Eggnog Shake Recipe

This creamy Eggnog Shake Recipe blends rich vanilla bean ice cream with spiced eggnog for a frozen holiday treat that rivals the famous fast-food seasonal favorite. Topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a cherry, it captures the essence of Christmas in a glass, offering a thick, indulgent sip that is ready in under 5 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Eggnog Shake Ingredients

The Shake Base:

• 1 cup Vanilla Ice Cream: Use a high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The premium fat content ensures the shake is thick and luxurious, not watery.
• 1/2 cup Eggnog: Full-fat commercial eggnog works best for the classic flavor profile, but homemade is delicious too.
• Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg blended inside enhances the spice.

The Garnish:

• 2 tbsp Whipped Cream: Aerosol can style is traditional for the “diner shake” look, or whip your own heavy cream.
• 1 Maraschino Cherry: The essential red jewel on top.

How To Make Eggnog Shake

1. Chill the Glass: Pro Tip: Place your serving glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before you start. A frosty glass keeps the shake thick and icy longer.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a blender canister, add the vanilla ice cream and the eggnog. If you want extra spice, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg here.
3. Blend: Blend on high speed for about 30 to 45 seconds. You want the mixture to be completely smooth but still very thick. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream; if it’s too thick to pour, add a splash more eggnog.
4. Pour and Serve: Pour the thick shake into your chilled glass.
5. Top it Off: Immediately top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Place the maraschino cherry right on the peak. Dust with a little extra nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately with a straw.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overblend: Blending creates heat (friction). Blend only until the ingredients are just combined. If you run the blender for 2 minutes, you will have eggnog soup.
• Ice Cream Consistency: Let your ice cream sit on the counter for 5 minutes before scooping. Rock-hard ice cream requires more liquid to blend, diluting the flavor. Softened ice cream blends with less liquid, resulting in a richer shake.
• Spiked Version: For an adult treat, add 1 ounce of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to the blender. Note that alcohol melts ice cream faster, so you might need less eggnog.
• Eggnog Choice: The thicker the eggnog, the better the shake. Low-fat eggnog can make the texture icy rather than creamy.

What To Serve With Eggnog Shake

• Gingerbread Cookies: The spice of the cookie complements the creamy shake.
• Salty Fries: The ultimate sweet-and-salty fast-food combo.
• Sugar Cookies: Simple vanilla cookies are great for dipping.
• Hot Espresso: Pour a shot over the shake for an “Eggnog Affogato.”

How To Store Eggnog Shake

• Freeze: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), pour them into a freezer-safe cup and freeze. Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes to soften before drinking again. Do not store in the fridge, or it will melt completely.

Eggnog Shake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 38g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per shake.

FAQs