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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    By Joanie Zisk Published: Dec 31, 2018 · Updated: Feb 15, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

    Homemade Eggnog For One

    Jump to Recipe
    small batch eggnog | one dish kitchen

    You won't believe how easy and delicious homemade eggnog is! If you're a fan of eggnog, you will love this wonderful eggnog recipe! It's rich, creamy, and so much better than store-bought versions. 

    a glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg on a white napkin.

    It's eggnog season and I couldn't resist creating a single serving version of the eggnog recipe I use for parties. This homemade "eggnog for one" can be made quickly and tastes so much better than any store-bought version.

    Eggnog is usually served after Thanksgiving in the United States and is often served up until New Year's Day. It is sometimes referred to as milk punch and is made with eggs, milk, cream, and spices.

    You can enjoy eggnog in the morning or add a splash of rum, brandy, or whisky for a bedtime treat.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • This is a traditional eggnog recipe: This wonderful milk based, nutmeg infused drink is synonymous with Christmas. To me, drinking eggnog is as traditional as building gingerbread houses and decorating our tree.
    • It's rich, creamy, and delicious: Most people either love eggnog or they loathe it. To be honest, I'm not a fan of of the eggnog you find at the grocery. Those sugary concoctions are extremely thick and they usually have a spice flavor that tends to be overpowering. Homemade eggnog is different. The recipe I'm sharing today is the very best eggnog recipe. It's so easy to make. Plus, our version doesn't have all the fillers found in store brands.
    • Single serving eggnog recipe: This small batch of eggnog yields the perfect amount for one person. If you'd like make more, just double the ingredients in the recipe.
    • Enjoy it spiked or without alcohol: Add whiskey, bourbon, rum, brandy or a combination of them all. If you like to make an alcohol-free eggnog, go right ahead. Eggnog is absolutely delicious with or without alcohol.

    Ingredients

    milk, cream, egg, vanilla, and nutmeg on a wooden cutting board
    bottles of whiskey and rum on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen
    cooking for one subscription ad

    Ingredient Notes

    See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

    • Milk: Use whole, skim, 1% or 2% milk. Keep in mind that the higher the milkfat, the richer the eggnog will be.
    • Heavy cream: Makes the eggnog extra-creamy.
    • Egg yolk: It's called eggnog because, traditionally, it contains eggs. In the case of this single eggnog recipe, we only use one egg yolk. See below for ways to use the leftover egg white.
    • Sugar: You can reduce the sugar slightly or use maple syrup instead.
    • Spices: We use ground nutmeg. You can use more of less of this ingredient, as desired to achieve the perfect taste. You can also add in a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
    • Vanilla extract: For wonderful flavor.
    • Rum, whiskey, or bourbon (optional): Choose your favorite! Any of these are great. You can mix a little of them together or stick to a single one.
    • Whipped cream (optional)

    How To Make This Recipe

    See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

    1. Combine the milk and the cream in a 1-quart saucepan on medium heat.
    milk simmering in a small saucepan
    1. While the milk and cream are heating, combine the egg yolk, sugar, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
    an egg yolk, nutmeg, and sugar in a small mixing bowl on a kitchen counter
    1. When the milk mixture begins to simmer, remove from the heat and whisk 1 tablespoon of the milk mixture into the egg/sugar mixture. Continue to add and whisk 1 tablespoon at a time of the milk mixture to the egg mixture until you have added about half of the milk mixture to the egg.

    What you are doing here is tempering the egg. If you add the egg into the milk/cream mixture right away, the egg will cook and we don't want curdles in the eggnog. By tempering, you are slowly heating the egg to match the temperature of the milk.

    pouring hot milk into eggs to temper them when making eggnog
    1. Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan.
    homemade eggnog simmering on the stove
    1. Return the pan back to the stove and reduce the heat to low. Stir or whisk constantly for about 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches the temperature of 160 degrees F on a candy thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, cook the eggnog until it begins to thicken slightly, and coats the back of a spoon.

    Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle.

    whisking homemade eggnog in a small black saucepan
    1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
    adding vanilla to eggnog
    1. Pour into a mug, add whisky, rum, bourbon, or brandy to taste, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    pouring whiskey into a glass of eggnog

    Expert Tips

    • If you'd like to make a richer eggnog, feel free to play around with the proportions of milk and cream, keeping 1 cup total of dairy used. More cream will make your eggnog thicker and creamier. Adding alcohol will also continue to thicken the eggnog in the fridge as it ages.
    • This recipe can easily be doubled.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Type Of Alcohol Goes In Eggnog?

    Eggnog is typically made with whisky, rum, brandy, or bourbon. Higher alcohol levels will cut through the sweetness of the eggnog. If adding alcohol to your eggnog, add it to your glass. There's no set amount, so we suggest adding a little, tasting it, then adding more if needed.

    How Long Can Eggnog Be Stored?

    Since this is a single serving eggnog recipe, you will likely want to enjoy it right away. But if you want to make eggnog ahead of time, cover the eggnog and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Whisk it before drinking.

    What Does Eggnog Taste Like?

    Eggnog is a rich and creamy sweet drink. It tastes like custard ice cream with a spiced overtone.

    Is Eggnog Served Hot Or Cold?

    Eggnog is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature. However, I love warmed eggnog.

    a glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg on a white napkin.

    RELATED: Cooking For One: Tips To Eat Healthy and Save Money

    Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

    If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy eggnog recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

    • Milk: Strawberry Milkshake, Mini Spice Cake, Panna Cotta, Hot Chocolate
    • Heavy cream: Pizza Crustless Quiche, Banana Cream Pie, Two Ingredient Chocolate Mousse, Clotted Cream
    • Egg white: 2 Chocolate Cupcakes, 2 Vanilla Cupcakes, Meringues, Mini Texas Sheet Cake
    • Sugar: Peanut Butter Cookies, Cranberry Jam, Mini Pound Cake, Mini Dutch Apple Pie
    • Nutmeg: Apple Butter, Apple Galette, Alfredo Sauce, Quiche Lorraine
    • Vanilla: Chocolate Chip Muffin, Vanilla Ice Cream, Honey Lemon Custard, Shortbread Cookies
    • Bourbon or rum: Tiramisu, Mint Julep

    I use a 1-quart saucepan in this eggnog for one recipe. For best results, use a pot of similar size.

    If you would like additional information about the cooking and baking dishes I use, please visit our FAQ page.

    For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

    RELATED: How To Cook Large Meals In A Small Slow Cooker

    If you’ve tried this small batch eggnog recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

    If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

    a glass of eggnog topped with whipped cream and nutmeg on a white napkin.

    Eggnog For One

    If you're a fan of eggnog, you will love this wonderful Eggnog Recipe For One! This single serving, cooked eggnog is rich, creamy, and so much better than store-bought versions. 
    4.56 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    See the post above for expert tips,
    FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Cool: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: British
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 585kcal
    Author: Joanie Zisk

    Video

    Equipment

    • 1-quart saucepan
    • Candy thermometer

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 2 tablespoons sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 shot rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy (optional)
    • whipped cream (optional)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Combine the milk and the cream in a 1-quart saucepan on medium heat. While the milk and cream are heating, combine the egg yolk, sugar, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
    • When the milk mixture begins to simmer, remove from the heat and whisk 1 tablespoon of the milk mixture into the egg/sugar mixture. Continue to add and whisk 1 tablespoon at a time of the milk mixture to the egg mixture until you have added about half of the milk mixture to the egg.
      What you are doing here is tempering the egg. If you add the egg into the milk/cream mixture right away, the egg would cook and we don't want curdles in the eggnog. By tempering, you are slowly heating the egg to match the temperature of the milk.
    • Pour the egg mixture into the saucepan. Return the pan back to the stove and reduce the heat to low. Stir or whisk constantly for about 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches the temperature of 160 degrees F. If you don't have a thermometer, cook the eggnog until it begins to thicken slightly, and coats the back of a spoon.
      Do not allow the mixture to boil, or it will curdle.
    • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
    • Pour into a mug, add whisky, rum, bourbon, or brandy to taste, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • If you'd like to make a richer eggnog, feel free to play around with the proportions of milk and cream, keeping 1 cup total of dairy used. More cream will make your eggnog thicker and creamier. Adding alcohol will also continue to thicken the eggnog in the fridge as it ages.
    • This recipe can easily be doubled.
    Nutrition Facts
    Eggnog For One
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
    Calories 585 Calories from Fat 440
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 48.91g75%
    Saturated Fat 29.2g183%
    Cholesterol 360.78mg120%
    Sodium 105.55mg5%
    Potassium 280.35mg8%
    Carbohydrates 34.05g11%
    Sugar 30.42g34%
    Protein 9.42g19%
    Vitamin A 2258.76IU45%
    Calcium 250.02mg25%
    Iron 0.49mg3%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    About Joanie Zisk

    Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julie says

      December 15, 2021 at 10:08 am

      When doubling the recipe, can a whole egg be used instead of 2 egg yolks?

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        December 16, 2021 at 8:28 am

        No. Use two egg yolks.

        Reply
    2. Kathy Rust says

      December 13, 2021 at 9:15 am

      Love eggnog! I want to try your recipe. I like my booze to be Fireball !! After Christmas cannot find eggnog in stores this just might be the thing to continue my favorite ckcktail year round. Thank you Happy Holidays!!

      Reply
    3. Susan Myers says

      December 09, 2021 at 4:50 pm

      Can't wait to try this. I love eggnog but want to limit it because of the calories and fat. If I buy a container I can't stop drinking it. This is the perfect indulgence size.

      Reply
    4. Wendy Hampton says

      December 04, 2020 at 10:21 pm

      Ohhh this is lovely! Thanks so much. My husband is not an eggnog fan...although he might be if he tastes this version. You did a great job converting it to one person and I am going to enjoy the heck out of it! Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        December 06, 2020 at 10:50 am

        Thank you.

        Reply
    5. nina leonard says

      December 16, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Merry Christmas sweet gal. You are doing so many interesting things with your life. I love hearing all about you guys and your adventures. Love ya! Nina in Huntsville....

      Reply
      • Joanie Zisk says

        December 17, 2018 at 5:41 am

        Hi Nina,
        Merry Christmas to you as well!
        Much love to you and your family,
        Joanie

        Reply
    6. Wilhelmina says

      December 11, 2018 at 10:00 am

      This is an awesome treat! It will also come in handy for so many recipes where I would like to add a bit of eggnog but don't have any on hand! Thank you!

      Reply
    7. Tayler Ross says

      December 11, 2018 at 9:40 am

      I love this recipe! So perfect for when I just need a little pick me up, but not too much!

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Stuart says

        November 20, 2020 at 8:26 pm

        Is it necessary to heat or cook the milk. I've made it without by just adding the egg and salt in a blender and mixing for about a min. or until frothy.

        Reply
        • Joanie Zisk says

          November 22, 2020 at 10:32 am

          This is a cooked eggnog version, there are other versions where the egg is not cooked.

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