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You can make eggnog with almond milk by swapping the dairy for almond milk and adding a few simple ingredients to keep it rich and creamy.
It’s a lighter, dairy-free version of the classic holiday drink that still tastes like the real thing.
Whether you’re avoiding dairy or just ran out of regular milk, making eggnog with almond milk is easier than you think.
You’ll need egg yolks, sugar, almond milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a little vanilla to bring it all together.
In this post, we’ll cover how to make eggnog with almond milk, the ingredients that make it thick and creamy, and the tips that keep it from tasting thin or watery.
Let’s get into it.
How to Make Eggnog With Almond Milk
You can make eggnog with almond milk, and here’s how to do it right.
1. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar First
The base of any good eggnog is a smooth egg and sugar mixture.
Whisk six egg yolks with half a cup of sugar until the mixture turns pale and thickens slightly.
This step is what gives your almond milk eggnog its rich, velvety body.
Skip it, and you’ll end up with a drink that tastes thin and flat.
2. Heat the Almond Milk Gently
In a saucepan, warm four cups of almond milk over medium-low heat.
You don’t want it boiling, just hot enough to steam lightly around the edges.
The trick to making eggnog with almond milk is tempering the eggs slowly.
Ladle a little warm almond milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then pour everything back into the pan.
This keeps the eggs from scrambling and gives you a smooth custard.
3. Cook Until It Coats the Spoon
Stir the mixture over low heat for about five to eight minutes.
When it’s done, the eggnog should coat the back of a spoon and hold a clean line when you swipe your finger through it.
Don’t let it boil or it will curdle, and nobody wants lumpy eggnog.
4. Add Spices and Vanilla
Once the mixture thickens, take it off the heat.
Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Freshly grated nutmeg makes a big difference here.
These spices are what make eggnog with almond milk taste like the holidays in a glass.
Why Almond Milk Works So Well for Eggnog
Almond milk is one of the best dairy-free swaps for eggnog, and here’s why.
1. It Has a Creamy Texture That Blends Well
Almond milk’s smooth, neutral flavor lets the nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon do the talking.
Unlike some plant milks, almond milk blends cleanly with eggs and doesn’t overpower the drink.
2. It Keeps the Drink Lighter
Traditional eggnog can feel heavy and sit like a brick in your stomach.
Making eggnog with almond milk keeps all the festive flavor while cutting the fat and calories.
That means you can enjoy a second glass without regret.
3. It’s Easy to Thicken Naturally
People worry almond milk eggnog will come out watery.
But when you cook the eggs and sugar properly, the custard thickens on its own.
For an even richer texture, choose unsweetened almond milk with added calcium or a barista-style blend.
Tips for the Best Almond Milk Eggnog
These tips keep your eggnog tasting rich and smooth every time.
1. Chill It Before Serving
Eggnog always tastes best cold.
Pour it into a pitcher, cover it, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
The flavors deepen as it sits, so this step is worth the wait.
2. Adjust Sweetness to Taste
Almond milk varies in sweetness depending on the brand.
If you used sweetened almond milk, reduce the sugar to a third of a cup.
Taste as you go and tweak it to your liking.
3. Spike It If You Like
For a grown-up version, stir in a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy after the mixture has cooled.
Just add a tablespoon at a time until it tastes right to you.
Making eggnog with almond milk gives you a flexible base you can adapt to any crowd.
4. Strain Before Serving
For an extra-smooth finish, pour your eggnog through a fine-mesh strainer before chilling.
This catches any small bits of cooked egg and leaves you with a silky, professional result.
So, Can You Make Eggnog With Almond Milk?
You can make eggnog with almond milk, and it’s a great dairy-free way to enjoy the holiday classic.
By whisking the eggs and sugar, tempering them gently, and cooking the mixture until it coats the spoon, you end up with a creamy eggnog that tastes just as good as the original.
Add nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon, chill it well, and you’ve got a batch of almond milk eggnog everyone will love.
Hope this post has helped you see how easy making eggnog with almond milk can be.