There’s nothing quite like a glass of creamy, spiced eggnog to get you in the Christmas spirit – and with so many delicious variations out there, it’s the perfect time to explore them all. Whether you prefer classic cooked eggnog, dairy-free and keto-friendly versions, boozy cocktails, or even festive lattes, I’ve gathered my favourite eggnog recipes that will suit every taste and occasion. Want one for Breakfast on Christmas Day? Why Not?
From rich, traditional flavours to creative twists like Puerto Rican Coquito and spiked almond milk nog, this roundup has you covered for all your holiday entertaining and cosy nights by the fire.
The BEST Completely Cooked Eggnog
Alyssa shares a fully safe and delicious eggnog recipe made by whisking whole eggs with sugar and milk, then cooking the mixture to 160 °F while constantly stirring—no raw egg whites involved, just an easy single-pot method. The resulting creamy, flavorful nog is enhanced with nutmeg, vanilla (and optional bourbon or rum), and can be scaled for a small gathering or made in large batches. It keeps well in the fridge for 5–6 days—just give it a good stir before serving.
Spiked Bourbon Eggnog Cocktail with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
This quick and creamy holiday cocktail mixes store-bought eggnog with bourbon – using a ratio of 5 oz eggnog to 1 oz bourbon (or adjusted to taste) – and finishes with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cinnamon stick for garnish. Stephanie Jackson highlights that it’s rich, comforting, and ideal for festive evenings, needing just two simple steps to make and delivering cozy holiday vibes. For gatherings, the recipe scales conveniently: combine 5 cups eggnog with 1 to 1½ cups bourbon, plus cinnamon and nutmeg, chill, and serve over ice for a frothy, crowd-pleasing batch.
Kahlua Spiked Eggnog Recipe
This recipe delivers two servings of creamy, coffee-twisted eggnog by shaking together crushed ice, milk, brandy, Kahlua, and a raw (preferably pasteurized) egg, then topping with grated nutmeg. The whole-egg approach gives a frothy, rich texture without separately whipped whites. It’s a quick and festive holiday cocktail—just shake hard for 15 seconds, pour, garnish, and enjoy.
Keto Eggnog (Dairy-Free)
This festive, low-carb eggnog swaps traditional dairy for canned coconut milk and uses sugar-free sweetener, egg yolks, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt to deliver a rich, creamy, and cozy beverage. The mixture is gently heated, tempered into the eggs, then cooked until 160–170 °F before chilling—spiking with brandy is optional. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free, keto-friendly, and perfect for an indulgent yet health-conscious holiday treat.
Easy Dairy-Free Eggnog Without Cream
This festive eggnog swaps traditional cream and dairy milk for a blend of unsweetened almond milk and full-fat coconut milk to keep it dairy-free yet luxuriously creamy. Egg yolks and demerara sugar are whisked until frothy, then gently tempered with the heated milks and cooked to about 80–85 °C (175–185 °F) for a smooth, safe custard base. Once cooled and optionally spiked with brandy (or whisky or rum), it’s chilled for 1.5–2 hours and can be refrigerated up to a week—ready to garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.
Eggnog Martini (Easy Recipe for Vanilla or Chocolate)
This festive cocktail blends a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream with 2 oz of eggnog liqueur (or regular eggnog paired with a splash of rum or vodka) and three ice cubes in a blender until smooth. The drink is elegantly served in a martini glass rimmed in eggnog liqueur and speculoos crumbs, with a light dusting of nutmeg or a sprinkle of the crumbs on top. Quick, creamy, and customizable, it’s perfect for holiday entertaining with minimal fuss
RumChata Eggnog Cocktail
This easy, festive holiday cocktail blends just two ingredients – egg nog and RumChata liqueur – for a creamy, rich drink that exudes Christmas cheer. It’s highly versatile, letting you personalize it with add-ins like Baileys, chocolate syrup, or vanilla vodka if desired. Truly a quick, customizable treat when you want a hassle-free seasonal sipper.
Sous Vide Eggnog
This creamy, hands-off eggnog begins by blending egg yolks, sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, then it’s poured into a jar with a cinnamon stick and cooked sous-vide at 144 °F for one hour. After chilling in the fridge for at least four hours, it’s ready to serve topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg—and you can easily spike it with rum, bourbon, or brandy if desired. This method ensures a safe, velvety-smooth eggnog with minimal effort and zero stirring required.
Starbucks Eggnog Latte Copycat
This festive eggnog latte blends equal parts eggnog and heavy cream (or half-and-half) with two 4-oz servings of espresso (or strong coffee), all topped with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. It delivers a rich, indulgent holiday beverage reminiscent of the Starbucks original. Perfect for replicating that seasonal coffee-shop vibe at home with just five ingredients.
Twice-Spiced Almond Milk Eggnog
This lighter, festive eggnog is crafted with almond milk and elevated by the creator’s signature “Twice-Spiced Rum,” which is infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and star anise to impart rich, warm flavor notes. It’s a make-ahead holiday drink designed for easy entertaining and flavor depth. The use of almond milk and that spiced rum twist yields a lighter-but-still-luxurious nod to classic eggnog.
Boozy Eggnog Cocktail
This festive cocktail begins with store-bought eggnog livened up by brandy and amaretto and finished with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg—perfect for a quick celebratory sip. You can serve it chilled—shaken with ice and strained into a glass—or warm, gently heating the eggnog before stirring in the spirits and topping with whipped cream and nutmeg. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that works for both adults (with alcohol) and kids (a non-alcoholic version using flavored extracts), making it a hit at any holiday gathering.
Vegan Eggnog
This plant‑based eggnog blends raw cashews, non‑dairy milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into a creamy, dairy‑free holiday drink. It’s quick to prepare—just soak the cashews, blend the ingredients, chill for 2–3 hours, and serve. The recipe is customizable: adjust the thickness by swapping in full‑fat coconut milk, and spike with bourbon or spiced rum for an adult version.
Homemade Eggnog
This creamy, non‑alcoholic eggnog combines whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and pasteurized eggs, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla essence. It offers two preparation methods: a cooked version heated to 165°F for safety and a traditional style incorporating whipped egg whites for added fluffiness. Ideal for family gatherings, this eggnog can be served chilled with a garnish of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Eggnog Latte
This cozy holiday drink combines pure maple syrup, a shot of espresso, and a frothy blend of whole milk and eggnog, creating a rich, spiced latte. For those without an espresso machine, stovetop espresso makers and milk frothers are recommended, though alternatives like brewed coffee and a jar for frothing can also work. Optional toppings include whipped cream, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a cinnamon stick, adding a festive touch to this seasonal favorite.
Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog)
This rich and creamy Puerto Rican eggnog combines evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground nutmeg. The ingredients are blended until smooth, then chilled with the spices to infuse flavor before serving. The recipe offers flexibility with rum choices and suggests using fresh coconut milk for enhanced flavor, and it can be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Which Eggnog Recipe Will You Choose?
No matter which recipe you choose, these eggnog variations are sure to add a deliciously festive touch to your holiday celebrations. From creamy classics to inventive twists and comforting warm drinks, there’s an option for everyone to enjoy — whether you’re hosting a big party or enjoying a quiet moment at home. So grab your favourite glass, pick a recipe (or two!), and cheers to a joyful, cosy Christmas filled with great flavour and even better company.
