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Cinnamon Eggnog

Celebrate the holidays with this festive cinnamon eggnog! This easy spiced eggnog recipe combines creamy eggnog and warming cinnamon for the coziest sip of the season. It’s a delicious drink to warm up your festive celebrations.

For a classic version, try our beloved condensed milk eggnog and vanilla eggnog.

glass of cinnamon eggnog on a marble plate.

What is cinnamon eggnog?

Eggnog is a classic wintertime and holiday drink. It has a rich, creamy texture and is traditionally made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and sometimes egg whites.

Eggnog has involved into many different versions, like chocolate eggnog, chai eggnog, and pumpkin eggnog.

This homemade cinnamon eggnog is beautifully thick and creamy and wonderfully spiced with the warming taste of cinnamon and brown sugar that is perfect for the Christmas season.

For more festive drinks, check out our indulgent hot chocolate, Christmas morning punch, and eggnog milkshake.

cinnamon eggnog ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar – adds sweetness to balance the cinnamon and richness of the eggnog. Turbinado sugar or granulated sugar are fine too.
  • 6 egg yolks – thicken the drink. You can use the egg whites to bake sawdust pie, coconut macaroons, or meringue cookies.
  • 2 cups milk – I prefer whole milk, but you can use any kind of milk, including skim, or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – makes the cinnamon extra indulgent. Half-and-half or more milk can be substituted as a lighter alternative.
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon – gives the eggnog a festive kick.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds depth of flavor.
  • Optional garnishes: I like to garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation.

How to make cinnamon eggnog

1. Combine sugar, yolks, and spices

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined, and you no longer see yellow streaks of egg yolk.

2. Heat milk and cream

Place the milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it steams and begins to simmer.

3. Temper eggs

Add a ladle of hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking vigorously. Continue adding milk, one ladle at a time, to temper the eggs.

4. Thicken eggnog

Once most of the warm milk has been mixed with the eggs, pour it back into the saucepan on the stovetop. Cook the mixture, constantly whisking, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 4 to 6 minutes.

5. Chill

Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the eggnog to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate before serving.

bottle of spiced eggnog.

Tips for perfect cinnamon eggnog

  • Use fresh cinnamon: Ground spices lose their aroma over time and become stale. So make sure your ground cinnamon is fresh for the most aromatic, flavorful eggnog.
  • Adjust the amount of spices: I suggest starting with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and adjusting to taste. This way, you can control the strength of the cinnamon flavor and ensure it complements rather than overwhelms the drink.
  • Temper the egg yolks carefully: To prevent curdling, pour the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg yolks very slowly and whisk constantly. This gradual process is called tempering. It gently raises the yolks’ temperature without cooking them.
  • Strain the eggnog: If you notice bits of cooked egg, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure the texture is smooth and clump-free.
  • Let the eggnog thicken: You can certainly enjoy your cinnamon eggnog warm, but I like to chill it in the fridge overnight. Chilling creates that thick, luxurious texture and allows the flavors to meld together.
3 glasses of cinnamon eggnog recipe with cinnamon sticks.

Serving suggestions

Cinnamon eggnog pairs beautifully with all your favorite holiday treats. Try it with:

Storage instructions

Homemade cinnamon eggnog can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.

More recipes with cinnamon

cinnamon eggnog.

Cinnamon Eggnog Recipe

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Celebrate the holidays with this festive cinnamon eggnog! This easy spiced eggnog recipe combines creamy eggnog and warming cinnamon for the coziest sip of the season. It's a delicious drink to warm up your festive celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup / 100 g / 3.5 oz brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz heavy cream
  • 2 cups / 475 ml / 16 fl oz milk

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, yolks, and spices. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined, and you no longer see yellow streaks of egg yolk.
  2. Heat milk and cream. Place the milk and heavy cream into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until it steams and begins to simmer.
  3. Temper eggs. Add a ladle of hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking vigorously. Continue adding milk, one ladle at a time, to temper the eggs.
  4. Thicken eggnog. Once most of the warm milk has been mixed with the eggs, pour it back into the saucepan on the stovetop. Cook the mixture, constantly whisking, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 4 to 6 minutes.
    Tip: To ensure that the egg yolks are safe to consume, cook the mixture until it reaches 160°F / 71°C on a thermometer.
  5. Chill. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the eggnog to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. The texture will thicken as it cools.
  6. Serve. Pour the eggnog into mugs and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of spic-es, if desired. You can enjoy eggnog cold, at room temperature, warm, or over ice.
  7. Store. Keep your eggnog in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 268mgSodium: 126mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 0gSugar: 22gProtein: 11g

FAQ

Can I make cinnamon eggnog with alcohol?

Sure! For an alcoholic, adult-only version, add 1/2 to 1 cup of bourbon, rum, whiskey, or brandy.
 
You can also add rum extract if you want to taste rum, but keep it non-alcoholic.

Can I use a milk alternative for a dairy-free eggnog?

Of course! Almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are good substitutes for regular milk.
 
Try using full-fat coconut cream or coconut milk instead of heavy creamy for a similar creaminess.

How do I prevent my cinnamon eggnog from curdling?

The key to preventing curdling is to temper the egg yolks and be careful to not overheat the mixture.
 
Gradually add the warm milk to the whipped egg yolks and stir constantly while pouring.
 
This gently raises the temperature of the yolks without cooking them.
 
Also, don’t let the eggnog boil when you return it to the stove, just warm it until it reaches 160°F.

What makes homemade cinnamon eggnog so good?

Warm, comforting cinnamon: The combination of cinnamon and vanilla in this cinnamon spice eggnog offers a warm, comforting aroma that embodies the holidays.
 
Rich, indulgent texture: The use of whole milk, egg yolks, and brown sugar lends the eggnog a thick, creamy texture and makes it a real treat for your taste buds.

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