Name: Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 3 whole cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 6 large egg yolks; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups spiced rum or bourbon (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 10 reviews

If you’re like me and love the warm, cozy vibes of the holiday season, then you absolutely have to try this Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the perfect blend of spices and a little kick of spiced rum that really brings it all home. Trust me, once you make it yourself, you’ll never want the store-bought stuff again—there’s just something so satisfying about sipping your own homemade batch, especially when you’ve nailed that smooth, velvety texture and balanced spice. Let me walk you through this fantastic recipe so you can impress your friends and family (or just treat yourself) with the ultimate festive drink!

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Why This Recipe Works

Classic Flavor Balance: The mix of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates that nostalgic holiday taste everyone loves.
Perfect Creaminess: Combining whole milk with heavy cream gives you that luscious, smooth mouthfeel that’s just right—not too thick, not too thin.
Tempering Eggs for Safety & Texture: Slowly mixing hot milk into yolks prevents scrambling and results in a silky custard base.
Spiced Rum Inclusion: Adding spiced rum (or bourbon) elevates the flavor with a warming depth, making it perfect for adults.

Homemade Eggnog Spiced Rum, festive eggnog recipe, creamy holiday eggnog, spiced rum eggnog, easy Christmas eggnog - A clear glass mug filled with a thick, light brown creamy drink, topped with a dusting of brown spice powder, a whole cinnamon stick placed vertically on the left side, and a dark brown star anise resting near the top right edge of the drink. The mug has a clear handle on the right side and sits on a white marbled surface with a floating star anise and whole nutmeg along with cinnamon sticks spread around it. Near the top right corner, there is a second glass filled with a similar drink topped with brown spice powder. The scene includes small silver bells to the sides, giving a cozy, festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe plays a part in building that classic flavor and creamy texture we adore. Whether you’re picking your milk or choosing the perfect rum, the quality here really shines through, so I always recommend going for the best you can find.

Homemade Eggnog Spiced Rum, festive eggnog recipe, creamy holiday eggnog, spiced rum eggnog, easy Christmas eggnog - Flat lay of whole milk in a small white ceramic bowl, whole cloves scattered beside it, a small white bowl filled with ground cinnamon, another small white bowl with ground nutmeg, six whole uncracked brown eggs arranged neatly, granulated sugar in a small white bowl, heavy cream in a small white ceramic bowl, a vanilla bean pod placed next to a small white bowl with vanilla extract, and a small white bowl containing spiced rum, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole milk: Provides a light, fresh base; the fat content is just enough to add creaminess without overpowering.
Cloves: Add subtle warmth and aromatics; be sure to strain them out before serving.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that comforting, slightly sweet spice note.
Ground nutmeg: The star spice of eggnog, offering a nutty, fragrant punch.
Egg yolks: Create the velvety, custard-like richness that makes eggnog so indulgent.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right without overshadowing the spice.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious thickness and richness that coats your glass beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a mellow sweetness.
Spiced rum: Brings warmth, spice, and complexity; feel free to swap with bourbon if that’s your jam.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe is totally adaptable. Sometimes I like to dial up the spices for a bolder flavor, or sometimes I keep it simple and sweet for the kids by leaving out the rum. You can really make it your own—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variation: I once swapped the spiced rum for dark bourbon, and it added such a smooth, caramel tone that my friends couldn’t stop complimenting it.
Dairy-Free Twist: If you’re avoiding dairy, try coconut milk and coconut cream—the texture changes but the essence stays festive and delicious.
Spice Boost: Adding a touch of ground ginger or cardamom can introduce a fresh edge that I personally find surprising but delightful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe

Step 1: Infuse your milk mixture gently

Start by combining the whole milk with whole cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a small saucepan. I always like to bring the mixture up to just a gentle boil over medium-low heat—slow and steady is key here so the flavors meld without scorching the milk. You’ll see tiny bubbles at the edges; that’s your cue to move on to the next step. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t foam over—trust me, it happens if you get impatient!

Step 2: Whisk your egg yolks and sugar to fluffy perfection

While your milk is heating, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until the color lightens and the texture becomes fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. If you have a hand mixer, this step gets done in a flash and really makes a difference in the custard’s creaminess later on. The fluffiness means the sugar has dissolved and air has been incorporated for that silky finish.

Step 3: Temper the eggs carefully—patience pays off

This step is critical: slowly pour a small amount of your hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add the milk in increments, whisking constantly, until the two mixtures are fully combined. This gentle warming sets the custard base, which will thicken like a dream once returned to the stove.

Step 4: Thicken your custard on the stovetop

Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3 to 5 minutes). Remember—do not let it boil, or you risk curdling your eggnog. Once thickened, remove from heat and strain out the cloves for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Cool, enrich, and chill

Let the custard base cool at room temperature for about an hour. Once cooled, whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and your spiced rum. This is when the eggnog really comes together into something special. Transfer the mixture to the fridge and chill it for several hours or overnight—this resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe

Use fresh nutmeg: Grating fresh nutmeg over the top right before serving adds a vibrant, authentic flavor that pre-ground varieties can’t match.
Don’t rush tempering the eggs: Adding the hot milk too fast is the number one rookie mistake that leads to scrambled eggs—take it slow and keep whisking!
Chill overnight: I’ve found the eggnog tastes far better the next day, so plan ahead if you can.
Strain spices before chilling: Leaving cloves or big pieces of cinnamon sticks in the mixture can make for an unpleasant surprise—strain them all out for smoothness.

How to Serve Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe

Homemade Eggnog Spiced Rum, festive eggnog recipe, creamy holiday eggnog, spiced rum eggnog, easy Christmas eggnog - Two clear glass mugs filled with a creamy light brown drink, each topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. The mug in front has a cinnamon stick standing upright and a dark brown star anise floating on the surface, while the mug behind has only the star anise on top. The mugs sit on a white marbled surface scattered with more star anise and nutmeg, with silver jingle bells and tied twigs adding a cozy, festive touch around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my eggnog with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg and just a sprinkle of cinnamon—it looks cozy and smells divine. Sometimes I’ll add a cinnamon stick or even a sprig of fresh rosemary for a festive touch that doubles as a stirrer. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream on top is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

Freshly baked cookies, like snickerdoodles or gingerbread men, pair so well with this eggnog. I also enjoy serving it with buttery shortbread or spiced pecans to complement the richness and add a little crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the eggnog in vintage glasses sprinkled with a little cinnamon sugar rim. Using festive mugs or mason jars tied with a ribbon can make it feel extra special. If you want to wow your guests, consider serving it from a punch bowl garnished with whole spices and orange slices—that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover eggnog in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and give it a good shake before pouring. It keeps well for 2 to 3 days, though I’ve found it tastes best within 24 hours before the spices start to fade a bit.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze eggnog because the texture can change once it thaws—the dairy tends to separate a bit. If you do freeze it, consider using it in cooked recipes like custards or cakes later.

Reheating

If you prefer warm eggnog, gently reheat your leftovers on the stove over low heat until just warm—don’t let it boil or you risk curdling again. Stir frequently and serve immediately for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just omit the spiced rum and the eggnog will still be deliciously creamy and packed with those warming spices. You can also add a little extra vanilla or almond extract to boost the flavor if you want.
Is it safe to use raw eggs in eggnog?

This recipe tempers the egg yolks by gently cooking them with warmed milk, which safely cooks the eggs without scrambling. So yes, it’s safe to enjoy homemade eggnog made with this method.
How long does homemade eggnog last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, homemade eggnog lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. I recommend enjoying it sooner rather than later for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can adapt it by substituting the milk and cream with coconut or almond milk alternatives and using a vegan egg replacer, though the texture will be different. It’s worth experimenting if you want to try a vegan holiday treat!

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Eggnog Recipe with Spiced Rum Recipe holds a special place in my heart—I love bringing it out every holiday season and sharing it with friends and family. There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog to set the tone for good times and cozy moments. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own tradition. Seriously, it’s easier than it looks, and the payoff is pure magic in a glass!