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The Recipe · No.454 · Eggnog

Eggnog, and where to source it

Eggnog — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Eggnog American 5best2buy.com

Cook the base like a thin custard to 160F so the eggs are safe and the texture turns silky rather than raw and thin. Real nutmeg grated over the top at the end is what makes it taste like the holidays and not like sweet milk.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains  dairy · eggs
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Egg yolks
Six yolks give the custard its body and richness.
6 eggsrecommended
Whole milk
The base of the drink along with the cream.
2 cupsrecommended
Heavy cream
Adds the plush body; buy cream with high butterfat.
1 cuprecommended
Sugar
Sweetens the custard base.
1/2 cuprecommended
Nutmeg
Fresh-grated nutmeg over the top is the signature spice.
1/2 tsprecommended
Whiskey or rum
Optional; a shot per serving stirred into the chilled base.
1/2 cupto taste
Local / market
Vanilla extract
Rounds out the custard off the heat.
1 tsprecommended
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Whisk the baseBeat the yolks with the sugar until pale, then whisk in the milk.
  2. Cook to setHeat gently, stirring, to 160F until it thickens enough to coat a spoon; do not let it boil or it curdles.
  3. FinishOff the heat stir in the cream, vanilla and grated nutmeg, and the spirits if using.
  4. ChillStrain and refrigerate at least 3 hours; serve cold with more nutmeg grated on top.
The Toolkit

Heavy saucepan · Whisk · Instant thermometer · Fine strainer · Nutmeg grater · Pitcher

Straight Answers
Can you make Eggnog ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Eggnog gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Eggnog vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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