Get ready to whip up a festive treat that will delight your taste buds! This Easy Eggnog Shake recipe takes mere minutes to prepare, making it the perfect last-minute indulgence for any holiday gathering. You’ll adore this incredibly creamy, eggnog-flavored milkshake, designed to bring cheer and a touch of seasonal magic to your celebrations. Whether you’re seeking a cozy winter delight or a refreshing escape, this versatile drink promises pure satisfaction. Dive into the world of rich, spiced eggnog blended with smooth vanilla ice cream for a truly unforgettable holiday beverage.
Crafting the Perfect Eggnog Milkshake: A Holiday Favorite
As I concocted this delightful Eggnog Milkshake, my mind wandered to those fortunate souls basking in warmer climates. Here, the snow has been falling intermittently for days, and more is predicted later in the week. While the romantic notion of a white Christmas holds its charm, I often find myself dreaming of sandy beaches and sunshine during the holidays, far from the chore of shoveling snow. The allure of warm-weather Christmases is so strong that I’ve even started exploring houses in places where snow is just a distant memory. But until that dream becomes a reality, I’m fully committed to creating and sharing exciting new eggnog recipes to embrace the season wherever I am.
This festive Eggnog Shake offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to prepare it with or without alcohol. The choice to add an extra layer of flavor and warmth to your milkshake is entirely up to you, catering to both adult celebrations and family-friendly enjoyment. We’ve been on such a joyful eggnog recipe spree lately! After purchasing a couple of large containers of eggnog from Costco – which turned out to be far more generous than anticipated – I decided to challenge myself. My goal was to develop as many delicious eggnog recipes as possible while we still had this rich, creamy base in the fridge. Depending on the success of a few more experiments I have planned for later today, I anticipate adding between six and ten new eggnog creations to our collection.
This creamy beverage is an absolute hit with kids and adults alike! While popular fast-food chains might offer an Eggnog Shake as a limited-time seasonal special, our homemade version ensures you can savor this festive treat whenever the craving strikes, all year long. Forget waiting for holiday menus; you can easily recreate that nostalgic taste and even surpass it with fresh, high-quality ingredients right in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Eggnog Milkshake
Creating an epic Eggnog Shake is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few core ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble this delightful holiday drink. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card available further down the page.
- Premium Vanilla Ice Cream: The foundation of any great milkshake.
- Rich Eggnog: The star flavor of our festive concoction.
- Fresh Ground Nutmeg: A crucial spice for that classic eggnog aroma and taste.
- Pillowy Whipped Cream: For an irresistible, creamy topping.
Optional Garnishes: Elevate your shake with these delightful additions:
- Ground Nutmeg: A final dusting enhances the festive scent and flavor.
- Maraschino Cherry: Adds a pop of color and a touch of classic charm.
- Cinnamon Stick: A beautiful and aromatic stirrer or garnish.
- Gingersnap Cookies: Crumbled on top or served on the side for a spicy crunch.
- A Sprinkle of Cinnamon: Provides an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For those who love a hint of chocolatey richness.
Let’s delve deeper into selecting the perfect components for your Eggnog Milkshake:
Vanilla Ice Cream: The quality of your ice cream significantly impacts the final texture and flavor of your shake. While any brand of vanilla ice cream you have on hand will work wonderfully, opting for a high-quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream will yield a richer, creamier result. For an even more decadent experience, French vanilla ice cream offers a custard-like depth that pairs exquisitely with eggnog. Feeling adventurous? Swap out vanilla for chocolate ice cream to create a unique chocolate eggnog milkshake, or try vanilla gelato for an incredibly smooth and luxurious shake that truly elevates this simple recipe to an epic dessert.
Eggnog: The heart and soul of this recipe! You can certainly use your favorite brand of store-bought eggnog for convenience – many excellent options are available during the holiday season. For those who enjoy a project, homemade eggnog can bring an unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor. If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, many stores now carry low-fat or even plant-based eggnog varieties that can be used effectively, though they might slightly alter the texture and richness.
Whipped Cream: A luxurious cloud of whipped cream is the perfect crown for any milkshake. Store-bought whipped cream is a convenient choice for a quick finish. However, for an ultimate eggnog experience, consider making your own fresh whipped cream and infusing it with extra eggnog for a double dose of flavor. Our Eggnog Whipped Cream recipe offers a fantastic way to elevate your garnish game, adding another layer of creamy, spiced goodness.
Tools for Blending Bliss: What You’ll Need
To ensure a perfectly smooth and delightful Eggnog Milkshake, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools:
- Powerful Blender: A robust blender is key to achieving that velvety smooth consistency without any ice cream chunks. We personally use and absolutely LOVE our Ninja Blender, which consistently delivers perfect results. Any high-speed blender capable of crushing ice and blending thick mixtures will work well.
- Accurate Measuring Cups: Essential for ensuring you get the right proportions of eggnog and ice cream for the ideal balance of flavor and thickness.
- Charming Milkshake Glasses: Presentation enhances the enjoyment! Serving your Eggnog Shake in cute milkshake glasses adds a festive touch. A pro tip: for an extra frosty treat, place your glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the milkshake. This helps keep your shake colder for longer and prevents it from melting too quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Eggnog Milkshake
Crafting this delicious Eggnog Milkshake is wonderfully straightforward. While detailed instructions are provided in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post, here’s an easy-to-follow overview to get you started on your creamy creation.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients. Carefully add the measured eggnog, a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a dash of nutmeg into your blender. Ensure all ingredients are cold to maintain the milkshake’s thick, creamy texture.
Step 2: Blend to Perfection. Secure the lid and blend the ingredients until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Start on a low setting and gradually increase speed, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary, to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. The goal is a consistent, lump-free texture.
Step 3: Pour and Present. Once blended to your desired consistency, pour the luscious Eggnog Shake into your chilled milkshake glasses. The cold glass will help keep your shake frosty and delightful as you enjoy it.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy! The final touch! Garnish your shake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg. This not only makes it look incredibly appealing but also adds to the aromatic holiday experience.
While a simple dusting of ground nutmeg is a classic and elegant garnish, feel free to get creative! Adding a swirl of whipped cream along with the nutmeg creates an even more decadent presentation. The choice of garnish is completely up to your personal preference and how festive you’re feeling!
Elevate Your Holiday Cheer: Boozy Eggnog Milkshake Options
For an adult-friendly version of this festive drink, creating an Alcoholic Eggnog Shake is simple and adds a wonderful warmth to the holiday treat.
How to Make a Boozy Eggnog Shake: Simply blend 1 to 2 ounces of your favorite liquor into the milkshake mixture along with the other ingredients. The amount can be adjusted to your taste, starting with 1 ounce for a subtle hint and increasing to 2 ounces for a more pronounced kick.
Popular choices for mixing with eggnog include:
- Bourbon: Adds a rich, oaky, and slightly sweet depth that complements the spices in eggnog beautifully.
- RumChata: Offers a creamy, cinnamon-spiced rum liqueur that enhances the holiday flavors.
- Amaretto: Brings a sweet almond flavor, adding a sophisticated twist.
- Dark or Spiced Rum: Enhances the traditional holiday notes and warmth of eggnog.
- Whiskey: Provides a classic, robust flavor that pairs well with the creamy base.
- Brandy: A traditional partner to eggnog, offering a fruity and warming essence.
Experiment with these options to find your perfect boozy blend, transforming your shake into a sophisticated holiday cocktail.
Tips for Perfect Preparation and Storage
Ensuring your Eggnog Milkshake is at its absolute best, whether enjoyed immediately or prepared in advance, involves a few clever tricks for preparation and storage.
Make Ahead + Storage + Freezing Tips: You might be surprised to learn that milkshakes can indeed be prepared ahead of time, with a little help from your freezer. While a freshly blended milkshake offers the ideal creamy texture, you can certainly make a batch and store it. For best results, prepare your milkshake slightly thicker than you would normally, as freezing can cause it to firm up. Pour the shake into an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches a slushy consistency. You may need to give it a quick stir or a brief re-blend to restore its original creamy texture. This method is fantastic for busy holiday entertaining, allowing you to prepare components in advance. For more detailed insights into preparing and storing milkshakes, including freezing tips, reputable culinary sources like Taste of Home offer excellent guidance.
Customizing Your Eggnog Milkshake: Delicious Variations for Everyone
One of the best aspects of this Eggnog Milkshake recipe is its incredible adaptability. Here are various ways you can customize it to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or simply to add a unique twist.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Eggnog Choices: Feel free to use either store-bought or homemade eggnog. Store-bought options offer convenience and a consistent flavor profile, while homemade eggnog allows for fine-tuning the spice levels and richness to your exact preference. For a different twist, consider using a dairy-free eggnog alternative.
- Whipped Cream Enhancements: While standard store-bought whipped cream provides an easy topping, take it up a notch with homemade whipped cream. For an ultimate eggnog experience, prepare our Eggnog Whipped Cream, which infuses additional eggnog flavor directly into your topping.
- Ice Cream Varieties: Any brand of vanilla ice cream works well. French vanilla ice cream can add a richer, more complex depth. For a delightful change, experiment with chocolate ice cream to create a luscious chocolate eggnog milkshake, or opt for vanilla gelato for an extra smooth, luxurious shake with a denser texture.
Vegetarian Option: This sweet holiday treat is naturally vegetarian-friendly, making it a wonderful indulgence for almost everyone at your festive table.
Vegan Option: To make a delicious vegan Eggnog Shake, simply replace the traditional dairy eggnog with a plant-based eggnog alternative (such as almond, soy, or oat-based eggnog) and use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Many excellent vegan ice cream brands are available today that will create a wonderfully creamy shake.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is inherently safe for those following a gluten-free diet, as its primary ingredients – dairy products like eggnog and ice cream – are typically gluten-free. However, for individuals with high sensitivity or severe gluten allergies, always double-check ingredient labels for certified gluten-free products to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred during manufacturing, especially with any added flavorings or toppings.
Smaller Serving Size: The base recipe yields two generous servings. If you’re simply craving a solo treat or only need one Eggnog Shake, the recipe can be easily halved. Just divide all ingredient quantities by two for a perfect single serving.
Larger Group/More Servings: Planning for a party? This recipe scales up effortlessly. You can quickly double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to accommodate more guests. Most recipe cards, including ours below, feature a convenient slider that allows you to adjust the serving size, automatically updating the ingredient quantities for your desired yield.
Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains approximately 56 grams of sugar per serving, with the final nutritional content varying based on your chosen ingredients. To create a sugar-free eggnog shake, substitute both the eggnog and vanilla ice cream with their sugar-free counterparts. Be sure to check labels carefully for “no sugar added” or “sugar-free” options, which are widely available during the holiday season.
Expert Tips for an Unforgettable Eggnog Milkshake
To ensure your Eggnog Milkshake is nothing short of spectacular, consider these expert tips for blending, garnishing, and perfecting your holiday treat:
- Garnish with Flair: While a simple dusting of fresh ground nutmeg is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with your garnishes. A generous swirl of whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of nutmeg, or even a fancy chocolate drizzle can elevate both the look and taste of your shake. Remember the optional garnishes mentioned earlier for creative inspiration!
- Chill Your Glassware: For the ultimate frosty experience, place your milkshake glasses in the freezer for at least 15-20 minutes before blending. A chilled glass helps keep your milkshake colder for longer, preventing it from melting too quickly, especially if you plan on savoring it.
- Adjust Consistency: The perfect milkshake consistency is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a thicker shake, add a little more ice cream. For a thinner, more drinkable shake, add a splash more eggnog. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust incrementally.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure both your eggnog and ice cream are very cold before blending. This helps create a thicker, creamier shake without needing to add ice, which can dilute the flavor.
- Don’t Overblend: Blend just until smooth and combined. Overblending can warm the ingredients and result in a thinner, less frosty shake. Aim for a quick, efficient blend.
- Recreate a Classic: Use this recipe to make your own delicious copycat McDonald’s Eggnog Milkshake at home, but with even fresher and higher-quality ingredients!
Pairing Your Eggnog Milkshake: Complementary Holiday Dishes
This easy-to-make Eggnog Shake isn’t just a drink; it’s a delightful dessert that would serve as the perfect sweet ending to any holiday lunch or dinner. Its rich, spiced flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile for pairing. Here are some festive menu planning suggestions to help you create a memorable holiday feast around your Eggnog Milkshake:
Appetizers & Sides: Light and savory options can beautifully complement the sweetness of the shake.
- Cheddar Bay Sausage Biscuits: Savory, cheesy, and utterly comforting, these biscuits offer a wonderful contrast.
- Brown Sugar Bacon Wrapped Smokies: The sweet and salty combination is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with festive drinks.
- Cheesy Green Beans: A simple, flavorful vegetable side that adds a touch of freshness.
- Apple Stuffing: The autumnal flavors of apple and herbs create a harmonious balance with eggnog.
- Sausage Breakfast Biscuit Cups: Perfect for a festive brunch, offering a hearty, savory bite.
- Cranberry Salsa: Its tangy sweetness provides a refreshing counterpoint.
- Pineapple Stuffing: A unique sweet and savory side that works surprisingly well.
Main Dishes: Rich, comforting main courses are ideal before a sweet milkshake finish.
- Easy German Apple Pancake: A sweet and hearty option, especially for a holiday brunch.
- Broccoli Casserole: A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams: Its own sweet and spiced profile harmonizes beautifully with eggnog.
- Crock Pot Ham: A wonderfully easy and delicious centerpiece for any holiday meal.
- CrockPot Coke Glazed Ham: The slight sweetness of the glaze makes it a fantastic pairing.
- Bourbon Baked Ham: For an extra layer of sophisticated flavor that echoes potential boozy shakes.
Desserts: While the shake itself is a dessert, these lighter or contrasting sweets can create a full dessert spread.
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack: A delightful salty-sweet crunch that offers textural contrast.
- Sugared Cranberries: Tart and sparkling, they can cut through the richness of the shake.
- Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow: A fun, snackable treat for all ages.
- Grinch Bark: A colorful, minty, and sweet chocolate treat.
- Watergate Salad: A light, fluffy, and fruity classic that won’t overpower the shake.
- Cherry Cheesecake Dip: A creamy, tangy dip perfect for sharing.
- Hot Chocolate Dip: For an extra chocolatey indulgence.
- Eggnog Cake: For the ultimate eggnog enthusiast, pairing an eggnog shake with an eggnog cake creates a truly immersive flavor experience.
Drinks: Offer a variety of beverages alongside the shake, perhaps some contrasting cocktails or warming drinks.
- Broken Down Golf Cart Shot: A fun, unique shot for adult guests.
- Baileys Hot Chocolate: A rich, warming alcoholic treat for cooler evenings.
- Grinch Jello Shots: Playful and festive, adding a pop of color.
- Fireball Jello Shots: For a spicy, cinnamon kick.
- Peppermint Patty Shot: A refreshing mint-chocolate indulgence.
- Cranberry Mimosa: A bright, bubbly, and festive option.
- Three Wise Men Shot: A robust, classic shot for whiskey lovers.
- Polar Bear Shot: A sweet and creamy white chocolate and peppermint flavored shot.
The Perfect Occasion: When to Enjoy Your Eggnog Shake
This festive Eggnog Shake is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to various occasions. Its versatility makes it suitable for:
- Holiday Gatherings: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a festive spirit to any party or get-together, whether casual or formal.
- Christmas Party: Serve it as a unique dessert drink that stands out from traditional offerings, or as a welcome treat for guests upon arrival.
- Holiday Lunch or Dinner: A refreshing and decadent conclusion to a hearty meal, offering a sweet, spiced finish that’s lighter than a heavy dessert.
- Christmas Lunch or Dinner: The ultimate festive beverage to sip on while exchanging gifts, enjoying family time, or simply relaxing by the fire. It embodies the cozy warmth of the season in a cool, creamy form.
- Cozy Winter Evenings: Perfect for a quiet night in, curled up with a good book or movie, when you crave a comforting yet refreshing treat.
- Anytime You Crave Eggnog: Forget seasonal limitations! This recipe allows you to enjoy the beloved flavor of eggnog year-round.
Explore More Holiday Favorites and Easy Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making this Easy Eggnog Milkshake, you’ll love exploring our other curated recipe collections designed to inspire your culinary adventures, especially during the festive season:
15+ Eggnog Recipes to Try This Season: Dive deeper into the world of eggnog with an array of creative and delicious dishes and drinks featuring this holiday staple.
Easy 3 Ingredient Recipes That Taste Amazing!: Discover simplicity and flavor with our collection of incredibly easy recipes that prove you don’t need a long ingredient list for delicious results.
Easy Dessert Recipes with 5 Ingredients (Or Less!): Perfect for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen, these minimal-ingredient desserts deliver maximum satisfaction.
Best Easy Christmas Cocktails Everyone Loves!: Impress your guests with festive, straightforward cocktail recipes that are perfect for holiday entertaining.
Warm Up by the Fire with These 30+ Winter Cocktails: Explore a cozy collection of warming beverages ideal for cold winter nights, from spiced classics to creative concoctions.
And if you’re a true recipe enthusiast, don’t forget to check out our extensive categories for copycat recipes (to recreate your restaurant favorites at home), delightful dessert recipes (for every sweet craving), and our ever-popular CrockPot Recipes (for effortless meals).
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Eggnog Milkshake Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- 3 ¼ cups Vanilla Ice Cream
- ½ – 1 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, and nutmeg to blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and more nutmeg. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
- Blender
- Shake Glass
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 261