Savor the season with a cold glass of this probiotic kefir eggnog recipe. Made with eggs, milk, kefir, vanilla and your favorite spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour yourself a glass (or two!) and enjoy this delicious, probiotic holiday drink this Christmas.
Eggnog. It’s the old fashioned flavor that has been enjoyed from generation to generation.
Traditionally eggnog is made with milk, cream and egg yolks. Variations can include the addition of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, clove or nutmeg or a splash or alcohol to create an adult beverage.
On our homestead, though I am partial to the traditional things of life, I do like to mix it up now and then. In this case, I am referring to turning a traditional holiday drink into a gut healthy eggnog recipe. A splash of milk kefir transforms this delightful beverage into a creamy, satisfying drink that you don’t have to feel guilty about drinking … because it is healthy … or shall I say healthier than the traditional Christmas drink recipes.
The eggnog recipe starts out with six egg yolks, whipped until thickened. With the addition of sugar the egg yolks turn into a gloriously smooth, satin-like ribbon. Warmed milk and cream are then added to create a light and frothy eggnog.
Once the eggnog has cooled, kefir is added along with vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. While most eggnog recipes made with kefir are created in a blender without heating the eggs, I chose to create a recipe with heated eggs to ensure a safe drink.
If you have a trusted source for farm fresh eggs, like we do, you can make eggnog with raw eggs. However, many people do not have access to safe, farm fresh eggs and I want this kefir eggnog recipe to be available to everyone, no matter what eggs you use.
This homemade eggnog recipe is perfect to serve alongside dinner, ladled into a mug for a special treat or doubled to share with guests at a Christmas party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Eggnog Recipe – Just a few ingredients and a couple of staple kitchen tools makes this eggnog recipe very easy and quick to whip up.
Healthy – While I would still consider this recipe for eggnog a special treat and not a daily drink, the ingredients were chosen to make it a healthier option. Real dairy, low-sugar, non alcoholic and added probiotics from the kefir.
Delicious Holiday Drink – Festive and flavorful, this probiotic kefir eggnog recipe is sure to be a favorite in your home.
What it Milk Kefir?
Milk kefir is a type of cultured dairy, typically made using real milk from a cow or goat. There are two ways to make kefir. The most common way is by using kefir grains. The grains are placed into a glass jar, covered in milk and within 24 hours, the milk has been transformed into kefir. The second way to create kefir is by using a packet of powdered milk kefir. This method is useful if you only want a little bit of kefir at a time. However, the package of dried kefir will only last a few times unlike the the kefir grains that will last indefinitely if you take care of them.
Why Drink Kefir?
- Contains 56 different strains of bacteria
- Great source of probiotics
- High in enzymes
- Packed full of vitamins, beneficial yeasts and good bacteria
- Good source of protein
- Helps boost immunity
- Improves allergies
- Great for the skin
- Can fix gut problems
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- Help to improve lactose intolerance
- Contains kefiran
- Boosts energy levels
Can You Make Eggnog With Kefir?
Yes, you sure can! You may make this probiotic eggnog recipe using milk kefir. Simply add the kefir to the eggnog once cooled down so that you do not destroy the beneficial bacteria in the kefir.
Tools You May Need
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Stock pot
Whisk
Ingredients
What are the ingredients in eggnog?
Egg yolks – The yolks add richness as well as thickness to this high protein eggnog recipe.
Milk – Whole milk is the best choice for this holiday drink.
Cream – Heavy whipping cream adds an extra rich and creamy flavor.
Kefir – A small amount adds a touch of probiotics to this Christmas drink recipe. If you allow the eggnog to sit in the fridge for a few days, the kefir will begin to ferment the eggnog, adding even more probiotics throughout.
Sugar – Just enough to add sweetness without overdoing it.
Vanilla
Spices – cinnamon and nutmeg are our favorite choices.
How to Make Eggnog Recipe
Makes: about 1 quart
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
2 1/4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup kefir
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the eggs yolks on medium-high for 1 minute, until thickened. Slowing add sugar until thick, glossy and the coloring has turned a very pale yellow, approximately 2-3 minutes.
In a saucepan, add the whole milk and cream. Bring to a very gentle simmer where there are small bubbles beginning to form on the sides of the pan. Remove pot from heat. Transfer warm liquid to a large measuring cup to make pouring easier. While the stand mixer is running on medium-low speed, gradually pour hot mixture over eggs and whip for an additional 2 minutes.
Pour hot milk and egg mixture back into the saucepan. Warm for an additional 1-2 minutes. Pour eggnog into a the same measuring cup you used in the step above and allow to cool to 110° F. Whisk in the vanilla, kefir, cinnamon and nutmeg. Transfer to a jar or pitcher with a lid and chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.
FAQ
What Spices Go in Eggnog?
In this probiotic kefir eggnog recipe I use nutmeg and cinnamon. However, you are welcome to use whatever spices you prefer. An addition of cloves would be nice. You could also try a sprinkle of ginger or allspice.
How is Eggnog Served?
The classic way to serve homemade eggnog is chilled and poured into a glass cup. You can make it extra decadent by topping it with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For a hot serving on a cold day, you can serve the healthy eggnog recipe warmed from the stovetop in a cozy mug.
If you plan to serve this fermented eggnog recipe to a large group of people, I would suggest doubling the recipe and pouring into a pitcher or in a punch bowl.
More Drink Recipes
Probiotic Kefir Eggnog Recipe
Savor the season with a cold glass of this probiotic kefir eggnog recipe. Made with eggs, milk, kefir, vanilla and your favorite spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour yourself a glass (or two!) and enjoy this delicious, probiotic holiday drink this Christmas.
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup kefir
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the eggs yolks on medium-high for 1 minute, until thickened. Slowing add sugar until thick, glossy and the coloring has turned a very pale yellow, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- In a saucepan, add the whole milk and cream. Bring to a very gentle simmer where there are small bubbles beginning to form on the sides of the pan. Remove pot from heat. Transfer warm liquid to a large measuring cup to make pouring easier. While the stand mixer is running on medium-low speed, gradually pour hot mixture over eggs and whip for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour hot milk and egg mixture back into the saucepan. Warm for an additional 1-2 minutes. Pour eggnog into a the same measuring cup you used in the step above and allow to cool to 110° F. Whisk in the vanilla, kefir, cinnamon and nutmeg. Transfer to a jar or pitcher with a lid and chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.
