If you want your coffee to be Christmas in a cup, then you’ve got to try this Eggnog Latte! This homemade latte is as good as something you’d grab at your local coffee shop. It’s a holiday favorite that is delicious to the very last drop!
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Eggnog Latte recipe
‘Tis the season for any and every festive drink you can get your hands on! From bubbly Christmas mimosas to peppermint hot chocolate, I just love the holiday season and all the fun drinks that it brings with it.
Creamy eggnog drinks like this latte are honestly the underdog of the holidays. Sure, eggnog can be an acquired taste but in my personal opinion it is to-die-for! Mix it with some bold espresso and you’ve got a drink that’s perfect for this time of year.
A few years ago, Starbucks had an eggnog latte on their holiday menu. When they made the decision not to bring it back, there were some sad fans! But now, with this recipe, you can make your own eggnog latte that’s exactly like the Starbucks version.
And I’ve got other Starbucks copycat recipes too! My pumpkin spice latte and sugar cookie latte are show stoppers, and now you can add this recipe to the list. You’re gonna love it so much!
More coffee recipe: Baileys Iced Coffee • Whipped Coffee • Coffee Old Fashioned Cocktail
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s so many reasons to love making lattes in the comfort of your own home. I love this easy recipe because:
- It’s so much more affordable to make a Starbucks copycat eggnog latte at home than buying a latte at a coffee shop. I can make multiple lattes at home for a fraction of the cost of one store-bought drink.
- Any coffee lover will enjoy learning how to make their favorite drink. Then you can make it whenever you want — and you never have to get out of your PJ’s!
- You can make this homemade eggnog latte in just about 10 minutes. Honestly, that’s probably less than the amount of time it would take you to drive to a coffee shop, order, and wait in line.
What is eggnog?
Eggnog is a creamy holiday drink that is made with eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Traditionally it is spiked with something like brandy, whiskey or dark rum.
Eggnog is usually served cold, but it can be also served warm.
What is an eggnog latte?
The eggnog latte is simply a regular cafe latte with a splash of eggnog steamed with the milk.
This drink was on the Starbucks holiday menu until 2021, when it was removed much to the chagrin of eggnog latte fans.
Tools & glassware
First things first, you need a way to make hot coffee! Use an espresso machine, coffee machine, pourover maker or French press. You either need a steamed milk frother or a hand frother and a saucepan to froth heated milk.
Make sure you’ve got some measuring cups and spoons to measure each ingredient perfectly. You will also need your favorite mugs or a great travel cup to drink your coffee on the go!
Ingredients
These simple ingredients are all you need to make this sweet treat of a coffee drink! Here’s a list to make sure you’re ready to make this recipe:
- vanilla syrup
- espresso or very strong coffee
- eggnog — you could go classic or use a flavored one like cinnamon eggnog
- whole milk
- whipped cream
- nutmeg
Substitutions & variations
Need to stick to dairy-free options? You can make homemade dairy-free eggnog or buy one of the various non-dairy nog options out there. Then use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk as a substitute for whole milk. Omit the whipped cream, or use a dairy-free whip.
Pair the happiness of pumpkin spice lattes and this eggnog drink by using homemade pumpkin eggnog!
I typically grab a few different brands of store-bought eggnogs during the holiday season and use one to make this recipe extra easy. But you can make your own if you prefer!
You do not have to use spiked eggnog. In fact, many times, you can only buy the non-alcoholic kind at the grocery store. This works great and is what I used.
If you’d rather have something boozy, you might have to get it from the liquor store or add your own booze to the non-alcoholic kind. Make this a boozy latte by adding some bourbon, brandy, spiced rum or cinnamon whiskey.
How to make espresso
The easiest way to make lattes at home is with an espresso machine. Personally, I use this Nespresso machine.
I love having this on hand for easy lattes and cappuccinos. However, if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can still make coffee drinks at home. Here are a few methods to try:
- Aeropress: This easy method is great for making coffee and espresso. I have tried this before and it turned out really delicious!
- Stovetop espresso maker: You can make your espresso on the stove with this cute little pot!
- Instant espresso powder: This is probably my least favorite method because fresh coffee is much better and makes more high quality beverages. However, the instant stuff can still be good in a pinch, especially if you are traveling or can’t access these other methods.
Check out these tips for making a latte without an espresso machine.
How to steam milk
After you make your espresso, or while you are making it, it’s time to steam your milk and eggnog together.
One thing to note: It’s important that you don’t steam only eggnog — there must be more milk than eggnog, about a 2:1 ratio. Why? If you try to steam pure eggnog, you will get chunky scrambled eggs. No thanks!
There are a few ways you can steam your milk of choice:
- Frother machine: I use the Aeroccino that came with my Nespresso machine. If you do not have a Nespresso, try this milk frother that is similar (and much cheaper!).
- Hand held milk frother tool: Before I got an espresso machine, I used a milk frothing tool like this one. Just warm your milk first, and then use this electric frother to get your milk nice and foamy.
- Microwave: Believe it or not, you can steam your milk in the microwave! It is a great option if you don’t have the other tools.
- In a French press: This tutorial shows you how to froth milk with a French press. A great option that could keep you from having to purchase extra tools.
How to make an Eggnog Latte
Once you have your espresso or coffee brewing with your preferred method and the milk is steaming, you can start on assembling your eggnog latte. Here’s what to do:
- Begin by adding the vanilla syrup into to a latte mug or other favorite mug. Make sure it is large enough to hold the entire drink.
- Top with hot espresso or hot coffee. You will likely need about two or three shots of espresso for this latte.
- Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shots and layer on as much froth as you like.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve immediately!
Tips & tricks
Here are a few tips for success to make this Christmastime favorite:
- When making this delicious coffee drink, use a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio of eggnog to whole milk. You can’t froth only eggnog, or you will end up with chunky scrambled eggs, and no one wants that. Of course, that is different if you use a vegan ‘nog!
- You can adjust the level of sweetness in this recipe by adding or subtracting the amount of vanilla simple syrup used.
- To keep this drink extra hot, don’t let the espresso or milk just sit after making it. Combine the ingredients immediately after they are made.
FAQ
Yes! Just fill a large cup with plenty of ice. Add the espresso and slightly cooled steamed milk and eggnog over top.
Traditionally, eggnog is spiked. However, nowadays it is most often not spiked. This creamy beverage makes a great non-alcoholic holiday drink option for parties, morning coffee drinks, and so much more.
More latte recipes
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Eggnog Latte
ingredients
- ¼ ounce vanilla syrup
- ⅓ cup espresso or very strong coffee
- ¼ cup eggnog see note
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup whipped cream
- pinch nutmeg
instructions
- Make espresso. Then pour it into a latte mug and add vanilla syrup. Stir to combine.
- Use a milk frother machine or a milk frother tool to froth warm milk and eggnog together.
- Pour the eggnog milk over the espresso.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired.
notes
recommended products
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