Vegan Eggnog Recipe: Creamy, Festive, and Easy to Make

When the holiday season arrives, the world seems to shimmer with a little extra magic—twinkling lights, the aroma of fresh-baked treats, and mugs of cozy, creamy drinks. For many, traditional eggnog is a nostalgic favorite, but if you’re vegan or simply looking to lighten up your celebrations, you don’t have to miss out on this festive classic!

My vegan eggnog recipe delivers all the rich, luscious flavor and velvety texture you crave, without any dairy or eggs. Instead, we use wholesome plant-based ingredients to achieve a decadent sipper that everyone at your gathering can enjoy.

Serve it chilled or gently warmed, spiced just right, and even with a splash of rum or bourbon for adults. This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough to become a new holiday tradition.

Get ready to pour a glass, gather your loved ones, and toast to the season—vegan style!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: Thanks to cashews and coconut milk, this eggnog is delightfully thick, just like the original.
• Completely Vegan: No eggs or dairy required—just plant-based goodness in every sip.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste, or spike it for a grown-up treat.
• Easy to Make: Blend, chill, and serve—no cooking required unless you want to warm it up for a cozy night in.
• Allergen-Friendly: Gluten-free and easily nut-free with a simple substitution.
• Holiday Tradition, Reinvented: Enjoy all the nostalgia of eggnog with a cruelty-free twist.

Ingredients

Equipment

• High-speed blender (such as Vitamix or Blendtec)
• Fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag (optional, for extra-smooth texture)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (for soaking cashews)
• Serving glasses or mugs
• Small saucepan (if serving warm)
• Spatula or spoon
• Grater or microplane (if using fresh nutmeg)

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews:

   Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the refrigerator).

   This softens them for a perfectly creamy blend.

2. Drain and rinse:

   After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly under cold water. This removes any excess starch and ensures a clean flavor.

3. Add ingredients to blender:

   In your high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric (if using), and sea salt.

4. Blend until smooth:

   Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.

   The eggnog should be thick and pourable, with no visible cashew bits.

5. Strain for extra smoothness (optional):

   If you want an ultra-silky texture, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag into a large bowl. Discard any solids.

6. Chill:

   Transfer the eggnog to a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. The flavors will meld and the texture will thicken as it cools.

7. Add alcohol (optional):

   Just before serving, stir in rum or bourbon if desired. Start with 1/4 cup and taste, adding more if you like it boozier.

8. Serve:

   Pour into glasses or mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg.

   For a festive touch, add a cinnamon stick or star anise to each glass.

9. To serve warm:

   Gently heat the eggnog in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Do not bring to a boil—just warm it until steaming.

   Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seeds or silken tofu for cashews. Use oat milk or soy milk instead of almond milk for a nut-free version.
• Sugar-Free: Swap maple syrup for your favorite sugar-free liquid sweetener. Adjust to taste.
• Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a more complex spice profile.
• Chocolate Twist: Blend in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate eggnog.
• Make-Ahead: Vegan eggnog can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and shake well before serving.
• Frothy Finish: Use a milk frother to whip up your eggnog before serving for an extra-luxurious texture.

“For the creamiest vegan eggnog, use a high-speed blender and don’t skip soaking the cashews. It makes all the difference!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on substitutions and additions.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pour: Serve your vegan eggnog chilled in festive glasses, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• On the Rocks: Add a few ice cubes for a refreshing holiday cocktail.
• With Spirits: For a grown-up version, stir in a splash of spiced rum, bourbon, or brandy.
• Warm It Up: Heat gently and serve in mugs for a cozy fireside treat.
• Eggnog Latte: Mix half-and-half with strong coffee or espresso for a vegan eggnog latte.
• Festive Garnishes: Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise pod.
• Holiday Pairings: Pair with vegan cookies, cakes, or breads. Try it alongside this Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for an irresistible combination.
• Party Punch: Multiply the recipe, add a few orange slices and whole spices, and serve in a punch bowl for a party-ready treat.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your holiday table, this vegan eggnog recipe is a true celebration in a glass. It captures the essence of the classic holiday drink—creamy, spiced, and oh-so-satisfying—while using only wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.

It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. Pour yourself a glass, gather your friends and family, and raise a toast to the season—without missing out on any of the cozy nostalgia.

If you love creating vegan versions of old favorites, you might also enjoy exploring our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

For more globally-inspired plant-based ideas, check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals. Happy holidays and cheers to new traditions!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Eggnog”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “This creamy vegan eggnog is rich, festive, and dairy-free, perfect for holiday celebrations. Enjoy the classic flavors with a plant-based twist.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT5M”, “totalTime”: “PT15M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups unsweetened almond milk”, “1 cup canned coconut milk”, “1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked 2 hours and drained)”, “1/3 cup maple syrup”, “1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract”, “1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “Pinch of ground turmeric (for color)”, “Pinch of sea salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until completely smooth and creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium until just warmed through, stirring often.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if desired.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve chilled or warm, garnished with extra nutmeg.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “12g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “24g”}}