How to Make Dairy-Free Spiked Eggnog

This Dairy-Free Spiked Eggnog is the perfect cocktail to kick off your holiday celebrations—easy to make and delightfully creamy!

Why You'll Love This

Eggnog is the perfect Christmas drink, combining rich nutmeg and smoky bourbon for a festive favorite. This year, try a unique twist: a dairy-free version made with coconut and almond milk. It maintains the classic creamy consistency and flavor, making it a delicious new holiday staple!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This
• What Exactly is Eggnog?
• Best Alcohol for Spiked Eggnog
• Ingredients
• Substitutions & Variations
• Equipment
• Instructions
• Expert Tip: How To Make It Dairy-Free
• Best Tips for Storing
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Dairy-Free Spiked Eggnog

What Exactly is Eggnog?

Eggnog, originally known as milk punch, is a rich, chilled, sweetened beverage traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. Made with dairy products like milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites, it typically features rum, but today dark rum, Cognac, bourbon, or whiskey are popular choices.

Dating back to medieval Great Britain, eggnog arrived in the American colonies in the 18th century when eggs and rum were plentiful. Its aromatic winter flavors, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bean, made it a holiday favorite. Today, eggnog remains a Christmas staple, with Americans consuming an average of 135 million pounds annually!

Best Alcohol for Spiked Eggnog

Today there are many options for alcohol. Choosing the right liquor can significantly impact the drink's flavor, so it’s helpful to understand each option's profile. Here’s a quick guide:

• Bourbon/Whiskey: These smokey liquors balance the sweetness of eggnog and may have caramel undertones, making them a great choice for a deeper flavor.
• Spiced Rum: Originally paired with eggnog, spiced rum adds a spicy kick with notes of vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon, enhancing the drink's sweetness.
• Brandy: Ideal for those who enjoy strong drinks, brandy brings floral hints and warmth, making it perfect for a cozy winter beverage.
• Baileys: With various flavors like apple pie and chocolate, Baileys is a fun option that pairs well due to its mildness, suitable for those who prefer lighter drinks.

For this recipe, we'll use bourbon instead of traditional rum, as its smokey flavors and notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak complement the sweet eggnog beautifully.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for this deliciously drink!

• Egg Yolks: Add richness and creaminess for a smooth, custardy base.
• Cane Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the richness of yolks and cream.
• Almond Milk: Contributes a light, nutty flavor and creaminess while being dairy-free.
• Coconut Milk: Adds rich, tropical creaminess and depth to the texture and flavor.
• Bourbon: Infuses warmth and complexity, enhancing the drink's richness.
• Nutmeg: Offers warm, aromatic spice that elevates the festive essence.
• Egg Whites: Create a light, frothy texture for an airy quality.

For the Rim

• Almond Milk: Acts as a binding agent, adding a nutty flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness with caramel notes to enhance flavor.
• Cinnamon: Introduces warm spice that boosts the drink's festive appeal.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements!

Substitutions & Variations

Missing ingredients or want to modify the recipe? Try these tips:

• Make it Blended: Add ice and blend for a refreshing frozen Eggnog.
• Make it Non-GF: Substitute gluten-free milk with whole milk.

Instructions

To make a tasty eggnog cocktail, start by separating four egg yolks and whites. Beat the yolks in a medium bowl for two minutes until pale, then gradually add one-third cup of cane sugar, mixing until dissolved.

In another bowl, combine almond and coconut milk, then thicken the mixture with an electric mixer on low for about two minutes. Pour this thickened milk into the egg yolks and stir to combine, then gradually add four ounces of bourbon, whisking well.

For a stronger drink, add an extra ounce or two. Finally, mix in one teaspoon of nutmeg, reserving some for garnish. Enjoy your sweet, nutty eggnog!

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-low speed for two minutes until soft peaks form. Avoid over-beating, as they should barely hold their shape.

To create stiff peaks, add one tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until the peaks stand straight up. Once stiff peaks form, gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk and milk mixture, whisking for about a minute to combine. Refrigerate the eggnog for at least 30 minutes before serving.

How to Chill and Garnish the Eggnog

Chill the eggnog for at least 30 minutes, ideally for an hour or overnight, to enhance the flavors. While it can be served immediately, longer chilling allows for a more complex profile.

Traditionally served cold, eggnog can also be warmed in the microwave in 30-second bursts, avoiding boiling to prevent cooking the eggs.

While it chills, prepare the glasses by dipping the rims in almond milk and coating them with a brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. Once chilled, whisk the eggnog again, pour it into the prepared glasses, and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick or star anise for a festive touch. Enjoy!

Expert Tip: How To Make It Dairy-Free

For dairy-free eggnog, replace milk and cream with coconut and almond milk. Coconut milk provides a creamy, sweet flavor—just blend after chilling for over 24 hours. Almond milk can replace cow's milk, adding a nutty taste; for a thicker texture, use hemp or oat milk.

Best Tips for Storing

Always whisk your eggnog before serving, especially if using coconut milk, which can settle. Here are tips for storing:

• Mix Coconut Milk: Beat coconut milk with an electric mixer before adding almond milk to break up thick parts.
• Remove Coconut Cream: For a smoother consistency, remove the thick coconut cream and mix the remaining milk with almond milk.
• Heat It Up: Warm coconut milk in a saucepan to melt the cream, then cool before whisking in egg yolks.

If refrigerated for over 24 hours, blending will restore a creamy texture.

FAQ

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Pairing

Looking to pair something more with this dish? Here is what I recommend: