The Best Non-Dairy Oat Milk Eggnog Recipe: Creamy, Vegan, and Festive
Embrace the spirit of the holidays with a delightful twist on a classic: creamy oat milk eggnog! Whether you’re lactose intolerant, following a plant-based diet, or simply looking for a delicious alternative, this non-dairy eggnog recipe is a game-changer. Using your favorite oat milk brand – be it Chobani, Planet Oat Milk, Califia Farms, or any other – you can create a rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced beverage that rivals its traditional counterpart. This recipe is designed to be one of your go-to holiday oat milk recipes, with easy options to make it fully vegan too!
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Looking for more dairy-free delights to make your holiday season extra special? Be sure to explore my decadent Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Cake, the perfectly portioned Protein Baked Oats for One, and my fluffy Oat Milk Pancakes! And for those festive cookie swaps, don’t miss my comprehensive list of the 45 Best Cookies for Cookie Exchange Swaps This Year! These recipes will ensure your holiday table is filled with delicious, dietary-friendly options.
Non-Dairy Eggnog: A Holiday Tradition Reimagined
Eggnog holds a special place in holiday traditions, serving as the quintessential drink for Christmas movie nights, lively holiday parties, or simply a tranquil evening by the tree with some festive treats. This non-dairy oat milk eggnog recipe ensures everyone can partake in this beloved seasonal indulgence, much like enjoying a refreshing Mistletoe Margarita or a comforting mug of white hot chocolate. The goal is to capture that iconic creamy, rich flavor of traditional eggnog, but with a wholesome, plant-based twist. Oat milk, known for its naturally smooth and thick consistency, proves to be the perfect foundation, creating a beverage that’s not only delicious but also wonderfully satisfying without any dairy.
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Does Oat Nog Truly Taste Like Traditional Eggnog?
You might be wondering if an oat milk version can truly capture the essence of classic eggnog. The answer is a resounding yes! Whether you choose the version with egg yolks for a non-dairy but still rich experience or opt for the fully vegan oat milk eggnog, you’ll be delighted by its creamy, luxurious texture and the perfect medley of warm holiday spices. The secret lies in oat milk’s naturally rich consistency, which mimics whole milk beautifully, along with a carefully balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of rum flavor. Garnish your glass with freshly grated nutmeg, and you’ll find this delicious drink becomes an instant holiday favorite, pairing wonderfully with a classic Sugar Cookie Recipe or my delightful Pinecone Brownie Recipe. It’s all the festive flavor you love, minus the dairy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Oat Milk Eggnog
Crafting this delicious non-dairy eggnog requires just a handful of simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. For precise measurements, always refer to the detailed recipe card below, but here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this festive drink:
- Egg Yolks: These are crucial for achieving that classic rich flavor and velvety texture in the non-dairy version. A tip for easy separation: eggs are much simpler to separate when they are cold, as the whites hold together better.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds the perfect amount of sweetness and plays an important role in tempering the egg yolks, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Oat Milk: The star of our non-dairy show! Oat milk is highly favored for its exceptional creaminess, making it an excellent plant-based substitute for traditional whole milk in eggnog. Feel free to use your preferred brand – Chobani, Planet Oat Milk, Califia Farms, or any other. While I haven’t tested it with homemade oat milk, its natural creaminess suggests it would work wonderfully too.
- Ground Cinnamon: One of the essential warm spices that provides that unmistakable holiday aroma and flavor, perfectly complementing the rich base.
- Whole Cloves: These impart a subtle, aromatic depth. If whole cloves aren’t available, a small pinch of ground cloves can be used as a substitute, or you can omit them if preferred, though they add a lovely nuanced flavor.
- Nutmeg: For the most authentic eggnog experience, I highly recommend using freshly-ground nutmeg. Its intense fragrance and flavor make a significant difference, but regular pre-ground nutmeg will also work perfectly. Don’t forget extra for garnishing!
- Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the classic eggnog flavors, making each sip truly memorable.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A high-quality pure vanilla extract is key for a truly superb flavor. For an extra special touch, consider checking out my guide on how to make vanilla extract at home with just two simple ingredients.
- Rum Extract: This extract delivers that quintessential holiday rum flavor without the alcohol, making it perfect for all ages. For those who want to get into the true Christmas spirit, feel free to spike your oat milk eggnog with a splash of dark rum once it has cooled.
Equipment You’ll Need
To successfully prepare this creamy oat milk eggnog, you’ll need a few standard kitchen tools. A sturdy medium saucepan is essential for heating the oat milk and simmering the mixture. You’ll also need a mixing bowl for whisking your egg yolks, a good whisk to ensure everything is well combined and smooth, and a fine-mesh sieve for straining out the whole cloves and any potential egg solids for an impeccably smooth finish. Finally, a durable glass pitcher is perfect for chilling and storing your homemade oat milk eggnog in the refrigerator until it’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Oat Milk Eggnog
Making this homemade oat milk eggnog is a straightforward process, ensuring a smooth and delicious result. While a quick recipe video and detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, here’s a narrative overview of the essential steps involved in creating this delightful non-dairy holiday drink:
First, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and smooth. This is your base for the rich eggnog texture.
Next, in a medium saucepan, gently heat the oat milk over medium heat until it is warm. This prepares the liquid base for infusion.
Add the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the warming oat milk. Continue heating the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and just barely simmering, not a full rolling boil.
To temper the eggs, carefully remove about 1 cup of the hot spiced oat milk mixture from the saucepan. Slowly pour this hot liquid into your egg yolk and sugar mixture while whisking vigorously. This step gradually raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
Now, pour the tempered egg-oat milk mixture slowly back into the saucepan with the remaining hot oat milk, continuously whisking. Continue to heat this combined mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it visibly thickens. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from heat and allow the eggnog to cool slightly. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and rum extract. Finally, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the whole cloves, ensuring a perfectly smooth and spice-infused drink.
Hint: Your non-dairy eggnog should have a pleasant, slightly thickened consistency right after cooking. However, for that truly luxurious, traditional eggnog thickness, the best approach is to store it in the fridge to chill overnight. The flavors will also deepen and meld beautifully during this time, resulting in an even more delicious holiday beverage.
Making it Vegan: A Simple Twist
Transforming this non-dairy recipe into a fully vegan oat milk eggnog is incredibly simple – just omit the eggs entirely! To compensate for the richness and body that egg yolks provide, I highly recommend using an extra creamy oat milk variety, such as Chobani Extra Creamy Oat Milk. Its thicker consistency will help achieve that desired luscious texture. For an even more decadent and coffee-house style vegan eggnog, you can also replace one cup of the regular oat milk with a creamy oat milk coffee creamer. If you choose this option, remember to reduce the granulated sugar to about ⅓ cup, as coffee creamers often contain added sweetness. With these simple adjustments, you can effortlessly enjoy a rich, creamy, and completely plant-based vegan eggnog that’s perfect for everyone.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To maintain the optimal freshness, flavor, and creamy texture of your homemade non-dairy eggnog, it’s essential to store it properly. Always keep your oat milk eggnog in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, it should remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir, and for an extra touch of festive appeal and enhanced flavor, top each glass with a generous sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg or a dash of ground cinnamon. Enjoying it chilled also helps to further thicken its consistency, making for a truly indulgent holiday drink.
Exciting Variations to Explore
One of the joys of making your own oat milk eggnog is the freedom to customize it to your taste! This base recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous exciting variations:
- Spiked Eggnog: For an adult version, once the eggnog has cooled completely, you can omit the rum extract and add your favorite spirits. Options include a classic light or dark rum, spiced rum for extra warmth, smooth bourbon, elegant brandy, a hint of amaretto for a nutty touch, Cointreau for an orange note, or even a robust Scotch whisky. Add to taste, starting with a small amount and increasing as desired.
- Chocolate Eggnog: Elevate your eggnog with a delicious chocolate twist! Simply whisk in ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the other dry spices, or for a quick hack, stir in a couple of packets of your favorite hot cocoa mix while the oat milk is heating. This creates a wonderfully indulgent chocolatey holiday drink.
- Chai Spiced Eggnog: For those who love the exotic flavors of chai, replace the ground cinnamon, whole cloves, and nutmeg in the recipe with one teaspoon of a high-quality masala chai spice blend. This will infuse your eggnog with a fragrant and complex flavor profile, perfect for cozy evenings.
And for more incredible eggnog-inspired desserts, don’t miss my comforting Eggnog Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Rum Sauce!
Top Tip for Perfect Creaminess
The key to achieving a consistently smooth and lump-free texture when making this non-dairy eggnog, especially when using eggs, is in the tempering process. When gradually incorporating the hot oat milk mixture into your egg yolks, be sure to pour it in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously and quickly. This gradual addition of heat prevents the eggs from scrambling, allowing them to slowly warm up and integrate seamlessly, creating that desired velvety, creamy texture in your delicious non-dairy eggnog recipe!
📖 Recipe
Oat Milk Eggnog – Non Dairy Eggnog Recipe
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Equipment you may need
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3-quart saucepan
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whisk
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mixing bowls
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measuring cups and spoons
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fine mesh sieve
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microplane grater/zester
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 3 cups (710 ml) oat milk – preferably extra creamy variety
- 2 whole cloves – or a pinch of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) nutmeg – preferably freshly grated (plus more for topping)
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoon (20 ml) rum extract – or substitute alcohol of your choice
Instructions
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Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Set aside.6 large egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar
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Combine oat milk, cloves, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat and slowly bring to a near boil.½ teaspoon salt, 3 cups oat milk, 2 whole cloves, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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Gradually pour about 1 cup of hot oat milk mixture slowly into egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly, to temper the egg yolks.
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Pour egg and oat milk mixture gradually back into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue to heat over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Taste and add more sugar if needed. Strain to remove cloves and let cool for about 1 hour.
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Stir in vanilla and rum extract (or alcohol of your choice to taste – see note). Refrigerate before serving, 8 hours to overnight.½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 4 teaspoon rum extract
Video
Notes
Variations:
- Spiked – omit the rum extract and add in light or dark rum, bourbon, brandy, amaretto, Cointreau, or Scotch whisky to taste once eggnog is cooled.
- Chocolate – add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder or a couple packets of hot cocoa mix to add a chocolate twist to this eggnog recipe!
- Chai Spiced Eggnog – replace the spices in the recipe with one teaspoon masala chai spice blend.
Storage: Keep this non dairy eggnog in the fridge to keep it fresh — it should last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Frequently Asked Questions
Defining “healthiest” can vary greatly depending on individual dietary needs and goals. However, this oat milk eggnog recipe, particularly its vegan rendition (without eggs), offers a lighter alternative to traditional dairy-based eggnog. It typically contains lower amounts of saturated fat and fewer calories, making it a potentially more favorable option for those monitoring their intake. While I can’t definitively say if this is the absolute “healthiest” choice for your personal nutritional needs, it certainly provides a delicious and conscious way to enjoy a holiday classic with reduced fat and dairy content.
Oat nog is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways! You can serve it chilled as a refreshing and festive punch for your holiday gatherings, perhaps even in elegant glasses. Alternatively, for a truly cozy experience, gently heat it on the stove and stir with a fragrant cinnamon stick, pairing it with some of my warm Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies or a generous slice of my moist Dairy Free Banana Bread. Beyond a standalone drink, it also makes a fantastic, festive creamer for your morning coffee or evening tea, adding a touch of holiday cheer to your everyday beverages!
The association of eggnog with the Christmas season dates back centuries, rooted in its traditional preparation and ingredients. Historically, eggnog was often consumed warm, making it a perfect beverage for cooler weather. Its rich, indulgent nature, often featuring heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and frequently spiked with alcohol and warming spices, aligned perfectly with the festive spirit of holiday celebrations and their emphasis on indulgence. By the 1800s, eggnog had firmly established itself as a staple at holiday parties and gatherings. This strong seasonal demand is why commercial manufacturers predominantly sell it during the end-of-year festive period. So, when the holiday season arrives, it’s truly the ideal time to whip up a batch of this delicious drink and revel in a little holiday cheer! Happy holidays!
While this recipe has been specifically developed and tested using oat milk due to its excellent creamy texture and ability to mimic traditional dairy, you might experiment with other non-dairy milk varieties. Options like almond milk, cashew milk, or even a light coconut milk could potentially work. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile and final consistency may vary significantly. Oat milk naturally provides a richness and body that other plant milks might lack, so you might need to adjust sweetness or consider adding a thickening agent if using a thinner alternative. If you do try it with other non-dairy milks, please share your results and any successful adjustments in the comments below – your insights would be greatly appreciated by others!
Beyond this fantastic oat milk eggnog, there’s a whole world of festive beverages to explore for your holiday entertaining! You’ll absolutely adore my refreshing Peppermint Espresso Martini, perfect for a sophisticated Christmas cocktail, and my vibrant Mistletoe Margarita Recipe, which brings a fun, zesty twist to the season. For those who enjoy gin, be sure to check out my curated list of the best Christmas Gin Cocktails to get the party started with a bang! Each of these drinks is crafted to add sparkle and cheer to your holiday celebrations.
Food Safety Guidelines
When preparing and enjoying this homemade oat milk eggnog, especially the version containing eggs, it’s crucial to adhere to proper food safety practices to ensure a safe and healthy experience for everyone. Please keep these important health and safety tips in mind:
- Cook any mixture containing eggs to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Use a food thermometer to verify.
- Always avoid using the same utensils or cutting boards on cooked food that have previously come into contact with raw eggs to prevent cross-contamination.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling raw eggs to eliminate any bacteria.
- To prevent bacterial growth, do not leave your homemade eggnog sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerate promptly.
- Never leave any cooking food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven. Always be present to monitor the process.
- Ensure you always have good ventilation when using a gas stove to disperse any fumes or pollutants.
For more comprehensive information and guidelines on safe food handling and preparation, always refer to reliable sources such as USDA.gov.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now fully equipped to create a delicious, creamy oat milk eggnog that will impress friends and family alike. Whether you choose the non-dairy version with eggs or the entirely vegan option, you’re in for a treat that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit of the holidays. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this reimagined classic, and make this holiday season extra special with a drink everyone can enjoy. Cheers to happy holidays and delicious sips!