Starbucks-Style Eggnog Latte Recipe: How to Make at Home

This homemade eggnog latte recipe is a festive, comforting coffee drink perfect for the holiday season. Creamy eggnog seasoned with nutmeg is warmed and frothed, then combined with espresso or strong brewed coffee for a rich latte with nostalgic holiday flavor.

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side view of a glass mug full of a eggnog latte topped with whipped cream and Christmas sprinkles. The mug sits on a white and red stripped towel with sprinkles scattered around.

While updating photos for a homemade eggnog recipe, I experimented by adding coffee to a gingerbread hot chocolate and fell in love with the mocha-style result. That inspired this simple eggnog latte: warm, frothy eggnog poured over espresso or strong coffee for a cozy holiday drink you can make at home for a fraction of the price of a coffee shop version.

This is easy to prepare, customizable to your sweetness preference, and a great way to brighten holiday mornings. Kids and adults both enjoyed it at my house — my son especially loved the frothed topping.

Recipe Highlights:

Boost your morning coffee: Eggnog gives a rich, festive twist to everyday coffee.

Holiday favorite: A classic seasonal drink perfect for Christmas or winter mornings.

Simple ingredients: Just eggnog and espresso or strong coffee — homemade or store-bought eggnog both work.

Eggnog Latte Ingredients:

Espresso or strong coffee: Use two espresso shots or about 4 oz of strong-brewed coffee. Instant espresso is fine as a substitute.

Eggnog: Homemade or store-bought eggnog both work; choose a vegan eggnog to make this dairy-free. Avoid reduced-fat/light eggnog for best flavor and texture.

Optional add-ins: Whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, festive sprinkles, or a splash of bourbon or brandy for an adult version.

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Tools you may need:

Espresso maker, Nespresso, French press, or strong drip coffee maker. A milk frother, hand frother, immersion blender, or regular blender to create the froth. A saucepan or steamer for warming the eggnog and a mug to serve.

How To Make Eggnog

For a full homemade eggnog method, follow a standard recipe that combines milk, cream (or non-dairy alternatives), eggs, a sweetener like honey or maple syrup, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, then heat gently to 160°F, remove from heat, add vanilla, and chill. Below are the basic steps:

eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon and more in a blender.

Step 1: Combine milk, cream or non-dairy substitute, eggs, sweetener, nutmeg, and salt in a blender and process until smooth.

Raw eggnog blended in a blender.

Step 2: Blend thoroughly so the mixture is uniform and smooth.

img 83971 4

Step 3: Heat the blended mixture in a small pot to about 160°F, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, add vanilla, transfer to a lidded jar, and chill before using in lattes.

eggnog latte topped with whipped cream and sprinkles on a red stripped towel.

How To Make An Eggnog Latte

pouring a shot of strong coffee in a mug on a white and red stripped towel. Greenery surrounds the mug.

Step 1: Brew two shots of espresso or about 4 oz of very strong coffee.

eggnog poured into a saucepan.

Step 2: Warm the eggnog using a steamer or in a small saucepan until it’s just hot to the touch. Avoid overheating to prevent curdling.

blending eggnog in a blender.

Step 3: Froth the warmed eggnog using a hand frother, immersion blender, or regular blender until frothy and bubbly.

pour eggnog over coffee in a mug on a cream and red stripped towel.

Step 4: Pour the espresso or strong coffee into a mug, then gently top with the frothed eggnog so the foam stays on top. Add whipped cream, nutmeg, or sprinkles if desired.

Tips:

  • Heat eggnog gently and slowly — high heat can curdle the eggs.
  • No espresso machine? Use very strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder.
  • Top with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg for a classic presentation.
  • Make it vegan or dairy-free by using a plant-based eggnog or making your own with non-dairy milk.
  • Add collagen peptides or protein powder to boost nutrition if desired; mix well before frothing.
  • Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of eggnog: 1/2 cup yields a lightly sweet latte; increase to 1 cup for a richer, sweeter drink.

Iced Eggnog Latte:

For an iced version, use cold brew or chilled espresso. Instead of warming the eggnog, froth it cold with an immersion blender, hand frother, or regular blender until it thickens and doubles in volume. Pour over ice and top with coffee.

FAQ:

What are the typical ingredients in a coffee-shop eggnog latte?

A typical version includes eggnog, milk, espresso, and a dusting of nutmeg.

Can this be served iced?

Yes — use chilled coffee and cold-frothed eggnog, then pour over ice.

Can I add alcohol?

Yes — bourbon, brandy, or rum are common additions for an adult version.

Can I make a latte at home without a machine?

Absolutely. Brew strong coffee and froth warmed milk or eggnog with a handheld frother, immersion blender, or regular blender, then combine with coffee.

Find More Delicious Drinks:

  • Gingerbread Hot Chocolate — add a shot of espresso for a gingerbread mocha latte.
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte
  • Rosemary Tea
  • Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
  • Honey Butter Latte

If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please come back and share a comment or rating — it helps others find the recipe and lets me know how it turned out for you.

side view of a eggnog latte topped with whipped cream and sprinkles in a glass mug on a red towel on a marble countertop surrounded by sprinkles and greenery.

Eggnog Latte

Creamy eggnog spiced with nutmeg is frothed and paired with espresso or strong coffee to make a delicious, nostalgic holiday latte.
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Author: Amy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • Immersion blender or blender

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso or 4 oz strong coffee
  • 1/2 cup eggnog homemade or store-bought; use 1 cup for a sweeter latte
  • Optional toppings

Instructions

  • Make two shots of espresso or 4 oz of strong brewed coffee.
  • Warm the eggnog in a steamer or small saucepan until just heated, stirring occasionally. Do not overheat.
  • Froth the warmed eggnog with a hand frother, immersion blender, or regular blender until bubbly and foamy.
  • Pour the espresso or coffee into a mug and top with the frothed eggnog. Pour slowly so the foam stays on top.
  • Add toppings like whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg if desired. Enjoy.

Notes

  • Do not heat eggnog too high to avoid curdling.
  • If you lack an espresso machine, use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder.
  • Top with homemade whipped cream and nutmeg for a classic finish.
  • Use vegan eggnog or non-dairy milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
  • Add protein powder or collagen peptides if you want extra protein; mix before frothing.
  • Adjust eggnog amount to control sweetness: 1/2 cup for lightly sweet, 1 cup for a richer latte.

Nutrition

Calories: 117 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 11 g
|
Protein: 6 g
|
Fat: 5 g
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: eggnog latte

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