The comforting, creamy mixture of milk, eggs, cream, sugar, ale, and spices known as eggnog has a rich history. It’s believed to have originated from the British Isles, where the British elite particularly enjoyed it because of the luxury ingredients like cream, eggs, and sherry required to make it. This warm drink, which has become an American staple for holidays in the winter months, has a story that spans centuries and continents, connecting us to a shared tradition.
The decline of eggnog in Britain started when the Brits discovered the joys of drinking tea in the 17th century. However, it was around that time that “egg-n-grog” crossed the ocean, becoming popular in North America. Thanks to a poem written by Jonathan Boucher, a Maryland minister, the colonists started calling it “eggnog,” and the name stuck.
Today, different eggnog variations are popular in several countries, albeit in versions like rompope (which contains egg yolks) from Mexico and coquito (made with coconut milk or cream) from Puerto Rico.
Wherever you’re from, chances are that you either love eggnog or can’t stand it. It’s a drink that sparks strong opinions and lively debates. Surprisingly, in the U.S., people consume over 15 million gallons of eggnog annually. That’s a lot of eggnog lovers! Considering the required ingredients, you may wonder if vegan eggnog is possible. The good news is that it’s possible to make it, and it’s delicious. Here’s how to make eggnog vegan, allowing everyone to join the ranks of eggnog enthusiasts, even on a dairy-free diet.
Creamy Vegan Eggnog Recipe
Vegan eggnog cannot contain whipped eggs or cream, but several excellent vegan ingredients provide the creaminess required. Add some sweetness and spiciness, and you are ready to go with a festive drink that everyone can enjoy, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or have lactose intolerance.
Here’s how to make vegan eggnog with all the creaminess of the original version, using a recipe created by Nisha from Rainbow Plant Life. For this holiday indulgence, you will need cashews soaked overnight in water. When soaked in coconut milk, cashews provide the creamiest base for a rich eggnog.
Oat milk is used for its mild, sweet flavor. It also has a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients and gives the eggnog a velvety smoothness.
Finally, the recipe calls for nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom, a unique combination of spicy, sweet, and warm spices. If you want to add a boozy kick, the smokiness of bourbon is perfect for this eggnog.
Dairy-Free Eggnog Delight
It’s so easy to make eggnog dairy-free. You will kick yourself for not having tried learning how to make vegan eggnog before now once you try this delicious recipe:
Dairy-Fee Eggnog Delight
Ingredients for six servings
- 2 3/4 cups non-dairy milk (oats milk works well, but it’s up to you which you prefer)
- 1 X 13 oz can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 T. maple syrup
- 3 T. coconut sugar (you can use brown sugar too)
- ¼ t. each nutmeg and cardamom
- ¾ t. cinnamon
- 1 ½ t. vanilla extract
Optional:
- 0ne ounce per serving of bourbon or rum
- Whipped coconut cream
- Cinnamon sticks or powder for serving
Instructions
Use a blender to mix all the ingredients, blending them for about two minutes or until smooth. Taste and adjust spiciness or sweetness if needed. Refrigerate for up to four days in a glass jar.
Easy Vegan Eggnog Variation
How to make vegan eggnog? Here’s how to make the perfect holiday vegan eggnog with six ingredients and a blender. Unlike the original version, which needs boiling on the stovetop, cooling, and combining the whipped egg whites, this is an easy vegan eggnog variation from Minimalist Baker. Make it alcohol-free, or add bourbon, rum, or brandy for a boozy version.
Maple syrup replaces sugar as the sweetener, and full-fat coconut milk is combined with dairy-free milk to add creaminess. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide the festive aromas; you can whip some coconut cream for an extra layer of frothiness as a topping for serving.
Quick and Tasty Plant-Based Eggnog
If you want a super-quick and nut-free eggnog, here’s a recipe that requires five minutes and only a few ingredients. Learning how to make vegan eggnog has never been easy, even for the most inexperienced.
The recipe uses everyday ingredients that almost everyone has at home, and since it contains no nuts, you should also use nut-free, non-dairy milk for anyone with a nut allergy.
Quick Plant-Based Nut-Free Eggnog
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 6 Cups Thick Non-Dairy Milk like Oat or coconut (you can use Cashew, Macadamia, or Almond milk for their thickness, but not if you want it nut-free)
- 6 T. sweetener of choice (agave, maple, coconut, etc.) If you want it sweeter, add about 2 T more sweetener
- ½ t. ground nutmeg
- ½ t. ground ginger
- 2 t. vanilla extract
- 1 t. cinnamon
- ¼ t. cloves
- Vegan whipped cream for serving
- 4 T. brandy, bourbon, or rum (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the non-dairy milk in a small saucepan over low heat on your stovetop to give it a deeper flavor.
- Once the non-dairy milk heats, stir the sweetener and spices to combine the flavors nicely. Remove from the heat. If you use granulated sugar, make sure it’s dissolved and incorporated.
- Add the alcohol if you are making it alcoholic.
- Whether you serve it hot or cold is up to you, but remember to top each glass with vegan whipped cream and a cinnamon stick to swirl the eggnog.
Homemade Vegan Eggnog in Minutes
One of the most incredible things about knowing how to make vegan eggnog is that you can have it ready in minutes. That’s in far less time than you need to make anything else in the kitchen for the holidays.
Here’s how to make Vegan eggnog from Very Well Mom. It’s super easy and quick. Forget about soaking nuts and scrambling for fancy ingredients. It’s suitable for anyone with nut allergies or on a Paleo diet.
Tips for making the easy vegan eggnog include:
- Use canned coconut milk for its rich flavor. If you don’t have any or don’t like it, then almond milk is also creamy and cheaper.
- If you want the vegan eggnog strictly Paleo, choose nut milk without added sugar.
- The recipe calls for maple syrup – it gives the best flavor, but you can use agave nectar or brown sugar to add sweetness to the eggnog.
The subtle hint of warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, and allspice makes this vegan eggnog taste just like the real thing. You can give the eggnog a slight alcoholic spice with brandy, rum, or bourbon, but the rum extract gives it the flavor if you want to keep things alcohol-free. Don’t use the rum extract if you follow a Paleo diet.
Festive Vegan Eggnog Alternative
Festive occasions call for eggnog, which you can enjoy either warm or cold. Although you can buy ready-made vegan eggnog, making your own is satisfying. You can also create delicious eggnog alternatives for everyone, vegan or not, to indulge in!
Here’s a vegan eggnog version from Good Food that uses dates, apricots, and cashews for a fruitier festive tipple. Vanilla pods, mixed spice, and brandy provide the holiday feel. You start overnight soaking the apricots, cashews, and dates in the mixed spice and brandy mixture. The following day, add the rest of the ingredients, blend, and sieve, and you are ready to serve with ice and grated nutmeg.
- Irresistible Vegan Eggnog Twist
Learning how to make vegan eggnog requires no special skills or equipment. You can also do many things with eggnog to give it more texture and flavor. For example, adding chia seeds or rum flavoring are exciting variations. Rum essence is the best way to provide vegan eggnog the flavor of the real thing while making it alcohol-free.
In an older blog from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen, you will find two vegan eggnog recipes for a Chia Nog and Banana Nog. These irresistible eggnog twists are vegan, healthy, and delicious. Use sweetened milk, but if you don’t want a less sweet eggnog, use unsweetened non-dairy milk.
Enjoy the Holidays with Vegan Eggnog
The ultimate vegan eggnog is the most enjoyable holiday tradition. It is rich and creamy and elevates everyone’s spirits. Learn how to make vegan eggnog with almonds, which add a luxurious texture.
Start by soaking blanched almonds overnight. Once they have softened, you only need a few minutes to have delicious eggnog ready to serve, hot or cold.
Vegan Eggnog with Almonds
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 1 cup blanched almonds, which you have soaked in water overnight
- 3 cups plant-based milk
- 2 T. agave syrup
- 2 t. cinnamon
- 4 T. rum or a few drops of rum essence for a non-alcoholic version
Instructions
Place all the above ingredients in a blender, whizzing until smooth. Serve chilled or warm, and sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon for vegan eggnog perfection.
Now that you know how to make vegan eggnog, let its creaminess imbue your taste buds, and its spiciness create a festive air during the holidays.
Mastering Vegan Eggnog: Essential Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Creating the perfect vegan eggnog is an art that can elevate your holiday festivities to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or new to dairy-free delights, these essential tips will ensure your vegan eggnog is always a hit:
- Quality of Ingredients: The choice of non-dairy milk can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your eggnog. Almond, cashew, and oat milk are excellent choices for a creamy base. Make sure to use full-fat versions for that luxurious mouthfeel.
- Soaking Nuts: Soaking them overnight is crucial if your recipe calls for cashews or almonds. This makes your nuts easier to blend and ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
- Spice Balance: The right balance of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves is crucial in capturing the classic eggnog flavor. Start with small amounts and adjust according to taste.
- Sweetening Wisely: Vegan eggnogs often use alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar. These sweeteners add sweetness and a subtle flavor profile that can beautifully complement the spices.
- Chilling Time: Allow your vegan eggnog to chill thoroughly before serving. This improves the flavors and gives it a more traditional eggnog texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your vegan eggnog in festive glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a stick. A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a luxurious touch to a frothy top.
- Alcohol Options: For those who enjoy a spirited eggnog, adding alcohol should be done judiciously. Dark rum or brandy are traditional choices, but bourbon can also provide a unique twist. Always add alcohol to taste, considering that it can intensify flavors.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating delicious, creamy vegan eggnog that will impress vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy the festive season with a glass of homemade eggnog that everyone can savor!
