Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
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I’ve been making this alcohol-free eggnog every holiday season for years because I wanted everyone at the table to have something special to raise a glass to, kids, non-drinkers, and eggnog skeptics included. The homemade version is so much richer and more flavorful than anything from a carton, and once people taste it, even the biggest doubters come back for seconds. It’s become one of those holiday traditions my family genuinely looks forward to every year.
Every year, I whip up a big batch of this non-alcoholic eggnog for the youngsters and anyone who prefers a booze-free option, and I always make my famous eggnog martini alongside it for guests who want to celebrate with a drink. It’s the kind of setup that makes sure everyone feels included, whether you’re gathered around the tree on Christmas morning or hosting a holiday party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 10-minute prep
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it chilled, warmed up, or even frothed for a festive latte twist.
- Make-ahead friendly
How to Make Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
This festive and comforting drink is way better than any store-bought eggnog from the grocery store. It takes just a few minutes of prep and about 10 minutes of cook time. It’s important to cool the mixture completely before chilling so the texture stays silky smooth and the flavors have time to meld into that classic holiday richness.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredient Notes
- Egg yolks: Give eggnog its signature creamy, custard-like texture and rich flavor.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but you can use whatever kind you like. I don’t recommend using skim or low-fat milk because your eggnog won’t be as thick and creamy.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow the instructions below and your non-alcoholic eggnog is guaranteed to come out creamy, dreamy, and holiday-worthy! Let’s get started.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar.
- Warm milk, cream, cinnamon sticks, and salt in a saucepan.
- Temper the yolks and cook until thickens.
- Strain into a jar and stir in flavorings.
- Refrigerate until cold.
- Dust with spices and serve chilled.
Substitutions
- Whipping cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- Cinnamon sticks: Substitute with ground cinnamon in a pinch.
- Ground cinnamon: Replace or mix with nutmeg.
Expert Tips
- Whisk constantly when tempering the eggs. This prevents the yolks from curdling and keeps your eggnog smooth and creamy.
- Warm the mixture over medium heat and never let it boil; too much heat can scramble the eggs.
- Chilling overnight allows the warming spices to meld and the texture to become luxuriously creamy, meaning you get to enjoy a perfect glass of nog without alcohol the next day.
How to Store This Recipe
Pour the cooled eggnog into a clean, airtight bottle or jar and keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Homemade non-alcoholic eggnog will stay fresh for up to 3 days when properly refrigerated. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some separation is normal.
If you prefer it warm, pour the desired amount into a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until just warm to the touch. Do not boil, or it may curdle.
How to Serve Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Serve your non-alcoholic eggnog well-chilled in clear glasses or mugs to show off its creamy, golden hue. This recipe yields 3 cups, but you can stretch this from 4 to 6 servings if serving in ½ cups or smaller portions in cocktail glasses or punch cups, which is quite typical for eggnog because it is so rich.
Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to make each glass look festive and inviting. You can also garnish with a twist of orange peel, a star anise, or a few whole cloves for an elegant holiday touch.
This velvety drink pairs beautifully with holiday treats like shortbread cookies, cinnamon palmiers, or peanut butter blossoms. It’s also delicious with savory holiday breakfasts and brunches, such as French toast, pancakes, or quiche.
More Holiday Drinks To Try
- Peppermint hot chocolate
- Ginger beer mocktail
- Candy cane martini
- Frozen cranberry margarita
- Slow cooker mulled wine
Easy Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Video
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until thick and smooth.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon sticks, and salt. Warm over medium-high heat until just before boiling, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
- Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it reaches 160 °F, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the eggnog through a fine mesh strainer into a bottle or jar. Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. Refrigerate until cold. Serve chilled with an optional dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.
