Name: Vegan Eggnog
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 can coconut milk; 3 cups nut-free plant-based milk like coconut milk or soymilk; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cardamom; 1/4 cup white sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch; 1-ounce of bourbon per serving; Cinnamon or nutmeg; Ice (if you prefer your eggnog chilled)

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Enjoy this classic cozy Christmas drink - vegan eggnog! It is rich and creamy and full of holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can serve it as is or spiked with bourbon!

Hands holding a glass of nut-free vegan eggnog.

In the U.S. and Canada, eggnog is an all-time Christmas classic! Now, with this recipe, you can enjoy a 100% vegan version!

This recipe brings perfect wintery vibes with its rich flavor, creamy texture, and holiday flavors—thanks to cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s delicious on its own or spiked with some alcohol!

My vegan eggnog is also super allergy-friendly. It’s nut-free, unlike many vegan versions! Read on to learn just how to make it and everything else you might want to know about whipping up this Christmas treat vegan style!

What is Eggnog?

Two glasses of eggnog with mini Christmas trees.

Traditionally, eggnog is a dairy-based beverage. It’s essentially milk with the addition of cream, sugar, whipped egg yolks and whites, and certain spices. It’s sometimes known as “milk punch” or “egg milk punch” when alcohol is added, as it is in many traditional recipes.

You can serve eggnog chilled or warm. It is particularly popular in the U.S. and Canada, where people consume it as a festive holiday drink (especially around Christmas). It can be found seasonally in stores, but many people like making it at home.

There are now some non-dairy and vegan eggnog versions found in stores, such as Silk’s Soymilk Eggnog. This vegan recipe is rich and creamy like traditional eggnog recipes!

What Does Eggnog Taste Like?

A glass of eggnog surrounded by twinkle lights and mini Christmas trees.

Due to the name and the fact that it’s traditionally a dairy-based drink, you might assume that eggnog is a somewhat savory beverage. Traditional eggnog, however, is sweet and creamy. This vegan version delivers similar richness thanks to the additions of coconut milk and sugar.

Some people think eggnog tastes like custard ice cream, which makes sense as both are known for their creaminess, richness, and overtones of spice, due to the use of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Recipe Ingredients

Many of these ingredients are vegan staples so you may already have everything on hand!

Coconut milk – Coconut milk is a rich and creamy liquid made from coconuts. Did you know it’s actually a mix of coconut flesh and water? It’s usually about 50% water, whereas coconut water is about 94% water. Coconut milk is high in calories, yes, but it also contains a ton of nutrients. It also brings the perfect level of richness to this eggnog—no dairy necessary!
Plant milk – While you can simply choose your preferred plant milk, you may get a richer beverage if you opt for a creamier plant milk rather than one that’s more “thin,” i.e. more watery. Since you’re adding coconut milk, however, you don’t have to worry too much about that since it will add a nice creaminess.
Maple syrup – Maple syrup is a delicious sweetener, as we all know from pancakes. That said, it’s a great vegan sweetener in general, and its unique flavor is especially well-suited (in my humble opinion) for fall/winter recipes such as this vegan eggnog recipe!
Vanilla extract – It’s not a huge deal if you don’t include it, but vanilla extract definitely helps take this eggnog to the next level!
Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom – These are the spices that really bring home that wonderful fall/winter taste! In addition to their nutritional benefits, you need these spices to get that classic eggnog flavor!
White sugar – You can substitute other types of sugar, but white sugar works well. You should know, however, that many white (and brown) sugars are not vegan-friendly (at least in the U.S.). This unfortunate issue is due to bone char. Luckily, you can find vegan-friendly white and brown sugar online if not in your preferred grocery stores.
Cornstarch/arrowroot starch – Cornstarch and arrowroot are both starches. In essence, they work to help absorb and trap liquid. These are perfect for helping create a thicker, creamier beverage and help to replicate a classic eggnog recipe!
Bourbon – Here are some brands of bourbon that are vegan, according to Urban Tastebud:
- Baker’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Black Saddle Whiskey Bourbon
- Blanton’s Bourbon
- Buck Bourbon
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Burnside Bourbon
- Early Times 354 Bourbon
- Jim Beam Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
- Old Crow Bourbon
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Fun fact: the name “Bourbon” comes from the French Bourbon dynasty, which also gave its name to the Ile Bourbon (now La Réunion). You might use “Bourbon Vanilla” extract for this recipe, and it has that name because the Ile Bourbon became the world’s leading vanilla producer in the nineteenth century!

How to Make Eggnog

Step one: warming milk with all of the spices. — Step One

Step two: pouring the sugar into the eggnog mixture. — Step One

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the coconut milk, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and spices (cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom). It should take about 10 minutes for the mixture to warm through.
Whisk in the sugar, and continue to whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once the mixture is about to come to a boil, but not yet boiling (about 5 minutes) remove it from the heat. Dissolve the cornstarch (or arrowroot) in 1 tablespoon of water, then pour that into the saucepan. Whisk constantly for 2 minutes to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated and the mixture thickens.
If you prefer your eggnog warm, allow the mixture to cool for ten minutes before pouring into glasses. If you prefer your eggnog chilled, wait ten minutes for the mixture to cool slightly and then pour over ice.
Add a shot of bourbon to your glass if desired, stir, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQ

A glass of eggnog with a cinnamon stick as a garnish.

What alcohol do you use in eggnog?
Some people prefer brandy, but you can use really any liquor that you prefer. Many traditional eggnog recipes call for brandy, but you could also use bourbon or a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. Some recipes suggest Baileys Irish Cream liqueur, which does work well as it lends further creaminess to the eggnog. While original Bailey’s is not vegan, there are now almond milk versions! You can also find vegan recipes online to make your own vegan Bailey’s-style drink.

Can I make the eggnog without alcohol?
Of course! The alcohol is totally optional, and eggnog is often consumed with zero alcohol as it’s popular among kids.

Do you serve eggnog warm or chilled?
It’s up to you! Eggnog is served chilled in most cases, but some prefer it warm, especially on really cold days or when adding a “warm” liquor like rum, brandy, or bourbon. Chilled eggnog has a more distinct flavor, while warming it mellows out the flavor a bit.

How long will eggnog keep for?
Traditional homemade eggnog usually lasts a few days stored in the refrigerator. This vegan version, however, should last up to a week.

Is this eggnog nut-free?
Yes! This recipe is very allergen-friendly, as it’s free of dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. In case you didn’t know, coconut is not actually a “true nut.”

What does eggnog taste like?
Traditional eggnog is essentially a sweetened, eggy milk drink. This vegan version delivers sweetness and a rich creaminess thanks to the additions of coconut milk and sugar.

How do you serve eggnog?
Eggnog is typically served in a glass or mug. You can add toppings such as grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, etc. When eggnog is served at a party, especially if it’s alcoholic, it’s often placed in a punch bowl for easy serving.

Why this Recipe will be Your New Go-To Christmas Treat

A classic Christmas drink garnished with star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

I won’t be surprised if this recipe becomes one of your new favorites! This is a perfect Christmas treat to whip up as the temperatures start to drop thanks to its warm and cozy vibes (owed to the delicious spices). This eggnog is...

Delicious – This eggnog is so yummy that people are bound to ask you for the recipe!
Creamy –Eggnog is known for its creaminess, and this vegan version brings plenty of rich creaminess thanks to the coconut milk!
Easy –This recipe is so easy to throw together and definitely easier than traditional eggnog, which involves messing with eggs.
Festive for winter – Eggnog captures the Christmas season perfectly. And thanks to the warm wintery ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg, this vegan eggnog recipe is such a delight once winter temps arrive!

Let me know if you try out this recipe for vegan eggnog, and if you do, I would love it if you left a rating and review below! Make sure you are also following along on Instagram and Pinterest for more food inspiration.

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