My husband is happy to drink purchased eggnog by the carton…me? I’m a little more fussy and only homemade will do, yum! Here is the recipe we tried last year and it was a big hit with everyone. Next I added a few variations in case you’re looking for something different (still classic or traditional style) as well as some delicious tasty twists to tempt you with (chocolate, coffee, low-fat and more). You’ll find nearly 20 recipes on this page, enjoy!

Ingredients:

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

4 cups milk
1 1/3 cups sugar
12 large egg yolks
1 cup chilled heavy cream
grated nutmeg

Optional: 1/2 cup bourbon (we didn’t add this)

Directions:

• First add the milk and sugar to a medium saucepan then whisk together over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved.
• Next whisk the egg yolks in a large glass bowl and then while you’re whisking, pour in the hot milk mixture slowly (in a steady stream).
• Pour everything into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat and stir frequently so it doesn’t start simmering.
• Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s thick enough to coat the back of the spoon then strain into a bowl.
• At this point you mix in the bourbon (if using) and the heavy cream.
• Cool completely then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
• Garnish with nutmeg when serving.

Source: Martha Stewart ^[1]. If you want something with more alcohol, this is the one for you ^[2], it’s also from Martha and includes bourbon, dark rum and cognac.

Here are a few variations you can also check out (for traditional versions, you’ll find the low-fat and flavor twists next). I’ve noted if they’re cooked or uncooked, I prefer playing it safe by only making cooked versions but I know that just won’t do for some of you . I wouldn’t skip the alcohol if making uncooked but it’s still not a sure bet that the raw eggs will be ok (make sure to use the freshest possible).

• Alcohol Free ^[3]: (Cooked) Makes 2 servings, ingredients include milk, sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, whole cloves, egg yolks, granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, freshly grated nutmeg and vanilla extract. From A Sweet Pea Chef.
• Grandma’s Old Fashioned Boiled “Drinking” Custard & Base ^[4]: (Cooked) Made with half-and-half (or heavy cream and whole milk), sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, vanilla (or almond, rum extract), whipped cream (for garnish), freshly grated nutmeg (garnish), bourbon or rum (optional). From Deep South Dish.
• Mama’s (Uncooked) ^[5]: Serves 8 to 10 and is made with Bourbon, heavy cream, milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg and chilled in the freezer before serving. From Paula Deen.
• Cooked With Plenty Of Flavor ^[6]: Made with milk, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, ground clove, egg yolks, granulated sugar, rum (optional), heavy cream and nutmeg. From Epicurean Mom.
• With Spiced Rum & Brandy ^[7]: (Cooked) Made with half-and-half, whole milk, a dash of allspice, sugar, egg yolks, brandy, spiced rum. Found at Food Network.
• Old Fashioned With Bourbon ^[8]: (Uncooked) Makes 5 pints, ingredients include eggs, granulated sugar, cream, milk, Four Roses bourbon, aged Jamaica rum and garnished with grated cinnamon and/or nutmeg. From Imbibe Magazine.
• Saveur’s Recipe ^[9]: (Cooked) Made with milk, sugar, salt, a vanilla bean (split lengthwise), separated eggs, bourbon, dark rum, cold heavy cream and grated nutmeg. From Saveur.
• Costa Rican Style ^[10]: (Cooked) Makes 8 (1/2 cup) servings, ingredients: egg yolks, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, whole cloves and rum (or rum extract). From Very Best Baking.

Low-fat (skinny) versions: Each of these are cooked…

• Dr. Katz’s ^[11]: (about 100 calories per serving) Made with skim milk, egg substitute, nonfat powdered milk, sugar, vanilla extract, rum extract, ground nutmeg or cinnamon and sugar-free whipped topping for garnish. Found at oprah.com.
• Sophisticated Low-Fat Version ^[12]: Serves 10 and made with 1% milk, freshly grated nutmeg, eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, brandy (or bourbon or rum), vanilla extract and garnished with light whipping cream. From Delish.
• Low-Fat ^[13]: Makes 6 servings, ingredients include nonfat milk, large strips of orange and/or lemon zest, a vanilla bean, large eggs, sugar, cornstarch, white rum or bourbon (optional) and freshly grated nutmeg for garnish. Found at Food Network.

Tasty Twists: All but one these add something special to already made eggnog so you can use your favorite recipe or use purchased…

• Clasico ^[14]: Made from scratch but cooked with instant coffee granules for a tasty twist. From very Best Baking.
• Snappy Chai Version ^[15]: Powdered chai tea, vanilla extract, brandy, brown sugar and crushed gingersnaps. From Rachael Ray Magazine.
• Chilled Mocha ^[16]: Made with instant coffee granules, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar and pure vanilla extract. From Taste of Home.
• Coffee ^[17]: Coffee is brewed with ground nutmeg and sugar then added to eggnog, topped with whipped topping. From Kraft Recipes.
• Mocha ^[18]: Makes 10 servings, chocolate milk, heavy whipping cream, instant coffee granules, pure vanilla extract and rum extract are added. From Taste of Home.
• Holiday Cheer Latte ^[19]: Shots of espresso (or double/triple concentrated coffee) are added along with milk, sugar, whipped cream and nutmeg (optional). From Savory Sweet Life.