An easy recipe for an eggnog latte. The perfect holiday espresso drink. Make a Starbucks eggnog latte at home.
Holiday coffee drinks are my favorite seasonal treat. When the festive cups begin to appear, it signals the start of cozy mornings and special flavors. The eggnog latte is consistently my top pick — rich, creamy, and warmly spiced. In this article I’ll share a simple method to make a truly delicious eggnog latte at home that rivals what you find in coffee shops.
Making this at home means you can use real eggnog for a depth of flavor that canned syrups can’t match. The drink is easy to customize: use a single or double shot of espresso for a milder or stronger coffee flavor, choose store-bought or homemade eggnog, and finish with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Below I cover espresso options, frothing techniques, and a clear recipe so you can enjoy this holiday latte whenever you like.
How to make Espresso at Home
You don’t need a commercial espresso machine to make a great base for an eggnog latte. If you have a capsule espresso machine, it provides quick, consistent shots with a rich crema. For those without capsules, a small espresso maker or stovetop moka pot produces concentrated coffee that works very well.
If you don’t have an espresso device at all, brew a very strong cup of coffee using an espresso roast in a French press, AeroPress, or drip machine. Aim for about two tablespoons of finely ground espresso roast per 6 ounces of water to mimic the intensity of espresso. While this won’t be frothy like machine espresso, it still makes a robust base that pairs beautifully with eggnog.
How to Froth Eggnog
Frothing eggnog gives the latte its signature silky texture. An electric milk frother is fast and reliable: it heats the eggnog to an ideal temperature and produces a creamy foam. Handheld battery frothers are an affordable alternative and can create a nice foam when used in a heated jar or saucepan.
If you don’t own any frothing tools, heat the eggnog gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm but not boiling. Pour the warmed eggnog into a tightly sealed mason jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or place the warmed eggnog in a blender for 20–30 seconds to build foam. These simple methods give a pleasant, frothy texture without special equipment.
Eggnog Latte
2 minutes
3 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1–2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 to 1 cup strong brewed coffee)
- 6–8 oz eggnog, warmed
- Cinnamon, for sprinkling
- Nutmeg, for sprinkling
- Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
- Prepare your espresso or strong brewed coffee and pour it into a warmed mug.
- Warm the eggnog gently, then froth using a milk frother, handheld whisk, blender, or by shaking it in a sealed jar.
- Pour the frothed eggnog over the espresso, holding back foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired and finish with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve immediately.
This homemade eggnog latte is an effortless way to bring festive flavor to your routine. Whether you use a high-end espresso machine or improvise with strong brewed coffee and a jar to froth, the result is a comforting, indulgent drink that highlights seasonal spice and creamy eggnog. Try it during holiday brunches, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or whenever you want a classic seasonal treat. Enjoy!