Cashew Nut Nog

From the kitchen of Carly

Creamy cashew and hazelnut milk infused with warm spices, orange zest, and coconut. Silky, luxurious, and nothing like store-bought nog. Topped with whipped egg whites for that classic festive richness.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 11 cup cashews
  • 11 cup skin-on hazelnuts (not roasted)
  • 12 wide strips orange zest
  • 12 cinnamon sticks
  • 12 star anise pods
  • 14 whole cloves
  • 11 13.5 ounce can coconut milk
  • 12 tablespoons agave syrup (nectar)
  • 11 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 14 large egg whites*
  • 11/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 11 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 11/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 11 cup dark or spiced rum (optional)
  • 1Freshly grated nutmeg (for serving)
  • 12 pieces of cheesecloth

Instructions

  1. Combine cashews, hazelnuts, and 4 cups hot water in a blender or a large bowl. Tie up orange zest, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves in a layer of cheesecloth. Lightly crush spices with a wooden spoon to release oils and add to nut mixture. Let sit overnight.

  2. Remove spice bundle; discard. Blend nut mixture 2 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a layer of cheesecloth into a large pitcher, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Whisk coconut milk, agave, and vanilla into nut milk. Cover and chill until cold, at least 3 hours.

  3. Just before serving, beat egg whites in a medium bowl to soft peaks; beat in powdered sugar, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. Combine rum, if using, and nut milk mixture in a punch bowl. Top with meringue and sprinkle with nutmeg.

  4. DO AHEAD: Nut milk mixture can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled.