Classic Holiday Eggnog

Classic Holiday Eggnog is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Binging with Babish on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $12.70 total, $1.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 large Eggs (separate yolks and whites; yolks for base, whites for meringue)
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (divided: 0.5 cup for yolk mixture, 2 tbsp for egg whites)
  • 2 cup Whole Milk (steamed or warmed before adding)
  • 3 clove Whole Cloves (adds subtle spice; remove before chilling)
  • 2 cup Heavy Cream (cold, heavy whipping cream (≥36% fat))
  • 0.5 cup Bourbon (adjust to taste; start with ½ cup)
  • 0.5 cup White Rum (adjust to taste; start with ½ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Nutmeg (grated for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Separate Eggs

    Separate the yolks from the whites of all eight eggs. Place yolks in a large mixing bowl and whites in a separate bowl.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Beat Yolks with Sugar

    Using a stand mixer on high speed, beat the yolks while slowly adding ½ cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, pale, and ribbon‑like.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Incorporate Warm Milk

    With the mixer still running, slowly stream in 2 cups of steaming (just off the boil) milk. Continue mixing until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Cook Base to Safe Temperature

    Transfer the yolk‑milk mixture to a saucepan. Add 3 whole cloves. Whisk over medium‑low heat, monitoring with a thermometer, until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 160°F

  5. Add Heavy Cream

    Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in 2 cups of cold heavy cream until fully blended.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Strain and Chill

    Strain the mixture through a fine‑mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discard the cloves, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT0M

  7. Whip Egg Whites

    When the base is chilled, beat the reserved egg whites with 2 tbsp sugar in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Add Spirits

    Remove the chilled base from the fridge. Stir in ½ cup bourbon and ½ cup white rum (adjust to taste).

    Time: PT2M

  9. Fold in Egg Whites

    Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the spiked base using a rubber spatula. Do not over‑mix; keep the mixture airy.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Serve and Garnish

    Ladle the eggnog into wide‑rimmed glasses, grate a pinch of fresh nutmeg over each serving, and serve immediately or keep chilled.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
400
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy

Last updated: March 19, 2026

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Classic Holiday Eggnog

Recipe by Binging with Babish

A rich, creamy homemade eggnog perfect for holiday celebrations. Made with fresh eggs, milk, heavy cream, and a blend of bourbon and white rum, this classic cocktail is finished with a dusting of fresh nutmeg.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
24m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.70
Total cost
$1.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Heating the yolk mixture to exactly 160°F without curdling.
  • Ensuring the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and folded gently to retain air.

Safety Warnings

  • The base must reach 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential salmonella.
  • Handle hot mixture with care to avoid burns.

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