The Best Non-Alcoholic Eggnog Recipe

This homemade alcohol free eggnog is perfect for the holiday season. It's easy to make, divine to drink, and because it's non-alcoholic the kids can enjoy this mocktail too.

Here we are again at the start of December. The tree is up, the presents are (mostly!) wrapped, and it is well and truly time for a non-alcoholic eggnog.

this recipe

This eggnog recipe is sponsored by Lyre's. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Mindful Mocktail possible.

This Christmas drink recipe is:

Easy: even if you're not super confident in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe simple to make. Yes, it takes a little more effort that store bought eggnog, but this homemade version is SO worth it, trust me!

Great for a crowd: one of my favourite things about this eggnog is I can make it in advance, or even the day before. This means when it's due to be served there is nothing to prep. It can simply be poured into a glass and topped with your choice of goodies.

Creamy and delicious: this smooth, decadent eggnog is like a creamy treat in a glass. Top it off with optional whipped cream and cinnamon and it makes the ideal dessert drink.

Great for non-drinkers and kids: as someone who doesn't drink, nothing makes me happier than a host who has the alcohol free drinks at the ready. And I have to say, my boys absolutely adored this eggnog - they couldn't get enough! In fact, it's the only way to get eggs into them at the moment.

What is eggnog?

This might seem like a pretty silly question with a very obvious answer to my friends over in the States, but to the rest of us it isn't quite as clear!

Eggnog is a dairy based drink recipe that has been around for hundreds of years. It used to be referred to as a 'milk punch' and usually had alcohol added. It's super rich and creamy - it literally tastes like you are drinking dessert. It reminds me of melted ice-cream!

There are plenty of variations out there, but this recipe is made with egg yolks, sugar, cream, milk, spices, vanilla and Lyre's American Malt (optional). It's loosely adapted from this eggnog recipe.

If you're looking for more non-alcoholic Christmas drink recipes, try these:

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Alcohol Free Christmas Punch

Non Alcoholic Mulled Wine

They are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Does this recipe use cooked or uncooked eggs?

While eggnog is traditionally made with raw eggs, this recipe is a cooked version. I received the feedback that uncooked eggs makes the majority feel a little 'ick'. To be honest, I didn't like the idea of drinking raw eggs either!

Plus there is the small risk of bacteria in uncooked eggs, so I thought it was best to make this version with cooked eggs. This makes is safe for everyone to drink.

Ingredients

This non-alcoholic eggnog contains egg yolks, heavy cream (also known as thickened cream), milk, sugar, spices, vanilla extract and Lyre's American Malt (a delicious, optional addition).

A word on Lyre's American Malt - if you haven't tried this already, I encourage you to! This spirit is a unique, premium, non-alcoholic beverage and adds an extra touch of decadence to this already divine drink. It tastes of vanilla, toasted nuts and herbal notes with a long mellow finish.

It pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy eggnog.

The Lyre's American Malt can be omitted if serving this drink to children or those who prefer to steer clear of non alcoholic spirits - it still tastes beautiful without.

How to make alcohol free eggnog

Firstly, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture lightens in colour and goes creamy. I find an electric beater easier for this but you can use a hand held one if you prefer.

Place cream, milk, ground nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir to combine until the mixture is steaming slightly. Don't let it boil.

Add a large spoonful of the milk mixture to your egg mixture, then whisk it quickly to combine. Add another large spoonful and whisk again. Repeat this process until half of the milk mixture has been added to the egg mixture.

Remove the cinnamon sticks from the milk mixture, then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan on the stove.

Whisk constantly until the mixtures thickens a little. This will only take a few minutes. Don't worry if it doesn't seem thick enough, it will thicken more as it cools.

Remove from the stove and stir in the vanilla.

Place eggnog in a jug, cover and place in the fridge to cool. If you love cinnamon, add it back into jug before placing in the fridge to steep further.

Pour into your favourite glasses or mugs and stir in 30ml/1oz of Lyre's American Malt to each glass right before serving. Add optional whipped cream, powdered cinnamon or nutmeg.

I hope you love this non-alcoholic eggnog recipe as much as I do!