Eggnog is a classic holiday drink. This family recipe from the 1900’s is very boozy and perfect for adult parties. Drink responsibly!
Eggnog (or Egg Nog or Egg-Nog; all the same thing) is probably the most classic drink for the winter holidays.
It pops up in stores around Thanksgiving, perfect for a warm sip after a chilly walk or trimming the Christmas tree.
Did you know you can make Eggnog from scratch?
I have a family recipe for a boozy version of Eggnog straight from my Great Grandmother's recipe box.
It’s a spiked eggnog recipe perfect for adult holiday celebrating. Please Uber, Lyft or walk home after drinking it however.
If you’d like a non-alcoholic version you’ll love this Homemade Eggnog recipe.
What is Eggnog?
Eggnog is a rich, sweetened dairy milk-based drink that traditionally includes alcohol.
Historically it was served chilled with a frothy consistency thanks to whipped egg whites.
It also was called 'milk punch'.
The flavors of milk punch can vary. Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch and Gingerbread Brandy Milk Punch (vegan), both have a milk and alcohol ingredient.
These days you can find or make it with any type of milk. It's often consumed warmed with a bit of rum too!
What are the Ingredients in Eggnog?
This recipe includes:
- Eggs (a dozen of them)
- Granulated Sugar
- Rye Whiskey
- Jamaican Rum
- Milk (not cream)
It’s garnished with nutmeg. If possible using freshly grated nutmeg!
Is It Safe to Drink Eggnog with Raw Eggs?
My recommendation is the use pasteurized eggs for any recipes containing raw eggs. This should remove any risk from eating raw eggs.
The statistics on contracting Salmonella are pretty slight but of course follow your own judgment.
There is a debate about whether the amount of alcohol in eggnog recipes would kill salmonella.
Contracting salmonella is the risk of consuming raw eggs. Many ‘experts’ feel it does.
Again to be safe, use pasteurized eggs.
What Liquor Is Used in Eggnog?
Rum is the traditional liquor used in most eggnog recipes.
This recipe uses both Rum and Whiskey.
A Note on Rye Whiskey for Gluten-Free Consumers
Most major gluten-free food authorities state that the distillation process of a spirit extracts any gluten leaving them gluten free.
Two of these organizations are National Institutes of Health's Celiac Disease Awareness Campaign and the Canadian Celiac Association.
I have occasionally read some dissenting views but the main position holds.
I used Leopold Brothers brand for the recipe pictured here who confirmed their Rye Whiskey IS gluten free.
Make Ahead!
The original recipe notes to make the day beforehand. This allows the flavors to blend into boozy bliss before serving!
It’s still great if you make it the day of serving.
How to Make this Egg Nog Recipe – Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Beat egg yolks with the sugar to fully combine.
STEP 2: In a second bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add 2/3's of the whites to the yolk-sugar mixture; stir to combine.
STEP 3: VERY slowly drizzle the liquor into the egg mixture; stirring gently as you pour.
STEP 4: Slowly pour in the milk; stir.
STEP 5: Stir in the remaining beaten egg whites; stir to coming.
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg when serving.
How to Serve It
A punch bowlis the best way to serve this eggnog for a party!
Eggnog Recipe Tasting Notes
- The flavors in this Eggnog recipe are well-balanced. However, if you want to pull back on the liquor a notch I'd cut back on the Rye Whiskey.
- This eggnog recipe is very boozy, I won’t lie. It’s a serious drinking cocktail punch.
- The consistency of this fresh from-scratch eggnog is different than the thick store-bought eggnog. It’s lighter and frothy due to beating the egg whites.
How to Store Eggnog
Make it the day beforehand and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container (Mason jarsare great).
This eggnog will store well for at least a week.
I just read an article about a very similar recipe (same vintage) being stored for 6 weeks! I don’t recommend that.
History of this Eggnog Recipe
My great grandmother would have made this in the first half of last century (1900's).
Noted on the recipe card is 'old family recipe of Mrs. Blair'.
I do not know who Mrs. Blair is but I would not be surprised to find she owned a distillery. Or perhaps a still at the time based on the recipe ingredients lol!
My great grandparents entertained often and I’m sure this recipe was the star of holiday parties.
The Only 5 Punch Recipes You Need – Free Printable
Punch recipes are a 'must have' for hosting friends and family!
Five of my favorite punch recipes have been combined onto one handy CHEAT SHEET you can print!
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
- Sparkling Cranberry Vodka Punch
- Cranberry Moscow Mule with Homemade Cranberry Simple Syrup
- Cranberry Apple Hot Toddy
- Slow Cooker Hot Buttered Rum (with mocktail option)
- Glogg: Scandanavian Mulled Wine
- Moscato Sangria
- Rompope (Mexican Eggnog)
More Recipes to Try!
- Wassail – a Classic Holiday Drink
- Quiche Lorraine – A Classic Cheesy Bacon Quiche
- Roasting Chestnuts – Everything You Need to Know
- Homemade Hot Chocolate
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Recipe
The Best (Boozy) Eggnog Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Eggs whites and yolks separated
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 quart Rye Whiskey
- 1 pint Jamaican Rum
- 1 pint Milk not cream
Instructions
- Beat egg yolks with sugar to fully combine.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Add 2/3 of the egg whites to the yolk/sugar mixture. Stir to combine.
- Very slowly drizzle in the rye and rum into the egg/sugar mixture stirring gently as you pour.
- Slowly pour in milk and stir to combine.
- Stir in remaining 1/3 egg whites; stir to combine. Sprinkle with a bit of nutmeg when serving.
- Refrigerate in a sealed container until serving and/or for storage.
Nutrition
Originally published: December 14, 2011
Eggnog is a classic holiday cocktail punch that is perfect for parties!
celiacasaurus.com says
I'm a sucker for Great-Grandmothers and their recipes. It's our job to make sure they don't get lost and forgotten, don't ya think? Thanks for sharing the recipe and the story. I have never (gasp) had “real” egg nog. If ever there was a recipe to try it would be this one. I can't wait!
Tina says
I really enjoyed reading this post. It is amazing what one particular food or beverage can conjure up in the way of memories. Thanks for sharing your memories associated with eggnog as well as this treasured recipe from your family. Your eggnog does look delicious! Christmas just would not be the same without this tasty beverage.
Lauralee says
Your grandmother's egg nog sounds delicious! With all those eggs, I'd say the alcohol is a health precaution–to cut the cholesterol a bit. On another note, you can now tour George Washington's rye distillery at Mt. Vernon.
EA-The Spicy RD says
Stopping by from Chow and Chatter to say Hi! I'm so glad you guest posted for Rebecca, as I had forgotten how much I love your blog! I just added it to my reader so I won't forget again :-). I think I might be making this eggnog tonight ot sounds so good, and I especially love th storybthatbgoes along with it! Cheers!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
So enjoyed your guest post at Chow and Chatter.
This sounds like some seriously delicious eggnog and I love seeing the recipe in your great grandmother's handwriting.
Toni (Boulder Locavore) says
Michele: This nog means serious business!
Viviane: I agree and freshly grated nutmeg is a whole different beast isn't it?
Rosemary: I'm so glad you'll give this a go! Everyone really should try freshly made Egg Nog in their lifetime. If you chicken out, email me. I'll send you the booze-free recipe Paul and I used to make!
Lo-mo: Completely agree!
Yadsia: Yes! It would. And even for the most insufferable office party, drink enough of this and you won't remember one detail of the party I”m sure!
Jesica: Yes! It is definitely a 'Rite of Passage' version of Egg Nog.
Erin: Welcome! Thanks so much for coming to visit. I hope you'll find some things you like!
Roxana: Hi! I love things handwritten and especially now that so much is online, it's even more of a treasure.
Suzi: Nothing subtle about this recipe, that's for sure!
David: So glad you like the recipe. I noted also that 'Nana' underlined the 1/2 cup rum. Perhaps as her own secret code that she was not ready to relinquish the amount to a lesser! Happy Holidays!
david jacoby says
I love it! What an amazing find. You should annotate it again and you'll have a real-life palimpsest. The best part is your grandmother changing “1/4 pint” rum to “1/2 cup” rum – which is the same amount 🙂
Suzi says
All I can say is WOW or POW what a kicker. Love your story and thanks for sharing your Grandmother's recipe. It does sound delicious and hearty, hehe. Cheers!
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} says
it may sound weird to most people but I have never had egg nog before. This year was the first time i tried the vegan version, which has no booze in it.
I love your Grandmother handwriting.
Erin says
I followed your link to this post from Rebecca's Chow and Chatter site! How wonderful. This egg nog looks delicious (and dangerous!) Fabulous. I can't wait to look around at your other recipes!