How to Make Eggnog | HUM Nutrition Blog

Want to enjoy the most popular drink of the holiday season without feeling guilty? We look at three healthy eggnog recipes. Here’s how to make eggnog, the healthiest kind!

There’s nothing like the nostalgic feeling of sipping a glass of eggnog by the fire, surrounded by the twinkling lights and the heady aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. But as much as we love this creamy, spicy drink, traditional eggnog can sometimes be a bit sugary and dairy-heavy. So why not enjoy all the nostalgia of this beloved holiday drink, with a healthier twist?

We’ve created three healthier eggnog recipes that give you all the holiday flavor without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version of the classic, a vegan alternative, or a dairy-free option with a tropical twist, these recipes let you customize the sweetness and ingredients so you can still enjoy the holidays your way. Plus, you can add a touch of HUM with our Flatter Me and Ashwagandha Calm supplements that ensure better digestion and relaxation while you drink.

How to Make Eggnog: 3 Perfect Recipes for a Cozy and Healthy Holiday

Recipe #1: Classic Healthier Eggnog Recipe (Serves 4)

This recipe offers a lighter and healthier version of the classic. Replace the thicker milk or cream with 1% milk and a natural sweetener, keeping the recipe creamy with the use of egg yolks, which pack protein in every sip.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg yolks
• 3 cups of 1% milk
• ½ cup of honey
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ¼ tsp Allspice

Instructions:

1. Use a whisk to beat the egg yolks in a medium bowl until completely combined.
2. Combine the milk and honey in a medium saucepan, stirring frequently over medium heat, and heat until the milk is warm but not boiling, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, they need to be tempered. Slowly pour a small amount of warm milk into the beaten yolks while whisking constantly. Gradually add more milk, whisking as you go, until about half of the milk mixture has been incorporated.
4. Slowly pour the warmed egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the warm milk, whisking to combine. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 to 7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Once the eggnog has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add vanilla extract and ground nutmeg.
6. Let the eggnog cool to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours. It will thicken more as it cools.
7. Once cool, stir the eggnog well. Pour into glasses and garnish with an extra pinch of nutmeg if desired.

Health benefits:

• Honey: Using honey instead of refined sugar reduces the sugar content and provides natural sweetness with a lower glycemic index, along with antioxidants that support immunity.
• 1% Milk: It reduces fat and maintains creaminess, making this eggnog lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves offer additional antioxidants and digestive benefits, helping to calm the stomach, especially after a heavy meal.

Recipe #2: Vegan Eggnog with Almonds and Cashews (Serves 6)

This homemade recipe uses a creamy, naturally sweet, vegan blend of ingredients to make the perfect holiday drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews
• 3 cups of almond milk
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. The first step to making eggnog with cashews is to soak them. Place the cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can soak them in hot water for 30 minutes to an hour to soften them more quickly.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Place them in a high-speed blender along with the almond milk. Blend on high heat until smooth and creamy. This should take between 1 and 2 minutes, depending on your blender.
3. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon to the blender. Blend again for 30 seconds until all ingredients are fully incorporated and eggnog is smooth.
4. Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the eggnog is hot. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Once the eggnog is hot, taste it and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed. If you prefer a sweeter eggnog, you can add a little more maple syrup or cinnamon.
6. Pour the eggnog into glasses and sprinkle a little more nutmeg or cinnamon on top to decorate if desired.

Health benefits:

• Cashews: A great source of healthy fats and protein, cashews provide a creamy texture without the need for dairy, making this eggnog light and filling.
• Maple syrup: It offers a natural sweetness that doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
• Dairy-free: Ideal for people with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet, this recipe is dairy-free while offering a rich, creamy texture.

Recipe #3: Vegan Coconut Eggnog with a Tropical Twist (Serves 6)

This vegan coconut punch brings a tropical twist to the classic holiday drink by using coconut cream as a rich, dairy-free alternative. The combination of coconut milk and cream creates a creamy base with a naturally sweet flavor, requiring less added sugar while delivering the indulgent richness you love.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cashew coconut milk (or other dairy-free milk of your choice)
• One 14 oz can of coconut cream
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cashew coconut milk (or your preferred dairy-free milk) with the entire 14-ounce can of coconut cream. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
2. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the saucepan, stirring to incorporate.
3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Heat for 5-7 minutes, making sure it does not boil.
4. Once the eggnog is warm and well mixed, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Taste and adjust the flavor, adding more cinnamon or cloves for more flavor if desired.
6. Pour the eggnog into glasses and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.

Health benefits:

• Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is a great source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide quick energy and support brain health. It also brings a natural sweetness to the eggnog, allowing you to use less added sugar, making it a low-sugar option.
• Coconut: Both coconut milk and coconut cream are packed with antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamins C and E), and minerals (like magnesium), which help support the immune system and skin health.

Frequently asked questions about how to make eggnog:

1. What is the healthiest way to enjoy eggnog?

To make eggnog healthier, opt for dairy-free milk, such as almond or coconut milk, and natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or coconut sugar. Be careful, not all vegetable milks are healthy. Be careful and read labels to make sure you buy the cleanest, least processed version. You can also reduce the sugar content by using more spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor.

2. Can you make eggnog ahead of time?

Yeah! Homemade eggnog can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to stir it well before serving as it may separate slightly over time.

3. What spices are best for eggnog?

Classic nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves are essential, but feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or allspice for a unique touch.

4. How can I make eggnog even lower in calories?

You can reduce calories by reducing the sweetener (use less maple syrup or opt for a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia) and using low-fat dairy-free milk, such as unsweetened almond milk.

5. What supplements should I take with my eggnog for added relaxation and gut health benefits?

Incorporates HUM’s Flatter Me supplement to help with digestion and reduce bloating, while our Ashwagandha Calm supports relaxation and stress relief after a cozy cup of eggnog.

Flatter Me supports gut health with its blend of 18 digestive enzymes, which help break down all foods: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sugars, lactose and fiber. It also helps relieve common digestive discomforts, such as bloating and indigestion, and promotes nutrient absorption for overall healthy digestion.

Ashwagandha Calm is our choice for relaxation, thanks to its main ingredient, Sensoril®, a powerful extract that uses both the root and leaf of ashwagandha to double its strength. It also contains L-theanine, promoting relaxation without causing drowsiness. Together, these ingredients help reduce stress, improve relaxation, and support healthy cortisol levels for a calm mind and body.

Don’t sacrifice flavor or tradition this holiday season to enjoy a healthier version of eggnog. Whether you prefer the classic, a vegan alternative, or a touch of tropical coconut, each recipe offers a lighter, guilt-free way to continue enjoying the festivities.

Conclusion on How to Make Eggnog (The Healthy Kind)

Try all three eggnog recipes and let us know which one is your favorite. Don’t forget to share your own eggnog creations and be sure to subscribe for more healthy holiday recipes that will keep you feeling good all season long!

Happy holidays and happy sipping!