
  • 1.5 cups or 320 g white granulated sugar
  • 4 cups or 1 liter of 4% or full fat milk
  • 2 cups or 500 ml heavy cream 31% fat or higher
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon good quality vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

    Instructions
     

    • Place the egg yolks and white sugar into the blender. Blend for about 2 minutes or until the mix thickens up. Pour the yolk-sugar mix into a large bowl, whisk in milk and cream. Continue mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and pour in the vanilla, mix until well incorporated. Taste and adjust nutmeg if desired.
    • Chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over each cup before serving.

    Notes

    1. The recipe calls for raw eggs. Consume at your own risk.
    2. Whole fat milk and heavy cream yield thicker and better tasting eggnog.
    3. For alcoholic version add a cup of good quality brandy or rum after nutmeg and vanilla has been added. Whisk again until brandy/rum is well incorporated into the eggnog.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8servingsCalories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 10gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 373mgSodium: 76mgPotassium: 271mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 1462IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 225mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and tag me on social media @MexicanMadeMeatless or tag #mexicanmademeatless!

    I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. May you be surrounded by the ones you love and with plenty of good food. Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    How to Make Old Fashion Eggnog from Scratch

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    85 Comments

      1. Thanks Victoria I’ll let him know. I understand your concern about raw eggs, but also I do think that if someone is concerned about raw eggs it wouldn’t matter what country they came from since salmonella can occur anywhere. We did some research to double check and everything we found stated that most cases of salmonella came from eggs farmed in areas where industrialized chicken farming is done.

        Feliz Navidad 😉

        Reply

        1. 5 stars
          While salmonella and other food borne diseases can be carried in “industrialized” eggs, it is just as common, if not more so in home grown eggs too.

          The common method of infection of the hen with Salmonella is through either vermin droppings being eaten by the hen or the hen consuming cockroaches. Once a hen is infected, she will always carry and transmit the Salmonella infection through all of her eggs.

          Small-scale egg operations have just as high, sometimes higher, incidence of infection as the larger industrialized operations. Just no inspection of small scale or backyard operations, leading to the appearance of lower infection rates.

          The only way to avoid Salmonella in chickens is to keep an extremely clean, vermin free operation, something very few small producers actually are able to achieve.

          I have been raising chickens for food and eggs for over 50 years now, love doing it, but the constant negative rap against the large egg producers is just not accurate, nor justified! The simple fact is proper, quick refrigeration, along with proper washing/cleaning of the eggs is the single biggest factor in reducing the exposure to higher levels of Salmonella bacteria in eggs. Most eggs have some Salmonella bacteria in them, but allowing them to stay warm, outside of refrigeration is what allows the bacteria to multiple inside the egg to a problem level.
          This information comes from the USDA and other scientific sources.

          I eat my own eggs raw and nearly raw often, but I keep a close eye on my hen’s conditions and get them chilled soon after they are laid.

          Nice recipe for nog! 🙂

          Reply

      2. Worried about the risk of raw eggs, I cooked half the finished batch over low heat until thoroughly heated, then after cooling whisked in homemade whipped topping made with heavy cream. Thick, creamy & delicious, and no worries about raw eggs!

        Reply

    7. What a lovely recipe, getting better with every tad of cognac I add 😉 !!! Whilst I am sipping, may I add all the warmest Yuletide wishes I know and hopes for a wonderfully successful 2013 for you and yours!!

      Reply

    9. 5 stars
      Nothing says Merry Christmas like eggnog. Kudos to your hubby. 🙂 Feliz Navidad to you and your family as well Nancy!! May the joy of Christmas fill your home. 🙂

      Reply

    11. 5 stars
      Thank God for pasteurized eggs! I have never tasted eggnog but it sounds very creamy and decadent. Nancy, here’s wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

      Reply

    13. We used to make this every Christmas. Have you ever tried the pasteurized eggs in a carton? I haven’t, I was afraid it wouldn’t taste good.

      Reply

    14. Nancy, what gorgeous festive photos. I haven’t had eggnog since I was a child but making a jug of this today after the long walk I have planned. Thanks for all your wonderful recipes throughout the year. Wishing you happiness this Christmas and a thousand good things for 2013, Hester x

      Reply

      1. Hi Hester,
        Have fun on your walk and enjoy making your eggnog. Thank you so much for the well wishes. A very Merry Christmas to you to and yours, as well as the best wishes for the New Year. xx

        Reply

    20. Thank you for adding both measurement systems, it makes it so much easier, not having to convert. It sounds delicious and I am happy to have found your recipe. thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
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    23. 5 stars
      I made this today and I have already sucked down 3 glasses by myself!!!! I’ve never made egg nog before and this was my first attempt at it. This was one AWESOME recipe!!! I can’t stop talking about it or drinking it. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

      Reply
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    25. 5 stars
      owh…what a delicious eggnog! My mum tried to make it and fuala! my whole family drank it about 3 cups/person!
      thank you for sharing this awesome recipe!

      Feliz Navidad!

      Reply