Name: Eggnog Milkshake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 cups premium vanilla ice cream; 1 1/2 cups store-bought or homemade eggnog; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (plus more for garnish); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ounces bourbon (rum, or brandy (optional)); Pinch of cinnamon (optional); Pinch of sea salt

There’s something magical about sipping a cold, creamy glass of eggnog milkshake while holiday lights twinkle overhead, and the rich vanilla and nutmeg flavors transport you straight back to childhood memories.

This recipe takes everything you love about eggnog and turns it into a dessert-like shake that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to serve at parties or a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, this shake delivers that nostalgic eggnog taste without any fussy techniques.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can make it as boozy or family-friendly as you want, adjust the spice level to your preference, and even swap in different ice cream flavors for variety.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shake brings everything you want from a holiday beverage into one delicious glass.

Ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish.
Made with just a handful of pantry staples and quality ice cream.
Naturally creamy without any weird additives or overly thick texture.
Works perfectly for holiday parties, casual weeknight desserts, or a quick breakfast treat.
Easily customized for different tastes, dietary needs, and flavor preferences.

My Experience Making This Recipe

The first time I made this shake, I was skeptical that something so simple could taste as good as a proper eggnog. I blended premium vanilla ice cream with store-bought eggnog, a splash of rum, and a pinch of nutmeg, and within seconds I had something that tasted like the best parts of holiday season in a glass.

What surprised me most was how forgiving the recipe is. I’ve made it with different ice cream brands, adjusted the eggnog-to-ice cream ratio, and even experimented with bourbon and brandy, and it always turns out delicious.

My family now requests this shake every December, and I love that I can make individual servings quickly or batch it for crowds without any stress. The spice notes really shine through when you use freshly grated nutmeg, which makes all the difference.

Recipe Overview

Recipe Name: Eggnog Milkshake
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Dessert, Beverage
Cuisine: American
Calories per Serving: 385

Equipment You Will Need

Blender or milkshake maker
Measuring cups and spoons
Two tall glasses
Microplane or box grater for nutmeg
Spoon or straw for serving

Ingredients for Eggnog Milkshake

2 cups premium vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 cups store-bought or homemade eggnog
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional, for adult version)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Premium vanilla ice cream creates a rich, smooth base that doesn’t add weird flavors or additives. You can substitute with French vanilla or even high-quality vanilla gelato, though the texture will be slightly denser.
Fresh eggnog tastes noticeably better than shelf-stable versions and worth seeking out from local dairies if you can find it. If you only have shelf-stable eggnog, that works fine, though you may want to add an extra splash of vanilla extract to brighten it up.
Whole milk balances the thickness of the shake and helps it blend smoothly without becoming too icy. Oat milk or 2% milk works as a substitute, though whole milk gives the richest flavor.
Freshly grated nutmeg adds warm spice that transforms the shake from plain to special. Pre-ground nutmeg works but loses flavor quickly; if using pre-ground, add an extra pinch.
Bourbon or spiced rum adds depth and warmth to the adult version without overwhelming the eggnog flavor. Omit entirely for a family-friendly shake, or use 1 ounce if you want just a hint of warmth.

How to Make Eggnog Milkshake

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

Pull out your blender and measure out all your ingredients before you start blending. Having everything ready ensures your shake blends smoothly and stays cold, since the blending process happens fast.

Step 2: Add the Eggnog First

Pour the eggnog into your blender first, then add the whole milk. Starting with the liquid helps distribute the other ingredients evenly and prevents clumping.

Step 3: Add the Ice Cream

Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the blender on top of the liquid ingredients. Cold ingredients combined together create a shake with the right consistency, thick enough to be satisfying but still drinkable.

Step 4: Add Spices and Flavorings

Sprinkle in the freshly grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The salt balances the sweetness and makes the eggnog flavor pop, while nutmeg adds that authentic holiday warmth.

Step 5: Add Alcohol (If Using)

If you’re making the adult version, pour in your bourbon, rum, or brandy now. The alcohol blends smoothly with the cold mixture and adds a sophisticated finish without overpowering the eggnog flavor.

Step 6: Blend Until Smooth

Secure the blender lid and blend on medium speed for 30 to 45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend or you’ll incorporate too much air and end up with a foamy, icy texture instead of a rich shake.

Step 7: Check Consistency and Taste

Stop and taste a small amount from a spoon to check the flavor and consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again; if it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream.

Step 8: Pour and Garnish

Pour the shake into two tall glasses and top each with a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon if you like. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon while it’s still cold and creamy.

Pro Tip: Use ice cream that’s been sitting at room temperature for just 1 minute before scooping, as slightly soft ice cream blends into a creamier shake without requiring as much milk.

Tips for the Best Eggnog Milkshake

Always use freshly grated nutmeg rather than pre-ground whenever possible. Fresh nutmeg adds brightness and warmth that pre-ground nutmeg simply cannot match after sitting in your spice cabinet.
Chill your glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes before pouring if you’re not serving the shake right away. This keeps the shake cold longer and creates a nicer presentation.
If your eggnog is very thick, thin it slightly with milk before blending to get the right consistency. Some homemade eggnogs are dense and can make the shake too thick to drink comfortably.
For a less sweet shake, use a touch less ice cream and add an extra splash of milk. This lets the eggnog and spice flavors shine through without the shake tasting like pure vanilla ice cream.
Make it a frozen shake by using frozen ice cream straight from the freezer and adding a small handful of ice. This creates a thicker, more slushy texture that feels indulgent.
Keep your eggnog in the coldest part of your fridge and work quickly when blending to prevent the shake from melting. A cold blender pitcher also helps maintain the right texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using overly warm eggnog or ice cream will result in a thin, soupy shake that tastes more like eggnog soup than a proper milkshake. Keep all ingredients cold until the moment you blend.
Over-blending aerates the shake and creates a foamy top layer instead of creamy texture. Blend just until smooth and stop, typically 30 to 45 seconds.
Skipping the nutmeg entirely removes the signature holiday spice that makes this shake special. Even a pinch makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Adding too much alcohol overpowers the eggnog flavor and makes the shake taste more like a cocktail than a dessert. Stick to 2 ounces or less for proper balance.
Using low-quality or artificial vanilla ice cream creates an off-flavor that clashes with the eggnog. Splurge on premium ice cream for this shake.

Serving Suggestions

This shake shines on its own, but pairing it with the right food makes it even better. Serve it alongside cookies, brownies, or holiday pastries for a complete treat.

Gingersnap cookies add spiced crunch and complement the nutmeg notes perfectly.
Shortbread cookies bring buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy shake.
Biscotti for dunking transforms the shake into an interactive dessert moment.
Sugar cookies decorated for the holidays make a festive presentation.
Chocolate brownies add richness and work with bourbon or rum versions especially well.

Variations to Try

Spiced rum eggnog shake: use spiced rum instead of plain bourbon for extra warmth and molasses notes that enhance the holiday flavor.
Brandy and honey eggnog shake: add 1 tablespoon of honey and use brandy for a sophisticated, slightly floral version.
Cinnamon eggnog shake: increase the cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon and add a tiny pinch of ground cloves for deeper spice complexity.
Salted caramel eggnog shake: drizzle caramel sauce into the blender before mixing and use salted caramel ice cream instead of vanilla for sweet and salty notes.
Cold brew eggnog shake: add 1/4 cup of cold brew coffee to create a coffee-eggnog hybrid that feels sophisticated and less sweet.

Dietary Adaptations

Dairy-free version: use coconut or oat milk eggnog and dairy-free vanilla ice cream, though note that the texture will be slightly less creamy than the traditional version.
Vegan eggnog shake: substitute with store-bought vegan eggnog and coconut or cashew ice cream for a rich, plant-based option that tastes surprisingly close to the original.
Low-carb or keto: use unsweetened eggnog and keto-friendly vanilla ice cream made with allulose or stevia, keeping total carbs under 8 grams per serving.
Gluten-free: all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions needed unless your eggnog or ice cream contain gluten additives.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftover shake in a covered glass for up to 24 hours in the coldest part of your fridge. The texture will separate slightly, so give it a stir or quick blend before drinking.

Shake will taste best within 4 hours of blending while still creamy.
Cover tightly to prevent the shake from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezer

Pour the shake into a shallow container and freeze for up to 2 weeks for a frozen treat. You can also freeze individual servings in popsicle molds.

Thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes before blending again for a slushy texture.
Frozen shakes work great on hot days when you want something cold and creamy.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this shake since it’s served cold. If separated, blend again for 10 to 15 seconds to restore the creamy texture.

A quick blend brings back the original consistency perfectly.
Never heat eggnog-based shakes as the eggs can break down and create an unpleasant texture.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient	Amount
Calories	385
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	38g
Protein	5g
Sodium	95mg
Cholesterol	65mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredients. Alcohol content is not included in calorie calculations if used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this shake ahead for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the shake up to 4 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge, though blending fresh is always best. If making for a crowd, blend individual batches right before serving for the creamiest texture.

What’s the best eggnog brand to use?

Local dairy eggnog tastes noticeably richer than mass-market versions, so seek it out if your area has local options. Trader Joe’s and store-brand premium eggnogs are solid choices if you can’t find fresh local eggnog.

Can I use eggnog liqueur instead of regular eggnog?

Eggnog liqueur is much thicker and sweeter than regular eggnog, so it’s not a direct swap. If you want to use it, use only 3/4 cup eggnog liqueur plus 3/4 cup milk to balance the sweetness.

Why did my shake turn out grainy or icy?

This happens when you over-blend or use ice cream that’s too cold straight from the freezer. Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for 1 minute before scooping, and blend for only 30 to 45 seconds.

Can I make this shake without dairy?

Absolutely, use non-dairy eggnog and dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a plant-based version. The texture will be slightly less rich, but it’s still delicious and creamy.

How much alcohol can I safely add?

Up to 2 ounces (1/4 cup) per shake keeps the flavor balanced without overpowering the eggnog notes. More than that and the shake tastes more like a cocktail than a dessert.

Final Thoughts

The eggnog milkshake deserves a spot in your holiday dessert rotation because it’s simple, delicious, and brings that nostalgic eggnog magic to the table without any fuss. Every sip tastes indulgent and festive, and the fact that it takes less than five minutes to make feels like a bonus.

Give this recipe a try this holiday season and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different spirits and spices, you’ll end up with a shake that feels special every single time.

Looking for more festive holiday beverages to serve at your celebrations? Check out our bourbon milk punch recipe for another crowd-pleasing option, or explore our boozy butterbeer recipe for a cozy alternative that works year-round.