An easy recipe for an eggnog latte. The perfect holiday espresso drink. Make a Starbucks-style eggnog latte at home.
Holiday coffee drinks are some of the best seasonal treats, and an eggnog latte is at the top of my list. When the red cups and festive menu items arrive each year, the eggnog latte is the drink I look forward to most. Making it at home is simple, fast, and lets you use real eggnog for a richer, creamier result than many shop versions.
This guide explains how I make an eggnog latte at home and offers alternatives if you don’t have specialty equipment. The result is velvety, warmly spiced, and perfect for cold mornings, cozy afternoons, or as a festive pick-me-up during holiday gatherings.
How to make espresso at home
You don’t need a café-grade machine to make a delicious base for an eggnog latte. If you have an espresso machine, use one or two shots of espresso depending on how strong you like it. If you have a single-serve pod machine that makes espresso, that works too.
If you don’t have an espresso maker, don’t worry. Use a French press with a dark or espresso-style roast: roughly two tablespoons of finely ground coffee per six ounces of hot water, steep for about four minutes, and press. The result will be strong and concentrated, a great substitute for espresso. Alternatively, brew a smaller amount of very strong drip coffee using an espresso or French roast and use that in place of espresso.
These simple methods deliver a bold coffee base that pairs beautifully with the richness of eggnog.
How to froth eggnog
Eggnog takes frothing and heating a little differently than milk because of its thicker texture and higher sugar content. An electric milk frother or dedicated frothing device that heats as it froths is ideal: it warms the eggnog to a comfortable drinking temperature (about 160–170°F) and adds airy foam on top.
If you don’t own a heated frother, you can warm eggnog gently on the stove or in the microwave, then create foam by shaking warmed eggnog in a sealed jar until frothy, or pulsing it in a blender for 20–30 seconds. Handheld battery frothers also work well — they won’t heat the liquid, so warm the eggnog first, then froth until you have the texture you like.
Key tips: heat slowly to avoid scalding, and don’t over-froth; eggnog will produce a thicker, creamier foam than plain milk.
Eggnog Latte
2 minutes
3 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or 2–3 oz strong brewed coffee)
- 6–8 oz eggnog (use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg, for topping
- Ground cinnamon, for topping
- Whipped cream (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare one or two shots of espresso, or brew a small amount of very strong coffee.
- Warm 6–8 ounces of eggnog gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling (about 160–170°F if using a thermometer).
- Froth the warmed eggnog using a heated frother, handheld whisk, jar shake, or blender until slightly foamy and creamy.
- Pour espresso into a mug, then add the frothed eggnog, holding back foam with a spoon and then spooning a layer of foam on top.
- Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately.
Serving ideas and small variations: add a thin strip of orange zest for a bright citrus note, stir in a dash of vanilla extract for extra warmth, or top with crushed gingerbread for texture. For an adult version, a splash of dark rum, bourbon, or spiced rum pairs beautifully with eggnog’s richness — add alcohol sparingly and stir gently.
Storage and reheating: eggnog lattes are best enjoyed immediately for peak texture, but you can warm leftover frothed eggnog gently and re-whisk before serving. If you use homemade eggnog, follow safe storage and handling guidelines for dairy and eggs.
Whether you’re recreating a coffeehouse favorite or trying eggnog for the first time in a latte, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. Use what you have on hand—espresso shots, strong brewed coffee, a frothing wand, or a simple shaker—and enjoy a creamy, spiced holiday drink made at home.
