Homemade Old Fashioned Eggnog Recipe | Mexican Made Meatless™ (2025)

A mug full of homemade old fashioned eggnog is creamy and rich and full of Christmas memories. It’s a nostalgic experience that resonates with the warmth and cheer of the season. This classic, traditional and simple old-fashioned eggnog recipe is perfect for sipping by the fireplace or sharing with loved ones during festive gatherings.

Old Fashioned Eggnog

Ah I love the holiday season, a time when delicious treats and festive drinks take center stage. One classic holiday beverage that never goes out of style is eggnog.

You might already know that I was born in Mexico but raised in the Midwest. I value being a child of both cultures, blending Mexican traditions with American holidays and enjoying diverse foods.

My childhood neighborhood included Americans, Mexican-Americans, Mexicans, and people from around the world, and my friends had various backgrounds and they often introduced me to their traditional dishes.

​I first encountered American eggnog at my best friend’s house, where her family made it as part of their holiday tradition. Back then, I wasn’t too fond of dairy-based foods, so I politely sipped it and slowly finished the small cup over hours to avoid being impolite. Haha, manners mattered!

Later on when I married into an American family, eggnog was something they always had at their holiday dinners. Every year since our marriage and up until a couple years before his death, my then husband, would make a few bowls of his old fashioned eggnog throughout the Christmas season.

This is his recipe and one that has been hugely popular with my readers since I first published it on the blog many years ago. I gave it a little facelift and added new photos and a video so that you all can keep enjoying this easy traditional eggnog recipe.

​He always said about his eggnog,“it’s creamy, rich, like Christmas and full of childhood memories.”

Amigos, for you eggnog fans out there, you’re in for a treat because this homemade eggnog recipe is quite delicious and if I who didn’t used to be a fan of eggnog says this, you know it’s going to be good!

​Mexican eggnog is calledrompopeand it’s made a bit differently than American eggnog. I’ll share the rompope homemade version another time.

A Brief History of Eggnog

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick journey back in time to uncover the origins of this beloved beverage. Eggnog has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was enjoyed in Britain as a warm, ale-based drink.

During colonial times in America, George Washington had his own special recipe for eggnog that’s still cherished today. The tradition has evolved over centuries, but the essence of eggnog has remained constant—a creamy, indulgent concoction perfect for the Christmas holidays.

Is This a Cooked or Uncooked Eggnog Recipe?

Traditional eggnog is madeuncookedand uses raw eggs.

Some of you may be wondering if it’s safe to use raw eggs in eggnog. Using pasteurized eggs can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses – but of course it’s not guaranteed 100%.

​If you have a compromised immune system, or are pregnant, or an elderly person, then please consider using a cooked custard base for your eggnog. I also don’t suggest serving this to children.

​I cannot make any guarantees to upon choosing to make uncooked eggnog you are solely responsible for any side effect.

​When using eggs (be it for cooked or uncooked eggnog) make sure they are the freshest available. Of course we are not responsible for the eggs you use so it is your call.

Store-bought eggnog is cooked to prevent food-borne illnesses amongst the public.

​Traditional Eggnog Ingredients

The key ingredients for making homemade uncooked old fashioned eggnog are quite basic and easy to find just about anywhere. You’ll notice that it’s basically the same ingredients used to make ice cream – so you really can see just how decadent eggnog is. Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card further down below.​

• Yolks from Large Eggs: The foundation of eggnog and what provides that luscious, creamy texture is eggs. Some people will beat the egg whites to soft peaks before mixing into the eggnog mixture, we’re keeping it much simpler and creamier and using just egg yolks.
• Heavy Cream: To make your eggnog extra rich and decadent. (also called heavy whipping cream)
• Whole Milk: For a creamy yet slightly lighter base. Don’t sub with low-fat milk because whole fat milk will yield thicker and better tasting eggnog.
• Sugar: To add the perfect level of sweetness.
• Aromatic Spices: Spices like nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon are commonly used.
• Alcohol:You can choose to make this a boozy eggnog or serve without alcohol, your choice. Dark rum, cognac, and bourbon are spirits commonly used. Whiskey and brandy are also used in George Washington’s eggnog recipe. For a slightly less boozy version you could use rum extract instead.

How to Make Old Fashion Eggnog

This is the best eggnog recipe because it’s so incredibly easy to make!

We’re using a blender, a bowl and whisk to whip up our eggnog. So there’s no need for an electric mixer (aka hand mixer) or bowl of a stand mixer to prepare this recipe.

​Step 1:Place the egg yolks and white sugar into the blender. Blend for about 2 minutes or until the sugar mixture thickens up. Pour the yolk mixture into a large bowl, then whisk in milk and cream. Continue mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 2: Sprinkle in the nutmeg and pour in the vanilla, mix until well incorporated. Taste and adjust nutmeg if desired.I prefer tolet people add their own spirit of choice for an alcoholic eggnog. But if you prefer you can add the spirit of your choice now.

​Step 3:Pour into a pitcher or punch bowl and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Always keep in the refrigerator until right before serving. Serve by placing whole cinnamon sticks inside the mugs as drink stirrers. Then sprinkle a hint of nutmeg or a pinch of ground cinnamon over each cup before serving.

The Best Results

If this is your first time making eggnog, don’t worry because as you can see this is an incredibly delicious homemade eggnog recipe is super easy to make. The reward is a velvety creamy eggnog treat that’s worth the effort.

​Make sure to ask your family and holiday dinner guests if they are ok with an uncooked eggnog, if so you may want to make a double batch. If not then prepare a cooked version for them.

Storage and Serving

The flavors actually get better over time, so it’s a good thing to make it a the night before of when you plan to serve it.Once your eggnog is ready, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.Then the next day before serving, give it a good stir and sprinkle some extra nutmeg or cinnamon on top, and add a whole cinnamon stick to each glass if desired.

​For the best food safety it’s best to consume this homemade within a day of preparing it.

Homemade Old Fashioned Eggnog

Homemade old fashioned eggnog is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. This classic drink has a rich history and a flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you choose to enjoy it with a hint of rum or opt for a non-alcoholic version, your taste buds are in for a treat. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover that there’s nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy goodness of homemade eggnog.

I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. May you be surrounded by the ones you love and with plenty of good food. Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!