Eggnog Latte pairs bold espresso with sweet, creamy eggnog and a little milk.
A light foam cap and ground nutmeg bring that familiar holiday coffee flavor home.
Ready-to-drink eggnog keeps the recipe simple, with no custard to cook.
You can make a mug in just a few minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
The eggnog supplies sweetness, spice, and body, so there is no need for syrup. Milk makes it easier to pour and froth. Espresso keeps the finished drink tasting like coffee rather than a mug of warm eggnog.
- Quick prep: A short ingredient list keeps the work simple.
- Balanced flavor: Strong coffee holds its own against the creamy base.
- Easy to adjust: Use decaf espresso when you prefer it.
What You’ll Need
- Servings: 1 latte
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 6 minutes
- Serving Mug: 10-ounce heat-safe glass mug
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso
- 1/2 cup nonalcoholic, ready-to-drink dairy eggnog
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Tools You Need
- Espresso machine or moka pot
- Small saucepan
- Handheld milk frother
- Heat-safe pitcher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon
- 10-ounce heat-safe glass mug
How to Make Eggnog Latte
Measure everything before you begin so the coffee stays warm.
Step 1: Brew the Espresso
Brew 2 ounces espresso into a small heat-safe pitcher.
Use it fresh so the coffee flavor stays full and clear.
Step 2: Warm the Eggnog and Milk
Pour 1/2 cup ready-to-drink dairy eggnog and 1/4 cup whole milk into a small saucepan.
Stir over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes, until 140–150°F (60–65°C). Do not simmer or boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 3: Froth the Mixture
Use a handheld frother to froth the entire warmed mixture made from 1/2 cup eggnog and 1/4 cup whole milk for 15–20 seconds.
Stop when the surface has a thin layer of soft foam. Eggnog makes a denser foam than plain milk.
Step 4: Build the Latte
Pour the 2 ounces brewed espresso into a 10-ounce heat-safe glass mug.
Slowly pour in the entire frothed eggnog mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon.
Spoon the reserved foam over the surface.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Dust the surface with 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
Serve right away, before the foam settles. No extra sugar is needed for the base recipe.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Eggnog contains fat, sugar, and egg proteins that give the latte a creamy body. A little milk loosens that thick texture. Gentle heat keeps the mixture smooth, and frothing adds air without needing whipped cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the dairy: Use gentle heat and stop before a simmer.
- Weak coffee: A small, strong coffee portion balances the sweet base.
- Too much foam: Aim for a soft cap, not a mug full of stiff froth.
- Waiting to serve: Foam and toppings settle as the latte sits.
What to Serve With Eggnog Latte
- Plain shortbread for a buttery bite.
- Almond biscotti for a crisp contrast.
- Toast with salted butter for something less sweet.
Macros Information
Estimated per serving, including the listed garnish. Brands and serving sizes will change these values.
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use brewed coffee?
A: Yes. Replace the 2 ounces espresso with 2 ounces very strong brewed coffee. The result will have a lighter coffee flavor.
Q: Can I make it decaf?
A: Yes. Use 2 ounces decaf espresso and keep the other measurements the same.
Q: Do I need an espresso machine?
A: No. Strong coffee from a moka pot works well, too. Measure the same amount of brewed coffee.
Q: Can I make more than a mug?
A: Yes. Multiply every ingredient by the number of servings. Warm the milk mixture together, then measure each coffee portion into its own mug.
Q: Do I have to add sugar?
A: No. The prepared ingredients already add sweetness. Taste the assembled latte before deciding whether you want a sweeter variation.
Q: Why did my latte separate?
A: Excess heat can make creamy ingredients lose their smooth texture. Keep the saucepan below a simmer and serve promptly.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead?
A: Measure the ingredients ahead and keep dairy ingredients chilled. Warm and assemble just before serving for the best foam.
Q: How do I make an iced version?
A: Chill the espresso. Stir the liquid ingredients together without heating and pour over clear ice in a larger glass. Add the same measured garnish.
Q: Do I add raw eggs?
A: No. This recipe uses nonalcoholic, ready-to-drink eggnog. There is no raw-egg preparation step.
Q: Can I use dairy-free eggnog?
A: Yes. Use the same amount of a ready-to-drink plant-based nog and replace the milk with a barista-style oat milk. Flavor and foam will vary.
Final Thoughts
Eggnog Latte makes a small coffee break feel festive with simple ingredients and gentle heat. Make it fresh, add the measured garnish, and enjoy it while the texture is at its best. Leave a comment and share how you served yours.
Happy sipping!
