Creamy & Delicious Vegan Eggnog: Your Ultimate Dairy-Free Holiday Treat
Get ready to indulge in the most wonderfully rich and creamy vegan eggnog you’ve ever tasted! This festive holiday drink captures all the nostalgic warmth and spice of traditional eggnog, but without any dairy or eggs. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires just a few minutes of blending, and promises to be a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations.
The holiday season is truly magical, filled with twinkling lights, festive music, and, of course, an abundance of cozy drinks. From steaming mugs of hot chocolate to comforting pumpkin spice lattes and fragrant peppermint teas, these beverages are essential to creating that perfect festive ambiance. And when Christmas arrives, no drink embodies tradition quite like eggnog. I’ve always adored eggnog, but the classic recipe, with its generous amounts of cream and, as the name implies, eggs, presents a challenge for those seeking a dairy-free or vegan option. That’s precisely why I embarked on a mission to create this incredible vegan eggnog recipe – a dairy-free, egg-free holiday drink that tastes every bit as luxurious and satisfying as the original.
And I’m thrilled to report: success! This plant-based eggnog recipe is every bit as rich, creamy, and wonderfully flavorful as any store-bought standard eggnog. The secret lies in a clever combination of almond milk and raw cashews, which brilliantly replace the traditional cream and eggs. The result is a velvety smooth, subtly spiced, and incredibly comforting winter drink that not only tastes amazing but is also a healthier alternative. If you’ve been yearning to enjoy the quintessential taste of eggnog without compromising your dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, then look no further – this is the ultimate recipe you’ve been searching for.
Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Eggnog
Crafting this delightful vegan eggnog requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly magical holiday beverage. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful notes to ensure your eggnog turns out perfectly. For the precise measurements, remember to check the complete recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: The foundation of our creamy eggnog! While you can use your preferred variety, I highly recommend using unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or almond milk. The “unsweetened” part is crucial as we’ll be adding sugar to taste, giving you complete control over the sweetness level. These milk alternatives provide a wonderfully neutral base that allows the festive spices to shine.
- Raw Cashews: These are the true stars of this vegan eggnog, acting as the primary thickener and creamer, replacing the traditional heavy cream and eggs. For the best results, always use raw, unsalted cashews. It’s essential to soak them overnight (or use the quick-boil method mentioned in the recipe notes) to soften them significantly. This ensures they blend into an incredibly smooth, luxurious consistency, creating that signature rich eggnog mouthfeel without any grainy texture. After soaking, be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic holiday spice that’s indispensable for eggnog. Cinnamon provides a warm, sweet, and woody aroma that perfectly complements the creamy base. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking – some prefer a bolder cinnamon flavor, while others prefer a subtle hint.
- Pumpkin Spice Blend: This ready-made spice blend is a fantastic shortcut for achieving that complex, comforting holiday flavor profile. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger, delivering a symphony of festive notes. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own using equal parts of these five individual spices. Adjust the amount based on how intensely spiced you like your eggnog.
- Sea Salt: Just a small pinch of sea salt makes a significant difference, enhancing all the other flavors in the eggnog. It helps to balance the sweetness and brings out the aromatic qualities of the spices, making the overall taste more vibrant and well-rounded.
- Brown Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness and a lovely caramelized depth of flavor that is characteristic of traditional eggnog. Brown sugar works beautifully, but you can also use other granulated sugars like cane sugar, coconut sugar, or even maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: While optional, I enthusiastically recommend adding pure vanilla extract. It contributes a wonderfully warm, complex, and subtly sweet undertone that elevates the entire drink, making it taste even more wintry and decadent. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; artificial vanilla won’t provide the same depth.
Understanding Pumpkin Spice: The Holiday Flavor Shortcut
Pumpkin spice is a beloved and ubiquitous spice blend that makes appearances in countless fall and winter recipes. You can readily find it in the spice aisle of virtually any grocery store or specialty spice shop. While specific ratios might vary slightly between brands, a standard pumpkin spice blend typically consists of five core ingredients: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger. Each spice contributes its unique character: cinnamon offers warmth, nutmeg a sweet nuttiness, cloves a pungent sweetness, allspice a complex blend reminiscent of several spices, and ginger a zesty, slightly peppery kick. If you find yourself without a ready-made pumpkin spice blend, there’s no need to worry! You can easily craft your own by combining equal amounts of all five of these individual spices. This DIY approach allows you to tailor the blend to your personal preference, perhaps adding a little extra of your favorite spice.
How to Prepare Your Easy Vegan Eggnog
One of the best things about this vegan eggnog recipe is its incredible simplicity. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and flavorful holiday drink ready to enjoy. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this super easy vegan eggnog:
- Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Before you begin, ensure your raw cashews have been properly soaked overnight (or quick-boiled for 5 minutes and cooled). This step is crucial for achieving that ultra-smooth texture. Measure out all your non-dairy milk, sugars, spices, and vanilla extract according to the recipe card. Having everything prepped makes the blending process seamless.
- Combine All Ingredients in a Blender: Carefully add all of the measured ingredients – the soaked and drained cashews, unsweetened non-dairy milk, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sea salt, brown sugar, and vanilla extract – into a high-speed blender. A powerful blender is key to breaking down the cashews thoroughly and creating a perfectly smooth consistency.
- Blend Until Velvety Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and start blending. Allow the mixture to blend for a full 3 minutes. This duration is important to ensure that the cashews are completely pulverized and emulsified with the milk and spices, resulting in a thick, rich, and utterly smooth consistency without any gritty bits. The mixture should become noticeably creamy and slightly frothy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once blended to perfection, your vegan eggnog is ready to be served! Pour it into your favorite festive glasses. You have the flexibility to enjoy it chilled, straight from the blender (or after chilling in the fridge), or you can gently warm it up on the stove over a low heat for a comforting hot beverage. Stir continuously while heating to prevent scorching.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Vegan Eggnog
While this vegan eggnog recipe is inherently simple, a few extra tricks and tips can elevate your homemade drink from great to absolutely exceptional. Follow these suggestions to ensure your holiday eggnog is as delicious as possible:
- Customize the Flavor Profile: The beauty of homemade eggnog is the ability to tailor it to your exact preferences. Some individuals adore a bold, intensely spiced eggnog, where the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger truly stands out. Others might prefer a milder, more subtle background spice that allows the creamy base to be the star. Don’t hesitate to adjust the quantity of pumpkin spice blend (or individual spices) to suit your taste. You can start with the recommended amount and then add more in small increments, blending and tasting as you go, until you achieve your ideal level of spice. If you have a particular favorite spice within the pumpkin blend, feel free to add a little extra of that single spice for a more pronounced flavor.
- Elevate with Festive Rims and Garnishes: Presentation can significantly enhance the enjoyment of your vegan eggnog. Turning your serving into an experience is half the fun! A flavored rim is a fantastic way to add an extra layer of taste and visual appeal. I’m particularly fond of a cinnamon sugar rim – simply moisten the rim of your glass with a lemon wedge or a little non-dairy milk, then dip it into a shallow plate of cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar. For garnishes, the possibilities are endless and add both beauty and aroma. Consider a sprinkle of freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg, a whole cinnamon stick for stirring and visual flair, or even a beautiful whole star anise pod for an exotic touch. These small details make a big impact!
- Ensure Utter Smoothness: Blending your vegan eggnog for the recommended 3 minutes in a high-speed blender should typically yield a wonderfully smooth mixture. However, depending on the power of your blender and the quality of your cashews, there might still be very small, almost imperceptible bits of cashew remaining. If you’re aiming for the absolute silkiest, most luxurious texture possible, consider pouring the blended eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve. For the truly connoisseur-level smooth drink, line your sieve with a cheesecloth before straining. This extra step will capture any tiny particles, leaving you with an incredibly refined and professional-grade vegan eggnog.
- Optimal Cashew Preparation: The key to creamy eggnog is well-softened cashews. While overnight soaking is ideal, if you’re short on time, a quick boil works wonders. Place your raw cashews in a small saucepan, cover them with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until very tender. Drain and rinse them before blending. This ensures they break down effortlessly.
- Serve Hot or Cold: This versatile vegan eggnog can be enjoyed both ways. For a refreshing chill, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. For a comforting warmth, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid boiling to maintain its creamy texture.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Vegan Eggnog
While this creamy vegan eggnog is absolutely delightful on its own, it truly shines when paired with other festive treats or given a little extra holiday cheer. To be honest, my absolute favorite way to serve this dairy-free delight is with a splash of spirits! It tastes phenomenal when infused with a good quality brandy, whiskey, or rum, transforming it into a sophisticated adult holiday cocktail. For a truly classic and comforting experience, I love to serve my vegan eggnog alongside some beloved Christmas sweets. Here are a few of my top recommendations for delectable pairings:
- Festive Christmas Chocolate Bark: The crisp snap and rich chocolate of a homemade bark provide a wonderful textural and flavor contrast to the creamy eggnog.
- Soft Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies: The delicate sweetness and subtle spice of these cookies complement the eggnog perfectly, doubling down on those warm holiday flavors.
- Decadent Peppermint Chocolate Brownies: The refreshing mint and deep chocolate notes offer a vibrant counterpoint to the eggnog’s spice, creating a delightful holiday flavor combination.
- Rich Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: These brownies bring together the best of fall and winter flavors, with the pumpkin and chocolate harmonizing beautifully with the creamy eggnog.
- Classic Vegan Gingerbread Men: The iconic spice of gingerbread is a natural companion to eggnog, creating a traditional and heartwarming holiday pairing that’s hard to beat.
Storing Your Homemade Vegan Eggnog
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious vegan eggnog for several days after preparation. Once blended, transfer the eggnog to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, give it a good shake or whisk to recombine any separated ingredients, as some settling is natural. You can then serve it chilled for a refreshing treat or gently warm it on the stove over low heat for a comforting hot beverage, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Can You Freeze Vegan Eggnog? Absolutely!
Yes, you can certainly freeze this vegan eggnog! This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday seasons or for enjoying a taste of Christmas long after the festivities are over. To freeze, pour the eggnog into an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace to allow for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. It’s important to note that upon thawing, the texture might separate a little due to the fat content. Don’t worry, this is completely normal! A quick re-blend in your blender will bring it right back to its original creamy, smooth consistency, ready to be served cold or gently reheated.
More Cozy Winter Drink Recipes to Enjoy
If you’ve fallen in love with this vegan eggnog and are looking for more comforting beverages to warm your soul during the colder months, you’re in luck! The winter season is perfect for experimenting with rich, spiced, and delightful drinks. Here are a few more of my favorite recipes that are perfect for sipping by the fire, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a moment of cozy tranquility:
- Simple & Creamy Vegan Hot Chocolate: A classic for a reason, this dairy-free hot chocolate is incredibly indulgent and easy to make.
- Refreshing Winter Cranberry Gin Fizz Cocktail: A vibrant and festive cocktail with a beautiful balance of tart cranberry and aromatic rosemary.
- Aromatic Spiced Mulled Wine: Perfect for gatherings, this warm, spiced wine fills your home with an irresistible holiday fragrance.
- Autumnal Red Wine Apple Cider Fall Sangria: A delightful blend of red wine and apple cider, bursting with seasonal fruit flavors.
- Comforting Warm Spiced Apple Cider: A non-alcoholic favorite, this fragrant apple cider is simmered with warming spices for ultimate comfort.
Creamy & Flavorful Vegan Eggnog (Dairy-Free Holiday Classic)
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Ingredients
- 3 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or almond milk (essential for controlling sweetness)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight, then rinsed and thoroughly drained OR easily boiled for 5-10 minutes until tender*
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 to 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice blend**
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, or cane sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for desired sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, highly recommended for deeper flavor, but optional
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients, including the properly soaked and drained cashews, unsweetened non-dairy milk, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, sea salt, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, into your high-speed blender. Ensure all ingredients are combined for optimal blending.
- Blend on high for a full 3 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. There should be no grit from the cashews. For an extra silky texture, you can strain the eggnog through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth after blending.
- Pour the freshly blended vegan eggnog into your favorite glasses and enjoy immediately! You can serve it cold for a refreshing drink, or for a wonderfully cozy experience, gently warm it up slowly in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or a cinnamon sugar rim for extra flair.
Notes
*Cashew Preparation Made Easy: If you forget to soak your cashews overnight, don’t fret! You can quickly prepare them by placing the cashews in a small pot, covering them with just enough water, bringing the water to a boil, and simmering for 5 to 10 minutes until they are very tender. Drain them thoroughly and let them cool slightly before proceeding with the recipe. This method ensures you can make this delicious eggnog on the same day!
**Pumpkin Spice Your Way: The amount of pumpkin spice is entirely up to your preference for intensity. I’ve personally used 1 teaspoon for a subtle, aromatic background spice, and on another occasion, 2 teaspoons for a bolder, more pronounced festive flavor. Feel free to start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste after a quick blend.
- Achieving Ultimate Smoothness: For a truly restaurant-quality, perfectly smooth vegan eggnog, make sure to blend it for the full 3 minutes in a high-speed blender. If you notice any tiny cashew bits, or simply desire an extra silky texture, don’t hesitate to strain the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or even a cheesecloth-lined sieve. This step ensures every sip is luxuriously smooth.
- Spiked Eggnog for Adults: This recipe is absolutely fantastic with a touch of liquor! For a classic holiday cocktail, consider adding a shot (or two!) of brandy, rum, or whiskey per serving. Stir it in after blending or add it directly to your serving glass.
- DIY Pumpkin Spice Blend: If you don’t have a pre-made pumpkin spice blend on hand, you can easily create your own. Combine equal parts of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This allows you to customize the blend to your liking!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.