Buddy the Elf's Favorite Maple Eggnog Recipe
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" — or serving Buddy the Elf's favorite maple eggnog, which is sure to give you all the holiday vibes in no time. While most eggnog recipes are sweetened with sugar, this recipe uses maple syrup as a nod to Buddy's favorite food group. The maple syrup gives this eggnog a warmth and richness that make for the most decadent holiday cocktail.

How to Make the Best Buddy the Elf's Favorite Maple Eggnog
A Holiday Cocktail Fit for Buddy
Buddy the Elf’s love for all things sweet and festive is legendary, and this maple eggnog recipe is a delicious tribute to his Christmas spirit. Using pure maple syrup instead of traditional sugar creates a richer, more sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—work together to create that unmistakable eggnog magic.
Why Maple Syrup?
The key to making this eggnog special is the choice of maple syrup as the sweetener. Not only does it honor Buddy’s love of this golden liquid, but it also adds a depth and warmth that regular sugar can’t match. The maple syrup blends beautifully with the eggs, cream, and spices to create a luxurious, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug in a glass.
Make It Your Own
Whether you’re serving this at a holiday party or enjoying a quiet festive night at home, Buddy the Elf’s favorite maple eggnog is sure to become a tradition. The optional alcohol makes it versatile—enjoy it boozy for the adults or skip the liquor for the kids. Either way, this recipe is guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer!

Buddy the Elf's Favorite Maple Eggnog
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear" — or serving Buddy the Elf's favorite maple eggnog, which is sure to give you all the holiday vibes in no time. While most eggnog recipes are sweetened with sugar, this recipe uses maple syrup as a nod to Buddy's favorite food group. The maple syrup gives this eggnog a warmth and richness that make for the most decadent holiday cocktail.
Ingredients
Base
Spices & Flavoring
Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
Assembly
- 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 desired liquor or liqueur if using.
- 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.
Notes
- Don't boil the milk mixture—maintain a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
- This eggnog improves in flavor after refrigerating overnight.
- For a virgin version, simply omit the liquor or liqueur.