Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Homemade eggnog recipe may sound complicated, but it really couldn't be easier, and it's a great way to incorporate your fresh eggs and goat's milk into a delicious treat your children will love.

Homemade eggnog recipe or two.

Of course, if you're not fortunate enough yet to have your own goats, regular cow's milk  or even a non-dairy milk, such as almond or coconut milk, will work just as well.  It's frugal way to enjoy this delicious treat!

During Christmas season, my kids are always begging me for eggnog, but I'm not crazy about the extra cost or the sugar.  Fortunately, this recipe is so easy, I can provide it to them year round, substituting coconut sugar for a low-cost, healthy eggnog.

Try this homemade eggnog recipe to avoid the chemicals and for great taste.

So How Did Eggnog Come About?

There are several theories as to how eggnog got its name. The word nog comes from the word "noggin," which means cup, so eggnog literally means "egg in a cup". The sweet, milky drink has been around since the seventeenth century, when it was first drunk by the upper class, since only those who owned acreages got to drink milk. 

The tradition of this sweet, rich drink was later brought to America from Europe, where it was common to make a punch out of milk and wine. But Colonial Americans used rum - or grog as it was more commonly known - in place of the wine. Also, it was traditionally drunk from noggins - typically small, carved wooden mugs; the phrase "egg and grog in a noggin" was eventually shortened to eggnog. Or so the story goes.

George Washington loved eggnog so much that he made his own special recipe, using a potent mix of rye whiskey, rum, and sherry, and in the 1800s, a Christmas call on a friend or neighbor was not complete without an offering of eggnog.

But What About the Raw Eggs?

But wait, you might be saying, what about salmonella poisoning? The fact is, the risk of salmonella poisoning is much higher if you purchase eggs from the industrial food complex, where producers often keep their chickens in unsanitary and toxic environments. You won’t have that problem if you use eggs from your own backyard flock, where you are regularly cleaning your birds’ coop and nesting boxes and saving the chicken manure for your compost pile.

And if you don't have your own flock of sweet hens, find someone who does before trying these recipes.

Ready to Make Your Own?

This homemade eggnog recipe comes from the book, A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian.

Homemade Eggnog Recipe

    •    6 eggs, separated
    •    1/2 cup of sugar
    •    nutmeg, to taste
    •    1/4 teaspoon sea salt
    •    2 Tablespoons vanilla or even better, Mexican vanilla
    •    1 cup whole milk
    •    2 cups heavy whipping cream
    •    1 1/2 cups brandy or rum (optional)

Place the egg yolks in a large bowl and add 1/4 cup of the sugar, salt and vanilla until the mixture thickens. Then add the milk and continue beating. Slowly add in the rest of the sugar along with the heavy whipping cream. Then add the egg whites and beat until you get frothy peaks. If you like brandy or rum in your eggnog, pour these in last and gently stir until well mixed.

Looking for Something Different?

If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, consider this recipe from the book Yule Need a Drink by the editors of Cider Mill Press. This book has more than 100 holiday cocktail recipes, including this variation on eggnog. Enjoy!

Eggnog's Overrated Recipe

Try this homemade eggnog recipe from Yule Need a Drink
  • 6 eggs, beaten until frothy
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
  • 1 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
  • 3/4 cup brandy
  • 1/3 cup dark rum
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • Cinnamon sticks, for garnish

Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl, except for the cinnamon sticks, which you'll use later for a garnish. Whisk the other ingredients to combine them. Chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.  Garnish each glass with the extra nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.

Some Safety Tips

Your chances of getting salmonella through eating raw eggs is pretty rare, but to be safe, either use fresh eggs from your own chickens or a farmer you know, or slowly heat your eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit before using them in your homemade eggnog recipe.

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

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