Forget politics — if you really want to hear some strong opinions at the holiday dinner table, ask your nearest and dearest how they feel about eggnog.
We’ve never met anyone who’s on the fence about this creamy concoction — either you love it or you hate it. And if you’re on Team Eggnog, then ’tis the season to chug as much of it as you possibly can while it’s seasonally appropriate.
Unfortunately, while eggnog is many things — thick, creamy, festive, full of sweet spices — it’s definitely not the healthiest holiday beverage out there. Traditional eggnog recipes call for heavy cream and loads of sugar, and one cup of eggnog typically contains about 223 calories. And it’s hard to resist refilling your mug, which means those calories can add up pretty quickly.
But you shouldn’t have to choose between your fit goals and your favorite holiday beverage. So we created a healthy eggnog recipe — same cozy flavors, but without throwing a wrench in your healthy holiday eating plan. “This recipe has about half the calories and 75 percent less sugar, which is significant,” says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, and Nutrition Manager at Openfit.
And if you’re anti-eggnog simply because the idea of sipping raw egg yolks freaks you out, don’t let that deter you from enjoying this tasty treat. Just choose pasteurized eggs, Giancoli says, and be sure to heat the eggnog to 160 degrees while you’re prepping it.
Here’s how to enjoy a healthier eggnog this holiday season.
Healthier Eggnog Recipe
This healthier eggnog recipe is a great way to enjoy the classic drink this holiday season!
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 Tbsp raw honey
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Place almond milk, egg yolks, honey, extract, and nutmeg in blender; cover. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Heat eggnog mixture in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 6 minutes, or just before mixture starts to boil. Mixture will be frothy at first and then will slightly thicken.
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Strain almond milk through a fine mesh strainer (or cheese cloth) before serving.
Recipe Notes
More holiday drinks:
Other tips:
- Eggnog can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer "adult" eggnog, add 1 Tbsp. of bourbon, brandy, or rum per serving.
- For boozier flavor, rum extract can be substituted for vanilla extract.
The Nutritional Facts have been estimated for this recipe.
