Holiday Spice Vegan Nog

Holiday Spice Vegan Nog is my go-to drink when I’m feeling festive during the colder months. I love how this vegan version of eggnog captures the warmth of the holidays, minus the dairy. Holiday Spice Vegan Nog is creamy, spiced, and so comforting—perfect for cozy nights by the fire or for sharing with loved ones. It’s a simple recipe that I whip up every year to enjoy with family and friends, and it never disappoints. What’s great about this nog is that it’s completely plant-based, so everyone can enjoy it, whether they’re vegan or just looking for a healthier holiday treat.

The Magic of Spices

The beauty of Holiday Spice Vegan Nog lies in the spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves come together to create a rich and warming flavor that instantly makes me think of holiday cheer. As the nog simmers on the stove, the smell fills the house, setting the mood for whatever festive activity is happening that day. The balance of spices gives the drink a cozy, nostalgic feeling, making it feel like the holidays are right around the corner. I always make sure to add a dash of vanilla extract, too, which really enhances the flavor and makes it extra special.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Holiday Spice Vegan Nog is made with just a few ingredients: almond milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, and of course, those wonderful spices. I use almond milk as the base because it’s creamy yet light, and coconut cream gives the nog its rich texture. A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness, making it feel indulgent without being overly sugary. I also love adding a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweetness and bring out all the other flavors. It’s one of those drinks that’s so easy to make but feels like a real treat when you take a sip.

Perfect for Sharing

Every time I make Holiday Spice Vegan Nog, it becomes a part of the moment. Whether it’s poured into mugs for a holiday movie night or served at a gathering with friends, this drink always brings smiles. It’s not just about the ingredients but the joy of sharing something homemade with others. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s customizable. You can adjust the sweetness or spice levels to your liking, making it the perfect drink for anyone to enjoy. It’s a simple, yet delightful tradition I look forward to each holiday season.

Chef’s Notes- Holiday Spice Vegan Nog

• Soaking Cashews Properly: Soak cashews in boiling water for at least 1 hour, but for an ultra-smooth texture, soak them overnight in cold water. This step makes blending easier and results in a creamier nog.
• High-Powered Blender is Key: Use a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix) to ensure a silky, smooth consistency. If you notice any graininess, blend longer or strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve.
• Perfect Spice Balance: Freshly grating the nutmeg instead of using pre-ground spice will provide a more robust, fragrant flavor. Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste — a pinch of ground ginger can add a pleasant warmth.
• Customize Sweetness: Start with 6 tablespoons of sugar and adjust after blending. Different plant-based milks have varying levels of sweetness, so taste as you go. Maple syrup or agave syrup can also add depth to the flavor.
• Warm vs. Chilled: For a cozy, warming experience, serve the nog warm straight from the stovetop. If you prefer it chilled, be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour or overnight for optimal flavor development.
• Boozy Option: Bourbon, rum, or brandy all work well. Add the alcohol to individual servings instead of the entire batch so kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the non-alcoholic version.
• Serving Ideas: Serve in festive mugs or glass cups with a rim dusted in cinnamon sugar for an extra-special presentation. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and a holiday feel.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover nog in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Shake well before serving, as the mixture may separate over time.
• Whipped Topping Tips: If making your own coconut whipped cream, chill the can of coconut milk overnight and use only the solid portion. Whip it until fluffy, adding a little vanilla extract and powdered sugar for sweetness.

Holiday Spice Vegan Nog

5.0 from 1 vote

Dive into the creamy indulgence of our spiced vegan eggnog! This luxurious, plant-based holiday treat is brimming with rich flavors and silky textures, perfect for festive celebrations. Quick to prepare and exceptionally satisfying, it’s a delightful alternative to traditional eggnog that will leave you reaching for seconds. Whether served warm or chilled, with or without a splash of bourbon, this recipe is sure to become your seasonal favorite. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with every sip of this delicious vegan beverage!

Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

220

kcal

Resting Time

1

hour 

Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Base Ingredients

• 1 cup soaked raw cashews ensure they are thoroughly soaked in boiling water for an hour to achieve a smooth texture

• 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy base

• Plant-Based Milks

• 1.5 cups creamy oat milk to enhance the velvety consistency

• Sweeteners Spices

• 6-8 tablespoons coconut or brown sugar for natural sweetness

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon to add warmth

• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg for a nutty spice

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves for depth

• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder for a unique flavor twist

• Flavorings

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract to elevate the taste

• fine sea salt a pinch to balance the flavors

• Optional Additions

• 2-4 ounces bourbon based on preference, for a spirited touch

• Toppings

• vegan whipped topping or coconut whipped cream optional, for a creamy finish

• extra freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon for dusting and extra spice

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Cashews: Substitute with almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

• Coconut Milk: Use almond milk for a lighter texture.

• Oat Milk: Replace with soy milk if avoiding oats.

• Coconut Sugar: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as sweeteners.

• Bourbon: Opt for rum or brandy to vary the flavor.

• Vegan Whipped Topping: Aquafaba whipped cream or homemade coconut cream are great alternatives.

Directions

• Prepare Cashews: Begin by draining the soaked cashews and rinsing them thoroughly under cold water. Transfer the rinsed cashews into a high-powered blender. This step ensures the cashews are ready to blend smoothly, taking about 2 minutes.
• Blend Base Ingredients: Add the full-fat coconut milk, creamy oat milk, and 6 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener to the blender. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground cloves, cardamom powder, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Heat or Chill: For a warm eggnog, pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and gently heat over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer it chilled, transfer the mixture to the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 1 hour.
• Customize with Bourbon (Optional): If you desire a boozy version, pour 1/2 to 1 ounce of bourbon into each serving mug before adding the eggnog mixture. Stir well to combine the flavors.
• Serve and Garnish: Pour the prepared eggnog into the prepared mugs. Top with vegan whipped topping or coconut whipped cream if desired. Finally, dust with a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon for an extra touch of spice.

Equipment

• blender
• saucepan
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 220kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Potassium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 500IU
• Vitamin C: 2mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 1mg

FAQ-  Holiday Spice Vegan Nog

Can I make this eggnog ahead of time?

Yes! This nog tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Shake or stir well before serving to re-incorporate any separated layers.

What if I don’t have a high-powered blender?

No worries! If your blender isn’t super powerful, blend for a longer period (about 5 minutes) and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove any cashew bits.

Can I use other nuts besides cashews?

Absolutely! Almonds or blanched hazelnuts work well. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seeds, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I skip the alcohol?

Yes! The nog tastes amazing on its own without alcohol. If you’d like to serve it as a family-friendly option, skip the bourbon and serve it with a cinnamon stick garnish instead.

How can I make it extra creamy?

For ultra-creamy nog, use full-fat coconut milk and oat milk as specified. Avoid low-fat versions. Soaking the cashews longer (overnight) also makes the nog richer. If you want it thicker, reduce the amount of plant-based milk slightly or add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut flour to the blender.