This easy, dairy free and vegan “Eggnog” is sure to become a holiday favorite. With just cashews, water, sweetener and some spices, I will show you how very easy this creamy, spiced holiday drink can be.
This easy eggnog recipe is hands down way healthier than store-bought. Without any added preservatives or hard-to-pronounce ingredients, you’ll find it still tastes great. Sweetened with your choice of blood sugar-friendly sweetener you can easily adjust the amount based on your preference. Serve the eggnog with or without alcohol, chilled or over ice, at your next holiday gathering. If you are expecting a big crowd go ahead and double the recipe.
Have some fun with the eggnog and use it instead of milk in recipes that call for milk. It can taste great in smoothies, pancakes, or waffles, especially on Christmas morning, and can also be used in cookie, or muffin recipes.
If you enjoy this eggnog recipe, you may like these other seasonal, blood-sugar-friendly recipes; Eggnog No Oats or this Pumpkin Pie. Or try these other blood-sugar-friendly drinks; Paleo Chai Latte, Healthy Hot Chocolate, or this Pumpkin Spice Creamer.
Why You’ll Love This Dairy Free Eggnog
- No artificial ingredients, preservatives or ingredients you can’t pronounce.
- Modifiable; adjust the amount of spice and sweetener to your liking.
- Creamy and rich texture loaded with flavor for a delicious holiday treat.
- Won’t spike your blood sugar.
- Easy to prepare with make ahead option.
Ingredients To Make Eggnog
To Make the “Eggnog”
- Cashews – Use raw cashews, soaked overnight or boiled.
- Filtered water – I use filtered water but tap or bottled water will both work.
- Maple syrup – Use maple syrup or keto syrup for sweetening the eggnog.
- Vanilla – Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Spices – I used a combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and allspice.
For Serving
- Whipped coconut cream – Whipped coconut cream makes for a rich, creamy topping.
- Alcohol – Choose brandy, rum, cognac, or bourbon.
- Spices – Use cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling on top.
Equipment
How To Make Eggnog
- Start by soaking your raw, unsalted cashews in filtered water. Soak either overnight in room temp water or in boiling water for 20-30 minutes, until they have swelled.
- Drain the cashews and put them in your blender with a fresh 4 cups of filtered water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- This is the fun part! Add 4 tbsp maple syrup or up to 6 tbsp if you like your eggnog sweeter.
- Measure and add vanilla and spices. Blend again until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Serving ideas: all by itself, in No Oats, with some whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, or with a shot (one ounce) of brandy, rum, cognac or bourbon.
- Happy Holidays and enjoy!
Storage
Store in the refrigerator for 5-6 days in a glass or mason jar. Shake well before serving as spices will settle.
Pro Tips
Here are a few things you can do to make sure your eggnog turns out every time.
- If you are short on time you can substitute the homemade cashew milk for store-bought. Just read the ingredients carefully. You can use cashew or almond milk for a blood-stabilizing drink. Or you can try this Homemade Coconut Milk.
- Make sure your spices are fresh as their taste can wane over time. Fresh spices will make for a tastier drink. Adjust them according to your taste preferance.
- Add creaminess by using coconut milk instead of almond or cashew. Canned will be creamier than refrigerated.
- Get creative and add other flavors like almond extract, chocolate, or coffee.
FAQs
Can you buy dairy free eggnog?
If you look in the non-dairy beverage section of the grocery store you may find dairy free eggnog. Though you needn’t buy any, just make this recipe!
What is dairy free eggnog made of?
Dairy-free eggnog usually contains a nondairy beverage like cashew or almond milk instead of cow’s milk.
How can I make dairy free eggnog creamy?
Cashew milk makes this dairy-free eggnog creamy but canned coconut milk will do the same.
Can I make this dairy free eggnog ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. If you’ve got a long to-do list you can prepare the eggnog and store it in the fridge for a few hours or a few days. This also allows the flavors to develop and mingle.
What spices are commonly used in eggnog?
In this recipe I used ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and allspice but you can use whatever you like.
Did you make this recipe? If you did, please tag me and share on Instagram!
Easy Dairy Free Eggnog
Ingredients
To Make the "Eggnog"
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 4 cups filtered water
- 4-6 tbsp maple syrup or keto syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
For Serving
- whipped coconut cream
- brandy, rum, cognac, or bourbon
- cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Start by soaking your raw, unsalted cashews in filtered water. Soak either overnight in room temp water or in boiling water for 20-30 minutes, until they have swelled.
- Drain the cashews and put in your blender with a fresh 4 cups of filtered water. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- This is the fun part! Add 4 tbsp maple syrup or up to 6 tbsp if you like your eggnog sweeter. Measure and add vanilla and spices. Blend again until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Store in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. Shake well before serving as spices will settle.
- Serving ideas: all by itself, in No Oats, with some whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, or with a shot (one ounce) of brandy, rum, cognac or bourbon. Happy Holidays and enjoy!