I had not bought eggnog in years and I’m not exactly sure why.
This smoothie reminded me what I have been missing.
And what a fool I’ve been the past few holiday seasons for not eggnogging it up.
I like eggnog best when it’s doctored up with other flavors.
I had some chai spice on hand and combined that with some sugars, a banana, the eggnog and seconds later got my ‘nog on.
Creamy, sweet, frothy, and made me feel like the holidays and Christmas are just around the corner. They are, but it’s been unseasonably warm here and the eggnog reminded me that yes, it really is almost Christmas.
The chai flavor was present and delicious, but if you are not a chai fan, you can skip it.
I loved it in this smoothie and think it complemented the eggnog well.
Then again, rum would complement the eggnog well, too.
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Eggnog Chai Smoothie
1 c eggnog
1 medium banana (previously frozen in chunks is optimal but not necessary)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c white sugar
1/4 c brown sugar
1 c ice
1/2 tsp + chai spice blend, or more to taste (buy it here or here or here)
Make your own chai spice blend by combining and mixing the following in a small bowl:
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon white pepper (or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Store the extra spice blend in a cool dark place in a covered container
Optional:
Add nutmeg, garam masala, allspice, all to taste.
Use another sweetener such as stevia in place of the sugar.
The banana is mostly added for texture rather than flavor. You could replace the banana with approximately 1/2 c soaked cashews or approximately 1 c tofu, pressed and diced, if desired.
Add 1 ounce of rum or other liquor, i.e. Bourbon, brandy, whiskey, cognac, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Triple Sec, Vodka, Malibu, etc.
Directions: Combine eggnog, banana, chai spice, other spices, sugars, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. In a Vita-Mix, this took about 20 seconds.
Yields: About 2 cups of smoothie.
Tips:
All ingredients listed are essentially optional and to taste. Adjust seasoning types and levels to your palate and preferences.
Share with a friend or save half for later in the freezer and remove frozen portion about 30 minutes prior to drinking to allow it to melt a bit and come up to room temperature. It’s best when slightly melty for optimal creamy flavor. I make double portions of all my smoothies as long as I am dirtying dishes, I make extra.
Steep one teaspoon of chai spice blend in a teapot with your favorite tea for a delicious treat or add to coffee, water, etc.
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Apparently everyone had nog on the noggin’ the past few days because my local TJ’s was sold out of the regular version of eggnog.
The Trader Joe’s Light Egg Nog I used was a little “thin” tasting on it’s own, but used with the banana and other ingredients, it was perfect for smoothie making.
This smoothie and eggnog and the tweaks I can make and the directions I can go with it will be on my noggin’ for awhile.
I’m thinking:
eggnog and coffee
chai spice + bananas + eggnog in muffins
eggnog cake
chai spice anything
Oh, so many things I could make….
But for now I slurp.
Questions:
1. Do you like eggnog? If so, favorite brand or recipe? With or without alcohol added?
It’s a seasonal offering and that puts the buy-it-now-or-else pressure on and of course I’d like to buy a tasty version of it.
And alcohol added is welcome, depending on the time of day or what else is going on.
Some days you just need a little somethin’ somethin’ extra.
2. Do you like chai spice?
It’s one of those flavors not everyone ‘loves’. Same with eggnog, some people love it, some people would rather leave it.
I like it but occasionally rather than daily. I know some people could drink a chai latte every day. I’m not in that category but I do enjoy a good chai drink every now and then.
P.S. A few of my other recent favorite smoothies are
Blueberry Banana Recovery Smoothie
Caramel Maple Pumpkin Pie Smoothie <— dessert in a cup!
Thanks for the $50 Asian Food Prize Pack Giveaway Entries
Yes! So excited that soynog exists!
the So Delicious Coconut Nog is great from what people tell me, too.
I agree with Maia – what a delicious combination. Definitely trying this one. And I think my son is definitely going to dig this one, too!
Its hard getting into the Christmas spirit with this 80 degree weather. But now that ppl are putting up their lights – its helping to get into the spirit. ;)
well it officially got cold here now :(
enjoy the nog smoothie!
What a terrific combination of flavors!
The new SoDelicious coconut nog is to die for…I’ve definitely put that in my coffee on more than a few mornings recently.
thanks for LMK that…I’ve mentioned it now to other commenters and will try it for myself soon, too!
Two of my absolute favorite flavors– seriously. This will be made very soon in our kitchen.
So much eggnog popping up recently! I’m determined to buy it this year and not end up throwing half of it out. I usually crave it, take a sip and then remember how thick and rich it is and barely drink anymore. But this year I have cakes, smoothies and cookies to make with it :) love this!
“I usually crave it, take a sip and then remember how thick and rich it is and barely drink anymore” — which is why I didnt buy any for years!
but yes baking with it is key :)
my last post…the trick about the ‘Reader situation…still took 30 mins to show, but better than 3 hrs!
I just linked through to your post from LondonBakes sloe gin cocktail recipe…clearly I’m on a pre-Christmas drinks prowl :-) This eggnog looks amazing – love the addition of chai and can tell from the pictures it’s beautifully thick and creamy. Delicious!
i loveeee eggnog. that looks SO good. i’ve been making vanilla shakes and adding all those spices and it tastes just like eggnog. i need to make my own chai spice blend though! so i’ll be coming back to this recipe :)
hope you enjoy it and yes, adding enough spices (or sweeteners) to things and you can take even the most ho-hum things into hella yeah things :)
My mom would always buy eggnog during the holidays….loved it, always looked forward to it. There’s just something oh so special about eggnog. Never had it with alcohol though (yet). Chai…oh yeah! I have a cup of chai every morning, can’t get enough cardamom…..mmmmm. Silk has a nice version of eggnog, hope they do the same with their almond milk. Love your pics Averie!
Thanks for the compliments on my photos and sweet comment!
Hey there Averie. Here is another thing we have in common, eggnog and chai. I love eggnog but always feel so guilty drinking it so I usually just save it for Christmas eve. My kids hate it, GASP? How strange is that? I am totally 100% going to make this concoction though, seriously! Yummy!
I love chai tea in the afternoon. I make it at home when it’s cold and rainy and I need a warm spicy tea to sip on. I like the Oregon Chai brand. I mix it up with a little 1% and sit back and sip away.
Ok, you have to make that eggnog cake! If anyone can come up with an eggnog cake recipes, it’s you :)
When I was a kid I thought it was gross, too. But this version? It’s soooo doctored up that my daughter LOVES it. Of course, no alcohol involved but the seasonings and sweeteners work for her!
Good find with the TJ’s eggnog. I haven’t seen it in our local store yet, but once I do, I’m making this drink (with the rum…yes…I need that during the holidays). I found you through The Edible Perspective and will definitely be back to read more. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for saying hi, Jill! And hope to see you ’round. Enjoy the nog smoothie!
What a great recipe! This recipe is a prime example of why I started reading food blogs. The flavor combination ideas that I would never think of! I like alcohol in eggnog buy only if I add it myself. Never buy those premixed ones in the liquor store. They are awful! I can’t wait to try this smoothie and to make my own chai spice blend:)
yes this is so easy and DIY is the way to go. Premixed…blech!
I love the taste of eggnog, but it’s a little too much for me to ever commit to buying a carton! I usually just want a little swig and then I’m set for the season. This smoothie looks like it could be right up my alley though!
agreed on the lil swig/whole carton factor. But you can bake with it or make smoothies with it now :)
What an awesome recipe!!! It’s starting to get really cold where I live so I might have to save the blending for later, but I’m inspired to make an eggnog latte now. The flavor profiles of chai and eggnog together sound absolutely divine!
I’ve never tried egg nog but everyone keeps talking about it this year – I might have to give it a shot.
looks fabulous!! I want some of this now
Thank you so much, Alison. And for our email chats.
I heart you :)