We Figured Out the Secret to Eggnog Even Skeptics Will Love

Commercial eggnog is easy to come by during the holiday season; for many, the first spotting of a bottle or carton in the dairy aisle is an exciting marker of the merry days to come. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with purchasing that carton and spiking it yourself at home, we're here to tell you that if you've never had the pleasure of homemade eggnog, you are definitely missing out.

Frequently asked questions

What is eggnog?

Culinary historians generally agree that eggnog dates back to medieval Britain in the 13th century, when members of the aristocracy often drank warm milk and eggs combined with spices and alcohol known as “possets” (not to be confused with the other, more common kind of posset, which is like a sweet, chilled pudding). The drink’s boozy profile evolved to include sherry and, later, rum. Meanwhile, as America settled into its status as a fledgling country in the 18th century, President George Washington’s heavily spiked eggnog quickly became a beloved holiday season beverage, a tradition that has carried into present day.

Eggnog is classically made using eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, or grated nutmeg are typically added for warming flavor and garnish, and you can experiment with using rum, whiskey, or brandy to spike eggnog.

What alcohol goes in eggnog?

Instead of making anyone choose between bourbon, rum, or brandy, this eggnog recipe generously calls for all three, resulting in a festive, complexly flavored drink that tastes deceptively innocent. To make it, you'll need a makeshift double boiler (in this case, a bowl and a saucepan) and a whisk.

What is the best store-bought eggnog?

We tasted through all of the options we could find in the grocery store to pick the very best eggnog, sharing our favorite dairy-free eggnog, creamy eggnog, and the best eggnog to spike with booze. Make the best homemade eggnog with this recipe.

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Eggnog is essentially a custard in beverage form. Save for the booze, the ingredients are the same as what's in a high-quality French-style ice cream. While store-bought varieties tend to rely on fewer eggs, leaner dairy, and the addition of stabilizers to achieve the drink's signature rich, creamy texture, homemade eggnog leans solely on whole eggs, milk, and heavy cream. Indulgent, yes. But 'tis the season!

Make ahead

This eggnog can be refrigerated overnight. Stir before serving.