✔ Updated · thicker ratio, pasteurized eggnog + a cooked homemade eggnog option
My copycat McDonald's eggnog shake takes 5 minutes and needs only vanilla ice cream, cold eggnog, a pinch of nutmeg and whipped cream.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Blend only until smooth, about 20 to 30 seconds. The blender warms and thins the ice cream fast, so a short blend keeps the shake thick.
The trick is the ratio: three parts ice cream to one part eggnog keeps it thick and spoonable like the drive-thru shake, with a rich custard and nutmeg flavor. Use store-bought eggnog, which is made with pasteurized eggs, or the quick cooked homemade eggnog below.
Why You'll Love This Eggnog Shake
- Holiday flavor in 5 minutes, with no cooking if you use store-bought eggnog.
- Thick like the drive-thru shake, thanks to a 3:1 ice cream to eggnog ratio.
- Easy to scale, so you can make one for yourself or a pitcher for a holiday party.
What Is a McDonald's Eggnog Shake?
It's a seasonal vanilla soft-serve shake flavored with eggnog, the creamy holiday drink made from milk, cream, sugar and eggs and spiced with nutmeg. The drive-thru version is thick, sweet and mild, with a gentle custard and nutmeg flavor and no alcohol.
This homemade copycat-style shake uses vanilla ice cream in place of soft serve and real eggnog for the flavor. It’s my December treat when the McDonald’s down the road stops serving theirs. It is not the restaurant's own recipe, but it hits the same thick, festive notes. If you like holiday shakes, try our gingerbread milkshake too.
Make It With Cooked Homemade Eggnog
Homemade eggnog must be cooked, because raw eggs can carry Salmonella. This quick stovetop version makes about 1 1/4 cups, enough for 2 shakes, and I make it when I can’t find eggnog at the store.
- Whisk 2 large egg yolks with 3 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan until pale.
- Whisk in 1 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream, and add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer. Don't let it boil.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, pour into a jar and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, before using.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use pasteurized eggnog. Store-bought eggnog is made with pasteurized eggs. If you make your own, cook it to 160°F (see below) and chill it before blending. Never use eggnog made with raw eggs.
- Keep the 3:1 ratio. 1 1/2 cups ice cream to 1/2 cup eggnog gives a thick shake. Add eggnog a tablespoon at a time if your blender struggles.
- Pick a rich ice cream. A full-fat vanilla or French vanilla ice cream gives the creamiest, most custardy result.
- Chill everything. A frozen glass and cold eggnog keep the shake thick for longer.
- Grate the nutmeg fresh. A little freshly grated nutmeg on top smells much more festive than pre-ground.
Copycat McDonald’s Eggnog Shake
1
large shake5
minutes0
minutes600
kcal5
minutesA thick, creamy copycat McDonald’s eggnog shake made at home: vanilla ice cream blended with store-bought pasteurized eggnog, a little vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg, then topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Ingredients
- For the Shake
1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/2 cup store-bought pasteurized eggnog, cold (or cooked homemade eggnog)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch ground nutmeg, plus more to dust
- To Top
1/4 cup whipped cream
1 maraschino cherry (optional)
Directions
- Chill a tall glass in the freezer for 5 minutes. Let the ice cream sit on the counter for 5 minutes, just until it is scoopable but not melting.
- Add the ice cream, cold eggnog, vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg to a blender. Use store-bought eggnog, which is made with pasteurized eggs, or homemade eggnog that has been cooked to 160°F and chilled.
- Blend on low for 20 to 30 seconds, just until smooth and thick. Don’t over-blend or the shake will thin out. For a thicker shake add another scoop of ice cream; for a thinner one add a splash of eggnog.
- Pour into the chilled glass, top with whipped cream, a light dusting of nutmeg and a cherry, and serve right away with a wide straw.
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Variations
- Gingerbread eggnog: add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Caramel eggnog: drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring.
- Lighter shake: use light vanilla ice cream and light eggnog.
- Spiked (adults only): add 1 ounce of rum, brandy or bourbon to the blender. Leave it out for kids and anyone avoiding alcohol.
What to Serve With It
An eggnog shake is a dessert on its own, but it's lovely with holiday cookies, a slice of pumpkin bread or a warm fruit pie. For a full drive-thru-style treat at home, pair it with our copycat McDonald's holiday pie.
Try These Recipes
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Cooks in 5 minutesDifficulty: EasyA copycat-style McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothie made with frozen strawberries, ripe banana, crushed ice and a splash of apple juice. Dairy-free as written, or blend in low-fat vanilla yogurt for the creamier restaurant-style version. Ready in 5 minutes.
McDonald's Apple Pie (Copycat)
Cooks in 100 minutesDifficulty: EasyCopycat-style McDonald’s apple pies: diced Granny Smith apples cooked with brown sugar, cinnamon and a little cornstarch into a thick filling, sealed in puff pastry pockets, fried at 350°F until crisp and blistered (or baked) and rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Homemade Oreo McFlurry (McDonald's Copycat-Style)
Cooks in 10 minutesDifficulty: EasyA copycat-style McDonald’s Oreo McFlurry made with three ingredients: vanilla ice cream softened and stirred with a splash of milk until it looks like soft serve, then folded with crushed Oreo cookies by hand so the pieces stay crunchy.
McDonald's Iced Coffee (Copycat)
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyA copycat-style McDonald’s iced coffee: double-strength coffee flash-chilled over ice so it never tastes watery, sweetened with a quick homemade simple or vanilla syrup and finished with a pour of half-and-half. Makes two 16-ounce drinks in about 15 minutes.
McDonald's Chocolate Chip Cookies (Copycat)
Cooks in 75 minutesDifficulty: EasyCopycat-style McDonald’s chocolate chip cookies: thick and soft with chewy centers and lightly golden edges, made with cold butter, brown sugar and an extra egg yolk, then baked low at 325°F and pulled while the middles still look underdone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use eggnog in a milkshake?
Yes, when you use store-bought eggnog, which is made with pasteurized eggs, or homemade eggnog that has been cooked to 160°F and chilled. Avoid homemade eggnog made with raw, unpasteurized eggs.
Does McDonald's have an eggnog shake?
McDonald's has offered an eggnog shake as a limited-time holiday item in some years and some areas, but it is not a regular menu item and availability varies by location. This copycat version lets you make one at home any time eggnog is in stores.
How do I make an eggnog shake thicker?
Add more ice cream, use less eggnog, chill the glass and blend for only 20 to 30 seconds. A tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix blended in also thickens it.
Can I make it without a blender?
Yes. Let the ice cream soften a little more, then whisk it with the eggnog in a chilled bowl, or shake both hard in a large sealed jar until smooth.
Can I make a dairy-free eggnog shake?
Use a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert and a plant-based eggnog-style drink, then top with coconut whipped cream.
Can I make it for a crowd?
Yes. Blend in batches of 3 cups ice cream to 1 cup eggnog, which makes 2 large shakes per batch, and pour into chilled glasses as you go.
☕ Cozy season? Warm up with our festive holiday drinks.
