11 Gourmet Gluten-Free Eggnog Recipes

11 Gourmet Gluten-Free Eggnog Recipes to try this holiday season — from classic and spiked versions to plant-based, flavored, skinny, and even eggnog for kids, there’s something for everyone! Eggnog is a beloved holiday treat that adds warmth and cheer to any gathering, but for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, store-bought versions are often off-limits. The good news? Making fresh, gourmet gluten-free eggnog at home is easier than you think!

3 Essential Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Eggnog

The rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors of homemade eggnog are truly worth the effort. But before you dive in, here are four essential tips to ensure your gluten-free eggnog turns out perfectly every time!

1) Choose the Right Ingredients

Check Labels: While most eggnog ingredients like eggs, milk, and cream are naturally gluten-free, always double-check labels on things such as spices, flavorings and alcohol. Some commercial brands may use hidden gluten or there is a chance of cross-contamination. So be sure all ingredients are gluten-free. 

2) Use Fresh Eggs

Fresh eggs are a key ingredient in classic eggnog, so it’s essential to use fresh, preferably organic, pasture-raised, and pasteurized eggs. 

3) Proper Cooking Techniques

To avoid the risk of salmonella, cook the eggnog gently to 160 F (71 C). Don’t overheat, heating the mixture slowly and gently is the key. Overheating or boiling the eggnog can cause it to curdle or lose its smooth, creamy texture.

Do Organic, Pasture-Raised Eggs Taste Better?

Many people believe organic, pasture-raised eggs taste better than conventional eggs, and here’s why:

Richer Flavor: Organic, pasture-raised hens eat a more natural diet, including grass and insects, leading to eggs with a richer, better flavor.

Vibrant Yolks: These eggs often have darker, deeper-colored yolks, which are creamier and richer in taste compared to pale yolks from factory-farmed eggs.

Cleaner Taste: With fewer additives and chemicals in their diet, organic, pasture-raised eggs tend to have a cleaner, more natural taste with no “off” flavors.

While the difference is subtle for some, many find organic, pasture-raised eggs to have a superior, richer flavor.

Is Bourbon, Rum, and Cinnamon Whiskey Gluten-Free?

If you’re avoiding gluten, it’s vital to know which spirits are safe to enjoy. In these recipes, I’ve used bourbon, rum, and cinnamon whiskey, all of which are generally considered gluten-free. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Is Bourbon Gluten-Free?

Distillation Process: Bourbon is made from grains (corn, barley, rye, or wheat). During distillation, gluten proteins are removed, making the final product gluten-free.

FDA Guidelines: According to FDA,  distilled spirits like bourbon are gluten-free, even if they contain barley or wheat in the mash.

Cross-Contamination: While rare, cross-contamination could happen if bourbon is bottled in facilities that also process gluten. Always check the label for warnings if you’re highly sensitive.

Popular Gluten-Free Bourbon Brands:

• Buffalo Trace
• Maker’s Mark
• Woodford Reserve

Is Rum Gluten-Free?

Made from Sugarcane or Molasses: Rum is derived from sugarcane byproducts, none of which contain gluten.

Distillation Process: Like bourbon, the distillation removes gluten proteins from rum, making it safe to drink.

Cross-Contamination: Rarely, rum could be contaminated during production in shared facilities. If you’re highly sensitive, check labels or reach out to manufacturers.

Popular Gluten-Free Rum Brands:

• Bacardi
• Captain Morgan
• Mount Gay
• Malibu

Is Cinnamon Whiskey Gluten-Free?

Base Spirit (Whiskey): Cinnamon whiskey uses whiskey as its base, which is gluten-free due to the distillation process.

Flavored Additives: The cinnamon and sugar flavoring usually doesn’t contain gluten.

Cross-Contamination: As with other spirits, check labels for potential cross-contamination if you’re extremely sensitive.

Common Cinnamon Whiskey Brands:

• Fireball (Many people report no issues, but it doesn’t have an official gluten-free label)
• Cinerator
• Bird Dog Cinnamon Whiskey
• Wild Turkey American Honey

Check out our list of Gluten-Free Cocktail Recipes for inspiration.

Indulge in 11 Rich, Creamy, Gluten-Free Eggnog Recipes for All Your Holiday Festivities

1. Gluten-Free Classic Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 6 large eggs
2. 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3. 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
4. 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
5. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
6. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
7. 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon or rum (optional)

Instructions:

• Whisk eggs and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
• Gradually add milk, cream, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until it thickens (do not boil).
• Let it cool slightly, then stir in the alcohol (optional).
• Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and serve.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups| Calories (per 1/6th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~220 calories

2. Gluten-Free Plant-Based Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) good quality coconut milk (or almond milk)
2. 1/2 cup (80g) cashews (soaked for at least 4 hours)
3. 3 tbsp (45 ml) pure maple syrup
4. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
5. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
6. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

• In a high-speed blender, blend soaked cashews with coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
• Add vanilla extract and blend again.
• Chill and serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~190 calories

3. Gluten-Free Spiked Eggnog with Cinnamon Whiskey Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) gluten-free classic eggnog
2. 2 oz (60 ml) cinnamon whiskey
3. Whipped cream for topping
4. Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

• Pour chilled eggnog into a glass.
• Add cinnamon whiskey and stir.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Estimated Yield: ~2 cups (depending on how much whiskey you add) | Calories (per 1 serving, ~1/2 cup): ~250 calories

4. Gluten-Free Chocolate Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) classic eggnog
2. 3 tbsp (45 g) gluten-free chocolate syrup
3. 1 tbsp (5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
4. 2 oz (60 ml) dark rum or bourbon

Instructions:

• Heat eggnog in a saucepan with cocoa powder and chocolate syrup until warm (do not boil). Whisk to combine.
• Stir in rum or bourbon and serve.
• Optionally, garnish with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~270 calories

5. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) classic gluten-free eggnog
2. 1/2 cup (120 g) pumpkin puree
3. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4. 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
5. 1/4 tsp ground cloves
6. 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon

Instructions:

• Whisk pumpkin puree into your eggnog with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Heat gently on low heat until warm, then stir in bourbon.
• Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~230 calories

6. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) classic gluten-free eggnog
2. 2 tbsp (30 g) molasses
3. 1/2 tsp ground ginger
4. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
5. 1/4 tsp ground cloves
6. 2 oz (60 ml) dark rum

Instructions:

• Whisk molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves into your eggnog.
• Heat on low until warm, then stir in dark rum.
• Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or crystallized ginger.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~270 calories

7. Gluten-Free Maple Bacon Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) classic gluten-free eggnog
2. 3 tbsp (45 ml) maple syrup
3. 1/4 cup gluten-free crispy bacon bits (roughly 2-3 strips of bacon)
4. 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon or rum

Instructions:

• Heat eggnog with maple syrup.
• Stir in bourbon or rum.
• Top with crumbled crispy bacon.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~300 calories

8. Gluten-Free Caramel Eggnog Latte Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup (240 ml) gluten-free classic eggnog
2. 1 shot (30 ml) espresso
3. 2 tbsp (30 g) gluten-free caramel sauce
4. Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

• Brew a strong shot of espresso and pour it into a cup.
• Heat eggnog with caramel sauce, then pour it over the espresso.
• Top with whipped cream and drizzle more caramel on top.

Estimated Yield: ~1 cup | Calories (per serving, ~1 cup): ~230 calories

9. Gluten-Free Nutella Eggnog Recipe (kids LOVE this eggnog)

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups (480 ml) gluten-free classic eggnog
2. 2 tbsp (30 g) Nutella
3. 1 tbsp (5 g) unsweetened pure cocoa powder
4. 2 oz (60 ml) bourbon (use 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract to replace bourbon for kids option)

Instructions:

• Heat eggnog with Nutella and cocoa powder until smooth. Whisk to combine.
• Stir in bourbon and serve.
• Optionally, garnish with whipped cream and cocoa powder.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/4th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~290 calories

10. Gluten-Free Eggnog Smoothie Recipe (breakfast anyone?)

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup (240 ml) gluten-free classic eggnog
2. 1 frozen banana
3. 1/2 cup (120 ml) ice
4. 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
5. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Blend chilled eggnog with a frozen banana, ice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
• Pour into a glass and garnish with a dusting of nutmeg.

Estimated Yield: ~2 cups | Calories (per 1/2 serving, ~1 cup): ~200 calories

11 Skinny Gluten-Free Eggnog Recipe 

(This recipe maintains the festive spirit of eggnog but reduces the fat and calories, making it a lighter option)

Ingredients:

1. 6 large eggs
2. 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (reduce the sugar to cut calories). For sugar-free option use 1-2 teaspoons of pure monk fruit extract (if using concentrated form), or 1/3 cup of monk fruit sweetener blend (if using a pre-blended version with erythritol).
3. 2 cups (480 ml) unsweetened almond milk (lower-cal alternative to whole milk)
4. 1/2 cup (120 ml) light coconut milk or fat-free evaporated milk (instead of heavy cream, this still provides some creaminess)
5. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
6. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
7. 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon or rum (optional, can still be used if desired)

Instructions:

• Whisk eggs and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
• Gradually add the almond milk, light coconut milk (or fat-free evaporated milk), and vanilla extract.
• Pour the mixture into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (do not let it boil).
• Remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, then stir in the alcohol (if using).
• Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg before serving.

Estimated Yield: ~4 cups | Calories (per 1/6th serving, ~1/2 cup): ~100 calories | Fat: ~5.8 grams | Sugar: ~8.6 grams

Quick Recap:

Most recipes yield between 4 cups and 2 cups, depending on the ingredients and how thick the eggnog becomes. The number of servings (and the calories per serving) can be adjusted by either increasing or reducing the portion size. These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands, size and preparation methods.

With these gluten-free eggnog recipes, you can indulge in a delicious, safe treat this holiday season. You may also enjoy our list of 26 Festive Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes from our Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide.

Happy Holidays

Kristina x