Not too Sweet Vegan Eggnog Cocktail

Is there anything more iconic to a traditional Christmas or Holiday celebration than a classic eggnog cocktail? Thick, creamy, spiced and not too sweet-eggnog hits all of the indulgent check marks on my must have holiday treats. This Vegan Eggnog Cocktail will not disappoint. Being egg and dairy free does not mean you need to give up this sweet and spicy Christmas drink!

What is eggnog?

Eggnog is a thick, creamy drink, usually served chilled. Traditionally it is made from milk or heavy cream, and thickened over a stove with eggs to make it extra creamy. This holiday cocktail is then spiced with cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. To make the eggnog extra special it’s usually spiked with bourbon, or rum to give it a kick!!

Why do we drink eggnog?

When researching this post I came accross a lot of information on the history of eggnog and why it is still relevent today!

A post from “Delish” says that eggnog was originally enjoyed by the rich (no surprise!) Milk was heated and thickened with egg. It was then spiced with *expensive* and rare spices such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. They would then add Sherry or Brandy to keep the drink from spoiling. And probably to make it even more enjoyable!!

What Country invented eggnog?

Eggnog’s roots make it back to Britain. During the Medieval times if you can believe that!! A post from “Insider” says that the eggnog we all know and love has been associated with Christmas since the 1700’s, but apparently people have been consuming something very similar since even before that! The post continued to explain that a drink called the Posset was the very beginning of eggnog. Although this simpler recipe probably wouldn’t make you think of the holidays. This drink was a mixture of curdled milk, ale or wine and spices. It was only later that people began adding in the delicacies like figs, sherry and eggs.

Why is it called eggnog?

Eggnog is a mixture of milk, spices and sugar, thickened with eggs heated over a stove. The name “Eggnog” stems from a combination of egg (the thickening agent) and nog. Nog is debated to stem from either a strong beer or possibly from a noggen which refers to a type of mug used to drink alcohol according to this post from Wikipedia

How can you make eggnog vegan?

So there are two primary ingredients in traditional eggnog which are a complete no go for vegans. Milk and eggs. That leaves us with spices, sugar and alcohol. Hey-I might *actually* be ok with that!!

But, to stick with our original post and get to a vegan version of eggnog we will be using a couple sneaky, readily accessible ingredients to really make our egg free and dairy free eggnog delicious!

What is vegan eggnog made of?

To make eggnog vegan we will be using the following easy ingredients:

1. Dairy free vanilla flavored ice cream. You can use any brand you prefer. For this recipe I’m using Coconut Bliss Madagascan Vanilla Bean (omg-yum!!!)
2. Raw cashews. These guys are going to thicken up our vegan eggnog nicely and add a smooth, rich texture.
3. Turmeric. I love the look of our vegan eggnog when just a touch of turmeric is added. It really makes it look beautiful!
4. Warming spices. You know the ones! Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and my secret ingredient-a little black pepper!
5. Alcohol to really kick it up a notch!
6. Dairy free whipping cream and spices to serve.

What alcohol do you mix with eggnog?

If you want your eggnog recipe with alcohol you have quite a few options!

I have always used a dark rum to serve my eggnog. My favorite is Appelton Estates. This rum is vegan, and I’ve been drinking it since before I was actually allowed to.

If you would prefer a different flavor you could go with a Bourbon, Sherry, Brandy or Cognac.

Check out Barnivore to see which ones are vegan to keep this eggnog cruelty free!

If you need an alcohol free eggnog recipe, you can still use the exact same ingredients and method that follows for this vegan eggnog. You could experiment with adding in a touch of rum extract to give the eggnog a nice flavor and still make it alcohol free.

Is Vegan Eggnog Healthy?

This is one of those vegan recipes you wish was healthy because it tastes so damn good.

There are some healthful ingredients included in this vegan cocktail that would win over a traditional eggnog. The addition of raw cashews and turmeric is great. But, unfortunately the added fat (calories!!), sugar, and alcohol does not make this vegan eggnog healthy in my opinion. FYI: my opinion is not that of a nutritionist or dietary expert (just sayin…)

The holidays tend to center around indulgence and decadence. Save this eggnog for special occasions and you are good to go!

Looking for more Holiday recipes to make this vegan Christmas special??

Have a peek at these posts next!!

1. Classic Vegan Melt in Your Mouth Shortbread
2. The BEST Classic Canadian Vegan Butter Tart Recipe
3. French Canadian Vegan Tourtiere (Meat Pie)
4. Vegan Pot Pie With Lentils and Potato
5. Chickpea Pot Pie
6. Vegan Eggs Benedict-A Hollandaise Sauce to Blow Your Mind

Alright guys, Time to make this awesome vegan eggnog. You’re going to need a high powdered blonder, like the Vitamix. If you don’t have a high powered blender, you will need to soak your raw cashews for 12-24 hours to soften them first!

If you are thinking of buying a new blender, this is the one I have. I’ve been using it *almost* daily for the last 4 years and it’s a dream. Check out the reviews!!!

How to Make a Vegan Eggnog Cocktail

How long does Vegan Eggnog Last?

This recipe makes enough for 4 servings. You could keep whatever you have leftover in the fridge for 2 days. As a mom, my disclaimer is to just be careful who has access to the fridge *ahem* (all of my children).

Read This Next!!

Get some vegan Christmas baking in using my super simple, Classic Vegan Melt in Your Mouth Shortbread recipe!!

Follow along on Pinterest for more vegan inspiration!! I pin new recipes daily, from around the world!!

Like the Facebook page to keep in touch!

And, of course if you haven’t already subscribe to the newsletter! I send out a new email a few times a month with all the latest recipes and YouTube videos-all in one place! Plus every subscriber gets a FREE printable grocery store checklist!

And if you haven’t checked out the Megan Kerry YouTube channel yet-you’re missing out!! I do a ton of content on veganism as a family and how we make it work for us!! There are grocery hauls, recipe videos and more!!

Don’t forget to RATE THIS RECIPE down below and leave me a comment! I love chatting with you!

***Some of my links may be affiliate links. This provides me with a commission on purchases you might make. It doesn’t cost you any extra money though! It’s a great way to support the blog. Thanks in Advance***

Until next time,