Homemade eggnog feels like a hug in a glass—thick, creamy, and softly spiced, the kind of drink that makes any evening feel like a celebration. This version leans into richness without becoming cloying, thanks to a balanced combination of dairy, maple sweetness, and warm spirits. It’s the quintessential holiday treat, yet easy enough to prepare on a quiet night at home.

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Ingredient Breakdown

At the heart of this eggnog are eggs and maple syrup, blended together until they become one cohesive, velvety mixture. The eggs give body and structure, creating that signature luscious mouthfeel, while the maple syrup brings a nuanced sweetness with hints of caramel and earthiness you don’t get from regular sugar. Blending them thoroughly introduces air, giving the base a light froth and a remarkably smooth texture.

Milk and heavy cream work together to create the perfect consistency. The milk, whether dairy or a plant-based option, keeps the drink pourable and refreshing instead of overly dense. Heavy cream (or coconut cream, if going dairy-free) adds that indulgent richness, wrapping each sip in a creamy cloak. The ratio of milk to cream is carefully balanced so the eggnog is satisfying without feeling heavy after just a few mouthfuls.

Brandy or bourbon and rum are the flavor anchors that turn this from a simple custard drink into a sophisticated holiday cocktail. The brandy or bourbon brings warmth, oakiness, and a subtle depth, while rum adds a mellow sweetness and a hint of spice. Together, they round out the maple and dairy, ensuring the drink isn’t just sweet, but layered and complex.

Nutmeg is the unmistakable hallmark of eggnog. Just a teaspoon perfumes the entire batch, adding that cozy, nostalgic aroma that instantly signals the holidays. Cinnamon, whether sprinkled on top or added as a stick garnish, is the final flourish. It doesn’t just look pretty—it adds a fragrant halo to each glass, making every sip feel like a special occasion.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

The process starts with the blender base. Crack the eggs directly into the pitcher of a high-powered blender and pour in the maple syrup. Once the lid is secured, blend on the highest setting for exactly four minutes, timing it carefully. During this stage, the mixture lightens in color, thickens slightly, and becomes a bit foamy. This extended blending helps aerate the eggs, fully integrate the syrup, and create a stable, silky foundation for the rest of the ingredients.

Next comes the incorporation of the remaining liquids. With the blender switched off, add the milk, heavy cream, brandy or bourbon, rum, and nutmeg. There’s no need for a long blend at this point; a quick burst of about ten seconds is enough to emulsify everything into a unified mixture. This gentle blending step prevents the eggnog from becoming overly frothy while still ensuring that each ingredient is evenly distributed and the spices are well dispersed.

Once blended, the eggnog is ready to rest. Carefully pour it into an airtight glass bottle or container, leaving a little space at the top for shaking later. Slide the container into the refrigerator and chill until it’s thoroughly cold. This chilling time isn’t just about temperature. As the eggnog rests, the flavors mingle and mellow, the texture thickens slightly, and the drink takes on a beautifully cohesive character.

Serving is where the drink truly shines. Before pouring, give the container a good stir or shake to re-suspend any nutmeg or cinnamon that may have drifted to the bottom. Choose glasses that feel special—small tumblers, stemmed cocktail glasses, or even clear mugs work wonderfully. Pour the eggnog, then finish each glass with a cinnamon stick or a generous pinch of ground cinnamon on top. The garnish adds both visual elegance and a fragrant, festive aroma with every sip.

Recipe Tips

Safety and texture
Blending the eggs and maple syrup for a full four minutes is not just a suggestion—it’s crucial. That extended blending time helps the eggs emulsify properly, become stable, and take on a light, creamy texture. Cutting it short can lead to a thinner, less cohesive base. Always use a high-powered blender and stick to the timing for the best combination of volume, smoothness, and consistency.

Adjusting sweetness and strength
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the maple syrup slightly and taste after chilling; you can always add a splash more and stir it in. For a softer drink with little to no alcohol, scale back the brandy or bourbon and rum, or use just one of the two. For a more spirited version, increase the alcohol in small increments, keeping in mind that the flavor will become more pronounced as it rests in the refrigerator.

Spice customization
Freshly grated nutmeg has a brighter, more aromatic character compared to pre-ground nutmeg, so use it when possible for maximum impact. If you enjoy a bolder spice note, add an extra pinch of nutmeg or a whisper of cinnamon directly into the blend. For those who prefer a gentler profile, keep to the measured amount and rely on the garnish for a softer, aromatic finish.

Make-ahead guidance
Eggnog benefits from a brief resting period in the fridge, even just a few hours, as this allows the flavors to meld and mellow. It can typically be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Give it a thorough shake or stir before serving to restore its creaminess and ensure an even distribution of spices and flavor.

What to serve With this recipe

Eggnog naturally gravitates toward dessert pairings. Simple butter cookies, shortbread, gingerbread, and cinnamon-scented cakes all sit beautifully alongside a glass of this creamy drink. Their sweetness and spice echo the flavors in the eggnog, while the varied textures—crisp, crumbly, tender—offer a pleasing contrast to the liquid smoothness.

Savory bites create balance and prevent the experience from becoming too rich. A small cheese board with sharp cheddar, aged gouda, or blue cheese, paired with crackers and nuts, provides a salty, complex counterpoint to the sweetness of the eggnog. Light, savory appetizers such as stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, or herbed crostini can also keep the palate interested and refreshed between sips.

For a larger gathering, eggnog can anchor a brunch or holiday spread. Set it on a drinks station alongside coffee, tea, and sparkling water, allowing guests to help themselves. Offer a platter of pastries, sweet rolls, and fresh fruit for morning occasions, or an array of cookies and small cakes for an evening dessert buffet. Presented this way, homemade eggnog becomes both a signature drink and a focal point of the celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the alcohol be omitted or reduced, and how does that affect flavor and storage?
The alcohol can be reduced or left out entirely for a family-friendly version. Without spirits, the eggnog will taste sweeter and more purely creamy, with the maple and nutmeg taking center stage. When preparing an alcohol-free batch, treat it like a fresh dairy drink: keep it well chilled, store it in an airtight container, and consume it within a shorter timeframe for the best flavor and quality.

Is it possible to make this eggnog fully dairy-free using plant-based milk and cream alternatives?
This recipe adapts well to dairy-free ingredients. Use a rich, unsweetened plant milk such as oat, almond, or cashew milk, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a barista-style dairy-free cream. The texture may be slightly different, often with a hint of coconut if using coconut cream, but the drink will still be luxuriously smooth and satisfying when properly chilled.

How long does homemade eggnog last in the refrigerator, and how can you tell if it’s no longer fresh?
When stored in a clean, airtight container in the coldest section of the refrigerator, homemade eggnog is best enjoyed within several days. Always give it a sniff before pouring; it should smell creamy, gently spiced, and pleasant. If the aroma turns sour, the texture becomes unusually thick or separated, or the flavor tastes off, it’s time to discard it.

What to do if the eggnog is too thick, too thin, or overly foamy after blending and chilling?
If the eggnog thickens more than you like after chilling, loosen it with a splash of milk and stir until the texture feels right. If it seems too thin, let it chill a bit longer, as it will naturally gain body in the refrigerator. For excess foam, let the eggnog rest for a few minutes, then give it a gentle stir to reincorporate some bubbles and allow the rest to settle before serving.

Creative Variations

A few small tweaks can turn this classic eggnog into something unique without losing its essence. A splash of vanilla extract or a few scraped vanilla bean seeds will lend a fragrant, dessert-like aroma. Orange zest brings a bright, citrusy lift that cuts through the richness, while a hint of cooled espresso or strong coffee introduces a subtle mocha vibe. A spoonful of cocoa powder or melted chocolate folded in can transform the drink into a chocolate eggnog that feels decadent and playful.

The serving style can be adapted to fit the occasion. For a cozy morning, warm a small portion gently and combine it with hot coffee for an eggnog latte that feels café-worthy. For a dessert-like treat, blend chilled eggnog with ice cream to create an eggnog milkshake. When serving guests who prefer not to drink alcohol, simply omit the spirits and offer a mocktail version topped with extra spices and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnish is where personality shines through. Beyond the classic cinnamon stick and sprinkle of ground cinnamon, consider a crown of softly whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa, or delicate curls of shaved chocolate. Star anise, tucked on top or resting on the rim, adds an elegant, aromatic accent. For a festive flourish, create gentle nutmeg or cinnamon patterns over whipped cream using a small stencil, turning each glass into a miniature celebration.

Homemade eggnog, prepared in a blender, marries ease with elegance in a way that feels almost magical. A handful of everyday ingredients transforms into a creamy, spiced drink with just a few minutes of blending and chilling, making it entirely achievable even on busy days. The method is simple, yet the result feels luxurious and thoughtfully crafted.

With its adjustable sweetness, flexible dairy and alcohol options, and a wide range of serving ideas and variations, this eggnog recipe is endlessly adaptable. It slips seamlessly into holiday gatherings, intimate dinners, and quiet evenings alike, always bringing a sense of warmth and celebration to the table.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups milk (dairy or dairy-free)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream)
4 large eggs
½ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup brandy or bourbon
⅓ cup rum
1 teaspoon nutmeg
ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for garnish

Instructions

Crack the eggs into the jar of a high-powered blender and pour in the maple syrup. Secure the lid tightly, then blend on the highest speed for exactly 4 minutes, using a timer. The mixture should become lighter in color, slightly thickened, and a bit frothy on top.

Add the milk, heavy cream, brandy, rum, and nutmeg to the blender. Blend again for about 10 seconds, just long enough for everything to come together into a smooth, unified mixture without over-foaming.

Carefully pour the eggnog into an airtight glass bottle or container. Place it in the refrigerator and chill until very cold, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become luxuriously creamy.

When ready to serve, give the eggnog a good stir or shake to redistribute any settled spices. Pour into glasses and finish with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of ground cinnamon on top for a warm, festive touch.