Vanilla Almond Nog Mocktail Recipe

I’m a big fan of seasonal drinks that feel festive but keep things light—no alcohol needed. This vanilla almond nog mocktail totally delivers on creamy holiday flavor, but with a fresher twist.

It’s honestly so easy to put together, and it works for just about any occasion. Whether it’s a quiet night in or you’re hosting a bunch of friends, this drink fits right in.

When I first made this, I was a little skeptical, but wow, it’s smooth. The vanilla brings a gentle warmth, the almond gives it this cozy, nutty depth, and the nog just ties it all together.

You get that classic holiday vibe, but nothing feels too heavy or overdone. It’s kind of perfect if you ask me.

You’ll see how simple it is—just a handful of ingredients and nothing fancy for tools. After trying it once, you might end up making it on repeat all season.

Vanilla Almond Nog Mocktail Recipe

What I like about this recipe is it’s festive, but never too rich or filling. Creamy almond milk plays so well with cinnamon and nutmeg, and vanilla just smooths everything out.

It’s honestly just pantry staples and a couple of minutes of effort.

Equipment

I don’t really need much for this. Just a few basics, and I’m set.

• Cocktail shaker – Makes blending the almond milk, spices, and flavors a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons – I like to keep things balanced, especially with spices.
• Mixing spoon – If I’m not in the mood to shake, this does the trick.
• Fine mesh strainer – When I’m after that extra-smooth texture.
• Serving glasses – Usually I go for small mugs or tumblers, whatever’s clean.
• Small saucepan – Comes in handy if I want to serve the nog warm.
• Whisk – For frothing the almond milk, especially if I’m skipping the shaker.

Honestly, shaking makes it creamier, but whisking is totally fine too.

Ingredients

I always reach for unsweetened almond milk so I can tweak the sweetness. Vanilla extract gives it depth, and those classic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg—make it taste like the holidays.

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or vanilla almond milk
• 1 cup dairy-free eggnog or almond milk eggnog
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
• Cinnamon sticks for garnish
• Extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg for topping

Sometimes I’ll toss in a pinch of ginger if I’m craving a little more warmth.

Instructions

Usually, I start with cold almond milk, but if I want something extra cozy, I’ll warm it up a bit. Shaking or whisking is way better than just stirring—trust me.

• Add almond milk, dairy-free eggnog, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake for 20–30 seconds until it’s nice and frothy.

Taste it and see if you want a bit more sweetness—just add maple syrup or honey if you do.

• Strain into your glasses.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
• Pop in a cinnamon stick for garnish.

For a warm version, I’ll heat the almond milk and eggnog in a saucepan first, then mix in the spices.

Notes

I’ve found that unsweetened almond milk gives me the most control over how sweet the drink turns out. Sweetened kinds can get a little too sugary for my taste.

Vanilla almond milk is a nice upgrade if I’m after something a bit richer.

Sometimes I chill the glasses first to keep the drink cool, or I’ll go the other way and serve it warm in a mug for extra coziness.

Ground spices blend in best when shaken or whisked, but they do settle at the bottom after a bit. I just give it a quick stir before taking a sip.

A cinnamon stick is more than just a garnish—it adds a subtle spice as it sits in the drink.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the creamy texture jumps out at me. It’s rich and smooth—definitely not too heavy—so it goes down easy.

There’s a gentle sweetness from vanilla right at the start. It’s got this soft, warm vibe, almost like a cozy holiday nog, but thankfully it doesn’t smack you over the head with the flavor.

Then, the nutty almond flavor sneaks in. That roasted note really balances the sweetness and gives things a bit more depth. The almond sort of hangs around in the aftertaste, but in a good way—it lingers just enough.

I’m also picking up a little spice hint in the background. It’s faint, honestly, but it does help round out everything else and keeps the drink from feeling flat.

The mix of sweet, nutty, and creamy just works. I could see myself sipping this on its own, though I bet it’d go great with some light snacks or a dessert.