Eggnog Iced Coffee brings creamy holiday flavor to a cold, refreshing glass. Bold coffee balances the sweet eggnog, while a little nutmeg adds a cozy finish. You only need four ingredients and a few minutes. Start with chilled coffee, and there is no cooking needed.
Why I Love This Recipe
Eggnog already brings sweetness, creaminess, and spice, so this drink does not need a long list of extras. Mixing it with strong coffee keeps the flavor balanced. The result feels festive without taking much effort.
- Quick to make: Chilled coffee turns this into a simple stir-and-serve drink.
- Short ingredient list: Eggnog does the work of milk and sweetener.
- Coffee flavor comes through: More coffee than eggnog keeps each sip rich without being too heavy.
- Easy to adjust: Use your favorite regular or decaf coffee.
- Cozy finish: A small nutmeg garnish adds aroma with every sip.
What You’ll Need
- Servings: 1
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes, using already chilled coffee
- Serving Glass: Tall clear straight-sided 16-ounce glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) chilled strong brewed coffee or ready-to-drink cold brew, not undiluted concentrate
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chilled nonalcoholic prepared eggnog
- 3/4 cup clear ice cubes
- 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg, for the topping
Use a rich eggnog you enjoy drinking on its own. Its sweetness varies by brand, so this recipe starts without added sugar. If brewing coffee from scratch, allow extra time for it to cool and chill before making the drink.
Tools You Need
- Tall clear straight-sided 16-ounce glass
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons, including a 1/16 teaspoon measure
- Long spoon for stirring
- Coffee maker or cold brew pitcher, if preparing the coffee yourself
How to Make Eggnog Iced Coffee
Have your coffee and eggnog chilled before you begin.
Step 1: Mix the Coffee and Eggnog
Pour 3/4 cup chilled strong brewed coffee into a tall clear straight-sided 16-ounce glass.
Add 1/2 cup chilled nonalcoholic prepared eggnog.
Stir for about 15 seconds, until the color is even and no eggnog streaks remain.
Step 2: Add the Ice
Add 3/4 cup clear ice cubes to the coffee and eggnog mixture.
Stir gently for 5 seconds to chill the drink evenly.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg evenly over the exposed surface of the drink.
Serve right away, while the ice is firm and the coffee tastes full.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggnog adds dairy richness and sugar, which soften coffee’s bitter edge. Strong coffee keeps that sweetness from taking over. Using both liquids chilled helps the ice melt more slowly, so the drink stays fuller in flavor. Nutmeg sits on the surface, where its aroma reaches you as you sip.
Pro Tips
- Chill ahead: Keep brewed coffee in the refrigerator so assembly stays quick.
- Use full-flavored coffee: Medium-dark or dark roast works well with sweet eggnog.
- Check cold brew labels: Dilute concentrate as directed before measuring the coffee for this recipe.
- Keep the garnish light: A thin dusting of nutmeg adds flavor without a gritty surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using coffee before it chills: It melts the ice quickly and makes the drink watery.
- Adding sugar before tasting: Eggnog is already sweet, and brands vary.
- Using undiluted concentrate: It can overwhelm the eggnog and make the drink much stronger than intended.
- Skipping the stir: Mixing thoroughly gives every sip the same creamy flavor.
- Overdoing the spice: Too much nutmeg can hide the coffee flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Decaf: Replace the 3/4 cup regular coffee with 3/4 cup chilled strong decaf coffee.
- Less rich: Replace the 1/2 cup eggnog with 1/4 cup eggnog and 1/4 cup milk. Keep the coffee, ice, and nutmeg amounts the same.
- Dairy-free: Use 1/2 cup dairy-free holiday nog instead of dairy eggnog. Flavor and thickness will depend on the brand.
- Sweeter: After mixing, stir in 1 teaspoon maple syrup if needed. This changes the nutrition estimate.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chill the coffee and eggnog separately, then assemble when you are ready to drink. For two servings, combine 1 1/2 cups chilled coffee and 1 cup chilled eggnog in a covered pitcher. Refrigerate until serving, then divide between two glasses and add 3/4 cup clear ice cubes and 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg to each. Follow the eggnog package instructions for refrigeration and use-by timing.
What to Serve With Eggnog Iced Coffee
- Ginger cookies: Their spice pairs well with the nutmeg topping.
- Shortbread: A buttery bite keeps the pairing simple.
- Cinnamon toast: A cozy choice for a slow morning.
- A plain croissant: Its flaky texture balances the creamy drink.
Macros Information
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
These are estimated values per serving, including the nutmeg topping, using regular dairy eggnog and no extra sweetener. The eggnog brand can change the numbers considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use cold brew?
A: Yes. Use 3/4 cup ready-to-drink cold brew. If yours is concentrated, dilute it according to the label first.
Q: Can I use leftover brewed coffee?
A: Yes. Chill it first and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you make the drink.
Q: Does this recipe need extra sugar?
A: Usually not. The eggnog supplies sweetness. Taste the mixed drink before adding any sweetener.
Q: Can I use decaf coffee?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of chilled strong decaf coffee.
Q: Can I use homemade eggnog?
A: Yes. Use your prepared, chilled nonalcoholic eggnog in the same amount. Its thickness and sweetness may differ from a store-bought version.
Q: Can I make it without dairy?
A: Yes. Replace the eggnog with a dairy-free holiday nog you like. Choose one with enough richness to balance the coffee.
Q: Why is my drink watery?
A: The coffee may not have been chilled, or the ice may have melted while the drink sat. Use cold ingredients and serve promptly.
Q: Can I replace the nutmeg with cinnamon?
A: Yes. Use 1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon in place of the nutmeg for a different spice finish.
Q: Is there alcohol in this drink?
A: This recipe uses nonalcoholic eggnog and does not add alcohol. Check your eggnog label to confirm.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Iced Coffee is a simple way to bring holiday flavor to your everyday coffee. Keep the ingredients chilled, stir well, and finish with a light dusting of nutmeg. Leave a comment with your favorite coffee and eggnog pairing. Happy sipping!
