Homemade Spiked Eggnog is a festive, creamy, and traditional beverage, infused with the perfect amount of warm, spiced rum. It’s the perfect way to get the holiday party started!
Not everyone is a fan of eggnog, but if you are on team eggnog, you’ve come to the right place for the best spiked eggnog recipe! This scratch-made crockpot eggnog is so simple to make, yet it’s going to be the best eggnog you’ve ever had.
Rich, thick, and silky, perfectly flavored with sweet spices, and with a kick of rum (or not), this is the perfect drink for your holiday party and easily makes enough to serve six people.
What Do You Spike Eggnog With?
The traditional alcohol to add to eggnog is brandy, but cognac or spiced rum do the job just as well!
My recipe uses spiced rum, but you can feel free to use your favorite liquor here.
You can also use this recipe to make a non-alcoholic eggnog. Simply leave out the alcohol altogether.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
We’re making our boozy eggnog from scratch! Sure, you can usually buy cartons of eggnog at the grocery store around the holidays, but it’s much more fun and satisfying to make this festive holiday drink yourself.
Making homemade eggnog with rum, egg yolks, milk, and cream is easy when you do it in your crockpot, and it only takes about 2 hours until it’s ready to enjoy!
If you can’t get enough of the sweet, creamy, spiced flavor of eggnog, be sure to try my recipes for Eggnog Fudge and Eggnog Bread too! Both are simple recipes that are sure to hit the spot.
Homemade Spiked Eggnog Ingredients
- Egg Yolks: The reason that it’s called eggnog, is because it’s made with eggs. You’ll need the yolks only from 8 large eggs. You can use the whites to make an egg white omelet or these delicious Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the eggnog.
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: For the creamiest, richest spiked eggnog, choose these high-fat dairy products.
- Spices: This recipe has the perfect amounts of vanilla extract and ground nutmeg stirred in, plus whole cloves and cinnamon sticks are steeped into the mixture as well.
- Spiced Rum: To spike the eggnog, you’ll need around a cup of alcohol. I like spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan), but you can also use brandy, bourbon, whiskey, or cognac.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Eggnog with Alcohol
- Combine Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together until smooth and lightened in color.
- Add to the Crockpot: Put the egg yolk mixture into your crockpot along with heavy cream and milk.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and rum.
- Cook on Low: Steep the eggnog in the crockpot for 1 ½ – 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You don’t want the eggnog to boil, so keep an eye on it, as some slow cookers cook hotter than others.
- Cool and Serve: Once the spiked eggnog is finished cooking, remove the lid and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tip!
No Crockpot? Not a problem. This recipe can be cooked exactly the same way in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on your stovetop. Be sure to cook using your smallest burner, on low heat, so that you don’t scald the milk.
Recipe Tips
- Alcohol is optional in this recipe. For a non-alcoholic version of homemade eggnog, simply leave it out. You or your party guests can easily add a shot of alcohol to their own servings.
- Add a garnish. A sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon and a swirl of fresh whipped cream is the perfect topping for this festive drink.
- Adjust the flavor. Eggnog with nutmeg and cinnamon is a classic, but you can add other things to the mixture to create fun variations too! Try adding a few ounces of unsweetened chocolate, or replace some of the milk with strong brewed coffee. For a richer, caramel flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Storing Tips
Allow your homemade eggnog to cool, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
What To Serve With Spiked Eggnog
Spiked eggnog is the perfect drink for a holiday party! Here are some other party recipes that are festive and wonderful for Christmas or winter themed get-togethers.
- Gingerbread Cake
- Classic Chex Mix
- Christmas Puppy Chow
- Rum Balls
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Christmas Tree
- Christmas Pretzel Hugs
- Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Need more easy appetizers for your holiday party? Try Ham and Cheese Roll Ups, Pigs in a Blanket, or make a gorgeous Christmas Charcuterie Board.
Recipe FAQs
Are the eggs in eggnog cooked?
Yes! In this recipe, the egg yolks cook slowly and gently into the eggnog to make it creamy, similarly to a custard recipe.
Should you drink eggnog hot or cold?
Eggnog can be enjoyed either way! I enjoy it warm from the crockpot, but I also really enjoy the leftovers cold. Choose your own adventure!
Can Eggnog Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze eggnog for up to 6 months. Simply thaw before enjoying. I suggest leaving out the alcohol if you plan to freeze this recipe though, only because the alcohol will keep the eggnog from freezing all the way.
Can I double the recipe?
Sure. Just make sure that your crockpot is large enough to accomodate double the ingredients.
Spiked Eggnog, made in the crockpot, will quickly become a new holiday tradition! Be sure to save this recipe, or share it with your fellow eggnog fans.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Spiked Eggnog
Equipment
- Slow cooker or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 8 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream double cream in the UK
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks
- ¾-1 cup spiced rum optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until lightened in color and smooth.
- Add the egg yolk mixture into your crock pot along with all the other ingredients (heavy cream, milk, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, and rum if using). Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 ½ – 2 hours stirring occasionally making sure it doesn’t get too hot.
- Remove the lid when the eggnog is done and allow to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes:
- Alcohol is optional in this recipe. For a non-alcoholic version of homemade eggnog, simply leave it out. You or your party guests can easily add a shot of alcohol to their own servings.
- Add a garnish. A sprinkle of ground nutmeg or cinnamon and a swirl of fresh whipped cream is the perfect topping for this festive drink.
- Instead of using a slow cooker, this recipe can be made on the stovetop. Be sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot, and cook on the lowest heat.
- To Store: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
Missy says
This is the Best eggnog I have ever tasted!!! Will never buy store bought again! You must let it sit like she says once chilled for an hour it’s 👌