How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (2024)

by Mary 2 Comments

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Have you ever wondered how to make eggnog without alcohol? This easy non-alcoholic homemade eggnog is the perfect companion for any holiday gathering. Homemade custard, maple whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg will make this a new holiday tradition for your family.

How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (1)

Store bought eggnog is pretty gross, in my opinion. After trying the overpowering, sickeningly sweet drink from that green carton several times growing up, I was decidedly against eggnog.

That is, until I got brave enough to try my mom’s homemade eggnog. From then on, my aversion was replaced with love for this frothy winter drink that tastes a lot like ice cream!

This homemade eggnog recipe begins with a simple custard, then adds whipped egg whites and homemade maple whipped cream. It is nothing short of divine! Even my boys love what they call “the ice cream drink.”

Even better, this recipe is non alcoholic, which makes it the perfect drink for any gathering. No need to worry about serving it to underage people or those who don’t drink (including myself). It’s great for everyone!

Originally, alcohol was used in this recipe to preserve the eggs and eliminate the risk of bacteria. We’ll talk more in a bit about why this recipe is still safe sans alcohol.

Right up there with homemade wassail, this might just be my new favorite Christmas drink.

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Why homemade eggnog is better than store bought

Is it really worth the effort to make your own eggnog? Definitely yes. I’ll tell you why.

Here are the typical store bought eggnog ingredients:

Grade A Milk & Cream, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Nonfat Milk, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Spices, Carrageenan, Annatto (color), Turmeric (color).

HFCS as the #2 ingredient? Carrageenan? No thank you. We can do better.

Additionally, the FDA is so strict about the use of raw eggs in commercial products that the egg yolk solids are restricted to 1% of the final product. So basically, you’re buying a non-eggy eggnog.

Which kind of defeats the purpose.

That being said, you do have to be careful with the consumption of raw eggs (especially young children, pregnant women or people with health issues). But know that the risk of contamination is extremely small. Read this quote from The Nourished Life about the safety of raw eggs:

…only 1 in 30,000 eggs even has a salmonella problem. If I eat three raw eggs a day, statistics say it would take more than 27 years before I’d actually run across one with salmonella. Of course, I know life isn’t about statistics, but you get the point.

Elizabeth Walling from The Nourished Life
So, raw eggs are generally safe – as long as you’re healthy and the eggs are really fresh. But consume at your own risk.

The nutmeg and vanilla extract may also act as a bit of a natural preservative.

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Homemade eggnog nutrition

Homemade eggnog is actually really good for you! Here’s the ingredients list:

Whole milk, eggs , organic sugar, whipping cream (with maple syrup), vanilla extract and nutmeg.

Not too shabby!

And here are some of the nutritious things inside:

  • Great balance of carbs, fat, and protein.
  • Eggs contain fat soluble vitamins and lots of B vitamins.
  • Eggs are also a great source of Omega-3s (for brain health) and lecithin (for liver and skin).
  • Milk and whipped cream are great sources of calcium and healthy fats.
  • Nutmeg has a high concentration of manganese, which is wonderful for the blood among other benefits (source).
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Homemade eggnog recipe notes

  • This homemade eggnog has cooked yolks, but the whites are raw. So it’s very important that you use the freshest, best quality eggs you can find. Consume at your own risk.
  • When making the custard, keep in mind it will not be very thick. The main point is to heat it to steaming but DO NOT boil. It will thicken slightly and coat the spoon lightly, but the egg whites and cream are what really thickens the mixture.
  • You may use store bought whipped cream, but homemade is super easy and sooooo much better. It only takes a minute or so to whip the cream with an electric mixer.
  • Keeps in the fridge for 3 days (although eggnog never sticks around in our house).
How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (5)

How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (6)

Print

Easy Homemade Eggnog (non alcoholic)

Have you ever wondered how to make eggnog without alcohol? Homemade custard, maple whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg create the perfect holiday eggnog!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/3cuppure cane sugarorganic
  • 2egg yolks
  • 1/4 tspsalt
  • 1/8tspground nutmeg
  • 4cupswhole milk
  • 2 egg whites
  • 3 TBSPpure cane sugar
  • 1 tspvanilla extract
  • 1/2cupheavy whipping cream
  • 1 TBSPmaple syrup

Instructions

  1. Beat 1/3 cup sugar into egg yolks. Add salt, stir in milk, and heat on medium heat to make the custard.

  2. Stir frequently as the mixture heats for approximately 15 minutes. Do not allow mixture to boil. It will thicken slightly until it lightly coats the spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

  3. Beat whipping cream and maple syrup together until peaks form. Set aside.

  4. Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar, beating until soft peaks form.

  5. Add egg whites, vanilla, and half the whipped cream to custard and mix thoroughly.

  6. Chill 3-4 hours before serving.

  7. Garnish with additional whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg, if desired.

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5-Day Traditional Real Food Meal Plan

Think eating healthy meals with nourishing ingredients 3 times a day is hard? Think again!

This meal plan has 5 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and even a couple of desserts and snacks — ALL made with real food ingredients prepared the traditional gut-friendly way. Jump start your family’s health today!

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Try these other favorite holiday recipes:

  • Lighter Pumpkin Roll
  • Classic Holiday Wassail
  • Cranberry Wassail

Enjoy your homemade ‘nog! Have you ever tried homemade?

With Joy,

How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (9)

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How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (10)
How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (11)

About Mary

Mary is a minister's wife, mom of two boys, and former missionary to Scotland. She’s also the creator of Healthy Christian Home, where she points to God's spiritual and physical nourishment through the natural world He has created. In her free time, you can find her with a cup of hot tea and a stack of books -- or watching a new BBC series.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (12)Francis Berenson Willharst says

    Amazing! I had a sudden craving for eggnog (even in the summer), and don’t want to go to the stores because of SARS COV-2 (coronavirus), hence, I set out to look for eggnog recipes. Others were too complicated or needed bottles of alcohol (where am I going to find those?!!). But then, I found this recipe, and it satisfied my craving for eggnog. Reminded me of the eggnog my grandmother used to make for us (mostly me) every birthday and Christmas.
    Keep up the good recipes (maybe do one for homemade egg rolls),
    Frank

    Reply

    • How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (13)Mary says

      Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind review!

      Reply

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How to Make Eggnog Without Alcohol {a recipe everyone will love!} (2024)

FAQs

What gives eggnog its distinct flavor? ›

The distinctive spices that give eggnog its characteristic taste, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, are used to create eggnog-flavored foods and beverages.

What makes egg nog so good? ›

“For a lot of people, it's the richness of the fat and flavor of the custard that gives eggnog its sensory appeal.” Some companies sell eggnog bases, which are pre-formulated mixtures of ingredients with specifically designed flavor qualities.

What do most people spike eggnog with? ›

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

How is homemade eggnog safe? ›

Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill bacteria.

How do you add flavor to eggnog? ›

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

Why does my eggnog taste like bubblegum? ›

The bubblegum or banana flavor you mention in certain commercial eggnogs may be the result of specific artificial or natural flavorings used in their recipes. If you want to replicate that flavor in homemade eggnog, you can try experimenting with natural flavor extracts or essences.

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

“While there are different eggnog recipes, most eggnog will typically contain high amounts of fat from cream and milk, and added sugar for sweetness,” said Cohn. The American Heart Association recommends that people consume no more than 5% to 6% of calories from saturated fat every day to support heart health.

Why does egg nog not go bad? ›

Most eggnog is store bought and pasteurized, so it's unlikely that people get sick from bad eggnog.

How long does homemade eggnog last? ›

Non-alcoholic eggnog: Consume within 1 day. Eggnog with 1/2 to 1 cup liquor: Refrigerate for several days. Eggnog with 1 1/2 cups liquor: Refrigerate for several weeks in a sealed glass container or mason jar, where it will continue aging and thicken up quite nicely.

What booze is best in eggnog? ›

Brandy: Makes the Most Traditional Eggnog

For the most traditional holiday experience, reach for brandy (specifically, Cognac) to spike your 'nog. It's important to note, though, that both brandy and eggnog are quite sweet.

What state drinks the most eggnog? ›

State-specific consumption: Californians are projected to consume the most eggnogs (163 million), but on a per capita basis, Vermonters lead with an average of 19 eggnogs per adult.

How to jazz up eggnog? ›

Drizzle a little chocolate sauce into the shaker with the eggnog for a chocolate eggnog. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or turn your eggnog into an iced eggnog latte by pouring a shot of espresso into the shaker. Either way, you'll feel the spirit of the holidays!

Why did my homemade eggnog curdle? ›

What if my eggnog gets curdled. There is a high possibility it can get curdled slightly at 2 stages, one is when you are cooking the egg yolk and the milk mixture on the stove. And the other stage is when adding alcohol into the mix. If this happens don't worry, just blend it in a blender until smooth.

Can kids have store bought eggnog? ›

If the child is 12 months of age or older, and if the eggnog is pasteurized and alcohol-free, yes. Before purchasing, just look at the ingredients list to make sure both the eggs and milk used are pasteurized and that there are no alcoholic ingredients (rum, etc.)

Can children drink eggnog? ›

Pediatrician Gina Posner tells Romper that after age 1, it's OK for kids to drink eggnog, as long as there are no raw eggs involved, because that can cause salmonella. The FDA website noted that fresh eggs, if consumed raw, can contain bacteria called salmonella, which causes "foodborne illness," aka food poisoning.

What are the ingredients in eggnog flavoring? ›

Ingredients. Alcohol, Water, Finest Vanilla Beans, Glycerin, Annatto, and Natural Flavors.

Is eggnog an acquired taste? ›

Eggnog, not unlike alcohol, may be an acquired taste for many.

Why is eggnog only sold once a year? ›

Why don't dairy manufacturers make eggnog all year long? It doesn't sell. Demand for eggnog follows traditional consumption patterns that date back hundreds of years.

What does store bought eggnog have in it? ›

What Is Eggnog Made Of? Today, eggnog is usually made of some combination of eggs (either just the yolks or the yolks and the whipped egg whites), sugar, milk, cream, nutmeg, and sometimes booze. We're all familiar with the cartons of store-bought eggnog that grace supermarkets every December.

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