Mix up vegan eggnog in the blender for a healthier version of a holiday classic. With only 5 ingredients, you can’t go wrong!
This easy vegan eggnog recipe is a rich, dairy-free twist on the traditional holiday beverage. Made with simple ingredients like raw cashews, almond milk, and warm spices, it’s the perfect creamy holiday drink to enjoy during the festive season.
‘Tis the season for all things peppermint and eggnog! In the past, I made a delicious Puerto Rican version of eggnog called Coquito. But my dairy-allergic friend couldn’t drink that. So I set out to make one safe for her and ended up with vegan eggnog.
Well, it isn’t easy to make a dairy-free eggnog that still has a lot of flavor. I’ve used dates before for sweeteners and cashews to add flavor. Then, substituting some of the milk for coconut milk helps keep it thickened.
In the end, this wound up being not only dairy-free but vegan as well. The ingredients are simple to find, and the method is easy as well. It’ll just take some time since it needs to rest at one point to absorb flavors, then cool in the refrigerator.
Vegan eggnog is perfect to make a day ahead of time. It keeps well in the refrigerator, and the time allows the flavors to really shine. All you have to do before serving is blend it up real quick to mix it all again.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Eggnog
- Dairy-Free Delight: Utilizes plant milk options such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Eggless Indulgence: No raw eggs or egg yolks needed, offering a safe and vegan version of the classic eggnog.
- Creamy Texture: Raw cashews and full-fat coconut milk blend seamlessly to create a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Quick & Easy: Prepared in a high-speed blender, this simple recipe comes together in minutes.
- Customizable Sweetness: Sweeten naturally with maple syrup, agave syrup, or coconut sugar to taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gatherings: Serve in festive mugs with a cinnamon stick for stirring.
- Boozy Vegan Eggnog: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for an adult version.
- Pairings: Enjoy alongside vegan cookies or as a creamy addition to hot chocolate.
Tips for the Best Vegan Eggnog
- Use a High-Speed Blender: Ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
- Choose Full-Fat Plant-Based Milk: Full-fat options like canned coconut milk contribute to a richer texture.
- Customize Sweetness and Spice: Adjust the amount of sweetener and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake well before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Vegan Eggnog Variation Ideas
- Extra Creamy Coconut Version: Use coconut cream or canned full-fat coconut milk for a thicker, richer creamy texture.
- Oat Milk or Cashew Milk Twist: Swap in oat milk or cashew milk for a naturally sweet and smooth plant milk base.
- Hot Chocolate Eggnog: Blend in cocoa powder for a festive hot chocolate-inspired drink with holiday warm spices.
- Boozy Vegan Eggnog: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a cozy, boozy version—perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace raw cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or silken tofu, and use soy milk or oat milk for a safe dairy-free milk alternative.
- Spiced Chai Eggnog: Add cardamom, cloves, and a dash of black pepper for an aromatic, spiced take on traditional eggnog recipes.
- Eggnog Milkshake or Ice Cream Base: Blend with vegan ice cream for a milkshake or freeze your next batch for a frozen creamy vegan eggnog dessert.
- Colorful Holiday Version: Add spinach for a festive green tint—fun for kids and inspired by green smoothie recipes.
- Store-Bought Shortcut: Use a store-bought option as a base and enhance with vanilla extract, a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, or a splash of rum for the real thing taste.
What to Do with Leftover Vegan Eggnog
Leftover vegan eggnog is the gift that keeps on giving—there are so many delicious ways to repurpose it! Thanks to its creamy texture and rich flavor, it works beautifully in a variety of sweet treats and festive beverages. For a cozy dessert, try pouring it over oatmeal or using it as a base for overnight oats. You can even warm it slightly and enjoy it as a hot chocolate alternative.
If you’re a fan of frozen desserts, freeze your next batch in an ice cube tray or popsicle molds for a creamy vegan eggnog frozen treat. The ice cubes also make a festive addition to your favorite plant milk lattes or boozy vegan eggnog cocktails. Some bakers like to use leftovers as a liquid base in holiday quick breads, muffins, or pancakes—just swap it in where you’d normally use dairy-free milk like almond milk, soy milk, or full-fat coconut milk.
For a boozy version, blend the leftover eggnog with a splash of dark rum or bourbon and serve over ice for an effortless classic holiday beverage. It’s a great way to avoid waste and turn your homemade dairy-free eggnog recipe into a multi-use favorite holiday drink.
Vegan Eggnog Step by Step
Ingredients
- 4 cups cashew milk
- 2/3 cup coconut milk (canned)
- 1 cup dates (dried, chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or cinnamon
Preparation
Blend the cashew milk, coconut milk, and dates in a blender until smooth. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to release from the blended dates and absorb into the liquid.
Add the vanilla bean paste and nutmeg. Process on high until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to strain out any chunks. Strain once more and pour into a serving pitcher.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. If you plan to leave it overnight, I suggest putting it back in the blender. You’ll want to give it a quick blend before serving. Garnish each serving with a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Vegan Eggnog Leftovers
Storage: Store leftovers in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator. To serve, either whisk or blend quickly to mix the eggnog up again.
Recipe
Originally Published On: November 30, 2020
Last Updated On: May 30, 2025
Vegan Eggnog
Ingredients
- 4 cups cashew milk
- 2/3 cup coconut milk (canned)
- 1 cup dates (dried, chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg or cinnamon
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Blend the cashew milk, coconut milk, and dates in a blender until smooth
- Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes
- Add the vanilla bean paste and nutmeg
- Process on high until smooth, about 2 minutes
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to strain out any chunks
- Strain once more and pour into a serving pitcher
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight
- Garnish each serving with a bit of nutmeg or cinnamon
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
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I buy a different brand of eggnog every year and every year I’m disappointed. Maybe this is a sign I should finally make my own eh?? Didn’t realize it was super simple to make. Yum!
The only one I will purchase consistently is the Southern Comfort brand vanilla spice. Otherwise, I have to make my own.
I have a vegan eggnog recipe on my blog too and I Have to admit, I think it’s my favorite recipe on there! SO SO GOOD!
Awesome, I will have to check yours out, too, and see how they differ to compare 🙂
Would you believe I have never had eggnog!? I need to pass this recipe to my good friend whos vegan though because I bet she would LOVE it!
I didn’t have it until I met my husband and he wanted some at the holidays. My family doesn’t really drink it. I found the only storebought one I like is the vanilla spice from Southern Comfort if I’m not making my own. I’m iffy on the flavor of plain eggnog.
My sister in law decided to become vegan right before the Holidays. I will give her that recipe.
Oh, perfect timing for her, then! I hope she enjoys this version 🙂
I think my dad (highly health conscious) would love this healthy drink! I have never had eggnog, will try making it someday soon for my fam 🙂
This definitely tastes different than regular eggnog, but it’s a great healthy variant. I hope your dad likes it!
I’m allergic to nuts. Can you substitute half and half for the cashew milk?
I haven’t personally tried it. Obviously, it wouldn’t be vegan if you use dairy, but it could still work.
Would oatmilk work and still make it vegan?
I think oat milk would be a closer replacement. Again, I haven’t tried it any way other than how it’s written, but you could definitely give it a try.
I haven’t had a vegan eggnog before. As someone who likes experiment, I’ll try this recipe out.
I didn’t have the Vanilla paste at home so I made this without it, and it still came out amazing! Great recipe for vegans like myself.
Oh wow this looks so yummy! Love that you have used cashew milk for this. It looks so perfectly creamy!
I am not vegan but sure would love to try this recipe. Seems interesting. Thanks for sharing!
It is almost impossible to think of being able to prepare vegan! Thanks for the tips!
Egg nog is my all time favorite holiday drink. I can’t wait to try this vegan version!
Hhhhmmmm….this is a new one to me. Hhhhmmmm….it wouldn’t be so bad to have a taste of cashew, for a change. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t tried this one, it looks tasty. Though I’m not vegan, I’m not fond of meat foods and would try this recipe with great pleasure. Many thanks for it! 🙂
We buy vegan eggnog, and I hadn’t thought to try making it ourselves. This sounds delicious!
I love eggnog. Its like a grown up milkshake.
What a great twist on a real classic. I can hardly believe December is here again already and there is so much to do to get prepared.
I didn’t even know you could make eggnog vegan. I have been a vegetarian for years, and am thinking about going all the way. My vice is cheese! Back to the eggnog…we’re going to make this when the (grown) kids come home for Christmas and see how it goes! My DIL is vegan so I know she will love that it’s there.
I’ve never tried this before! This looks really yummy, I would love to try this !
Wow! That looks like a really amazing recipe, I haven’t try this recipe before it looks so good!
I’m so excited to try your recipe. I love this healthy version for the Holidays.
I tried your recipe this evening before heading to bed and it was so yummy and easy to make! I never knew I could make vegan eggnog but it was sooo good! Thanks for sharing!
I love to keep this in the fridge for a longer time to have a greater and yummier taste. Thanks for sharing this
Although I can’t consider myself as a vegan, I won’t discount not trying this vegan eggnog coz having options are great! Thanks for sharing with us your recipe. My vegan friends will love it too.
Oh I love vegan. I will definitely try this out soon. Thank you for sharing.
I was thinking of cooking a vegan Christmas dinner during the holiday and this recipe could be on the list!
Ooo now this has really got me in the festive mood for sure. How lovely is eggnog and it is great that you have done a vegan alternative too, so everyone feels included xx
Love this vegan version of eggnog. Thanks for sharing
I never had vegan eggnog before, I am so excited to try your recipe…I love eggnog..
I can’t wait to try this recipe. It looks so delicious, while also being healthier than the traditional eggnog. Thanks for sharing!
I have not had eggnog in such a long time, as I am lactose free now, but this recipe sounds so simple and easy! I will have to try it.
Wow, this is new to me. I would definitely try this since I am starting to live healthily. Will make this along with my workouts.