Easy Vegan Almond Milk Eggnog (Dairy-Free & Recipe)

Have You Ever Thought You Had to Give Up Your Favorite Holiday Traditions Just Because You Stopped Eating Dairy?

The holidays are all about comfort. For many of us, that comfort comes in a tall, chilled glass of eggnog. It is thick, sweet, and smells like nutmeg and Christmas morning. But if you have moved toward a plant-based lifestyle, you might think those days of creamy holiday drinks are over. What if you could have all that rich flavor without a single drop of dairy or a single egg?

The truth is that you do not have to miss out. You can make a drink that is just as delicious, much lighter on your stomach, and incredibly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Today, we are talking about the ultimate holiday hack: Almond Milk Eggnog.

Why This Almond Milk Eggnog Is Special

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This recipe is a game changer for several reasons. First, it is inclusive. Whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this drink fits the bill. It captures that signature “nog” texture without being overly heavy or greasy.

Time Requirement: 10 minutes (plus chilling time) Difficulty Level: Super Easy (if you can use a blender, you can make this)

What makes this specific version stand out is the balance of flavors. We use almond milk as a light base but add a secret ingredient to make it thick and creamy. It is a recipe that tastes like it took hours to simmer on the stove, but it actually takes less time than it does to find a parking spot at the mall in December.

Essential Ingredients

To make this Almond Milk Eggnog, you will need a few pantry staples. These measurements will make about four servings.

• 3 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk: This is your liquid base. Use unsweetened so you can control the sugar levels.
• 1/2 cup Raw Cashews: This is the secret to the creaminess. Soak them in hot water for 30 minutes before starting.
• 1/3 cup Pure Maple Syrup: This provides a natural, warm sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: For that classic bakery aroma.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: The most important spice for that real eggnog taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds a bit of warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Turmeric: This is just for a tiny hint of golden color to mimic the look of eggs.
• 1 pinch Sea Salt: To bring all the flavors together.

Substitutions and Variations

If you do not have everything on the list, do not worry. You can swap the maple syrup for agave nectar or three pitted Medjool dates. If you are allergic to cashews, you can use 1/2 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk instead. For a different nut profile, you can swap the almond milk for cashew milk or oat milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this drink is a simple process. Follow these steps for the smoothest results.

Prepare the Cashews

The cashews act as the “fat” in this recipe, replacing the egg yolks and heavy cream. To get them perfectly smooth, place them in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This softens the nuts so they turn into cream rather than grit. Drain them well before using.

Blend the Base

Put your soaked cashews and 1 cup of the almond milk into a high-speed blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely white and smooth. There should be no tiny pieces of nuts left.

Add the Flavor

Once the cashew base is smooth, add the remaining 2 cups of almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, and salt.

Final Blend

Pulse the blender a few times to mix everything together. Then, blend on medium speed for 30 seconds. This creates a little bit of froth on the top, which looks beautiful when served.

The Chill Factor

While you can drink this warm, eggnog is traditionally served cold. Pour the mixture into a glass jar or pitcher and put it in the fridge for at least two hours. This allows the spices to “bloom” and the flavors to settle.

Assembly and Presentation

When you are ready to serve your Almond Milk Eggnog, the presentation makes it feel like a real celebration.

How to Build the Base

Give the pitcher a good shake or stir before pouring. Plant-based milks can sometimes settle at the bottom. Pour the eggnog into clear glass mugs so your guests can see the beautiful flecks of spice.

Presentation Tips

• Cinnamon Sticks: Place one or two whole cinnamon sticks in each glass. It looks professional and adds a woody scent.
• Extra Dusting: Sprinkle a tiny bit of fresh nutmeg or cinnamon on the very top of the foam.
• Rim the Glass: Dip the rim of your glasses in a little maple syrup and then into a mix of sugar and cinnamon for a fancy look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that it actually tastes better the next day.

• Storage: Keep your eggnog in an airtight container, like a glass mason jar, in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days.
• Make-Ahead: You can easily make this two days before a party. Just give it a vigorous shake before you serve it.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm holiday drink, you can pour the eggnog into a small pot and heat it on low. Do not let it boil, as this might change the texture of the almond milk. Just warm it until it is steaming.

Recipe Variations

Once you master the basic version, you can get creative.

• Chocolate Eggnog: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Nog: Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.
• The Boozy Version: For the adults, you can stir in a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy after the eggnog has chilled.
• Coffee Creamer: This recipe is very thick. You can use it as a festive creamer for your morning coffee.

Conclusion

Making your own Almond Milk Eggnog is a wonderful way to celebrate the season while sticking to your health goals or dietary choices. It is fast, healthy, and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This drink proves that you do not need dairy to create something creamy and satisfying.

We hope you give this recipe a try during your next holiday gathering. It is a great conversation starter and a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices to find your own perfect blend.

FAQs

Is almond milk eggnog healthy?

Yes, this version is much lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than traditional eggnog. It uses healthy fats from cashews and natural sweetness from maple syrup. It also contains vitamins from the almond milk.

Why is my eggnog thin?

If your drink feels too thin, you can add more soaked cashews or a tablespoon of chia seeds to the blender. The cashews provide the thickness. Make sure you don’t skip the soaking step.

Can I freeze this recipe?

You can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly when it thaws. If you freeze it, put it back in the blender for a few seconds once it thaws to make it creamy again.

Does this taste like “real” eggnog?

The nutmeg and vanilla provide the classic flavor people associate with eggnog. While it is lighter than the dairy version, most people find it just as satisfying because the spice profile is identical.

Can I use store-bought almond milk?

Absolutely. Just make sure it is the unsweetened version. If you use vanilla-flavored almond milk, you might want to use a little less maple syrup so it isn’t too sweet.