Holiday Spice Eggnog

A creamy, homemade eggnog recipe perfect for the holiday season. This traditional eggnog is rich and flavorful, with a hint of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, preservative-free treat that's just as creamy as store-bought versions.

Holiday Spice Eggnog

A rich and creamy homemade eggnog with nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves, perfect for the holiday season.

4.07 from 48 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy cream
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch of cloves
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • whipped cream (optional)
  • extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium/medium-low heat, combine milk, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk frequently and heat the mixture almost to boiling.
  2. In a large bowl, combine egg yolk and sugar. Add sugar gradually, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
  3. Using a ladle, add about 1/3 cup of the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking thoroughly. Continue this process until most of the milk mixture has been incorporated into the egg mixture. Then, add it back to the saucepan.
  4. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it reaches 160 degrees F. Use a spoon to reach the edges at the base of the pan. It will be slightly thick but will thicken more as it cools.
  5. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Serve with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.