Eggnog Latte
Make your holiday mornings special with this easy eggnog latte recipe, featuring coffee, eggnog, and a touch of nutmeg.
Homemade Eggnog Latte (Starbucks Copycat)
There’s something special about cozying up with a holiday latte, and this homemade eggnog latte delivers just that. It’s perfect for sipping while you’re wrapped in your favorite blanket, enjoying a Christmas movie marathon.
While the famous coffee shop version is delicious, making it at home is not only more affordable, but you can tweak it exactly to your taste. Creamy, perfectly spiced, and full of festive flavors, this recipe lets you bring those special holiday moments right into your own kitchen.
Looking for other seasonal drinks? Try our gingerbread latte, cinnamon maple steamer, and pumpkin spice latte recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Coffee or espresso: Use a strong brew or 1-2 espresso shots for a bold taste.
- Light brown sugar: Adjust for desired sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a touch of vanilla flavor.
- Eggnog and milk: Combines for a creamy base; consider whole milk or a splash of half and half for a richer taste.
- Ground nutmeg: Provides a warm, classic holiday flavor.
Optional Additions:
- Whipped cream for garnish.
- Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an added flavor variation.
Steps to Prepare a Hot Eggnog Latte
Mix the Base: Stir together the coffee/espresso, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract in your favorite coffee or latte mug.
Heat the Eggnog Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the eggnog and milk with ground nutmeg until it starts to simmer.
Froth the Mixture: Turn off the heat and use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk to froth the mixture until a light foam forms.
Combine and Garnish: Pour the frothy eggnog mixture over the coffee. Stir gently and, if desired, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon.
How to Make an Iced Eggnog Latte
- Brew the coffee or prepare espresso and let it cool. I love to use cold brew if there’s some in the fridge.
- Mix the coffee/espresso with brown sugar and vanilla in a glass.
- Froth the cold eggnog and milk using a milk frother or whisk.
- Fill a glass with ice, pour in the coffee mixture, and top with the frothed eggnog-milk blend. Stir gently.
- Garnish as desired.
Recipe Tips
- Frothing: If you don’t have a frother, vigorously whisking in a saucepan or using a mason jar can create foam.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your preference.
- Espresso Shots: Adjust to taste—1 shot for a milder coffee flavor, 2 for a bolder one. Personally, I love 3 shots of espresso!
Latte Variations
- Pumpkin Eggnog Latte: Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice.
- Vanilla Syrup Addition: Swap or add to the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Torani and Monin make some great vanilla syrups.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free eggnog and milk alternatives.
Can I make this with store-bought eggnog?
Yes! Store-bought eggnog works great and saves time.
What’s the best way to froth eggnog?
Use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, or 1-2 shots of espresso, to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, to taste
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup eggnog
- ½ cup milk, whole milk recommended
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish, if desired
Instructions
To Make a Hot Eggnog Latte
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or prepare 1-2 shots of espresso. Stir in the light brown sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved.1 cup strong brewed coffee1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Heat the Eggnog Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggnog, milk, and ground nutmeg. Heat until it begins to lightly simmer, then remove from heat.½ cup eggnog½ cup milk⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Froth the Eggnog Mixture: Use a milk frother, immersion blender, or whisk to froth the heated mixture until foamy.
- Combine: Pour the frothed eggnog mixture over the prepared coffee. Stir gently to combine.
- Optional Garnish: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.
To Make an Iced Eggnog Latte
- Prepare the Coffee: Brew 1 cup of strong coffee or prepare 1-2 shots of espresso. Allow to cool, then stir in the light brown sugar and vanilla extract until dissolved.1 cup strong brewed coffee1 to 2 tablespoons light brown sugar½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Combine: In a bowl combine the cold eggnog, milk, and ground nutmeg.½ cup eggnog½ cup milk⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Assemble: Fill a glass with ice. Pour the cooled coffee mixture over the ice, then top with the eggnog mixture. Gently stir to combine.
- Optional Garnish: Add whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg, if desired.
Suggested Equipment
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 (16 ounce) drink. Actual calories will vary.
- Cold brew works well in place of coffee/espresso in the iced version.
- Either store-bought or homemade eggnog works in this recipe.