There’s something magical about sipping a creamy, spiced eggnog during the holiday season—it just feels like a warm hug in a cup!
This homemade Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog is a festive treat that balances rich vanilla, warm spices, and just the right amount of bourbon for the adults in the room.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the best part? You can customize it to your family’s taste or skip the alcohol altogether for a kid-friendly version.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or curling up by the fire, this eggnog is a crowd-pleaser that will make your holidays extra special. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
- ⅓ cup bourbon (optional, adjust to taste or omit for kid-friendly version)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Tools & Utensils:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for extra smoothness)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips
- Temper Your Eggs Carefully: When adding the warm milk to the egg yolks, do it very slowly to prevent scrambling. Patience is key here!
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: You can reduce or increase the sugar slightly, depending on your preference. Taste before adding the bourbon.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, chill the eggnog in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Make It Frothy: If you prefer a frothy eggnog, whisk it vigorously or blend it before serving.
- Bourbon or Not: For a kid-friendly version, skip the bourbon—it’s just as delicious without it!
Tools Required
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-Dairy Option: Swap whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- No Alcohol: Leave out the bourbon for a kid-friendly eggnog.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of ground cloves or a splash of rum instead of bourbon for a twist.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, but note it will be less creamy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Eggnog tastes even better when made ahead! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving. Just give it a good whisk or shake before pouring.
How to Make Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog
Step 1: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Spices
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to combine. Then pour everything back into the saucepan.
Step 4: Cook the Eggnog Base
Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Bourbon
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon. Let the eggnog cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Pour the chilled eggnog into mugs, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, and serve!
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good shake or whisk before serving again.
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own homemade Vanilla Bourbon Eggnog! It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether you make it for family game night or a festive party, this recipe will bring smiles all around.
