Eggnog for One Recipe
Introduction
This cozy eggnog recipe is perfectly crafted for one, delivering rich and creamy holiday cheer in a single serving. It blends warm spices, smooth dairy, and a splash of your favorite spirit for a comforting treat. Enjoy a fresh, homemade cup without the fuss of a large batch.

Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 shot rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 1-quart saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, granulated sugar, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
- Step 3: Slowly add about 1 tablespoon of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolk mixture at a time, whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Continue until roughly half of the milk mixture is incorporated.
- Step 4: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) or slightly thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Avoid boiling.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Pour the eggnog into a mug and add a shot of your chosen spirit if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor, then top with whipped cream if you like before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use pasteurized eggs to safely enjoy this recipe without cooking the egg fully.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with coconut or almond milk, adjusting sweetness as needed.
- Adjust the nutmeg amount to your preference or garnish with a sprinkle on top for an extra festive touch.
Storage
Store leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving and reheat gently on the stove or microwave if you prefer it warm. Avoid boiling during reheating to prevent curdling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this eggnog without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy for a delicious non-alcoholic version that is perfect for any time of day.
Is it necessary to temper the egg yolk?
Tempering the egg yolk by slowly adding warm milk prevents it from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture in your eggnog.
Print
Eggnog for One Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This cozy Eggnog For One recipe blends warm milk, cream, and egg yolk with aromatic spices and your choice of rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy. Perfectly tempered and gently cooked for a creamy, velvety texture, this single-serving eggnog is an ideal festive treat that can be enjoyed warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Flavorings & Alcohol
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 shot rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Warm the milk and cream: In a 1-quart saucepan, gently heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, creating a warm base without boiling.
- Whisk egg mixture: In a small bowl, combine the egg yolk, granulated sugar, and ground nutmeg, whisking until smooth and evenly mixed to prepare the rich, spiced egg base.
- Temper the egg mixture: Slowly add one tablespoon at a time of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Incorporate about half the milk this way to gently raise the egg yolk’s temperature, preventing curdling.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk blend. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for approximately 10 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) and thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon without boiling.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- Serve and chill: Pour the finished eggnog into a mug and add a shot of your preferred spirit—rum, bourbon, whisky, or brandy. For optimal flavor, chill for at least 30 minutes. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Temper the egg mixture carefully to avoid scrambled eggs.
- Do not boil the eggnog to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar to taste or substitute with a sugar alternative.
- Chilling the eggnog enhances its flavors but it can also be served warm.
- Always use fresh eggs to ensure safety when consuming lightly cooked eggs.
- Alcohol is optional; omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: eggnog for one, single serving eggnog, holiday drink, warm eggnog, creamy eggnog, spiced eggnog, homemade eggnog

