Easy Homemade Maple Eggnog: A Holiday Classic

This homemade maple eggnog is rich, creamy, and gently spiced, made completely from scratch with simple pantry ingredients and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. There’s just something about homemade eggnog that makes the kitchen feel extra cozy during the holidays. For our family, eggnog brings back memories of chilly evenings, twinkling lights, and everyone gathering in the kitchen while something special simmers on the stove. While the rest of my family has always enjoyed store-bought eggnog, I’ve never cared much for the heavy, overly sweet versions from the dairy case. This homemade maple eggnog changed my mind completely. It’s lighter, fresher tasting, and gently spiced. And it’s one recipe we can all agree, belongs on the holiday table. If you’ve never made eggnog at home before, don’t worry it’s much easier than you might think, and the flavor is worlds better than anything from the store. Once you try this old-fashioned eggnog recipe, it may just become a new holiday tradition at your homestead. What Is Eggnog? Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink traditionally made from milk, cream, egg yolks, and a sweetener, then flavored with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It has a smooth, custard-like texture and is most often enjoyed during the fall and winter holidays, especially around Christmas. Classic eggnog recipes are gently heated on the stove (or sometimes served cold) and can be enjoyed plain for the whole family or with a splash of spirits like rum, brandy, or bourbon for an adult version. What Does Eggnog Taste Like? It’s creamy and smooth, yet lightly sweet with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Similar to a thin, drinkable custard, yet it tastes lighter and fresher than store-bought versions, which are often thicker and much sweeter.

5 from 1 vote

Easy Homemade Maple Eggnog: A Holiday Classic

This homemade maple eggnog is rich, creamy, and gently spiced, made completely from scratch with simple pantry ingredients and naturally sweetened with maple syrup.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beverage recipe, drink recipe, holiday recipe

Servings: cups

Calories: 476kcal

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

Drink Glass

Mason Jar

Measuring cup

Ingredients

2 Cups Whole Milk
1 Cup Heavy Cream
½ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
6 Egg Yolks
½ Cup Pure Maple Syrup
Optional garnish: extra nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2 Cups Whole Milk, 1 Cup Heavy Cream, ½ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg, ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Remove the pan from heat and let the milk mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks with the maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
6 Egg Yolks, ½ Cup Pure Maple Syrup
Temper the eggs. Slowly whisk about ¼ cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture. Continue adding the warm milk a little at a time, whisking constantly, until about half of the milk mixture is incorporated. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Slowly pour the remaining milk mixture into the eggs while stirring constantly until fully combined.
Serve warm right away for a cozy drink, or let cool and refrigerate until cold if you prefer chilled eggnog.
Optional garnish: extra nutmeg or cinnamon

Notes

Recipe Variations

Extra Thick & Creamy Eggnog. Replace ½ cup of the milk with additional heavy cream.
Spiced Eggnog. Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra holiday flavor.
Chilled Classic Style. Chill completely and serve cold with whipped cream on top.
Adult Version (Optional). Add rum, bourbon, or brandy to individual servings, if desired.

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Whole milk works best for classic eggnog, but 2% or half-and-half can be used if needed. Skim milk is not recommended, as it won’t produce a creamy texture. Dairy-free milks may be used, though the flavor and consistency will vary.

Nutrition