Why You’ll Love This Eggnog Cashew Smoothie

• It’s dairy-free but incredibly creamy. Soaked cashews blend into the most luxurious, smooth base you can imagine—no dairy needed, and it’s just as satisfying as the classic.
• The flavor is pure holiday nostalgia. We’re using real nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to create that unmistakable eggnog taste, but in a much lighter, more refreshing form.
• It’s naturally sweetened. Medjool dates bring a deep, caramel-like sweetness and help bind everything together, so you avoid refined sugars completely.
• It’s versatile and quick. You can have this ready in under five minutes, and it works beautifully as a breakfast, a post-workout refresher, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
• 2 pitted Medjool dates
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch of ground cloves (optional, but lovely)
• 1 cup ice cubes

Tools: A high-speed blender, a measuring cup and spoons, and a fine-mesh strainer (if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture).

Don’t skip soaking the cashews—it’s what gives the smoothie that signature creamy body. And if you’re out of dates, a tablespoon of maple syrup works in a pinch, but the dates really do add something special.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Serves: 1 large or 2 smaller servings | Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus soaking time) | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Soak those cashews properly. This is non-negotiable for creaminess. If you’re in a rush, you can cover them with boiling water and let them sit for 30 minutes, but an overnight soak in cold water is best.
• Use a high-speed blender. You really want to get this smoothie completely silky, and a powerful blender makes all the difference. If yours is less powerful, blend a little longer.
• Don’t be shy with the spices. Freshly grated nutmeg is a game-changer here if you have it. The flavor is just brighter and more aromatic.
• Taste and adjust as you go. Want it sweeter? Add another date. Prefer a stronger spice kick? A tiny pinch more cloves can be magical. Make it your own.

How to Make Eggnog Cashew Smoothie

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• Oatmeal with toasted pecans — The warm, chewy texture of the oatmeal is a lovely contrast to the cool, creamy smoothie, making it a complete and cozy breakfast.
• A simple slice of whole-grain toast with almond butter — This adds some staying power and a nice savory note that balances the sweet, spiced flavors of the drink.
• A small side of scrambled eggs with chives — For a more substantial brunch, the savory eggs complement the sweet, spiced profile beautifully without overwhelming it.

Drinks

• A hot cup of black coffee — The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the richness of the smoothie and really makes the spices pop on your palate.
• Sparkling water with a twist of orange — The effervescence is wonderfully refreshing and cleanses the palate between sips of the creamy smoothie.
• A small glass of chilled chai tea — It doubles down on the warm spice theme, creating a wonderfully cohesive and aromatic flavor experience.

Something Sweet

• A chewy ginger molasses cookie — The bold ginger and deep molasses are a match made in heaven with the nutmeg and vanilla in the smoothie.
• A square of dark chocolate with sea salt — The slight bitterness and saltiness provide a sophisticated counterpoint to the sweet, creamy drink.
• A small bowl of fresh pear slices — Their mild sweetness and juicy crunch are a light, refreshing way to end the meal without adding too much heaviness.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using unsoaked cashews. You’ll end up with a gritty, grainy texture instead of that luxurious creaminess we’re after. I’ve tried to rush this step before and honestly, it’s just not worth it.
• Mistake: Overloading on cloves. A little goes a very, very long way. Too much will make your smoothie taste medicinal rather than festive. Stick to a small pinch.
• Mistake: Not blending long enough. Cashews need a good minute or two of high-speed blending to break down completely. Patience is key for that perfectly silky mouthfeel.
• Mistake: Using old, stale spices. Ground spices lose their potency over time. If your nutmeg or cinnamon doesn’t smell like much, it won’t taste like much either. Freshen up your stash!

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make a spice paste for intense flavor. Before adding the liquid, blend the soaked cashews with the dates and spices first into a thick paste. This ensures the spices are perfectly distributed and no clumps are left behind.
• Tip: Freeze your smoothie for a frostier treat. Pour the blended smoothie into a shallow container and freeze for 1-2 hours, then scrape with a fork for an “eggnog granita” dessert. It’s so good.
• Tip: Add a scoop of collagen or vanilla protein powder. It blends in seamlessly, adds a protein boost, and can make it even more filling for a meal replacement, without altering the classic flavor.
• Tip: Toast your cashews for a nuttier depth. After soaking and draining, spread the cashews on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool completely before blending. It adds a whole new dimension.

FAQs

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
You can, but it’s best enjoyed immediately for maximum freshness and froth. If you must prep ahead, blend everything except the ice and store the base in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, give it a quick shake or stir, add the ice, and blend again. The texture might be a little less airy, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

What can I use instead of cashews?
If you have a nut allergy, soaked sunflower seeds are a great substitute—they also get very creamy. For a lower-fat version, you could try using half a ripe banana and a tablespoon of oat flour, though the flavor profile will shift a bit. The banana will make it sweeter and the oat flour helps with thickness.

My smoothie is too thick. How can I thin it out?
No problem at all! Just add more of your plant-based milk, a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until it reaches your desired consistency. You could also use a little cold water if you don’t want to dilute the flavor with more milk.

Is there a way to make this without a high-speed blender?
Yes, but it requires a bit more effort. Soak your cashews for a full 8-12 hours to ensure they are as soft as possible. You may also want to chop the dates finely. Blend for a longer period, stopping to scrape down the sides frequently. For the smoothest result, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to catch any remaining bits.

Can I add alcohol to this for a grown-up version?
Absolutely! For a festive cocktail, add a shot (1.5 oz) of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy after blending. It incorporates beautifully. Just be mindful that the alcohol will slightly thin the texture, so you might want to add an extra ice cube or two to compensate.