Eggnog Milkshake

I do love a good milkshake, and this Eggnog Milkshake is such a lovely one to make over Christmas. It’s thick, creamy, and has that delicious festive flavor from the eggnog and nutmeg. Add a big swirl of whipped cream on top and it feels like a proper little Christmas treat!

One of the things I love about this recipe is just how easy it is. You only need a few ingredients, and everything gets thrown into the blender. It takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, which is always a bonus when there’s already so much going on in the kitchen at Christmas.

I think this is a really nice alternative to hot chocolate when you fancy something a bit different over the holidays. You can make it as thick as you like, add plenty of whipped cream, and finish it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s simple, but sometimes those are the nicest treats!

Ingredients

• Vanilla ice cream: This makes the milkshake lovely and thick and creamy. I like to use a good-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor.

• Eggnog: This is what gives the milkshake its lovely Christmas flavor. Use your favorite store-bought eggnog to keep things nice and easy.

• Ground nutmeg: Just a little adds that warm, festive spice that goes so well with eggnog.

• Whole milk: This helps everything blend together smoothly without making the milkshake too thick.

• Whipped cream: I love adding a generous swirl on top to make it feel a bit more special.

• Ground cinnamon or extra nutmeg: A little sprinkle on top finishes it off nicely and adds a bit more festive flavor.

Recipe Instructions

Full measurements and cooking times can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Add the vanilla ice cream, eggnog, milk, and ground nutmeg to a blender.

Step 2: Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Pour the milkshake into glasses.

Step 4: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy this festive treat!

What to Serve with Eggnog Milkshake

This eggnog milkshake is lovely on its own, but if you’re making it as a little Christmas treat, there are plenty of things you can serve alongside it. I think it goes especially well with Christmas cookies and anything with a bit of cinnamon or ginger. Here are a few ideas:

• Gingerbread cookies: The warm ginger and spices go really nicely with the creamy eggnog flavor.

• Sugar cookies: You can’t go wrong with a few Christmas sugar cookies on the side, especially if you’ve been doing some holiday baking.

• Shortbread cookies: I love the buttery flavor of shortbread with a creamy milkshake.

• Cinnamon rolls: A lovely combination if you’re planning a special Christmas breakfast or brunch.

• Christmas brownies: If you fancy something really indulgent, serve your milkshake with a fudgy chocolate brownie.

• Snickerdoodle cookies: The cinnamon sugar coating works so well with the nutmeg in the milkshake.

Storing

This eggnog milkshake is definitely best enjoyed straight after making it while it’s lovely and thick and creamy. As the ice cream starts to melt, the milkshake will become thinner, so I wouldn’t recommend making it too far in advance.

If you do have any leftovers, you can pop them into a covered container in the fridge for a few hours. Just bear in mind that the texture won’t be quite the same. Give it a good stir before drinking, or pop it back in the blender with another scoop of ice cream to thicken it up again.

You can also freeze any leftover milkshake in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, leave it to soften slightly before blending it again. I wouldn’t add the whipped cream until you’re ready to serve, though, as it’s much nicer freshly added.

Variations & Substitutions

One of the nice things about this eggnog milkshake is how easy it is to change things around depending on what you’ve got in the fridge or how you like your milkshakes. I love the classic combination of vanilla, eggnog, and nutmeg, but there are a few little changes you can make if you fancy something different.

• Try a different ice cream. Vanilla works really well, but cinnamon or caramel ice cream would be delicious too.

• Make it extra thick. If you prefer a really thick milkshake, add another scoop of ice cream or use a little less milk.

• Add some chocolate. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or a handful of chocolate chips blended in would be lovely.

• Swap the milk. You can use 2% milk instead of whole milk, or try oat milk or almond milk if that’s what you have.

• Make it even more festive. Add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger along with the nutmeg for a little extra Christmas spice.

• Try a caramel version. Blend in a spoonful of caramel sauce and drizzle a little more over the whipped cream.

• Skip the whipped cream. It’s still delicious without it, especially if you’re just making a quick milkshake for yourself.

FAQs

What is an eggnog milkshake made of?

This easy eggnog milkshake is made with vanilla ice cream, eggnog, whole milk, and ground nutmeg. I like to finish mine with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a little cinnamon on top. It's really simple, but it tastes lovely and festive!

Can I make an eggnog milkshake without a blender?

Yes, you can! You'll need to let the ice cream soften a little first, then whisk everything together in a large bowl until it's nice and smooth. It might not be quite as thick and creamy as the blender version, but it'll still taste delicious.

Can I use store-bought eggnog for this milkshake?

Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works really well and makes this recipe so quick and easy. Just use your favorite brand. I recommend choosing a non-alcoholic eggnog if you're making this for the whole family.

How do I make my eggnog milkshake thicker?

The easiest way is to add another scoop of vanilla ice cream or reduce the amount of milk slightly. Start with a little less milk and add more until you get the consistency you like.

Can I make this eggnog milkshake ahead of time?

I wouldn't recommend making it too far ahead because the ice cream will start to melt and the milkshake will lose that lovely thick texture. It only takes about 5 minutes to make, so it's much nicer freshly blended.

Can I make an eggnog milkshake without ice cream?

You can, although it won't have quite the same thick, creamy texture. Try blending chilled eggnog, milk, a frozen banana, and a little nutmeg instead. It'll be more like a smoothie, but it's a nice alternative if you don't have any ice cream.

Can I use dairy-free milk in an eggnog milkshake?

Yes! Oat milk, almond milk, or another dairy-free milk can be used instead of whole milk. If you want the whole milkshake to be dairy-free, you'll also need to use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and a suitable dairy-free eggnog.

Does an eggnog milkshake contain alcohol?

Not necessarily! This recipe doesn't include any added alcohol, but some store-bought eggnogs do contain it. If you're making a Christmas milkshake for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol, make sure you choose a non-alcoholic eggnog.

Can I add coffee to an eggnog milkshake?

Yes, and it's a lovely option if you enjoy coffee-flavored drinks! Try adding a shot of chilled espresso or a little strong, cold coffee before blending. You might want to reduce the milk slightly so it doesn't become too thin.

What does an eggnog milkshake taste like?

It's rich, creamy, and sweet, with a lovely vanilla flavor and those warm Christmas spices from the eggnog and nutmeg. If you enjoy traditional eggnog, I think you'll really like this milkshake too!