Eggnog Latte

5 from 1 vote

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!

Two cups of coffee with whipped cream and cinnamon on a marble table.

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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 CoffeeWhipped CoffeeCoffee 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.
Two cups of hot cocoa with cinnamon and nutmeg on a marble table.

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.

Two cups of hot cocoa with cinnamon and sprigs of spruce.

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:

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.

Espresso dripping out of an espresso machine into a glass espresso shot glass with a handle. .

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.
Two cups of hot cocoa with cinnamon and whipped cream.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Top with hot espresso or hot coffee. You will likely need about two or three shots of espresso for this latte.
  3. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso shots and layer on as much froth as you like.
  4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Serve immediately!
Two cups of hot cocoa on a silver tray.

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

Can I make an iced eggnog latte?

Yes! Just fill a large cup with plenty of ice. Add the espresso and slightly cooled steamed milk and eggnog over top.

Does eggnog have to be spiked?

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.

Two cups of coffee with cinnamon and nutmeg on a marble table.

More latte recipes

— Did you make this recipe? —

Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.

Two cups of hot cocoa with cinnamon and sprigs of spruce.

Eggnog Latte

Yield: 1 latte
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
This creamy eggnog latte is a cup of comfort! A great way to start your day on a chilly morning.
5 from 1 vote
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ingredients

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

When making the drink, use a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio of eggnog to whole milk. Do not go rogue and froth only eggnog — or you will end up with chunky scrambled eggs. There has to be milk. You can use a dairy-free or vegan eggnog and dairy-free milk if you prefer. 
The eggnog you use doesn’t have to be alcoholic eggnog. Where I live, you can only buy the non-alcoholic kind at the grocery store. This works great and is what I used. Here, if you want the boozy kind, you have to get it from the liquor store or add your own booze to the non-alcoholic kind. If you want to make this a boozy latte, add a splash of bourbon, Irish cream, brandy, spiced rum or cinnamon whiskey! 

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nutrition information

Yield: 1 latte

amount per serving:

Serving: 12ounces Calories: 194kcal Carbohydrates: 19g Protein: 7g Fat: 10g Saturated Fat: 6g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 64mg Sodium: 97mg Potassium: 405mg Sugar: 17g Vitamin A: 431IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 250mg Iron: 1mg
did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #feastandwestrecipes!
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