5 Most Popular Eggnog Recipes for the Holidays 2024: Fun and Delicious Ways to Bond with Your Kids

The holiday season is all about creating cherished memories, and there's no better way to bond with your children than in the kitchen. What better treat to whip up together than a batch of creamy, flavorful eggnog? This beloved holiday drink brings families together with its festive taste and rich tradition. Whether you're enjoying a snowy evening by the fire or wrapping presents with your kids, eggnog can set the mood for cozy family time.

In this blog, we’ll explore five of the most popular eggnog recipes for the holidays in 2024, along with tips on making them fun and safe to prepare with children. These recipes are easy to make, with variations to suit different dietary preferences, and are sure to become new family traditions in your home. So grab your aprons, gather your little helpers, and let’s dive into these heartwarming eggnog recipes!

1. Classic Eggnog (Traditional Recipe)

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup bourbon or rum (optional)
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Why It’s Perfect for Kids:

This classic eggnog recipe provides a great base for all ages to enjoy. By leaving out the alcohol, this drink is family-friendly and perfect for those cozy moments by the tree.

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the eggnog thickens slightly and reaches about 160°F (use a thermometer).
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon.
6. Let the eggnog cool before serving. You can refrigerate it for a few hours for extra chill.
7. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra nutmeg or cinnamon if desired. Serve cold.

Fun Tip for Kids:

Let the kids sprinkle the nutmeg or cinnamon over the eggnog right before serving. They’ll love adding their personal touch to the drink!

2. Vegan Eggnog (Dairy-Free)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt
• ¼ tsp turmeric (for color)

Why It’s Perfect for Kids:

This dairy-free vegan eggnog is an excellent choice for families with children who have milk allergies or follow a plant-based diet. It’s smooth, creamy, and just as delicious as the traditional version!

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, and spices. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
3. Once the milk mixture is warm, add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, whisking to combine.
4. Continue to cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly until the eggnog thickens.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and turmeric for a golden color. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. Serve chilled and garnish with extra nutmeg or cinnamon.

Fun Tip for Kids:

Let your little ones stir the ingredients in the saucepan and watch as the mixture thickens. It’s a great educational opportunity to talk about how liquids change consistency when heated!

3. Choco-Nog (Chocolate Eggnog)

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ tsp cocoa powder
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Why It’s Perfect for Kids:

Kids and chocolate are practically synonymous! This chocolate version of eggnog is a fun and festive twist that everyone can enjoy. It’s the perfect drink for a movie night with your kids, especially if you’re watching a holiday classic.

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until fluffy.
3. Slowly add the hot chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 160°F).
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and ground nutmeg.
6. Cool and serve chilled with whipped cream on top.

Fun Tip for Kids:

Have the kids help stir the chocolate chips into the milk. The melty magic of chocolate is always a fun part of the process!

4. Spiked Eggnog (For the Adults)

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup bourbon or rum
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Why It’s Perfect for Moms:

After a long day of holiday preparations, this spiked eggnog provides the perfect adult treat. It’s rich, smooth, and warming — a great way to relax while your kids enjoy their non-alcoholic eggnog version.

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened (about 160°F).
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and rum or bourbon.
6. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Fun Tip for Kids:

Let the kids decorate the glasses with a festive touch! They can use holiday stickers or add sprinkles of cinnamon on top.

5. Fruity Eggnog (With a Twist of Orange)

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup orange juice
• Whipped cream (for garnish)

Why It’s Perfect for Kids:

This fruity variation adds a bright, citrusy twist to traditional eggnog, which kids will love. The orange zest and juice bring out a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of eggnog.

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the eggs and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat.
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches 160°F.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, orange juice, and orange zest.
6. Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

Fun Tip for Kids:

Kids can help zest the oranges and stir the ingredients together. The smell of fresh orange zest is both fun and educational!

Final Thoughts

Making eggnog together is more than just about enjoying a tasty holiday beverage—it’s about spending quality time with your kids and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re sipping on classic eggnog by the fireplace, enjoying a sweet and creamy chocolate version, or experimenting with fun new flavors, these recipes will make your holiday season even more special. Let your kids get involved in the preparation process, and they’ll love being part of the holiday magic!

So this 2024 holiday season, put on some cozy music, roll up your sleeves, and start crafting your perfect batch of eggnog. And remember, the best part of any recipe is the joy of sharing it with loved ones. Happy holidays, and cheers to family bonding over eggnog!