Add festive flair to your morning coffee this holiday season with a sweet and creamy Eggnog Latte. With just a few simple ingredients you can make a cozy, homemade latte that rivals popular coffee-shop versions and fills your kitchen with holiday aromas.
As the weather turns cooler and the holiday season arrives, a warm, festive drink can lift your spirits. I enjoy recreating favorite coffee-shop beverages at home, and this eggnog latte has become a seasonal favorite. It blends the rich, spiced flavor of eggnog with strong espresso and a velvety froth for a comforting cup that’s perfect for quiet mornings or festive gatherings.
This version is straightforward, quick to prepare, and uses store-bought eggnog combined with a touch of milk for a lighter texture. Whether you’re using leftover eggnog or starting with a fresh carton, the result is a creamy, nostalgic latte topped with nutmeg that tastes like the holidays in a mug.
Below you’ll find a clear ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, helpful substitutions and variations, equipment recommendations, and answers to common questions about making eggnog lattes at home.
Ingredients
- Store-bought eggnog – For the richest flavor, choose full-fat eggnog or a traditional holiday variety.
- 2% milk – A small amount of milk lightens the eggnog and helps it froth more easily.
- Espresso or strongly brewed coffee – Use a bold brew to balance the sweetness and richness of the eggnog.
- Freshly grated nutmeg – A light dusting on top adds a warm, aromatic finish.
Full ingredient amounts and the simple recipe card appear at the end of the post for easy reference.
Instructions
Step 1: Brew espresso or a very strong coffee. You’ll need about 3.75–4 ounces of espresso (a lungo on many machines). Pour the espresso into a 12-ounce mug or larger.
Step 2: Combine the eggnog and milk in a heatproof measuring cup. Warm the mixture until steaming but not boiling—about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave or gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Froth the warmed eggnog mixture. A handheld frother will thicken and aerate the liquid in 45–60 seconds until it doubles in volume. If you have a countertop frother, use the hot setting and follow the device instructions.
Step 4: Pour the frothed eggnog gently over the hot espresso, allowing the foam to rest on top. Step 5: If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
Hint: Use a 2-cup measuring cup when warming the milk and eggnog; the mixture expands when frothed and a larger cup prevents spills.
Substitutions
- Espresso: Substitute 1/2 cup of very strong brewed coffee if you don’t have espresso. Decaf, French press, or instant espresso dissolved in hot water will work—just ensure the coffee is bold enough to stand up to the eggnog.
- Non-dairy eggnog: Use a dairy-free nog or a non-dairy milk nog alternative such as almond or oat milk nog. These options can froth well and provide a similar holiday flavor.
Variations
- Sweeten it: Stir in a little maple syrup or vanilla syrup to boost sweetness and add depth.
- Pumpkin spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the eggnog before frothing for a seasonal twist.
- Extra kick: Double the espresso shots for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Iced version: Froth the eggnog cold and pour over espresso brewed over ice for an iced eggnog latte.
Equipment
- Espresso maker or coffee maker for a strong brew.
- Handheld frother or countertop milk frother to create thick, creamy foam. If you don’t have a frother, warming the mixture and shaking it vigorously in a sealed jar will also aerate it.
- 12-ounce mug or larger to allow room for both coffee and foam.
Top tip
For a café-quality foam, use a handheld or countertop frother on the hot setting. Grating fresh nutmeg over the finished latte adds aroma and elevates presentation—fresh nutmeg has a brighter, warmer flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
FAQs
This homemade eggnog latte is made with prepared eggnog combined with a small amount of milk, heated and frothed, then poured over brewed espresso or strong coffee and finished with nutmeg.
Yes—eggnog works well as a festive creamer and can be used in place of milk to make lattes, adding richness and holiday spices to your coffee.
Pairing
This latte pairs beautifully with holiday breakfasts and sweet treats. Serve it alongside buttered toast, pancakes, muffins, or a slice of coffee cake for a cozy seasonal spread.
Related
You might also enjoy similar recipes and drinks like simple maple lattes, oat milk hot chocolate, and homemade vanilla or brown sugar syrups—great options to build a festive coffee menu at home.
More Favorites from Barefoot In The Pines
- Mini Cheesecake Bites
- Vanilla Syrup
- Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread
- Fresh Apple Pie
- Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
- Honey Butter
- Chicken Salad with Cranberries
- Fried Fish in an Air Fryer
- Crostini Bread
- Halloween Popcorn Balls
- Dairy-Free Banana Bread
- Maple Vinaigrette
- Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup
- Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes
Starbucks Copycat Eggnog Latte
Brighten holiday mornings with a homemade Eggnog Latte. This easy recipe combines espresso with eggnog and a splash of milk for a festive, comforting drink.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces brewed espresso (or 1/2 cup strong coffee)
- 1/2 cup prepared eggnog
- 2 tablespoons 2% milk
Instructions
- Pour the brewed espresso into a 12-ounce or larger mug.
- Combine the eggnog and milk in a heatproof measuring cup and heat until steaming but not boiling (about 1–1 1/2 minutes in the microwave or gently on the stove).
- Froth the warm eggnog mixture with a handheld or countertop frother until thick and doubled in volume (45–60 seconds with a handheld frother).
- Pour the frothed eggnog over the espresso and spoon any remaining foam on top. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.
Notes
- Substitute 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee for espresso if needed.
- Use a non-dairy nog (almond or oat-based) for a dairy-free version.
- Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the mug for extra sweetness.
Nutrition (approx.)
Calories: 130 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 6 g