This eggnog milkshake is full of delicious winter magic!
The familiar notes of nutmeg and cinnamon blend perfectly with vanilla ice cream. It tastes like Christmas in a glass.
I love garnishing mine with crushed gingerbread cookies because why not go all out?
Fair warning: once you try this, regular eggnog might not cut it anymore!
Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Milkshake
Holiday Hero: This eggnog milkshake captures the essence of the holiday season with its creamy texture, warm spices, and indulgent garnishes. It’s a festive show-stopper at any celebration.
Smooth and Creamy: Rich, velvety smoothness meets warm winter spices in this decadent treat. It delivers the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and aromatic nutmeg in every sip.
Quick Magic: It takes just 5 minutes to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort while delivering a maximum “wow factor.”
Customizable: From crushed gingerbread cookies to holiday sprinkles or a festive cinnamon stick, this recipe encourages creativity. You can personalize the presentation to delight your guests.
Ingredients
- Eggnog: The rich, creamy base of this milkshake adds festive holiday flavor and smooth texture. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for best results.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: It provides a creamy, frozen foundation and adds sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Ground Nutmeg and Cinnamon: Traditional holiday spices enhance the eggnog’s warmth.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: It amplifies the ice cream’s vanilla notes and harmonizes all the flavors. Always use pure, not imitation, for the best results.
- Rum, Bourbon, or Brandy: It adds a boozy kick for an adults-only version.
- Whipped Cream: A cloud-like topping adds richness and visual appeal.
- Optional Garnishes: Choose from crushed gingerbread cookies for crunch, cinnamon sticks for stirring and aroma, or festive sprinkles for color and holiday cheer.
How to Make an Eggnog Milkshake
Have 5 minutes? Then you can easily whip up this shake!
1. Blend In a blender, add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. If adding alcohol, pour it in at this stage. Blend until the mixture is thick and creamy, about 30–45 seconds.
2. Adjust. Taste the milkshake and adjust the spices if desired.
3. Garnish and serve. Pour into glasses. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and optional garnishes like crushed cookies, cinnamon sticks, or sprinkles. Serve immediately for a thick, indulgent treat.
Tips for the Best Eggnog Milkshake
This shake couldn’t be easier, but these tips make it irresistible.
- Quality is key. Choose a creamy, flavorful store-bought brand, or make your own eggnog for a richer taste.
- Chill the glass. To keep your milkshake cold longer, pop the serving glasses into the freezer for 10–15 minutes before pouring.
- Soften it up. Slightly soften the vanilla ice cream before blending for a smoother and creamier texture.
- Balance your spices. Start with the recipe amounts of nutmeg and cinnamon. Adjust them to your taste after blending to find your perfect balance.
- Go the boozy route. If adding alcohol, rum delivers classic eggnog flavor, bourbon adds depth, and brandy brings a sweet warmth.
- Get creative with garnishes. Elevate presentation and flavor by topping with whipped cream, a light dusting of nutmeg, and creative garnishes. Try crushed gingerbread cookies, cinnamon sticks, or colorful holiday sprinkles.
How to Store
If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep things fresh.
To Store: Eggnog milkshakes are best served fresh to maintain their creamy texture and flavor. If needed, store leftovers in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 24 hours, but expect some melting and separation. Stir before serving.
To Freeze: For longer storage, pour the milkshake into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before stirring or re-blending to restore its consistency.
To Make Ahead: Blend and freeze in glasses for up to 1 hour if serving multiple milkshakes at a party. Top with whipped cream and garnishes just before serving.