Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (2024)

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Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.

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Updated on 12/12/22

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Diana Rattray

Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (1)

Tested byDiana Rattray

Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.

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For many holiday and Christmas celebrations, eggnog is an essential festive beverage. But because of raw eggs and alcohol, families may shy away from the creamy drink. However, there is no need to fear raw eggs in this recipe, as the eggs are gently cooked to 160 F kill any potential bacteria. And because it is alcohol-free, everyone can enjoy this quintessential Christmas drink. Consider making a big batch of this eggnog to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

For any adults who do choose to partake in alcohol, add liquor to individual mugs or half of the batch of eggnog. Brandy is the most traditional alcoholic add-in for eggnog, but if you prefer, you could try a mix of dark rum and cognac; another option is bourbon.

Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (2)

"This non-alcoholic eggnog was rich, creamy, and delicious. Mine registered 160 F after 30 minutes, and I gave it about 5 minutes longer to thicken a bit more and coat a spoon. The recipe made about 5 cups. You could use the custard mixture to make eggnog ice cream as well." —Diana Rattray

Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (3)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 4 cups whole milk

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • Additional grated nutmeg, garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (4)

  2. Combine the eggs, egg yolks (use the egg whites in another recipe), sugar, and salt in a heavy 3-or 4-quart pan, whisking until well-combined.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (5)

  3. Continue whisking while pouring the milk in a slow, steady stream until completely incorporated.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (6)

  4. Place the pan over the lowest possible heat setting; stir the mixture continuously until an ​instant-read thermometer reaches 160 F and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be patient—this should take about 35 to 45 minutes.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (7)

  5. Once the mixture has thickened, strain it through a fine sieve into a large bowl to remove any possible small cooked bits of egg.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (8)

  6. Add the vanilla extract and nutmeg, stirring to combine.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (9)

  7. Carefully pour the mixture into a glass pitcher, decanter, or container and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the egg custard mixture to fully chill the eggnog, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (10)

  8. When ready to serve, pour the heavy cream into a bowl and whip until it forms soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cold custard mixture until combined.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (11)

  9. Serve the eggnog in chilled cups or glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg. If anyone is adding alcohol to their glass, make sure to leave some room.

    Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (12)

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs poses a risk for food-borneillness.

Tips

  • While tempting, avoid turning up the heat to speed up cooking the egg mixture; the increased heat will cook the eggs, leaving you with a chunky instead of a smooth beverage.
  • If you do not have a low heat burner, you can cook the eggnog in a double boiler over gently simmering water.
  • If you have a lot of drinkers, it may be helpful to use two types of cups or add a cute garnish to the boozy eggnogs so that no one gets confused.

Recipe Variations

  • Give the eggnog warm spice flavor by adding 2 cinnamon sticks and 4 whole cloves to the milk and egg mixture. Cook and strain as directed.
  • Serve the eggnog with a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  • For a more traditional eggnog flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract along with the vanilla.

How to Store Homemade Eggnog

  • Refrigerate eggnog in a covered container and consume within 2 days.
  • To freeze homemade eggnog, transfer it to a freezer container, leaving 1 to 2 inches of headspace to allow for expansion. Label the container with the name and date and freeze for up to 6 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
  • Whisk the defrosted eggnog until smooth or process it in a blender. If desired, heat the eggnog over low heat until warm.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
195Calories
10g Fat
18g Carbs
9g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8to 10
Amount per serving
Calories195
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g12%
Saturated Fat 5g23%
Cholesterol 184mg61%
Sodium 154mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 18g7%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 139mg11%
Iron 1mg4%
Potassium 194mg4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Article Sources

The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Brandt, Kathy. “Making Homemade Egg Nog That's Safe.” UMN Extension, extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/making-homemade-egg-nog#:~:text=Refrigerated%20eggs%20with%20clean%2C%20uncracked,it%20may%20not%20be%20safe.

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Family Friendly Non-Alcoholic Holiday Eggnog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is eggnog suitable for kids? ›

When can babies have eggnog? After 12 months of age, if the eggnog is pasteurized and free of alcohol. While we generally recommend waiting until age 2 to introduce sugar into a toddler's diet, a small taste of pasteurized, alcohol-free eggnog on a special occasion after a child's first birthday is just fine.

How long does non alcoholic eggnog last in the fridge? ›

Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

Why can't you freeze eggnog? ›

Freezing Eggnog: What To Know

Like most items that take a trip to the freezer, eggnog's texture and consistency may not be quite the same once defrosted. Give separated or grainy eggnog a good stir to bring it back together during thawing.

What makes eggnog unhealthy? ›

Traditionally made with eggs, cream, milk, and sugar, no one would say that eggnog is a healthy drink. Even a small serving can pack significant amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, and added sugars. And then there's the fact that homemade eggnog made with raw eggs can be a food-poisoning risk.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

Does anyone make eggnog year round? ›

Did you Know? Stewart's Shops Eggnog is Available Year Round! Every season is Eggnog season at Stewart's Shops! Unlike most other brands, we carry 16oz Refreshers of our Premium Eggnog year-round.

Does eggnog get better with age? ›

The unanimous verdict: Alongside a fresh batch, which tasted comparatively boozy and harsh, our aged nog went down more smoothly. To age your favorite eggnog recipe, be sure to use 1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof liquor for every egg, and leave out the dairy until serving.

Do you have to refrigerate Evan Williams eggnog? ›

Chill Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog in the refrigerator.

Why do they stop selling eggnog? ›

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

Why is eggnog a winter drink? ›

The History of Eggnog

The custom of toasting to the new season with this festive co*cktail actually began during Britain's early medieval years, and the drink later became popular in the American colonies by the 19th century. However, per TIME, eggnog has been associated with Christmas since the 1700s.

What is in Evan Williams egg nog? ›

Evan Williams Egg Nog

Our Original Southern Egg Nog is made with smooth Kentucky Bourbon and real dairy cream.

Why do I feel sick after drinking eggnog? ›

“Eggnog is made with 'heavy' ingredients that, eaten in exclusion of anything else, might cause stomach distress,” registered dietitian Barbara Ruhs said. “Cream is full of fat and that takes longer to digest.

Is eggnog bad for your kidneys? ›

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

How do you not get Salmonella from eggnog? ›

If a recipe calls for folding raw, beaten egg whites into the eggnog, use pasteurized eggs. It has not been proven that raw egg whites are free of Salmonella bacteria. If you purchase eggnog from your local grocery store, the eggnog has been prepared with pasteurized eggs. You do not need to cook it.

Can 10 year olds drink eggnog? ›

Pediatrician Gina Posner tells Romper that after age 1, it's OK for kids to drink eggnog, as long as there are no raw eggs involved, because that can cause salmonella. The FDA website noted that fresh eggs, if consumed raw, can contain bacteria called salmonella, which causes "foodborne illness," aka food poisoning.

Is it safe to age eggnog? ›

Can Eggnog Be Aged? Yes, when the alcohol content is 20% of the egg and sugar mixture, it becomes sterile and can sit in cool storage on a shelf for up to a year. Usually, I use the egg base and make my eggnog before the three-week mark (you can make it up to a year in advance!).

Is egg nog alcoholic? ›

Traditional eggnog has a significant fat content, due to the use of cream, and a high sugar content. Ingredients vary significantly between different recipes. Alcohol used in different national and regional versions of eggnog include brandy, cognac, bourbon, whiskey, sherry, rum and grain alcohol.

Who can drink eggnog? ›

"Eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs can contain Salmonella, a leading cause of food poisoning," Lee Cotton, RDN LPN, tells Allrecipes. She adds, while the bacteria can make anyone sick, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable.

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