Is Eggnog Gluten Free? Not all the time!

Gluten free eggnog

As the holiday season approaches, one delightful and rich concoction graces our tables and warms our hearts – eggnog. When you eat gluten free, you need to ask, is eggnog gluten free? Not all the time!

Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or adding it into your favorite recipes, eggnog has become a holiday staple!

Growing up, my older brother always drank eggnog around the holidays. I never tried it because the thought of a drink made with eggs felt gross.

When I was in my 20’s, a friend offered me some eggnog and I felt adventurous and said yes.

She quickly made me a serving with some raw milk, a raw egg, and some maple syrup, and cinnamon.

I was amazed! It’s like drinking melted ice cream!

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog, often referred to as “nog,” is a traditional holiday beverage that traces its origins back to Europe.

This creamy and indulgent drink is typically made with a base of milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and a blend of warm spices and people often add alcohol to it.

Its distinctive flavor and velvety texture make it a favorite during the holiday months.

Eggnog Ingredients

We’ll examine the typical homemade eggnog recipe ingredients and store-bought eggnog ingredients.

Homemade ingredients

Below are the typical ingredients for a homemade recipe for eggnog.

Eggs, sugar, heavy whipping cream, milk, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

Storebought ingredients

Below are the ingredients for Southern Comfort Traditional Egg Nog.

Milk, Cream, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Egg Yolks, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Spice, Fat Free Milk, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Mono And Diglycerides, Annatto And Turmeric (color), Salt And Disodium Phosphate. (Source)

How is Eggnog Made?

Creating a batch of eggnog is very simple:

1. Prepare the base: Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until the mixture lightens in color and becomes smooth.
2. Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream until it’s steaming but not boiling.
3. Temper the eggs: Gradually add the heated milk and cream to the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
4. Cook the mixture: Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. This creates a custard-like consistency.
5. Add spices and alcohol: Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, cinnamon, and any optional alcohol you desire.
6. Beat egg whites (optional): If desired, beat egg whites until they form soft peaks and gently fold them into the mixture for added frothiness.
7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the eggnog until it’s well chilled. Serve in glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Is Eggnog Gluten Free?

The traditional ingredients of eggnog, homemade and storebought, are naturally gluten free.

However, if alcohol has been added to the eggnog the alcohol might contain gluten.

If someone is serving spiked eggnog, ask them what alcohol has been added.

Distilled alcohol is considered gluten free even though it is made with grains but some people with celiac disease still have issues with it.

Common Alcohol that is added to Eggnog

• Bourbon – Gluten free, made from grains but it is distilled
• Brandy – Gluten free, made from wine and fruit, and because it is distilled
• Dark rum – Gluten free, made from sugarcane, and because it is distilled

What Do You Use Eggnog For?

Eggnog’s versatility goes beyond being a simple beverage. Here are a few creative ways to use this holiday classic in your recipes:

1. Desserts: Use eggnog to flavor custards, puddings, ice creams, or even as a base for a velvety eggnog-flavored cheesecake.
2. Cocktails: Combine eggnog with spirits like rum, bourbon, or brandy to create festive cocktails such as eggnog martinis.
3. Coffee Enhancer: Add a splash of eggnog to your morning coffee for a seasonal twist on your daily brew.
4. Pancakes and Waffles: Substitute a portion of milk with eggnog in gluten free pancake or gluten free waffle batter for a delightful holiday breakfast.
5. Baked Goods: Incorporate eggnog into muffins, scones, or bread recipes to infuse a cozy flavor into your baked goods.

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