Coconut Milk Eggnog: A Dairy-Free Holiday Classic

Introduction

The holiday season is all about cozy traditions, festive gatherings, and indulgent treats, and eggnog is a must-have drink for this time of year. But if you’re dairy-free or looking for a lighter, healthier version of the classic holiday beverage, this Coconut Milk Eggnog is the perfect solution! It’s rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and naturally sweetened, offering all the nostalgic flavors of traditional eggnog without the heavy dairy.

I first discovered coconut milk eggnog when a friend, who’s lactose-intolerant, wanted to enjoy eggnog but couldn’t have the store-bought versions. We experimented with full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, and warming spices, and to our surprise, it turned out even creamier and more flavorful than traditional eggnog. Now, it’s my go-to holiday drink, whether I’m serving it as a cozy, non-alcoholic treat or spiking it with bourbon or rum for a festive twist.

This Coconut Milk Eggnog is easy to make, naturally sweetened, and completely dairy-free, making it a perfect holiday drink for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re sipping it by the fireplace, serving it at a Christmas party, or pairing it with holiday cookies, this recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth, nostalgia, and festive cheer to your celebrations!

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The Perfect Dairy-Free Holiday Drink

This Coconut Milk Eggnog is rich, creamy, and filled with warm spices, making it an excellent alternative to traditional eggnog. Here’s why it’s a must-try this holiday season:

• Coconut milk provides a rich, velvety texture without the need for heavy cream.
• Egg yolks give it the classic custard-like thickness.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create a warm, festive flavor.
• Maple syrup or honey naturally sweetens it without refined sugar.
• It’s perfect served hot or cold, with or without alcohol.
• It’s easy to make ahead, so you can have a holiday drink ready to go.

Whether you’re dairy-free, trying something new, or simply love coconut, this Coconut Milk Eggnog is a creamy, delicious, and festive drink you’ll want to enjoy all season long.

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Picture Gallery

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Why Coconut Milk, Eggs, and Spices Work So Well Together

Coconut Milk: The Dairy-Free Creamy Base

Full-fat coconut milk is thick, luscious, and naturally rich, making it the perfect substitute for heavy cream and milk in traditional eggnog. It also adds a subtle tropical hint that pairs beautifully with holiday spices.

Egg Yolks: The Classic Custard-Like Texture

Egg yolks are key to the smooth, velvety consistency of eggnog, giving it that rich, traditional texture without needing dairy.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The Ultimate Holiday Spices

These warming spices create the signature eggnog flavor, making every sip taste like Christmas in a cup.

Maple Syrup or Honey: The Natural Sweetener

Instead of refined sugar, maple syrup or honey adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavors of coconut and spices.

Vanilla & Bourbon (Optional): The Finishing Touch

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor, while a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy can transform this into a festive holiday cocktail.

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How to Make Coconut Milk Eggnog

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or more coconut milk for extra creaminess)
• 3 egg yolks
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• ¼ cup bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy (optional, for a boozy version)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the Coconut Milk Base

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm but not boiling.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks & Maple Syrup

1. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and maple syrup until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

1. Slowly pour ½ cup of the warm coconut milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly.
2. Once combined, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.

Step 4: Cook & Thicken

1. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture slightly thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Do not boil—just heat until it coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Add Vanilla & Chill (or Serve Warm!)

1. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and bourbon or rum if using).
2. Let cool slightly, then transfer to a glass jar or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Serve chilled or warm it up for a cozy holiday drink!

Step 6: Garnish & Enjoy

1. Pour into glasses and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.
2. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or coconut whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this eggnog completely vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the eggs and blend in 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder while heating to thicken it naturally.

2. What’s the best coconut milk to use?

Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture. If you prefer a lighter version, use light coconut milk or a mix of coconut and almond milk.

3. How long does homemade eggnog last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Shake before serving, as natural separation may occur.

4. Can I make this eggnog ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors blend beautifully.

5. Can I serve this warm instead of chilled?

Absolutely! Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.

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Variations

• Spiked Coconut Eggnog: Add bourbon, spiced rum, or brandy for a boozy holiday version.
• Pumpkin Spice Eggnog: Stir in 1 tbsp pumpkin puree and a pinch of pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
• Chocolate Coconut Eggnog: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey holiday treat.
• Extra Thick Eggnog: Blend in ½ a banana or 1 tbsp cashew butter for a naturally thickened version.
• Coconut Whipped Cream Topping: Whip chilled coconut cream with a little maple syrup for a dairy-free whipped topping.

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When to Serve It

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

A classic holiday drink that pairs perfectly with Christmas cookies and festive desserts.

Holiday Parties & Gatherings

A crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional eggnog, great for entertaining!

New Year’s Eve Toasts

A fun and creamy alternative to champagne for the midnight toast.

Cozy Nights by the Fireplace

Sip on a warm mug of this eggnog while watching holiday movies.

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Conclusion

This Coconut Milk Eggnog is the perfect dairy-free twist on a holiday classic, offering a rich, creamy texture, warm holiday spices, and naturally sweet flavors. Whether you enjoy it spiked, non-alcoholic, warm, or chilled, this drink is a must-have for the holiday season.

Try it out, customize it to your taste, and let me know how you like it! Cheers to a creamy, festive, and dairy-free holiday season! 🎄🥥✨