How to Make a McDonald’s-Style Eggnog Shake at Home
Experience creamy holiday comfort in every sip with personalized flavors and fun toppings.
The McDonald’s Eggnog Shake is a much-loved holiday treat—a creamy, spiced milkshake with the unmistakable flavor of classic eggnog. Missing from menus in recent years, this shake is still one of the most requested copycat recipes for at-home enjoyment. This guide walks you through recreating the nostalgic experience step by step and includes tips for perfecting the shake, creative twists, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why Make Your Own Eggnog Shake?
Whether McDonald’s discontinued its Eggnog Shake or it remains elusive in your area, making your own at home means you get all the festive flavor on demand. Homemade versions allow you to:
- Customize thickness and sweetness to your liking.
- Use your favorite brand (or even homemade) eggnog.
- Create dairy-free or alcohol-infused variations for every occasion.
- Add fun toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.
What Is an Eggnog Shake?
An eggnog shake is simply a thick, creamy milkshake featuring the classic holiday flavors of eggnog—a rich, custardy beverage made with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and usually nutmeg or other spices. The shake is typically made by blending vanilla ice cream with eggnog for a luxurious, dessert-like treat. Toppings like whipped cream, nutmeg, and maraschino cherries evoke the festive tradition served up in McDonald’s nostalgia.
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of a Classic Eggnog Shake
This copycat recipe keeps things simple, emphasizing quality and balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | Provides the creamy, sweet foundation of the shake. Choose a rich, full-fat variety for best results. |
| Eggnog | Delivers the signature flavor—opt for classic or homemade eggnog, or try flavored versions for a twist. |
| Ground Nutmeg | Infuses the shake with warm spice—essential for true eggnog flavor. |
| Whipped Cream | For topping—adds a light, cloud-like finish to each glass. |
| Maraschino Cherry (optional) | Classic sundae-style garnish for a nostalgic McDonald’s vibe. |
Ingredient Notes & Variations
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Substitute with eggnog ice cream for extra eggnog punch.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy vanilla ice cream and plant-based eggnog.
- Alcoholic Shake: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy for grown-up festivities.
- Sugar Level: For a less sweet shake, choose a low-sugar ice cream or homemade eggnog.
- Extra Spices: Complement nutmeg with a pinch of cinnamon or allspice as desired.
The Essential Equipment
- High-powered blender
- Measuring cup
- Ice cream scoop
- Glasses for serving
- Whisk or hand mixer (for homemade whipped cream)
McDonald’s-Style Eggnog Shake Recipe
Classic, Nostalgic, and Ready in Minutes
This recipe yields 2 generously sized shakes, but can easily be doubled for a group.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (high-quality, slightly softened)
- 1 cup cold eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop Ice Cream: Place 2 cups of vanilla ice cream into your blender. Allow to soften for a few minutes if needed.
- Add Eggnog: Pour in 1 cup of cold eggnog.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg over the mixture.
- Blend: Blend until smooth and creamy. If shake is too thick, add a bit more eggnog. If too thin, add a scoop more ice cream.
- Serve: Pour into chilled glasses.
- Toppings: Top with plenty of whipped cream. Dust with additional nutmeg and finish with a maraschino cherry if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfect Eggnog Shakes
- For a thicker shake: Use less eggnog or more ice cream, and blend minimally until just smooth.
- For easy blending: Let ice cream soften for 5 minutes before blending.
- For a stronger flavor: Increase the eggnog or add a splash of pure vanilla extract.
- For a festive look: Use clear glasses, tall spoons, and striped straws. Top with brightly colored sprinkles or edible glitter for kids’ parties.
- Premade shakes can be stored covered in the freezer for up to 24 hours and reblended briefly before serving.
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Customizing Your Eggnog Shake
The classic vanilla-and-eggnog base is a blank canvas for all sorts of flavor and presentation upgrades:
- Chocolate Eggnog Shake: Replace half the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream for a chocolatey spin.
- Fireball Eggnog Shake: Use cinnamon-flavored eggnog (like Fireball) or add a dash of cinnamon whiskey for extra warmth.
- Spiced Shake: Add a pinch of cloves, or garnish with crushed gingersnap cookies.
- Deluxe Garnish: Rim glasses with crushed graham crackers or cinnamon-sugar before pouring in the shake.
- Kiddie Shake: Use colored sprinkles and mini marshmallows for family movie nights.
Making Eggnog Shakes Ahead
Although these shakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them up to a day ahead. Store tightly covered in the freezer. To restore the creamy consistency, let the shake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then blend briefly before serving to fluff it back up.
Eggnog Shake FAQs
What does a McDonald’s Eggnog Shake taste like?
It’s creamy, ultra-smooth, and captures the sweet, eggy flavor of classic eggnog with notes of nutmeg and vanilla—like the holidays in a glass.
Can I make an eggnog shake without a blender?
Yes, you can combine slightly softened ice cream and eggnog in a large bowl and whisk vigorously until smooth, or use a hand mixer for better results.
How can I make a vegan or dairy-free eggnog shake?
Use a creamy non-dairy ice cream (such as almond, soy, or oat-based) and plant-based eggnog found in many supermarkets. The process and ratios remain the same.
Is raw egg used in this recipe?
No. Store-bought eggnog is pasteurized and safe; homemade versions can be made with pasteurized eggs for extra caution.
Can I make this shake alcoholic?
Absolutely. Add 1–2 ounces of bourbon, rum, or brandy per shake for a classic spiked eggnog flavor. Drink responsibly if serving adults only.
How do I make it taste just like the McDonald’s version?
Use a malty, old-fashioned vanilla ice cream and a mass-market commercial eggnog for that “fast food shake” taste. Don’t skip a big swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg on top!
Expert Tips for a Crowd-Pleasing Eggnog Shake Bar
If you’re entertaining this holiday season, turn the eggnog shake into a choose-your-own-adventure dessert bar. Set out bowls of:
- Crushed cookies (gingersnaps, graham crackers, biscotti)
- Festive sprinkles and marshmallows
- Spice shakers with cinnamon and nutmeg
- Extra cherries and chocolate shavings
- Variety of spirits for adults (keep labeled and separate)
Let guests blend their own or add toppings for a fun, interactive treat with customizable flair.
Nutrition Information (Estimated, Per Serving)
| Calories | ~350 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 34g |
Values will vary based on exact brands and measurements used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze leftover eggnog shake?
A: Yes, but texture may become icier after a few hours. Re-blend briefly or let stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Q: What are the best ice creams for this shake?
A: Use a dense, creamy ice cream without strong mix-ins. Old-fashioned, French vanilla, or even eggnog ice cream work beautifully for that malt-shop texture.
Q: How do I make a lighter version of the shake?
A: Use light or reduced-fat ice cream and low-fat eggnog for a less rich, but still festive, treat.
Q: Are there kid-friendly variations?
A: Yes! Add sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a spoonful of caramel sauce for extra fun. Skip the alcohol and keep the spices gentle for younger palettes.
Final Thoughts: Make the Holidays Extra Festive
This homemade McDonald’s-style Eggnog Shake is more than a nostalgic fast food copycat—it’s a customizable, crowd-pleasing holiday treat that’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re blending a shake after tree-trimming, serving them at a holiday movie night, or setting up a festive DIY eggnog shake bar, this recipe brings the joy of the season to every glass. Cheers to creamy, eggnog-filled celebrations!
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