Eggnog Latte Recipe (Better Than Starbucks)

The eggnog latte is the most indulgent holiday coffee drink you can make at home — rich, creamy, spiced, and surprisingly easy. Whether you’re using store-bought eggnog (5-minute version) or making a full eggnog from scratch, this guide covers every method.

What Is an Eggnog Latte?

An eggnog latte replaces steamed milk with eggnog — or a mix of eggnog and milk — over a double espresso. The result is a thick, custard-flavored coffee drink with warm spice notes (nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla) that complements espresso beautifully.

Why eggnog works with espresso:

• Eggnog’s rich egg-cream base softens espresso’s bitterness
• Nutmeg and cinnamon spice notes echo espresso’s chocolate-caramel undertones
• The sweetness of eggnog means you often don’t need added sugar
• The fat content creates a naturally creamy texture when steamed or frothed

Ingredients

Quick Version (Store-Bought Eggnog)

From-Scratch Eggnog Base (makes 4 servings)

How to Make an Eggnog Latte (Store-Bought)

This is the 5-minute version that works beautifully.

Step 1 — Pull Your Espresso

Pull a double espresso (18–20g grounds, yielding 36–42ml) into a warmed mug. A medium-dark roast works especially well with eggnog’s sweetness — it adds caramel and chocolate notes that complement the custard flavor.

If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong Moka pot coffee (2–3 tablespoons of finely ground coffee, 4 oz yield) works well as a substitute.

Step 2 — Steam the Eggnog

Eggnog steams differently than regular milk — it’s thicker and much richer. A few tips:

• Steam to 140°F (60°C) maximum — eggnog scorches easily. Stop earlier than you would with regular milk.
• Use a 50/50 mix of eggnog and whole milk if your eggnog is very thick, or if you prefer a less sweet drink. Full eggnog can be intense for some.
• Froth gently — incorporate less air than you would for milk. The fat and protein structure of eggnog creates froth easily; you want steamed, not over-frothed.
• Listen for the sound — you should hear a quiet hiss, not aggressive bubbling. The milk-stretching phase should last only 2–3 seconds.

If you don’t have a steam wand: warm the eggnog in a small saucepan over low heat (don’t boil) and use a handheld frother to create foam.

Step 3 — Combine and Garnish

Pour the steamed eggnog over your espresso. Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top — this makes a huge difference. A dusting of cinnamon is also excellent.

Optional: Add a dollop of cold foam or whipped cream, then dust with nutmeg.

How to Make a From-Scratch Eggnog Latte

Making your own eggnog base takes 15 minutes and the result is far superior to any carton version.

Make the Eggnog Base

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until pale and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes).
2. Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling (about 160°F/71°C). Watch it carefully — dairy scorches fast.
3. Temper the eggs: slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Combine: pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Stir over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened — it should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
6. Cool slightly before using, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Make the Latte

Use 4 oz (120ml) of your homemade eggnog base per drink, warmed and lightly frothed, over a double espresso. Top with nutmeg.

The homemade version is richer and less sweet than carton eggnog, so the espresso flavor comes through more. This is the version that genuinely rivals a café drink.

Iced Eggnog Latte

An iced version works surprisingly well and is faster to make.

1. Pull a double espresso and let it cool 2 minutes (or use a room-temperature shot).
2. Fill a 12 oz glass with ice.
3. Pour 4 oz of cold eggnog over the ice.
4. Add 2 oz cold whole milk to lighten if desired.
5. Pour the espresso over the top.
6. Stir and garnish with nutmeg.

Tips for iced version:

• Use a strong shot or ristretto — the ice and eggnog will dilute the coffee significantly.
• Don’t steam the eggnog — use it straight from the fridge.
• For a “dirty eggnog cold brew” version: replace the espresso with 4 oz of cold brew concentrate for a less intense, smoother cold drink.

Eggnog Latte Ratio Guide

Eggnog Latte Variations

Spiked Eggnog Latte

Add 1 oz of bourbon, dark rum, or brandy to your hot or iced eggnog latte. The spirit adds warmth and a secondary layer of spice. This is the adult holiday drink — not recommended as your morning coffee.

Eggnog Cold Foam Latte

Make a regular latte (espresso + steamed whole milk) and top with cold eggnog foam:

• Blend 3 oz cold eggnog + 1 oz heavy cream with a handheld frother for 20–30 seconds until thick.
• Spoon or pour over the top of your iced latte.
• Dust with nutmeg.

This gives you the eggnog flavor without the full richness of a steamed eggnog base — lighter and more refreshing.

Vegan / Dairy-Free Eggnog Latte

Use oat milk eggnog (available from brands like Oatly and So Delicious around the holidays) in place of traditional eggnog. Oat milk eggnog is thinner but still spiced and flavorful. Steam and froth it exactly as you would regular oat milk — it behaves similarly.

For a homemade vegan version: blend 4 oz oat milk + 1 tablespoon maple syrup + ¼ teaspoon nutmeg + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon + ¼ teaspoon vanilla. Use as the latte base.

Gingerbread Eggnog Latte

Add ½ oz of gingerbread syrup to your eggnog latte for a spiced, holiday-forward version. The gingerbread notes complement eggnog’s custard base exceptionally well. Top with a cinnamon stick.

White Chocolate Eggnog Latte

Stir in ½ tablespoon of white chocolate chips or ½ oz of white chocolate sauce with your espresso before adding eggnog. The white chocolate adds sweetness and a vanilla-cream note that makes this latte feel extra indulgent.

Eggnog Cappuccino

Use less eggnog (2 oz) and steam it to produce a thicker, drier foam than you’d normally get with regular milk. This is more like a traditional cappuccino (1:1:1 espresso:milk:foam) but with eggnog instead of milk. Surprisingly delicious.

Milk Steaming Tips for Eggnog

Eggnog behaves differently from regular milk due to its fat content and egg protein structure. Here’s what changes:

The key mistake is over-steaming eggnog. It scorches at lower temperatures than milk (the egg proteins cook) and over-froths quickly. Treat it gently.

For more on milk steaming technique, see our how to steam milk for latte art guide.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought eggnog in a latte? Yes — store-bought eggnog makes an excellent latte base. Steam it gently to no more than 140°F (60°C) since it scorches more easily than regular milk. Many people prefer a 50/50 mix of eggnog and whole milk to reduce the sweetness and make it easier to steam. Brands like Hood, Darigold, and Organic Valley work well.

What espresso roast is best for eggnog latte? Medium-dark to dark roasts work best with eggnog. The caramel, chocolate, and nutty notes in darker roasts complement eggnog’s custard flavor and spice. Light roasts can taste sour or fruity against eggnog’s sweetness. A Christmas/holiday espresso blend (often a dark, sweet Brazilian-forward blend) is ideal.

What is the ratio of eggnog to espresso in an eggnog latte? A good starting ratio is 3–4 oz of eggnog (or eggnog/milk blend) per double espresso shot (60–70ml). If you’re using full-strength eggnog, 3 oz is usually enough — it’s rich and sweet. If you prefer a creamier, milder drink, use 4 oz of eggnog and add 2 oz of milk.

Does Starbucks have eggnog lattes? Starbucks has offered eggnog lattes seasonally for decades — they’re one of the oldest items on the holiday menu. The Starbucks version uses eggnog steamed with a small amount of milk and served over espresso, topped with nutmeg. However, availability varies by market and year. Making one at home is straightforward and cheaper.

How do you make an eggnog latte without an espresso machine? Use 3 oz of strong Moka pot coffee as your base. Warm the eggnog in a saucepan over low heat and froth with a handheld electric frother until lightly foamed. Combine coffee and eggnog, top with nutmeg. For an iced version, just combine cold strong coffee with cold eggnog over ice — no steaming needed.

Can you make an iced eggnog latte? Yes — iced eggnog latte is simple and delicious. Fill a glass with ice, add 4 oz cold eggnog (with 2 oz milk if you prefer it lighter), then pour a double espresso shot over the top. Stir and garnish with nutmeg. Use a stronger shot or ristretto to compensate for ice dilution.

Can I make eggnog latte vegan? Yes — use oat milk eggnog, which is available from brands like Oatly and So Delicious seasonally. For a homemade vegan base, blend oat milk with maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Both work well over espresso.

Related Recipes

• Gingerbread Latte Recipe — the other essential holiday espresso drink
• Peppermint Mocha Recipe — minty, rich seasonal favorite
• Hot Chocolate Recipe — rich cocoa base, great for non-coffee holiday drinks
• Vanilla Latte Recipe — classic year-round latte base
• How to Steam Milk for Latte Art — master the steaming technique