Healthier Egg Nog Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Which eggnog is healthy? ›

Plant-Milk Eggnogs Can Be Lower in Sugars and Saturated Fat

'Nog made from nut, oat, or soy milk will give you the flavor of the season, and it tends to be lower in calories and saturated fat because it doesn't contain cream, eggs, or milk. (That means that these types of eggnog are lower in protein and calcium too.)

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

You can make a similar heavy cream alternative using regular milk and butter. Whole milk has a fat percentage of around 3.5% and is preferable to lower-fat varieties, but you'll still want to use more melted butter than you would with half-and-half. For best results, try mixing ⅔ cup of whole milk with ⅓ cup butter.

Spices and seasonings: You'll need cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Egg yolks: Egg yolks thicken the mixture, creating a decadent texture. Sugar: Of course, you'll need white sugar for this dessert-like beverage. Rum: Spike your eggnog with light rum or leave it as-is for a non-alcoholic treat.

Traditional eggnog includes raw eggs, which may be contaminated with Salmonella — a common cause of foodborne illness. To be safe, warm up your homemade eggnog before drinking, use pasteurized eggs, or opt for vegan alternatives.

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

Eggnog can be considered a higher potassium and phosphorus food. Due to these nutrients, this drink food may be limited for those with kidney disease who are on a low potassium, low phosphorus diet.

One-half cup typically has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Making your own eggnog will spare you the additives found in store-bought varieties but a traditional recipe will be similar in calories and fat. You can lighten things up using low fat dairy products and going light on the sugar.

He warns that the most concerning issues with eggnog come from the milk and cream. “The risks from raw dairy are more well established,” Schaffner said, adding that they can also lead to other bacteria including listeria, e. coli and campylobacter. “Don't count on alcohol to kill the bacteria,” declared James E.

Heavy cream will make your eggnog thicker and creamier. Boozy eggnog will also continue to thicken in the fridge as it ages.

What alcohol is similar to eggnog? ›

Typically made around Christmastime, the Tom and Jerry is a classic co*cktail that looks and tastes a lot like eggnog. Its exact origins are unclear, but there's evidence to suggest that the Cognac and rum-spiked drink's roots date back to England in the 19th century.

It will thicken as it cools. If you want a thinner, completely smooth consistency, you can add the entire mixture to a blender with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk and blend until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fresh whipped cream, if desired. Store homemade eggnog in the fridge for up to one week.

While brandy is the most traditional alcohol to pair with eggnog, according to traditional recipes, you can also use a mixture of dark rum and Cognac. If you like your eggnog with more of a kick you can also add bourbon, but we recommend sticking to rum and Cognac to preserve the 'nog's flavors.

Avoid white rum because it's too light and transparent. Instead, choose a gold or aged rum. For a fun twist similar to rye whiskey, go with spiced rum. For the best of both classics, pour both brandy and rum, splitting them equally in the eggnog.

One-half cup typically has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Making your own eggnog will spare you the additives found in store-bought varieties but a traditional recipe will be similar in calories and fat. You can lighten things up using low fat dairy products and going light on the sugar.

Califia Farms Holiday Nog: Made with almond milk: Califia Farms Holiday Nog has just 50 calories and 8 grams of sugar per half-cup, about 75 percent fewer calories and two-thirds less sugar than traditional eggnog. Trader Joe's Almond Nog is nearly identical in nutrition stats and ingredients.

"Store-bought eggnog tends to have lower calories and fat because it is made with skim or low-fat milk, but it does have extra artificial ingredients like artificial coloring, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial flavors.