Gluten-Free Eggnog

Thick, creamy eggnog with real vanilla and fresh nutmeg. This cooked version is gently heated so the eggs are safe, then chilled until cold and silky.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Total: 265 min Serves: 8

At a glance: This easy drinks and smoothies recipe yields 8 servings in about 4h 25m (15 min prep, 10 min cook). It uses 8 ingredients — including egg yolks, granulated sugar, whole milk — and walks through 5 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more drinks and smoothies recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shop links in the ingredient list are affiliate links and do not change the recipe.

Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Eggnog: When preparing this drinks and smoothies recipe, ground nutmeg and vanilla extract should be labeled gluten-free, and if adding spirits, plain rum or bourbon is the usual choice over flavored liqueurs with unlisted additives. Strain the custard through a sieve washed since its last use with flour or crumbs.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Eggnog: This recipe was developed with gluten-free ingredients and no gluten-containing grains. Check every label yourself, and use gluten-free products where the recipe calls for them.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, plus more for serving. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

6 large egg yolks
0.75 cup granulated sugar Shop
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream, plus more for serving (optional)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract Shop
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for serving Shop
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup rum or bourbon (optional)

Instructions

1 In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale, thick, and ribbony, about 2 minutes.
2 In a saucepan, combine the milk, 1 cup heavy cream, nutmeg, and salt. Warm over medium heat until steaming and small bubbles form at the edges. Do not let it boil.
3 Temper the yolks: slowly pour about a cup of the hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Then pour the warmed yolk mixture back into the saucepan, still whisking.
4 Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon and reads 170-175F (77-79C) on a thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes. Do not boil or the eggs will curdle.
5 Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and the rum or bourbon if using. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, cover, and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Serve cold, dusted with extra nutmeg and a dollop of whipped cream if you like.

Nutrition (per serving)

290

Calories

Protein

26g

Carbs

17g

Fat

Fiber

90mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Tempering is the whole trick - add the hot milk slowly while whisking so the yolks never scramble.
It thickens more as it chills. Thin leftovers with a splash of cold milk.
Freshly grated nutmeg beats pre-ground by a mile in this recipe.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Eggnog take?

Gluten-Free Eggnog takes about 4 hours 25 minutes, including resting time: 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, for 8 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Eggnog with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Eggnog?

Check egg yolks, granulated sugar, whole milk before they go into Gluten-Free Eggnog. Ground nutmeg and vanilla extract should be labeled gluten-free, and if adding spirits, plain rum or bourbon is the usual choice over flavored liqueurs with unlisted additives. Strain the custard through a sieve washed since its last use with flour or crumbs.

How should leftover Gluten-Free Eggnog be stored?

It thickens more as it chills. Thin leftovers with a splash of cold milk.

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

Recipes include certified gluten-free ingredient guidance and cross-contamination notes. Check every label and use certified gluten-free products. Learn more about us.

Recipes and images may be created with AI assistance. They pass automated checks, and the team reviews flagged items.