Celebrate the holidays with this simple & quick eggnog made with or without the dairy, and sweetened with natural sweeteners or dates!
Cozy eggnog traditions
We got cozy next to our freshly decorated Christmas tree this weekend with our first batch of eggnog. I don’t remember growing up with the festive drink, but my husband did. So when the girls were little, I figured out how to make it less from a processed carton like the first time I had a sip of eggnog…
Let me take you back to our college years…
I first met my husband during a fall semester, and that December I remember walking into a room to him chugging down a carton of eggnog from the fridge. For real. I had never had eggnog at that point, but years later as I learned about real food, I decided I better figure out how to make real eggnog instead of stand by and watch him down loads of pasteurized toxic milk, fillers, gums, and preservatives. I knew my future children would be watching too, so I figured let’s figure this out!
The easiest drink you’ll ever make
I remember researching traditional eggnog, and, as it turns out, it is really easy to “real foodify” that carton of junk ingredients at the supermarket. Eggnog is really just an ice cream base with cinnamon or nutmeg without putting it into an ice cream maker! In fact, you can drink it as is, or churn it into ice cream!
How to make eggnog
To make your eggnog, all you’ll need is a blender and a few simple real food ingredients. I use coconut milk for the base, but if you tolerate raw milk/dairy, use that! You’ll add in some raw pastured raised egg yolks and your sweetener of choice, along with cinnamon or nutmeg and cloves. I also love a little grated star anise too. Blend it all up and serve with garnishes of your choice!
Eggnog garnishes
Serve your eggnog with a splash of brandy for the adults if they want. You can set out whipped topping, cinnamon sticks, as well as star anise. I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on the top as well.
What about the alcohol?
If you are serving your eggnog where kids will be around, you can leave the splash of alcohol out. Itβs like a nutmeg ice cream milkshake, and the kids will LOVE it! Brandy and bourbon are our favorites to serve it with for adults if we are feeling like spiking it.
Let’s talk about sweetener options for your eggnog
In the last few years I’ve been date sweetening our eggnog, and it is delicious! It all started with how I changed our ice cream making habits to including more whole fruit sweetening versus sugar or honey. When we fruit sweeten, the fiber from the whole fruit slows the sugar spike, and its just a great way to sweeten when you can. Raw honey or pure maple syrup work good too if you don’t have access to dates.
What about the raw egg yolk?
Raw yolks from pastured eggs are a superfood and safe to consume. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can just leave the yolk out! It lends creaminess, and I love the nutritional powerhouse punch! If you don’t have access to pasture raised eggs, I would recommend leaving this part out as well.
Simple & Quick Eggnog
Ingredients
- 2 cups full fat coconut milk or raw milk or cream if you tolerate the dairy
- 3 pastured egg yolks If you donβt have access to pastured eggs just leave this out
- 10-15 Noor Dates Or 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey (or combo of those 2!)
- 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg or cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cloves
Instructions
- Everything into a blender and blend until smooth. You can splash brandy or bourbon into each cup if you want it spiked, and garnish with whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if you wish!
I LOVE eggnog! Cannot wait to try making this!!
Awesome Cassie π I think you will like it – Christopher is a big time eggnog lover and he really adores this recipe!
I love that your recipe uses milk(s) and I will definitely try this very soon. I have always made my homemade eggnog with full-fat coconut milk, and it comes out very thick and creamy. And I usually add rum to mine, but love the suggestion of bourbon! This is an awesome recipe, thanks!
Eggnog is my favorite. <3 Finally, a healthy version. Thanks!!
Yes for sure! My pleasure!
I love the sound of making my own eggnog. As I have an intolerence to dairy, what would you recommend I substitute the cream and milk for? Would almond or coconut stuff work? I hope so π
Hi Anna! Did you see the link at the bottom of the Tips section – there is a link to a dairy free version!
Found it, thank you π
Love that it’s simple and quick!
LOVE the background, the sparkly lights are so pretty. Your nourishing version sounds so good, thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe.
Yum yum. I’ve never had eggnog but with all the eggnog recipes floating around, I think I may have to try it! especially your version!
Hi RenΓ©e,
Have you ever tried this with a wee bit of turmeric, by chance? It has slipped my mind the last few times I’ve made this, and I’m presently “devastated” to be out of eggs and cream. Haha. How I LOVE real eggnog. Its truly nourishing. And putting this into an ice cream maker is certainly worth it π
Merry Christmas!
Hi Lia π No I have not but it sounds like a great addition to me! Have a merry Christmas too π
You, too! I just discovered your site yesterday, and bookmarked most of your recipes. You’re doing a wonderful job, RenΓ©e π
So very pretty! Love this season and the food!
Oooh, I love eggnog! I haven’t made eggnog in a couple of years, so I might have to give this recipe a try this year!
This looks great! I love how simple it is and the inclusion of all that grass-fed cream!! π Also, I love your idea of pouring it into an ice cream maker! π
Yes, yes, yes to this!!!! LOVE THIS SEASON! And this looks like Christmas in a cup!