A classic holiday recipe- eggnog! This dairy-free eggnog recipe is easy to make and is also gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and honey and spiked with our favorite liquor mix. Perfect for your next holiday gathering.
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I may be known for my Chai eggnog but Mr. Peel is known for his classic eggnog recipe. Each friend, neighbor, or family holiday party invitation comes with a request for our eggnog recipe attached. What we love about this recipe is that no one knows how healthy this Christmas cocktail is. They just love it!
This was one recipe we could easily do gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free. Our friends and family agreed it is even better than traditional boozy eggnog and we all felt less heavy after imbibing.
🧾 Eggnog Ingredients
This recipe has very simple ingredients so quality and freshness is important.
- Eggs- Use fresh eggs. If you can get the locally raised farm fresh eggs with the giant yolks even better. Use extra-large or jumbo eggs if buying at the store. Sorry, but there is no real substitute for eggs.
- Macadamia Nut Milk- This past summer I declared my love for Macadamia nut milk in our recipe for a strawberry-tahini milkshake. The same rules apply here, macadamia milk is naturally sweet so you can use less sugar. Almond milk and oat milk (specifically the chilled oat milk from Oatly) also make great substitutes. While you can use any lactose-free milk I find soy and rice milks to be too thin for this recipe.
- Coconut Milk- You need one can of full-fat coconut milk. Not reduced fat, not coconut cream (although the coconut cream would work in a pinch). Do not substitute coconut beverage from a cardboard container, the eggnog will be too thin.
Fun fact, eggnog made with coconut milk is called coquito and is the Puerto Rican version of this classic Christmas drink.
- Honey and Maple Syrup- Not one or the other but BOTH. All maple syrup and it tastes like a pumpkin latte. All honey and it misses the complexity the maple syrup brings. Or you use our homemade demerara syrup.
- Seasonings- we stick with the classic cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. For the vanilla, you can use extract, powder, or paste.
- Spirits- This recipe uses a combination of spiced rum, cognac, and whiskey. This is the classic eggnog trio. While other versions of eggnog have just a single option, typically bourbon, I firmly believe that this trio is the best-tasting boozy eggnog.
📋 How to Make Dairy-Free Eggnog
Dairy-free eggnog is easy to make, the key to success is not to overcook the eggs (scrambled egg eggnog is not good!).
Prepare the Egg Base
Start by whisking the egg yolks, honey, maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon until well combined and thickened slightly. The color will be darker than traditional eggnog because of the honey and maple syrup.
Heat the Dairy Free Milk
In a medium saucepan, heat half the non-dairy milk and all the coconut milk over medium heat until steaming.
Temper the Eggs
SLOWLY drizzle the steaming milk mixture into the egg mixture, tempering the eggs.
Whisk until well combined. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the remaining macadamia nut milk. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer.
Add The Liquors
Stir in all the liquors and vanilla extract. Chill thoroughly (at least 6 hours) and serve very chilled with fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Or you can make a non-alcoholic version…
🥛How to Make Non-Alcoholic Eggnog
Totally avoiding alcohol? I like to add a touch, maybe a ¼ cup or so, of unsweetened apple juice in place of the liquor. Apple gives it a bit more spiced flavor but doesn't water it down or make it overly sweet.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Fresh grate the cinnamon and nutmeg spices for maximum flavor.
- Add ground ginger for a spicy kick.
- Don't worry about using high-end liquor. By all means, use what you have on hand but don't worry if you don't have the fancy stuff. Between the egg, cream, and sugar the bite of hard alcohol will be overruled.
- Store (and serve) eggnog in capped bottles rather than a punch bowl. We used Ikea capped bottles so we can give it a good shake before pouring. The spices have a tendency to separate.
- Make a double batch- it goes quickly!
- Use any leftover eggnog as a sauce for desserts.
🌡️ Storing Non Dairy Eggnog
This homemade eggnog will last in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Making the perfect make-ahead batch cocktail for your next Christmas party. Be sure to store it in a bottle with a tight-fitting cap.
🥂 More Festive Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic Eggnog- Dairy Free
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cup macadamia nut milk, divided substitute any nut or non-dairy milk
- 14 ounces coconut milk, canned approx 1 can
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup spiced rum
- ½ cup cognac
- 1 cup whiskey
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, honey, maple syrup, and nutmeg and cinnamon until well combined and thickened slightly.6 egg yolks, ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup maple syrup, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup macadamia nut milk and coconut milk over medium heat until steaming.1 ½ cup macadamia nut milk, divided, 14 ounces coconut milk, canned
- While whisking the egg mixture, slowly drizzle the steaming milk mixture into the egg mixture, tempering the eggs. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the remaining macadamia nut milk. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Stir in all the liquors and vanilla extract.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup spiced rum, ½ cup cognac, 1 cup whiskey
- Chill thoroughly (about 6 hours) and serve very chilled with fresh nutmeg sprinkled on top.
Video
Notes
- Any nut milk or non-dairy milk will due but this macadamia nut milk has an extra sweetness with no added sugar.
- Suggest chilling at least 24 hours to take the bite out of the whiskey.
- Eggnog will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Equipment
Nutrition
📖 Frequently Asked Questions
What alcohol is in eggnog?
Traditional eggnog has a combination of liquors including brandy or cognac and dark rum. But we recommend adding bourbon or whiskey to round out the flavors.
What does eggnog taste like?
Eggnog tastes like a vanilla milkshake with cinnamon.
💭Is Homemade Eggnog Gluten-Free?
Many Celiacs debate whether distilled alcohol is gluten-free if the base ingredient comes from wheat, barley, or rye. Beyond Celiac says yes, it is safe to consume. You can read more about that on the Beyond Celiac website. But you know your body best. If in doubt, always safer to stick with a choice that doesn't use cereal grains in the mash.
Here are the suggested brands for totally gluten-free eggnog: ½ cup Captain Morgan's Rum, ½ cup calvados (apple brandy), and 1 cup Queen Jennie (sorghum whiskey). It is this mix of liquors that gives this eggnog recipe a unique and balanced taste.
Alena says
I’ve made this recipe at least 3 years now and it’s the best!
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for the review!
Rebecca says
I've been making this recipe for years! I always come back to it. So yummy!
Jen Wooster says
We agree this is just the best eggnog recipe!
Kelsey says
This is probably the best eggnog I've tried. However after chilling it,there are chunks of what I assume is coconut milk fat flotaing at the top. It doesn't blend well when shaken. Is there a way to avoid this?
Kelsey says
As a side note, I did whisk the eggs the entire time I was adding in the steamed milk to temper them.
Jen Wooster says
That sounds like the eggs did scramble a bit. The was probably a tad to hot. It happens, just strain and serve.
Doni says
We served this hot and what a hit it was! Thank you!
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for the review!
Alena says
So good! I used all coconut milk. Real Thai brand comes in a carton is only coconut milk nothing else added and doesn’t solidify.
Jen Wooster says
Good to know- thanks for sharing!
Mac says
My go-to for egg nog. The flavor and texture are great, and the booze is right on.
Crystal says
I loved this eggnog. I added 1/2tsp of cloves for the non-alcohol version because my husband has a food sensitivity to apples and I thought it was a perfect addition. It was super sweet for me because I haven’t had sugar in 2 months. Next time I’ll make a double batch with 1/2 the sweetener.
Jen says
Thanks for the review. Less sugar is always better!
Paul Wilder says
Is there a tried and true way to avoid the severe separation and hardening of the coconut milk fat? (Beside blending it)?
Paul Wilder says
Should add, it tastes truly wonderful!
Jen says
Whisking it when making it should ensure it doesn't separate in the fridge. Then give it a cook shake or stir before serving.
Jodie K says
I just made this after looking at many dairy free recipes. I taste tested before putting in the fridge to make eggnog lattes at home all next week! And I made a double batch so I can spike the other half. yum! The freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon is the best way to go! I used Califia Barista Blend Unsweetened Oatmilk and canned light organic coconut milk, and it turned out like a dream!!
Jen says
Thank you so much for trying it out. Going to have to check out that oat milk. But we agree- it is divine!
Melissa says
I have always wanted to try making my own eggnog, I drink it by the gallon around the holidays ha!! Your recipe seems simple and delicious, love that you use honey to sweeten it too!
Marisa Franca says
Whaaat!?? An ugly jumpsuit doesn't count?! Unfair! I'd picket and form a protest.Now I wouldn't protest this delicious looking eggnog. I love eggnog unfortunately I'm the only one in the family that does. Well, I have your hubby's recipe and I'll just make it for myself. YUM!!
Veena Azmanov says
I love that you added sugar free and dairy free version of the eggnog. I usually make the classic but it's nice to have an alternative. Saving this so I can try soon. Yum.
Jyothi (Jo) says
I'm loving the flavors that's going on with this eggnog. truly a great gifting option for this holiday season.
Mirlene says
I am ADDING this recipe to my MUST TRY. I love how simple it is to follow. And how easy it is to make. I will be trying this recipe SOON!!!!
Dan Zehr says
I LOVE eggnog at Christmas too but have never made it myself. Yours looks and sounds perfect. Going to pin for later and give it a try!
Mahy Elamin says
Eggnog is the best thing about the holidays. And it's such a great idea to add a spiced rum I have on hand. Definitely giving it a try.
Catalina says
I am always ready for a good eggnog. This one looks divine! My whole family will go crazy over this!
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
What great adaptations on a traditional recipe so everyone can safely enjoy a cup. The flavors look delicious, and I am loving the addition of the maple!
Claudia Lamascolo says
this is brilliant making a non alcohol drink the whole family can enjoy it I really like this version!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love that you made a non alcoholic version - so my kids can enjoy this too! This looks so good, perfectly spiced and yummy.