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Home » Recipes » Christmas

Published: Nov 16, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

The Best Baileys Eggnog

Jump to Recipe

Give your next holiday party an extra spirited touch with this luscious, creamy Baileys eggnog! Homemade eggnog is prepared with a medley of warm seasonal spices and rich maple syrup, and then gets a healthy dose of everyone's favorite Irish cream to add a little festive fun. The holiday season isn’t complete without whipping up a batch of Baileys and eggnog — your guests will love every decadent sip.

Two glass mugs of Baileys eggnog on a silver tray with a glittery Christmas tree in the background and holiday decor around them.
Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Variations
  • Expert Tips
  • Perfect Pairing
  • Get More Christmas Eve Cocktails
  • 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The most indulgent eggnog base: Sure, we could throw together store-bought eggnog with Baileys Original Irish Cream and call it a day, but then it wouldn’t be the very best Baileys eggnog. Hey, it’s the holiday season, and we deserve something special. A recipe is only as good as its ingredients, so we start with the most delicious homemade eggnog base to deliver one drink everyone will adore. 

Simple to make: If you’ve never made your own eggnog, don’t worry. The process is surprisingly simple and takes very little effort, even during this busy season. 

Designed for make-ahead preparation: Entertaining is always easiest when make-ahead recipes are on the menu. Eggnog is perfect for that. Since we want a perfectly chilled drink, we make this at least a night before serving.

Bonus: If you can’t get enough Irish cream cocktails, make sure you also try my Baileys chocolate martini, Baileys Irish coffee martini and Baileys latte.

Ingredients

The ingredients on a white marble board with black and white labels.

Baileys: This is the most well-known brand of Irish cream and commonly used as a generic term for that type of liqueur. That said, you’re more than welcome to use another brand or even a homemade Irish cream. 

Whole milk: Eggnog is all about indulgence, so we absolutely want whole milk, not a lesser-fat variety. The other types lack that wonderfully rich flavor and fuller body. Of course, this is a different situation if you have dietary constraints, but if not, grab the whole milk.

Heavy cream: Like above, we want full heavy cream, not half and half. Sometimes it’s labeled as heavy whipping cream — they’re interchangeable. 

Maple syrup: Please hold the fake pancake syrup. Only real maple syrup will do. For its combination of sweetness and richness, I recommend grade A maple syrup. Oh, and if you love the flavor maple syrup adds here, make sure you also check out this maple bourbon sour.

Eggs: We mostly use the egg yolks, but I recommend reserving a few whites for an optional frothy topping. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: We begin by beating the egg yolks in a mixing bowl until they’re nice and silky like so (photo 1). While you can certainly whisk the egg yolks by hand, a mixer makes the process a bit more efficient. For now, we set the yolks aside.

Two beaters mixing together the egg yolks in a large glass mixing bowl on a marble surface.

Step 2: The next step is to add the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, nutmeg, whole cloves and pinch of salt to a small saucepan and simmer the mixture over medium heat (photo 2). Once it begins to simmer, we turn off the heat.

The milk and cream mixture in a small saucepan with cinnamon sticks on the stove-top.

Step 3: Now we strain some of the milk mixture into the egg yolks (photo 3) and whisk. We continue this process until all of the mixture is incorporated into the egg yolks. This is called tempering the eggs, and it helps prevent turning the yolks into a scramble. 

Whisking the egg yolks and cream mixture together in a large glass mixing bowl.

Step 4: With the base of our eggnog ready, we stir in the Baileys Irish Cream (photo 4), cover and refrigerate. I recommend refrigerating overnight. Not only does this ensure the drink is perfectly chilled but it also gives the flavors time to meld.

Stirring the Baileys into the egg mixture with a wooden spoon in a large glass mixing bowl.

Step 5: This next step is optional. For a frothy egg white topping, we whip egg whites until soft peaks form (photo 5) and top each glass with the foam and a sprinkling of ground cinnamon and nutmeg (photo 6). You’ll just love this way this adds an airiness in contrast to our thicker-bodied eggnog.

The egg whites whipped into forming soft peaks in a large stainless steel mixing bowl.
A glass mug topped with the whipped egg whites and cinnamon and nutmeg on a white marble surface.

All that’s left is to raise a glass of this creamy eggnog cocktail and toast to the festive season!

Related: For more cocktails for your holiday parties, try my chocolate-peppermint martini, Christmas morning mimosa and spiced cranberry bourbon sour. You'll also love this coquito from Tia Clara.

Recipe FAQs

Does the egg white topping taste eggy?

Not at all — it simply adds a delightful frothiness. Raw egg whites are mostly flavorless, so it’s all about the texture. While this may sound weird, traditional British eggnog incorporates whipped egg whites, and they’re a common cocktail topping, like in sour cocktails.

How long can you store the eggnog in the refrigerator?

I recommend keeping the eggnog covered and storing in the refrigerator for about three days. Of course, that’s assuming it lasts that long. Once you take that first sip, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.

Can you substitute Baileys for another spirit?

Absolutely! I’ve used this eggnog base with so many other spirits, such as dark rum, brandy, Kahlua and bourbon. This orange-infused bourbon is especially tasty with it. Feel free to experiment.

Variations

Turn your eggnog into a Christmas cocktail. While this festive drink is delicious as is, it also makes a great eggnog martini. For this variation, simply shake 3 ounces of eggnog with an ounce of vanilla vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a martini glass, and sip away.

Give your hot chocolate a holiday boost. Instead of making your hot chocolate with milk, use this Baileys eggnog — it's as simple as that.

Swap sugar if necessary. While I highly recommend opting for maple syrup for the richest flavor, you can substitute white or brown sugar in equal parts if you're in a pinch.

A straight-on view of the Baileys eggnog with gold and silver ornaments around it and a glittery Christmas tree with lights in the background.

Expert Tips

Grate your own nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg is so much more flavorful. Simply rub a whole nutmeg against a microplane grater or the smallest holes on a box grater, and you have fresh nutmeg.

Do not boil the eggnog: Milk can separate if it’s boiled, and there’s no saving it at that point. You’d have to start again.

Plan ahead: Since we need time to refrigerate the Baileys eggnog, don’t leave this to the last minute. Make sure you take care of all your grocery shopping and have your ingredients ready to go.

Add a festive garnish: A cinnamon stick, star anise or candied rosemary will give you an extra boost of holiday cheer.

Perfect Pairing

Clearly, you love Baileys, so make sure you try it with this Irish whiskey chocolate cake filled with a Baileys mousse. The maple syrup perfectly complements the whiskey undertones, and then you get a double dose of Irish cream flavor. For pairing with more Baileys-inspired recipes, you also can’t go wrong with my absolute best Baileys ice cream.

I hope you get extra festive this Christmas season and make this Baileys eggnog recipe. It’s sure to make you and your guests feel the holiday spirit.

Cheers!

Looking down on two glass mugs of Baileys eggnog on a silver platter with Christmas ornaments around them.

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If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

Two glass mugs of Baileys eggnog on a silver tray with a glittery Christmas tree in the background and holiday decor around them.

Baileys Eggnog

Give your next holiday party an extra spirited touch with this luscious, creamy Baileys eggnog! Homemade eggnog is prepared with a medley of warm seasonal spices and rich maple syrup, and then gets a healthy dose of everyone's favorite Irish cream to add a little festive fun. The holiday season isn’t complete without whipping up a batch of Baileys and eggnog — your guests will love every decadent sip.
5 from 77 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 434kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks reserve 3 egg whites
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup real maple syrup preferably grade A
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg preferably freshly grated
  • ½ teaspoon whole cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups Baileys Original Irish Cream

Instructions

  • Beat the egg yolks until they're smooth and slightly lightened in color. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, nutmeg, whole cloves and pinch of salt to a simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. After the mixture comes to a simmer, turn off the heat.
  • Strain some of the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the egg yolks and whisk. Repeat this process until all of the milk mixture is incorporated.
  • Stir in Baileys. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
  • For an optional frothy topping, whip the reserved egg whites until soft peaks form immediately before serving and use to top each glass. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and nutmeg if desired. Enjoy! 

Notes

  • Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Separate the eggs straight from the refrigerator while they're still cool. If they sit at room temperature, they don't separate as well. 
  • Plan ahead. The eggnog needs time to chill, so make it at least a day before serving.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 258mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 786IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 201mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Lisa says

    December 03, 2022 at 11:30 am

    5 stars
    This is so much better than store bought eggnog! I love making it during holiday season!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 11:55 am

      Thanks so much, Lisa!

      Reply
  2. Jessica says

    December 02, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    5 stars
    I love indulgent holiday drinks and this was excellent! Made for a nice liquid dessert. 😀

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 1:35 pm

      The best kind of dessert!

      Reply
  3. Veronika says

    December 02, 2022 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    This is a perfect holiday drink! Going to make it this weekend for the family gathering again, they will love it 😉

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 12:56 pm

      Have so much fun!

      Reply
  4. Tammy says

    December 02, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    5 stars
    So incredibly creamy and delicious! The maple syrup was a nice addition too, and it was so good with the Baileys.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks, Tammy! It really is amazing how well maple syrup and Baileys pair together.

      Reply
  5. Kathryn says

    December 02, 2022 at 9:30 am

    5 stars
    This is the best kind of holiday drink and I can't wait to make it again throughout the holidays. Love all of these flavors together. Each of your photos are just so gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you for the kind words, Kathryn!

      Reply
  6. Elaine says

    December 01, 2022 at 5:19 pm

    5 stars
    I was so excited to give this eggnog recipe a try, and it did not disappoint. It was even easier than the recipe I usually use.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 11:57 am

      Glad it was easy and delicious for you!

      Reply
  7. veenaazmanov says

    December 01, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    5 stars
    The spices are everything! My family always buys eggnog but wow. Homemade is the way to go.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      December 03, 2022 at 11:55 am

      I’m so glad you agree!

      Reply
  8. Marta says

    November 28, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    I'm not usually a fan of eggnog, but your Bailey's version made me a convert. I think I enjoyed it a little TOO much this Thanksgiving, LOL!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 29, 2022 at 6:59 am

      Hey, nothing wrong with that! The holidays are meant for a little too much fun.

      Reply
  9. Bernice says

    November 28, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    5 stars
    Who would have guessed that two of my favourite holiday beverages combine perfectly together?! Loved it to kick-off the season. I'm going to make this again for my sister and blow her mind at Christmas.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 29, 2022 at 7:01 am

      That sounds like a fun plan!

      Reply
  10. Helene says

    November 28, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    5 stars
    What a good idea to combine Baileys and eggnog; they blend beautifully. This cocktail is creamy, comforting, and perfect for the winter holidays. Next time, I’ll try your hot chocolate variation.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      November 28, 2022 at 3:51 pm

      Hope you enjoy that just as much! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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A headshot of Amanda, the owner of Burrata and Bubbles, holding a beer.

Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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