Sugar-Free Eggnog: The Ultimate Holiday Drink (4 Methods)

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The holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without a glass of eggnog, and for those on a keto diet, this doesn’t mean missing out. Here’s a toast to holiday traditions with a twist: introducing four exciting ways to whip up your own low-carb eggnog. Each method is tailored to fit the keto lifestyle, ensuring that every sip is sugar-free yet full of classic holiday flavors. Whether you’re craving something rich and creamy or quick and easy, these keto eggnog variations cater to all tastes. Find out how simple it is to make a sugar-free eggnog that’s as good as, if not better than, the traditional version!

Why You’ll Love This Sugar-Free Eggnog

Low-Carb & Keto: Perfect for low-carb diets, guilt-free holiday treat.
4 Easy Variations: Classic, frothy, quick-blend, or alcohol-free to suit all tastes.
Simple to Prepare: Effortless recipes, from blender to stovetop.
Rich Flavor: Creamy and spiced, without the sugar.
Holiday Essential: Brings healthy cheer to any festive gathering.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.

Preparing this keto eggnog is a breeze, and you’ll need just a few key ingredients to get started. Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious, low-carb holiday drink:

Egg Yolks: The base of your eggnog, adding a rich texture.
Granulated Low-Carb Sweetener: Keeps it sweet while staying sugar-free. Allulose works best.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: A low-carb alternative to regular milk. Cashew or macadamia milk can be used instead.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For creaminess without the carbs.
Nutmeg & Cinnamon: Spices that give eggnog its signature holiday flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the eggnog’s taste. Always pick sugar-free or make your own.
Dark Rum: Optional, but gives the eggnog a festive kick.
Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, ground cinnamon, or nutmeg for garnish.

Can I make this sugar-free eggnog dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy whipping cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and delicious.

What if I want to avoid alcohol?

No problem! Use rum extract to taste, and you’ll have a delicious alcohol-free eggnog that everyone can enjoy.

Is there a nut-free option?

Yes, you can use seed milk like poppyseed milk instead of almond or cashew milk for a nut-free alternative. You can also skip the almond milk and add ½ cup (120 ml) more cream and 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of water.

What are the best sweeteners to use?

Allulose is the best low-carb option that will keep the same level of sweetness without any aftertaste. If you can’t get allulose, other low-carb sweetener options will work too. If you’re not keto, feel free to use coconut sugar, or your preferred option.

What can I do with the leftover egg whites?

Use any leftover egg whites to make a batch of our Low-Carb Bread Rolls!

Four Ways to Enjoy Sugar-Free Eggnog

Classic Method: This method, which we describe step-by-step below, is all about that slow cook to get the creamiest texture. It’s a bit of kitchen magic for a traditional eggnog feel. Perfect for when you’re in the mood to recreate the classic holiday experience.
Five-Minute Blender Eggnog: Short on time? No sweat! Blend all the ingredients together – use whole eggs for extra creaminess or just yolks. This method is super quick and still gives you a tasty, chilled eggnog. Ideal for a fast, fuss-free treat.
Eggnog with Frothy Egg Whites: Love a bit of froth? Start with either the Classic or the Five-Minute method. Once chilled, whip up the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into your eggnog. This adds a delicious frothiness, making it a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
Alcohol-Free Eggnog: Keeping it alcohol-free? Just switch out the rum for rum extract and add a bit more almond or cashew milk. You’ll still get all the holiday vibes without the booze. Great for family-friendly gatherings or for those avoiding alcohol.

How To Make Sugar-Free Eggnog Set By Step: The Classic Method

Here’s how to make the Classic Keto Eggnog, our go-to for a creamy, traditional feel. It’s all about cooking it just right for that smooth, rich taste. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture. Start by placing the egg yolks in a bowl. Add the granulated Erythritol and whisk them together until the mixture is creamy and frothy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture for your eggnog.

Heat the Milk and Cream. Pour the almond milk into a saucepan and add the cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. As soon as foam starts to form, remove it from the heat. This step infuses the milk with the spices, giving your eggnog its signature flavor.

Temper the Egg Yolk Mixture. While the milk is still hot, gradually temper the hot almond milk and cream mixture into the egg yolk and erythritol mixture. It’s important to keep whisking constantly to prevent the mixture from curdling.

Cook the Eggnog. After adding about half of the almond and cream mixture, return everything into the pot with the remaining almond and cream mixture. Whisk vigorously and cook until it reaches 70 C/ 160 degrees F. This should take about 6-8 minutes and is key to achieving the perfect consistency.

Add Final Ingredients. Remove the mixture from the heat and pour it into a medium mixing bowl. Optionally, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any pieces of cooked eggs and spices. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum.

Chill and Serve. Set the eggnog in the refrigerator to chill. Once it’s cooled, it’s ready to be served. Enjoy your homemade classic keto eggnog!

Low-Carb Eggnog: The Ultimate Holiday Drink (4 Methods)

Tips for Best Sugar-Free Eggnog

These tips should help you make the best possible keto eggnog, no matter which method you choose:

Temperature is Key: When cooking the classic version, keep an eye on the temperature. Overheating can curdle the eggs, so aim for a gentle heat to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
Blend for Smoothness: If you’re going for the quick blender method, blend until smooth to avoid any lumps. This ensures a consistently creamy texture throughout.
Keep it Bright and Vibrant: To maintain a bright color, you can use whole spices instead of ground. To do that , boil the almond milk with 1-2 whole cinnamon sticks and a few pieces of crumbled nutmeg, and cover with a lid for 30 minutes before straining. Then add the cream and continue by bringing it to a boil before using for tempering the egg yolks. This method infuses the milk with flavor without changing the eggnog’s color.
Spice and Sweetener to Taste: Adjust the amount of sweetener, nutmeg and cinnamon to your liking. These spices are central to eggnog’s signature flavor, so feel free to tweak them for your perfect holiday taste.
Chill for Best Flavor: Eggnog’s flavor deepens with chilling. Whether you choose the classic or a quicker method, letting it chill in the fridge for a bit before serving can really enhance the taste.
Safety with Raw Eggs: If using raw eggs in the quick method, consider using pasteurized eggs to reduce the risk of Salmonella. If you’re in the UK, eggs stamped with the British Lion mark are another safe choice. If you’re uncertain about the eggs you have, you can pasteurize them at home. Safety first, especially when serving to guests!

How to Pasteurize eggs at home: Place the eggs in water heated to about 140°F (60°C) and keep them submerged for about 3 minutes. This process should effectively kill any potential bacteria. After pasteurizing, let the eggs cool and store them in the fridge for 6-8 weeks.

Storage Instructions

How long will the sugar-free eggnog last in the fridge?

Your homemade keto eggnog can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to a week (classic method which with cooked eggs and alcohol), or 2 to 3 days (any method with uncooked eggs). Non-alcoholic eggnog should be consumed within one day. Make sure it’s in a sealed container to keep it fresh and delicious. If you notice any off smells, changes in texture, or sour taste, it’s best to discard the eggnog. Fresh eggnog should be smooth and have a creamy, pleasant smell.

Can this keto eggnog be frozen?

It’s not recommended to freeze keto eggnog due to its dairy and egg content, which might lead to texture changes upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or store it in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Sugar-Free Eggnog

Serving your homemade low-carb eggnog is just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to enjoy this festive drink:

Classic Holiday Sipper: Serve it chilled in your favorite holiday glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon on top. Perfect for toasting during holiday parties or family gatherings.
Morning Pick-Me-Up: Blend a splash of keto eggnog with your morning coffee for a festive twist on your usual brew. It adds a creamy, spiced flavor that’s great for starting your day.
Dessert Companion: Pair your eggnog with low-carb desserts like keto cookies or a slice of sugar-free pumpkin pie or apple pie. The eggnog’s creamy texture complements the richness of desserts wonderfully.
Cocktail Base: For those who enjoy a boozy twist, use the eggnog as a base for holiday cocktails. Mix it with a bit more rum, or combine it with other spirits for a festive drink.