This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (2024)

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December 20, 2020

Functional Medicine Practitioner

By William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Functional Medicine Practitioner

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine practitioner with a certification in natural medicine and a doctor of chiropractic degree.

This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (3)

Image by Nadine Greeff / Stocksy

December 20, 2020

During the holiday season, most of my patients in mytelehealth functional medicine clinichave the same question. They want to know what treats they can eat without derailing progresstoward their health goals. And my answer always seems to surprise them.

There are actually a variety of substitutions and alternative recipes for almost all of the traditional holiday favorites. Plus, when these new versions are made well with quality ingredients, most of my patients discover they actually enjoy them evenbetterthan their old counterparts—and more importantly, theyfeelbetter afterward.

One of my all-time favorites is eggnog. With a few simple swaps, you can make a delicious homemade version that is alsoketotarian(my term for a clean, mostly plant-based keto way of eating). So next time you are craving the holiday classic, whip up this recipeinstead. Ditching conventional sweeteners and adding more brain1- and metabolism-supporting2 fats like coconut milk and MCT oil may even help boost your energy during this season. Yes, I still include egg yolks in the recipe since they can be a wonderful source of beneficial omega fats and brain-supporting nutrients like choline.

Ketotarian Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 organic egg yolks
  • 1 cup almond milk, unsweetened
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, unsweetened
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. MCT oil
  • Natural low-carb sweetener to taste (such as stevia, monk fruit, allulose, or xylitol)

Method

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and sweetener of your choice with a handheld or stand mixer until they lighten in color and are creamy. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl stir together the almond milk, coconut milk, MCT oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Heat this plant milk mixture and bring to a boil until foamy.
  4. While the plant milk mixture is still hot, use a ladle to slowly add into the yolks. Keep whisking continuously or the mixture can curdle.
  5. When you have added about half of the plant milk mixture, pour everything back into the pot with the remaining plant milk mixture.
  6. Continuously whisk and cook until the eggnog is thick and creamy. Temperature should be around 160°F.
  7. Pour into a large carafe or Mason jar and place in the fridge to chill. Good for around 2 days.
  8. Serve chilled.
This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (4)

William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian,The Inflammation Spectrum, and Gut Feelings.

Read More About William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

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More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more

This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (5)

William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

Will Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C., is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian,The Inflammation Spectrum, and Gut Feelings.

Read More About William Cole, IFMCP, DNM, D.C.

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This Creamy Eggnog Recipe Is A+ For Brain Health (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade egg nog keep? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

What kind of alcohol do you put in eggnog? ›

Choose The Right Spirit

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.

Why is eggnog called eggnog? ›

Babson College professor Frederick Douglass Opie contends that the term derives from two colonial slang words: grog (rum) that bartenders served in noggins (small wooden mugs). From here came egg and grog, then egg-n-grog, and finally the portmanteau eggnog.

What is eggnog usually spiked with? ›

For many of us, the holidays aren't complete without a mugful of rich, creamy eggnog: that classic mixture of beaten eggs, cream, sugar, and spices often spiked with brandy or rum.

How long does egg nog keep? ›

Homemade eggnog typically lasts 2-3 days if stored in 40º F or less under the proper conditions. Store-bought eggnog lasts 5-7 days after opening if it has been refrigerated. Canned eggnog lasts 4 to 5 months and around 5-7 days after opening.

Is eggnog good for you? ›

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.

Is vodka good in eggnog? ›

Can I mix volka with eggnog? Assuming you mean vodka, sure. Personally I'd suggest adding dark rum or bourbon or brandy to your eggnog - spirits that add flavor as well as 'punch' - but vodka works just fine.

Is Crown Royal good in eggnog? ›

Egg-cellent Eggnog Tips

Rum – I like dark rum in eggnog (Myers's is what I usually buy), but spiced rum would also be fabulous. Whiskey – I typically use Crown Royal, but use what you like or keep on hand.

Does alcohol in eggnog cook the eggs? ›

No. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, "eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill Salmonella that may be present. Adding alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, but it cannot be relied upon to kill it completely." However, if you use pasteurized eggs, no further cooking is necessary.

Why do they stop selling eggnog? ›

Most plants keep producing eggnog through New Year's, and start dumping their unsold product in January. Although associated with the holidays, eggnog doesn't need to be seasonal. Dairy plants could produce small batches of eggnog off-season for hard-core nogheads, but they don't because it's not cost-effective.

What country invented eggnog? ›

It is first attested in medieval England in the 14th century. Although the treat originated in Britain, the term eggnog first appeared in Britain's North American colonies—soon to be the United States—in 1775.

Why do Americans love eggnog? ›

The drink's wintry spices, and the preference for serving it hot, made nog a Yuletide mainstay. As milk, eggs, sugar and rum became more affordable and abundant, eggnog became accessible to everyday Americans. Today, people around the world enjoy it, often putting regional spins on the recipe.

Do you put ice in eggnog? ›

Smooth and Creamy Eggnog

After giving it a good shake, you can strain and serve right away, or shake it again with ice if you prefer your eggnog extra chilled.

What brandy is best for eggnog? ›

I used St. Remy VSOP brandy and it turned out great. No sense wasting an expensive cognac against that much sugar and dairy.

How do you doctor up eggnog? ›

For each 8-ounce glass, add one shot (1.5 ounces) of alcohol. If you're mixing up a larger quantity in a pitcher of punch bowl, stir together a one-quart carton of eggnog with about four-and-a-half shots, or a half-gallon carton with about none shots.

How do you store fresh eggnog? ›

Carefully pour the egg nog into clean mason jars, swing-top bottles, or even the leftover liquor bottles and store them in the refrigerator. You can bottle your nog in leftover liquor bottles, swing-tops, or mason jars.

Does eggnog get better with age? ›

They found, unanimously, that aged nog was mellower and smoother than fresh nog. Similarly, Alton Brown says that "the longer the nog ages, the more mellow it will get." In The Art of Eating, Holly Jennings found three-week nog to be "rounder, smoother, and noticeably more complex."

Can eggnog be frozen for later use? ›

Eggnog may be frozen for up to six months. For best results, freeze eggnog in a container with a little extra room (about 1/2-inch of space from the top) to allow for expansion during freezing. Frozen egg nog should be good for about 6 months, whether it is store bought or home made.

Does alcohol make eggnog last longer? ›

How Long Does Aged Eggnog Last? Once the milk and cream have been mixed with the egg base, the amount of alcohol won't keep it shelf stable. Simply store it in the refrigerator in the glass jar for up to a week. Trust me; it won't make it long because it tastes so good!

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