This EASY, BEST and DELICIOUS bourbon eggnog recipe is the perfect holiday cocktail because it’s smooth, thick, creamy, fresh and tasty WITH or WITHOUT the booze! Other liqueurs can be substituted. This is a large batch recipe perfect for holiday parties!
When the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing more traditional than staring at a beautifuly lit Christmas tree while sipping on creamy eggnog spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg!
Making your own homemade eggnog is so much better than the cardboard carton, store-bought eggnog because it’s fresh and made to your exact liking-without the cardboard after taste.
Also, you control the amount of sugar if you’d like it sweeter or not and you can add more spices or fewer, if you’d like. I think this recipe is perfectly spice but, I’m not you.
It’s a festive cocktail for any holiday party. Because I love cream and eggs, I’m a big fan of eggnog.
Also, if you don’t like bourbon, you can use whiskey or rum and use different liqueurs for each person in which you’re making it. That’s another plus!
Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links and I’m an Amazon affiliate. If you may a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.
Best Bourbon for Making Eggnog
The best bourbon to use for this recipe depends upon your own taste. Of course the better the quality of the bourbon, the better the eggnog will be. Although pricy, I like to use Woodford Reserve for this eggnog.
Can I use a different liquor?
Eggnog can be made with white or dark rum, bourbon or whiskey, or cognac. It’s your preference.
Make a big batch, put it in small glass bottles and give it as gifts at holiday parties or Christmas dinner. It’s great to drizzle over top of vanilla or chocolate ice cream!
Is this recipe made with raw eggs?
Yes, this eggnog recipe is made with raw eggs. Your eggs are likely pasteurized if bought from a grocery store so keep that in mind when you hear raw eggs.
Eggnog Recipe Bourbon
Ingredients
You can find the ingredients to make this recipe at your grocery store however, I suggest going to a local dairy to buy the cream and milk, if possible. It will elevate the taste of this holiday drink because of the freshness.
*The full, printable recipe card is at the bottom of this post.
- heavy cream
- whole milk
- egg yolks
- sugar
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg (for flavor and garnish)
- bourbon (whiskey, rum or cognac can be used)
- cinnamon stick (optional for garnish and flavor)
- ice cubes
Summary Instructions
First, beat the egg yolks and sugar in a large mixing bowl for a few minutes until the yolks turn a pale yellow. Then, add the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Refrigerate for an hour and then add the bourbon either to the whole batch or to each cup, as you wish. Serve over ice to keep it cold.
Storage
Store eggnog in the refrigerator and take it out just before serving. Eggnog tastes best when it’s very cold.
Substitutions or Additions
Use whiskey, white or dark rum, or cognac instead of bourbon for this recipe.
Add amaretto insead of bourbon or whiskey.
Add a dash of ground cloves or allspice.
Creamy homemade eggnog is the perfect holiday drink for a cold winter night. It’s great for holiday parties.
It’s the best homemade eggnog with alcohol or without alcohol. Plus, you can serve it with the booze on the side so those who like it without alcohol can still enjoy it.
What’s more is that you can adjust the seasoning how you prefer. Omit or reduce or increase the cinnamon or nutmeg. It can taste just the way you like it. Cheers!
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I took this recipe to Weekend Potluck.
Eggnog Recipe with Bourbon
Ingredients
- 7 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup bourbon (or whiskey)
Instructions
- First, in a large mixing bowl, add egg yolks and sugar. Beat on high speed until the egg yolks become a pale yellow (about 3-4 minutes.)
- Next, slowly add the heavy cream and milk and mix.
- Then, add the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg and cinnamon. If adding the bourbon to the whole batch, add it now and mix. Refrigerate one hour.
- For serving without the bourbon already added in previous step: add ice cubes to an 8 oz glass. Then, add 1 oz bourbon followed by eggnog. Sprinkle additional nutmeg or cinnamon on top. Serve with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you made this recipe don’t forget to leave a review!
I’m glad you liked it and thanks for the 5-star rating!
This is excellent even before you add bourbon or rum
Hi Jacqueline. Thanks for letting me know I omitted the vanilla from the recipe card. It’s two teaspoons of vanilla extract. I’ve updated the recipe. Happy holidays!
Looks fabulous! There’s no vanilla listed on ingredient list, is it a teaspoon?