Made at home and in minutes, your favorite creamy eggnog milkshake from McDonald’s! This eggnog shake tastes better than the popular seasonal fast-food treat, using fresh ingredients, saving you money!
Eggnog is a family favorite. Try my other eggnog recipes like these eggnog gooey butter cookies, eggnog pie (no-bake)! and and this classic Eggnog latte (Starbucks copycat!)
Whether you love traditional eggnog or homemade eggnog, I am guessing you are here because eggnog is your jam! Mine too!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Why You Will Love This Eggnog Milkshake
- A Treat for Two – This simple recipe makes two delicious milkshakes but can be doubled to make more, turning into a family favorite holiday drink.
- Customize it – Do you ever wish the McDonald’s eggnog milkshake had more nutmeg? Tweak the recipe to make it a taste of home!
- Seasonal – Eggnog and nutmeg – What more do you need to comfort you during the Christmas holidays? This quick recipe is the perfect way to start a new holiday tradition.
- McDonald’s Eggnog Shakes are so delicious and creamy, I understand that they actually use real vanilla ice cream too, but now you can make one at home.
Simple Ingredients
- Ice cream | A base of creamy vanilla ice cream base lets the eggnog flavor shine through. Use homemade ice cream – Try my Old-Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe for a real “WOW” factor! Remove the ice cream 5-10 minutes before using. It should scoop easy.
- Eggnog | I prefer full-fat eggnog. If you are spending the calories, why not go all out?
- Nutmeg | Freshly grated nutmeg makes a big difference!
- Vanilla | Use classic vanilla extract or try my bourbon vanilla extract–Yum!
- Garnish | Add toppings, like homemade whipped cream, more nutmeg, or cookie wafers.
- Frosted Glass | Place your glasses in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before serving, take them out when you are ready to pour.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make McDonald’s Eggnog Milkshake
Start this McDonald’s eggnog shake copycat recipe by adding the vanilla ice cream, egg nog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to a blender, combining until the ingredients are well mixed, about 45-60 seconds.
If adding alcohol, remove the stopper from the top and slowly drizzle the alcohol while mixing.
Fresh Tips
- Be careful not to over-blend the milkshake ingredients to get the best results.
- Before making the shake, set the ice cream out to soften for 10 minutes or so. You want soft, mixable ice cream, not rock hard or melting.
Next, pour the McDonald’s eggnog shake into a tall glass and add your favorite garnishes, like creamy whipped topping, freshly grated nutmeg, or a pinch of cinnamon. Then, indulge!
Fresh Tips
- A milkshake maker is unnecessary for this recipe – A classic kitchen blender will do.
- Make your experience with this Christmas milkshake even more enjoyable by serving it in a chilled glass!
- Add liquor for a boozy twist!
Craving more seasonal beverage recipes? Try my Starbucks Copycat Eggnog Latte and White Hot Chocolate Recipe, inspired by the Starbucks favorite. Or, try this Christmas morning chai latte (so good and not just for Christmas morning).
Variations & Substitutions
- Make your milkshake extra thick by reducing the eggnog to ½ cup.
- Add ½ teaspoon of rum extract for a non-alcoholic boozy version.
- Use eggnog ice cream for more delicious eggnog flavor!
- Add a wafer cookie straw or maraschino cherry on top. Other lovely garnishes are cinnamon sticks and a sweet syrup or sauce, like a salted caramel drizzle or chocolate fudge.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and allspice are delicious spices to add to the recipe for even more holiday flavor.
Dairy-Free Eggnog Shake Recipe
For a dairy-free or vegan eggnog milkshake, use plant-based eggnog and your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
Boozy Eggnog Milkshake with Bailey’s Irish Cream
Make a boozy milkshake with a shot or two of Bailey’s. Or use your favorite bourbon, brandy, or dark rum for a boozy eggnog shake.
Chocolate Eggnog Milkshake
Make using chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla, or add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to a regular eggnog milkshake.
Recommended Tools
- This Ninja blender is a versatile option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eggnog season starts at most local grocery stores around October, selling it until January or February, depending on where you live. Note that the closer you are to Christmas day, the more likely your store will be sold out or limited with their eggnog selection due to high demand.
Sure! Some stores will sell chocolate eggnog that you can replace the original eggnog with. Or add chocolate ice cream to the seasonal shake – Try my homemade Chocolate Ice Cream recipe!
Eggnog is made with, you guessed it, egg yolks, and while the mixture starts out with raw egg, commercially available eggnog is pasteurized, making it safe to enjoy the entire holiday season!
Storage Tips
Refrigerate – Since this is a frozen treat, storing in the fridge will result in a yummy liquid, but not a frozen ice cream shake.
Freeze – If you have a leftover shake, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, set it on the counter for 10 minutes to soften, then place it back in the blender for the best results.
Can you freeze a milkshake for later?
Any milkshake tastes its best when it is freshly made. However, you can save a milkshake by freezing it. Transfer the recipe to an air-tight container and keep it in the freezer for up to a few months. Then, place it on the counter at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften, re-whip, and enjoy it once more! Remember that the freezing process will affect the creamy texture.
- As the ice cream melts, the ingredients may separate. But that’s nothing that a little bit of mixing can’t fix!
- Do your future self a favor by marking the container with the expiration date or use-by date. It’s too easy to lose time during the holiday season!
- A great way to avoid the ice crystals and preserve the milkshake mixture after freezing for a while is by placing a piece of parchment paper directly on the shake and then sealing it with the lid.
- If you use plant-based milk, like almond milk or coconut milk, the texture may be more grainy than regular frozen milk, so be sure to blend it before serving again.
- If you don’t have a freezer-safe container, try using a large bowl covered with plastic wrap, a freezer bag, glass containers, or popsicle molds. Avoid freezing the milkshakes in the serving glasses, though.
- Store the milkshake in the main part of the freezer, where it is far from the freezer door, to save the quality of the drink.
What to serve with The Best Eggnog Milkshake
- Make it more festive and serve with a festive candy cane!
- Easy Cream Cheese Danish Recipe (Copycat Starbucks)
- Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies Recipe
- White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
For a tasty milkshake with the perfect texture, avoid over-blending. Just blend the ingredients until they’re well combined.
Best holiday treats to serve with McDonald’s eggnog shake
The holidays are for indulging, having a caroling party, and serving these creamy milkshakes. Try all of my holiday sweets!
Below are a few of our favorites: Cranberry Christmas Cake, Pfeffernusse Cookies, Crockpot Peanut Clusters, and more!
Easy Eggnog Coffee Cake Recipe (Bundt cake option)
Tender, fluffy coffee cake gently spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon and topped with a warm brown sugar streusel, drizzled with a simple eggnog glaze. With easy overnight instructions and high altitude adjustments.
Easy Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe with Butter Sauce
I can’t imagine the holidays without this easy Cranberry Christmas Cake! I love cranberries! It’s a sweet buttery, no eggs cake – great for breakfast or dessert with tart cranberries and a rich, warm vanilla butter sauce.
An easy must make this Christmas!
Pfeffernusse Cookies (German Spice Cookies)
Baked with the perfect combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (or pfeffer), Pfeffernusse Cookies are my family’s favorite traditional German cookies. Bursting with warm, holiday spices, these German spice cookies are tender and warm and the best dunking cookie as they cool!
Best Easy Crockpot Peanut Clusters Recipe
5 ingredients and one hour is all it takes to make crockpot peanut clusters that are delicious year-round! Decadent milk, dark and white chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips melt with crunchy peanuts for slow cooker candy that the whole family will love.
More Eggnog Recipes for the Holidays
- Easy No-Bake Eggnog Pie Recipe
- Eggnog Gooey Butter Cookies (from scratch)
- Eggnog Coffee Cake Recipe
- Eggnog Scones with White Chocolate Glaze
I hope you loved this McDonald’s Eggnog Milkshake — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Equipment
- Ninja Professional Countertop Blender
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups vanilla ice cream vanilla bean, French vanilla or favorite dairy-free ice cream
- ¾ cup eggnog I used full-fat, but use your favorite or plant-based eggnog
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg we love fresh grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Whipped Cream
- Extra Nutmeg
- Cookie Wafers, Cinnamon Sticks, Peppermint Sticks or Vanilla Wafers
Instructions
- In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, eggnog, nutmeg and vanilla extract (try my bourbon vanilla extract, yum!).
- Blend together until completely combined, but don’t overblend.
- Pour into a tall glass, topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh grated nutmeg.
- To make it more special add a wafer cookie straw, or a cherry to the top.
Notes
Variations
- Make your milkshake extra thick by reducing the eggnog to ½ cup.
- Add ½ teaspoon of rum extract for a non-alcoholic boozy version.
- Use eggnog ice cream for more delicious eggnog flavor!
- Add a wafer cookie straw or maraschino cherry on top. Other lovely garnishes are cinnamon sticks and a sweet syrup or sauce, like a salted caramel drizzle or chocolate fudge.
- Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and allspice are delicious spices to add to the recipe for even more holiday flavor.
- Dairy-Free Eggnog Shake Recipe | For a dairy-free or vegan eggnog milkshake, use plant-based eggnog and your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
- Boozy Eggnog Milkshake with Bailey’s Irish Cream | Make a boozy milkshake with a shot or two of Bailey’s. Or use your favorite bourbon, brandy, or dark rum for a boozy eggnog shake.
- Chocolate Eggnog Milkshake | Make using chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla, or add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to a regular eggnog milkshake.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate – Since this is a frozen treat, storing in the fridge will result in a yummy liquid, but not a frozen ice cream shake. Freeze – If you have a leftover shake, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, set it on the counter for 10 minutes to soften, then place it back in the blender for the best results.Nutrition
Chenee
I absolutely loved this! And I had enough ice cream and egg nog to make even more. It was perfect!
YAY! Thanks!
Casey
I rarely go to McDonalds, but when I do it’s because of the eggnog milkshake and the shamrock shake. I can’t wait to make this at home! It looks amazing and I know they won’t mess up my order lol.
I am the same!!
Kechi
Eggnog milkshake is my kids’ fav!!! Can’t wait to make it for them using this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Hope they love it!
Ieva
Eggnog is my favourite festive drink ever, so I am so pleased to see your recipe for a milkshake! YOu may now catch me drinking it in summer 🙂
Thank you!