Dairy Free Eggnog is the most festive holiday drink! It's sweet and creamy, but lighter and healthier than store-bought. This yummy Christmas drink is not only dairy free, but also gluten free, Paleo, and I've included a version without eggs for anyone with an allergy.
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I'll admit that I've never been a huge fan of eggnog. However, once I've made it from scratch I found I really enjoyed it!
The store-bought eggnog is usually heavy and overly sweet, with an overpowering artificial taste. My dairy free eggnog is made with real, healthy ingredients, full of flavor, and is still rich and creamy.
It's refined sugar free, gluten free, and even has a vegan option so you'll be satisfied without feeling weighed down.
Need another healthy, festive drink? Be sure to try this sugar free hot chocolate!
Does eggnog contain dairy?
Yes, traditional eggnog does contain dairy because it is made with milk and heavy cream. Mine is made with coconut milk and a non-dairy milk so it is entirely dairy free.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy- only takes 15 minutes
- It's rich and creamy
- Healthier than traditional eggnog
- Made with less sugar than other recipes
- Can be made with or without eggs
- A festive Christmas drink everyone will love
Dairy Free Eggnog Ingredients
- Coconut Milk: I prefer to use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest flavor. You can use lite coconut milk though, if you'd like a lighter eggnog.
- Non-Dairy Milk: You can use any non-dairy milk in this recipe. I usually use almond or cashew because it's what I have on hand, but oat milk, macadamia milk, or soy milk will also work.
- Eggs: This recipe calls for 6 egg yolks, but I've also included an egg free version for anyone with an egg allergy or vegans.
- Sweetener: In order to keep this dairy free eggnog healthier, I've use maple syrup to keep it refined sugar free. You can also use honey or regular white sugar if needed.
- Spices: Traditional eggnog is spiced with nutmeg and vanilla. I've also added cinnamon for extra flavor
How To Make Dairy Free Eggnog
- In a medium saucepan, add the milks, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and maple syrup until foamy
- Once the milk mixture is simmering, turn off the heat and slowly pour it into the egg yolks whisking constantly to prevent curdling
- When all of the milk is combined, pour the mixture through a strainer to catch any lumps that may have formed
- Let it cool to room temperature, then place it into the fridge to chill completely
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and pinch of nutmeg if desired and enjoy
Egg Free Variation:
- Add all ingredients except the egg yolks into a large saucepan. Stir well, then bring to a boil over medium heat
- Boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently
- Turn off the heat, let the vegan eggnog cool completely and enjoy
Serving Suggestions
Dairy free eggnog is the best holiday drink. It's sweet, festive, and it great for cozy nights in. If you're looking to switch it up from hot chocolate, this is the drink for you.
Pair with some yummy snickerdoodles, dairy free chocolate chip cookies, dairy free brownies, or dairy free cupcakes and celebrate the holidays right.
Expert Tips
- Use full fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture
- Heat the milks until just simmering, too hot and you'll cook the eggs
- Slowly temper the hot milk into the yolks so you don't scramble them
- Let the eggnog chill in the fridge to thicken and allow the flavors to meld
- Adjust seasoning to your own taste, you may want more or less of a certain spice
Storing Dairy Free Eggnog
You can store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep mine in a Mason Jar with a tight lid.
It will separate some once settled, so just be sure to shake before drinking.
Eggnog Frequently Asked Questions
If you'd like you can add either ½ cup of brandy or whiskey to your eggnog. I personally don't like alcohol, so I leave it out.
Dairy free eggnog tastes rich and sweet with hints of vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Technically yes, it does contain raw eggs. You can use pasteurized eggs if you're concerned about it, or see notes in the recipe card on how to make eggnog without eggs.
Unfortunately it's prone to curdling if the eggs are not tempered properly. If the egg yolks aren't gently introduced to the hot milk they'll cook too fast and make your eggnog curdled. The key is to slowly incorporate the egg yolks.
You can serve it cold over a few ice cubes or warm straight from the pot. It's up to you!
More Festive Recipes To Try!
- Whole wheat cinnamon rolls
- Gluten free coffee cake
- Sourdough French toast
- Gluten free ham and spinach quiche
- Christmas tree charcuterie board
Did you make this recipe?
If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you make and share it.
PrintDairy Free Eggnog
Dairy Free Eggnog is the most festive holiday drink! It's sweet and creamy, but lighter and healthier than store-bought. This yummy Christmas drink is not only dairy free, but also gluten free, Paleo, and I've included a version without eggs for anyone with an allergy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 13.5 ounce can Full-Fat coconut milk (use lite for lighter eggnog)
- 2 cups non-dairy milk ( I like almond or cashew)
- 6 egg yolks (leave out if vegan)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the coconut milk, non dairy milk of choice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and maple syrup until foamy and lighter in color
- Once the milk mixture is simmering, turn off the heat and slowly pour it into the egg yolks whisking constantly to prevent curdling
- When all of the milk is combined, pour the mixture through a strainer to catch any lumps that may have formed
- Let the dairy free eggnog cool to room temperature, then place it into the fridge to chill completely
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and pinch of nutmeg if desired and enjoy
Notes
TO MAKE WITHOUT EGGS:
- Add all ingredients except egg yolks to a large pot and whisk to combine
- Heat the eggnog over medium heat and bring to a simmer
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the vegan eggnog cool completely before serving
MORE NOTES:
- Use full fat coconut milk for the best flavor and texture
- Heat the milks until just simmering, too hot and you'll cook the eggs
- Slowly temper the hot milk into the yolks so you don't scramble them
- Let the eggnog chill in the fridge to thicken and allow the flavors to meld
- Adjust seasoning to your own taste, you may want more or less of a certain spice
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Keywords: dairy-free eggnog, almond milk eggnog, eggnog without eggs
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