Eggnog is a holiday staple, but I find it can sometimes feel too rich or overly spicy for my taste. Turning it into a milkshake makes it more approachable and fun, especially for kids or those who prefer a lighter dessert. It’s a simple way to celebrate the season with a little nostalgic twist.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Eggnog Milkshake
It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, spice, and cold refreshment. It brightens winter days and feels like a warm hug in a glass. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—add bourbon, swap spices, make it vegan—that’s always a win.
Breaking Down the Essentials of Eggnog Milkshake
- Eggnog: The star—rich, spicy, and sweet, it sets the holiday tone. Swap with almond milk for a lighter, nutty version.
- Vanilla ice cream: Creates a creamy base with a vanilla punch. Use dairy-free if you want a vegan shake.
- Nutmeg: Adds that warm, aromatic kick. Freshly grated makes a noticeable difference.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for aroma and visual appeal. Substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Sweetener (optional): Maple syrup or honey can boost sweetness. Adjust depending on your eggnog’s sweetness.
- Whipped cream (for topping): A fluffy crown that makes the shake feel special. Can skip for a lighter treat.
Tools and Equipment for a Perfect Eggnog Milkshake
- Blender: To blend all ingredients into a smooth, frosty mixture.
- Measuring cups: To measure the eggnog and vanilla ice cream precisely.
- Tall glass: For serving and showcasing the shake.
- Whisk or spoon: To garnish or mix toppings if needed.
Crafting a Rich and Creamy Eggnog Milkshake
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and equipment before starting.
Step 2: Blend the milk, eggnog, vanilla ice cream, and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 3: Adjust sweetness by adding more eggnog or a splash of maple syrup, blend again.
Step 4: Pour into a tall glass, garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Step 5: Serve immediately for the best frosty texture.
Tips to Perfect Your Eggnog Milkshake
- Ensure the ice cream is well frozen for a thick, creamy texture.
- Don’t over-blend; just enough to combine ingredients without melting.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice before pouring.
- Use high-quality eggnog for richer flavor and better froth.
Avoid Common Pitfalls with These Fixes
- Too runny milkshake.? IF THE SHAKE IS TOO THIN, ADD MORE ICE CREAM AND BLEND AGAIN.
- Not enough creaminess.? IF THE SHAKE IS TOO THICK, MIX IN A LITTLE MORE EGGNOG OR MILK.
- Lack of spice flavor.? IF YOUR SPICES ARE MILD, sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
- Insufficient sweetness.? IF THE SHAKE isn’t sweet enough, stir in a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Eggnog Milkshake
This eggnog milkshake blends rich, spicy eggnog with creamy vanilla ice cream to create a frosty, indulgent treat perfect for the holidays. The process involves blending the ingredients until smooth and garnishing with whipped cream and cinnamon for a festive touch. The final texture is thick, creamy, and topped with aromatic spices, offering a nostalgic, refreshing dessert with a seasonal twist.
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Tall glass
- Whisk or Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog preferably full-fat for richness
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream dairy or dairy-free
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated for best flavor
- 1 dash cinnamon for garnish
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey optional, for added sweetness
- whipped cream for topping optional
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment: eggnog, vanilla ice cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, maple syrup, a blender, measuring cups, a tall glass, and a whisk or spoon.
- Add the eggnog, vanilla ice cream, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg into the blender.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth, frosty, and well combined, about 30-45 seconds. You should see a thick, creamy texture and a fragrant nutmeg aroma.
- Taste the shake and, if desired, add a splash of maple syrup or honey to boost sweetness. Blend again for a few seconds to incorporate.
- Pour the milkshake into a tall glass, allowing it to fill just below the rim.
- Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle with a dusting of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the frosty, spicy, creamy delight that feels like a holiday hug in a glass.
Notes
For an adult version, add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum before blending. To make it vegan, use dairy-free ice cream and plant-based eggnog.
