I’ll admit that this vegan eggnog recipe wasn’t on my radar to share, but when I made it again this morning, I knew it would be selfish of me not to. It’s become a staple in my kitchen throughout the holiday season, and honestly, I keep making it well into February. There’s something about that creamy, spiced richness that just never gets old.

Now, I’ve always loved eggnog. I remember watching Martha Stewart serve her classic eggnog in a giant silver bowl at Christmas gatherings and thinking, “That’s festive.” But as much as I love the traditional version, the heaviness of it limits how often I can enjoy it. So, I set out to make a version that gives me all the cozy vibes, without feeling weighed down. Does it taste exactly like the classic eggnog? Maybe not, but does it hit the mark for me? Absolutely.

😍 Why You’ll Love My Vegan Eggnog Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the cozy, indulgent flavor of this vegan eggnog, minus the heaviness of course! It’s rich, creamy, and filled with the perfect blend of warm spices that just scream holiday comfort. Whether you’re hosting family, enjoying a quiet night in, or just treating yourself, this recipe offers all the festive feels, without the dairy or that ‘I need a nap’ feeling.

What I love most about this eggnog is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste, swap in your favorite plant-based milk, or even kick it up a notch with a splash of bourbon or rum if you’re feeling festive. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make – throw it all in a blender and you’re good to go. Oh, and it keeps for a whole week in the fridge.

🗒️ Ingredients

Unsweetened vanilla almond milk – A smooth, dairy-free base that adds a subtle sweetness to the eggnog.
Full-fat coconut milk – This rich, creamy coconut milk gives the eggnog its luscious texture and indulgent flavor.
Maple syrup – The perfect natural sweetener to balance the spices and bring warmth to every sip.
Vanilla extract – A dash of pure vanilla for that familiar, comforting taste we all love.
Ground cinnamon – This warm spice is the heart of eggnog’s cozy, holiday flavor.
Ground nutmeg – A sprinkle of nutmeg brings a festive, aromatic finish to each glass.
Coconut or regular whipped cream (for topping), optional – For a fluffy, extra creamy touch on top — because who doesn’t love a little indulgence?

👩‍🍳 How to Make This Vegan Eggnog

🥣 Add all the ingredients – almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg – to a high-speed blender.

⏱️ Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and frothy.

🥛 Pour into small glasses and top with whipped cream and a pinch of ground nutmeg, if desired.

🥳 Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to a week to sip on throughout the holidays!

🎩 Tips and Tricks

Adjust the sweetness: Start with 6 tablespoons of maple syrup, then taste and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.

Use different plant-based milks: If you don’t have almond milk, feel free to use oat, soy, or cashew milk – just know it may slightly change the flavor and texture.

Coconut milk substitute: If you’re out of coconut milk, try using another full-fat plant-based milk, but note that coconut milk’s creaminess is key to the texture. You can add a bit more cornstarch or cashews to make up for the change in consistency.

Make it boozy: For an extra festive twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum when blending.

Store it well: Keep any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before serving as the spices may settle.

Top it off: For that extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for that classic eggnog look.

🌟 More Variations On This Vegan Eggnog

• Spiced Vegan Eggnog: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to give your eggnog an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Chocolate Vegan Eggnog: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist. It’s like combining hot cocoa and eggnog into one cozy drink!
• Vegan Pumpkin Eggnog: Add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to make this a perfect treat for autumn or Thanksgiving.
• Eggnog Latte: For a more coffee-forward drink, blend your eggnog with a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee for a holiday-inspired latte.
• Minty Vegan Eggnog: For a refreshing twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix. It’s like a holiday dessert in a glass!

🤲 Substitutions

Plant-based milks: If you don’t have unsweetened vanilla almond milk, you can use any other plant-based milk like oat, soy, or cashew milk. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture of the eggnog.

Coconut milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk with other full-fat plant-based milks like oat or cashew milk. Just be aware that coconut milk adds that signature richness, so you might need to add a little extra thickener like cornstarch or soaked cashews for the same creamy consistency.

Maple syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, agave syrup, date syrup, or even brown sugar can be used as alternatives. Just adjust to taste, as some are sweeter than others.

Vanilla extract: In a pinch, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Whipped cream: For a nut-free option, you can top your eggnog with dairy-free whipped cream made from coconut or soy or skip it entirely if you prefer a lighter drink.

📓 Best served with

Pair your vegan eggnog with gingerbread, snickerdoodles, or your favorite holiday cookies for a cozy treat. I highly recommend shortbread as well for that buttery, rich texture!

👝 How to Store Leftover Vegan Eggnog

Store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. The spices may settle, so give it a quick stir before serving again.

🧠 Common Questions