Make your own holiday coffee with this festive homemade eggnog latte! This Christmas latte comes together with just two ingredients, and you don’t need expensive equipment. In just minutes, you can enjoy a fancy latte right in your kitchen that tastes like it came from the coffee shop. Every delicious sip is ultra creamy and indulgent for the perfect holiday breakfast treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a Starbucks copycat eggnog latte, I have good news — this recipe is even better.
Puts an extra festive touch to the holiday season: This latte is loaded with classic eggnog flavor. Just imagine how fun Christmas morning will be unwrapping presents and spending time with your loved ones while sipping a cozy holiday coffee.
Super quick and easy: You know those mile-long lines at the coffee shop during the holidays? You get to skip them and whip up this eggnog latte in just minutes from the comfort of your own home. Bonus points for still sporting your house coat and slippers.
Eggnog makes for an extra creamy, rich latte: Thanks to its cream base and plenty of yolks, eggnog is even richer than milk, resulting in a more luxurious latte.
Bonus: If you love the Starbucks holiday latte lineup, make sure you also try my Baileys latte, maple latte and gingerbread latte, made with a gingerbread simple syrup.
Ingredients
Hard to believe it only takes two ingredients, right? Just another reason to love this recipe!
For the eggnog, you are welcome to use a store-bought brand for a quick and easy option. But if you're up for it, you will love my homemade maple eggnog. It's still easy to whip up, and it tastes so much better than what you'd buy at the store. Plus, the maple adds a wonderfully rich flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let's chat about how to make a hot homemade eggnog latte, which is the most popular option. To make an iced eggnog latte, I included instructions in the recipe card.
Step 1: To start, we pour our eggnog into a small saucepan and gently warm it over medium heat (photo 1).
Step 2: As the eggnog warms, we brew some espresso (photo 2).
Step 3: After the eggnog begins to steam and small bubbles appear on the surface (photo 3), we turn off the stove and vigorously whisk the eggnog. This forms the frothy topping that makes lattes so special (photo 4).
Step 4: As our last step, we pour our frothy eggnog into our serving mug with the espresso and gently stir to combine the two (photo 5).
And that's it! If you'd like an extra dose of holiday fun, top this homemade eggnog latte with some whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg. Settle in by the fireplace and sip.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Some of my favorite alcohol additions are bourbon, dark rum, Baileys, Kahlua and brandy. For an extra special treat, add a shot of my orange and vanilla infused bourbon — it adds the most delicious flavor.
Typically, lattes are prepared with espresso, but you can instead brew a cup of coffee with double the amount of coffee grind. French-press coffee also works well because of its strong flavor.
That said, for those interested in an espresso machine, I love our Nespresso, and you can find one in a variety of price points.
Eggnog is so sweet on its own that I find additional sweetener unnecessary. However, if you like an extra-sweet latte and you need more sugar, real maple syrup would be a tasty option. You could also add a plain simple syrup or a flavored one, such as cinnamon, caramel or vanilla. Just add to taste.
Ideally, milk for lattes should be heated to 140-160 degrees F. While you can generally judge the temperature by the steam, you are more than welcome to use an instant thermometer for a more precise measurement.
Expert Tips
- Own a milk frother tool or machine? You're more than welcome to use that instead -- no need to change the recipe measurements. I like to offer the stove-top method since not everyone has latte equipment, and everyone should have a delicious holiday eggnog latte in their life.
- As you pour the eggnog on top, be gentle to ensure the liquid goes into the mug, and you have plenty of foam left to pour on top.
- Don't let the eggnog boil. We just want it to create steam on top with small bubbles forming on the surface.
- You'll want to use a larger mug than your typical coffee cup to accommodate the eggnog, espresso and foam. Latte mugs are larger and perfect.
Perfect Pairing
This Christmas latte calls for a holiday brunch treat. Fortunately, I have some delicious options. Try my gingerbread waffles, apple cinnamon rolls or pumpkin crullers. These sweet treats are perfect with the decadent 'nog and spices. You'll also love these gingerbread pancakes from Holiday Sweets n Treats.
For an even-better-than-Starbucks eggnog latte, you will love this recipe. It’s the perfect homemade holiday latte to keep you feeling cozy and festive during this celebrated time of year.
Cheers!
Looking for More Holiday Brunch Recipes?
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Eggnog Latte (Hot or Iced)
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Latte mug
Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- ½ cup espresso substitute strong coffee if espresso isn't available
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional
- Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish, optional
Instructions
Hot Eggnog Latte
- In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog over medium heat. Do not boil.
- Meanwhile, make the espresso and add it to your serving mug.
- When the eggnog steams and bubbles start to form, turn off the heat. Whisk until frothy. Pour over the espresso. Gently stir to combine. If desired, top with whipped cream and nutmeg. Enjoy!
Iced Eggnog Latte
- Prepare the espresso and give it a few minutes to cool.
- Fill a large glass with ice. Pour in the espresso.
- Pour the eggnog in a large measuring cup and whisk until it turns frothy. Alternatively, you can add the eggnog to a mason jar, screw on the top and shake until the froth forms.
- Pour the eggnog into the espresso mixture and gently stir to combine. Enjoy!
Notes
- Own a milk frother tool or machine? You're more than welcome to use that instead -- no need to change the recipe measurements. I like to offer the stove-top method since not everyone has latte equipment, and everyone should have a delicious holiday eggnog latte in their life.
- As you pour the eggnog on top, be gentle to ensure the liquid goes into the mug, and you have plenty of foam left to pour on top.
- Don't let the eggnog boil. We just want it to create steam on top with small bubbles forming on the surface.
- You'll want to use a larger mug than your typical coffee cup to accommodate the eggnog, espresso and foam. Latte mugs are larger and perfect.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Heidy Linn says
This was such a wonderful recipe that the entire family loved! Excellent instructions and tips that were easy to follow. We will be making it for years to come. Happy Holidays!
Aya says
This eggnog latte is amazing! I made a hot one for me and my husband asked for iced. They both tastes delicious and festive!
Kayla DiMaggio says
Loving this eggnog latte! It was so delicious and easy to make!
Jacqueline Debono says
I made this eggnog latte with store-bought eggnog and it was so so good. Going to try it with your homemade eggnog recipe for Christmas morning!
Tristin says
Two ingredients, I am definitely in! I love that I can make this hot or iced.
Veronika says
Tried this recipe yesterday and it came out amazing! So easy to make and loved the balanced flavor!
Jessica says
I am a huge fan of eggnog and of caffeine so I knew as soon as I saw this I had to try it. It did not disappoint!!! I will definitely be making this simple and delicious latte again in the near future.
Dennis Littley says
I made these for friends yesterday and they loved them!!
Marta says
I made the iced version of this eggnog latte and the espresso powder, though subtle, made it perfect. I'm not usually an eggnog drinker, but wanted to try this with some leftover eggnog of my husband's. I think this is the only way I'll drink from now on, LOL!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I'm so glad this worked for you!
Bernice says
I have homemade eggnog in the fridge and now I'm craving an eggnog latte. I wonder if it will steam with the added eggs and bourbon? Only one way to find out!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I don't see why it wouldn't!
Jyoti Behrani says
What a beautiful way to enjoy eggnog this time of the year. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Absolutely! You're very welcome.
Toni says
This is such a perfect holiday drink!! Thanks for the recipe!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You're welcome -- enjoy!
Gwynn Galvin says
Such an easy recipe to make and so delicious too. It's my new favorite holiday drink!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Me too! I've been sipping on it all holiday season and can't stop.
Keri Bevan says
I love eggnog! Thank you for such a delicious twist on this Christmas classic.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You're so welcome, Keri!
Kathryn says
I always love looking at your photos and trying your recipes! This eggnog latte is better than Starbucks and such a perfect holiday treat! I'll be making this all month long, thanks so much, Amanda!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You just made my day, Kathryn! Thank you so much.