Vegan Almond Eggnog

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a proper glass of eggnog, would it? But what if you’re vegan, or have family members who are? After years of experimenting – and plenty of honest feedback from my little ones – I’ve cracked the code for a truly delicious vegan almond eggnog. It’s creamy, comforting, and tastes remarkably like the real deal. We’ve been enjoying it on rainy afternoons, snuggled up by the fire, and it’s become a firm festive favourite. I promise, this recipe delivers all the holiday cheer without any of the dairy. It’s a treat the whole family can enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mum of two, I know that recipes need to be quick, easy, and reliable. This vegan almond eggnog ticks all those boxes! Here’s why it’s a winner in our household:

• Straightforward Method: No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple steps for a brilliant result.
• Child-Approved: My two are my toughest critics, and they give this recipe a resounding thumbs up!
• Uses Everyday Ingredients: You can find everything you need in your local supermarket – no need for special trips.

Over the past eight years of cooking for my family, I’ve learned a thing or two about making recipes work. This one is designed to be hassle-free, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 litre unsweetened almond milk
• 100g caster sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• 50ml dark rum or bourbon (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down the ingredients a bit:

• Almond Milk: Unsweetened is key here, as we’re adding sugar separately. You can use other plant-based milks, but almond gives the best flavour and creamy texture.
• Caster Sugar: This dissolves easily, creating a smooth eggnog. Granulated sugar will also work, but make sure it dissolves completely.
• Spices: Freshly ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves make a huge difference to the flavour. I always keep a little extra to grate on top when serving.
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavour.
• Cornflour: This is our secret ingredient for creating that rich, thick texture without using eggs. Make sure to mix it with a little cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the milk, to avoid lumps.
• Rum or Bourbon: Completely optional, but a splash of dark rum or bourbon adds a lovely festive kick. If you’re making it for the whole family, you can always leave it out or add it to individual glasses.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly creamy vegan almond eggnog:

1. Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the caster sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Step 2: Mix Cornflour Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps when you add it to the hot milk.
3. Step 3: Heat the Almond Milk: Gradually whisk in the almond milk, making sure there are no lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Don’t let it boil!
4. Step 4: Thicken the Eggnog: Once simmering, slowly pour in the cornflour slurry, whisking continuously. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the eggnog has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Add Vanilla and Alcohol (Optional): Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and rum or bourbon (if using). Give it a good stir to combine everything.
6. Step 6: Cool and Chill: Allow the eggnog to cool slightly before pouring it into a jug or container. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to meld together.
7. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the eggnog a good stir. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips I’ve learned from making this recipe time and time again:

• Preventing Lumps: The key to a smooth eggnog is to mix the cornflour with cold water before adding it to the hot milk. This prevents lumps from forming.
• Adjusting the Sweetness: Taste the eggnog before chilling and add more sugar if needed. Remember that the flavours will develop and deepen as it chills.
• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger spice flavour, add a little extra nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves.
• Child-Friendly Adjustments: My children love a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, but they’re not keen on the rum, of course!
• Make-Ahead Strategy: This eggnog is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it’s been chilled overnight.
• Budget-Conscious Tip: Look for almond milk when it’s on offer at your local supermarket. It really helps to keep the cost down.

Storage & Meal Prep

Here’s how to store your vegan almond eggnog:

• Storage: Store the eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Shelf Life: It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: This is best served cold.
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned, this is a great make-ahead recipe! You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance.
• Batch Cooking: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you’re making it for a larger gathering.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses cornflour as a thickening agent.
• Nut-Free: You can substitute the almond milk with oat milk or soy milk, but the flavour will be slightly different. I would recommend Oat Milk as it is the creamiest and most similar to Almond.
• Spice Variations: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a different flavour profile.
• Seasonal Variations: In the summer, you can blend the eggnog with ice for a refreshing frozen treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better if you make it the night before. This allows the flavours to meld together and deepen. Simply prepare the eggnog, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight.

How do I know when it’s thick enough?

The eggnog should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. To test it, dip a spoon into the eggnog and run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the line holds its shape and doesn’t immediately run back together, it’s thick enough.

Can I use a different type of plant-based milk?

Yes, you can use other plant-based milks, such as oat milk or soy milk. However, almond milk tends to give the best flavour and creamy texture. Oat Milk would be my recommendation for creamiest texture and flavour closest to Almond.

How should I store any leftover eggnog?

Store any leftover eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Is this recipe suitable for children?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for children, as it doesn’t contain any eggs or dairy. However, if you’re adding rum or bourbon, be sure to leave it out of the children’s portions.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger or smaller group?

Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or halve the ingredients as needed.

What if my eggnog is too thick?

If your eggnog is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little extra almond milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ideas for serving your vegan almond eggnog:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon.
• Presentation: Serve in pretty glasses or mugs.
• Portion Guidance: A small glass is usually enough, as it’s quite rich.
• What My Family Enjoys: We often have it with a slice of Christmas cake or mince pies.

I hope you enjoy this vegan almond eggnog as much as my family and I do. It’s a comforting, festive treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. Please, give it a go and let me know what you think in the comments! I always love hearing your feedback. And, don’t forget to browse the rest of FamiliesRecipes.com for more simple and delicious recipes perfect for busy families. Or even better, join our email community and get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! Happy holidays, everyone!

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