Few things signal the holiday season like the appearance of eggnog on your grocery store’s shelves. We love the store-bought variety so much, we tasted them all to find the best eggnog of the bunch. But for those in the know, there’s nothing like a cup of homemade eggnog: creamy, fluffy, sweet, strong, and often spoonable. You’ll find recipes below that showcase the versatility and pure indulgence of this holiday favorite, from a classic take on homemade eggnog to a vegan version to spirited variations like the Tom and Jerry and Puerto Rico’s coconut-rich coquito. Don’t miss the nog-flavored desserts, either.
Baltimore Eggnog
Food & Wine / Photo by Jake Sternquist / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Dera Burreson
Capture the richness of traditional nog without committing to a large batch. Cognac, dark rum, and Madeira create a layered, lightly boozy backbone, while dairy and a whole egg give the drink its signature creaminess.
Homemade Eggnog
Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele
To make rich, creamy homemade eggnog, you’ll need a makeshift double boiler (or a bowl and a saucepan) and a whisk. In just two steps, you’ll have a festive drink — and it can easily be prepared in advance.
Eggnog Cheesecake
Fred Hardy II / Food Styling by Ruth Blackburn / Prop Styling by Christina Brockman
There’s a lot to love about this Eggnog Cheesecake, especially if the creamy, sweet drink is one of your holiday favorites. The filling is made with actual eggnog, as well as fragrant vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and light brown sugar to really drive the flavor home.
Vegan Eggnog
Photo by Victor Protasio / Prop Styling by Christine Keely
“My fiancé and I cut out alcohol (and dairy as well, for him), but my love for ‘Christmas in a cup’ remained; I found a way to still enjoy it without sacrificing the festive flavors,” says chef Jennifer Carroll. Rice, almond milk, and tahini form the creamy backbone of her decadent vegan nog.
Coquito
Food & Wine / Photo by Carson Downing / Food Styling by Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling by Sue Mitchell
Sometimes called coconut eggnog, coquito is served at Christmas and throughout the holiday season in Puerto Rico. This version of the traditional creamy rum punch takes its richness and viscosity from coconut cream and evaporated milk, while warming spices and white rum add aroma and flavor.
Tom and Jerry
Chelsea Kyle / Food Styling by Drew Aichele
A holiday staple, the Tom and Jerry is a classic cocktail featuring Cognac and rum that recalls eggnog in both look and flavor.
Coquito Cheesecake
Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
2021 F&W Best New Chef Paola Velez channels the creamy richness and warming spices of the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink into a lush, custardy dessert. Coconut cream, dark rum, nutmeg, and vanilla infuse the silky filling, while a Maria cookie crust adds delicate sweetness and structure.
Sticky Toffee Pudding Eggnog
Wendell Webber
Eben Freeman reimagines eggnog with the buttery, caramelly notes of Britain’s sticky toffee pudding, landing somewhere between a drink and a dessert. “It’s thick enough to eat with a spoon,” he says. “So was classic eggnog.”
Dining and Cooking