Eggnog lattes are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the sweet and creamy eggnog with bold espresso. It’s milky, spiced, delicious, and tastes like liquid vanilla custard. This drink is like sipping on the holiday season itself and a festive caffeine boost.

The best part? You don’t have to rely on store-bought eggnog to make it. This recipe includes a homemade eggnog that’s super easy to whip up and absolutely delicious, so you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful eggnog latte made just the way you like it.

So, I’ll show you how to make a delicious eggnog latte at home!

What is Eggnog?

Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Its origins trace back to medieval Europe, where it was a luxurious drink enjoyed by the wealthy due to the cost of its ingredients. Over time, it became synonymous with Christmas and other winter celebrations, bringing cozy vibes to holiday gatherings.

Eggnog’s signature creamy texture comes from the eggs, which are beaten into the mixture and give it that custard-like consistency. While traditionally served cold, eggnog can also be warmed up, making it even cozier on chilly winter nights.

Does Eggnog Have Raw Egg?

Yes, traditional eggnog does contain raw eggs, but it’s not as scary as it sounds! The eggs in eggnog are typically beaten with sugar to create that rich, creamy texture we all love, and they’re often cooked gently with hot milk or cream to make the mixture safe to drink. Most store-bought eggnogs are pasteurized, meaning the eggs have been heat-treated to kill any potential bacteria, so you don’t have to worry about safety.

If you’re making eggnog at home and are concerned about using raw eggs, you can temper them by slowly heating the mixture to a safe temperature (160°F). This gives you all the creamy goodness without the risk. And if you want to skip the eggs altogether, there are plenty of egg-free or vegan options that mimic the same rich flavor and texture.

What Does Eggnog Taste Like?

Eggnog is like drinking dessert in a glass. It’s basically a liquid custard you can drink, and it tastes exactly like melted vanilla ice cream. It’s rich, sweet, and incredibly creamy, with hints of warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon that give it that classic holiday flavor.

Eggnog is right up your alley if you’re a fan of creamy desserts or spiced drinks. It pairs beautifully with holiday cookies, cozy evenings by the fire, or, of course, your morning coffee.

However, eggnog is definitely an acquired taste that divides many people. The main reason why people don’t like eggnog is that it’s weirdly thick and very sweet, which is true for many premade brands. However, homemade eggnog tastes so much better than store-bought ones!

What is in an Eggnog Latte?

An eggnog latte is made with a mix of eggnog, milk, ice, and espresso, topped with frothy milk, and often finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon. The milk helps cut the thickness of the eggnog and makes it into a drinkable coffee beverage. Imagine espresso with thick eggnog!

It’s a popular holiday favorite at big coffee chains like Starbucks, Peets, etc.

The result is a creamy, indulgent drink that balances the sweetness of eggnog with the richness of espresso. It’s the perfect way to bring a little holiday magic into your coffee routine.

What Does an Eggnog Latte Taste Like?

An eggnog latte tastes like a coffee-flavored custard or ice cream, with a thick, creamy texture and taste. Eggnog can have a strong taste, but the milk and espresso help balance it out. It’s sweet and spiced, with the espresso cutting through the richness just enough.

The espresso also helps cut the sweetness of eggnog, which some find offputting. The main flavors are vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which taste great with any coffee.

How to Make Eggnog

Making eggnog at home is easier than you might think and so worth it for the fresh, creamy flavor.

Whisk together eggs and sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy. Heat milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat, but don’t let it boil. Temper the eggs by slowly adding the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. If you accidentally cook your eggs a little bit, run it through a fine mesh sieve. Return to the saucepan and cook on low, stirring until thickened. Add spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool, then chill in the fridge before serving.

Best Eggnog Brands

If making eggnog from scratch isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Plenty of store-bought options are delicious and easy to use in your eggnog latte. Most large dairy brands have their version of eggnog, which is either in jugs or cartons. You can even find vegan or non-dairy options, too!

You can also peruse your local coffee shop or cafe and see if they have any for sale, especially since it’s popular during the holidays.

I recommend checking out the ingredients before buying eggnog, especially looking at the sugar content. Lots of store-bought eggnog is very sweet, so if you want something less rich, go for a less sugar version or cut it with some milk.

How to Make an Eggnog Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make an eggnog latte:

• Eggnog
  • For homemade eggnog: Eggs, milk, cream, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon
• Milk
• Ice
• Espresso or strong coffee

Eggnog Latte Recipe

1. Make or buy eggnog.
   • For homemade eggnog, heat milk and cream on the stove until just boiling.
   • Whisk egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy, then slowly pour in your milk and cream mixture, slowly heating and cooking the egg yolks.
   • Heat the egg and milk mixture on the stove until slightly thickened, then add your spices and let it cool before sticking it into the fridge to chill.
2. Brew espresso or strong coffee. Brew 1-2 shots of espresso or strong coffee using your favorite method.
3. Thin eggnog. Mix eggnog and milk until well combined.
4. Assemble drink. Add ice and eggnog milk into a separate cup, then top with espresso.
5. Mix and enjoy!

What Flavors Go Well With Eggnog

Feeling experimental? Try adding these flavors to your eggnog latte:

• Rum
• Bourbon
• Dark chocolate
• Ginger
• Caramel
• Cranberry
• Orange zest
• Ube
• Cherry

Tips

Here are some tips for making a delicious eggnog latte at home!

• Choose high-quality store-bought eggnog that’s rich, creamy, and not too sweet. The quality of the eggnog makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
• Eggnog is thicker and richer than regular milk, so you might want to use a mix of eggnog and milk to achieve the perfect balance for your taste.
• Don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top—it’s the ultimate holiday vibe!