Eggnog Latte

Pumpkin-flavored everything might mark the heart of fall, but I know that winter has truly arrived when cartons of eggnog suddenly appear on grocery stores’ refrigerated shelves. Traditionally, eggnog stands on its own as a sweet, creamy beverage that’s usually served cold (and is often spiked with alcohol). Some people enjoy their eggnog heated, and from there, it’s just a small step to a toe-warming, caffeinated eggnog latte.

Like most lattes, this version uses espresso, a type of coffee enjoyed on its own or mixed into an array of copycat coffee shop drinks. Instead of just stirring the eggnog into hot coffee, a key element of how to make an eggnog latte is heating the eggnog with whole milk. This has several advantages. Eggnog tends to be quite sweet, so cutting it with whole milk hits the right level to offset the coffee’s intrinsic bitterness.

Heating the eggnog and milk mixture also develops the thin layer of foam that signifies a well-made latte. Using a whisk (or a handheld milk frother) helps to create a frothy mixture. Once heated, it’s easy to hold back this foam as you pour the mixture into the espresso and then spoon it on top to complete the beverage.

Eggnog Latte Ingredients

• Eggnog: This creamy beverage is usually only available in stores around the winter holidays. To enjoy a latte with eggnog throughout the year, use homemade eggnog.
• Whole milk: Considering the richness of eggnog, whole milk has the right amount of fat for this latte—even if you’re normally drawn to higher-fat dairy products and usually use half-and-half cream to make an easy breve. Non-fat or 2% milk could be used, but it would thin out the beverage.
• Espresso: Have the espresso freshly brewed and ready to immediately combine with the hot milk. Use the best espresso beans for the smoothest pour.
• Nutmeg: Eggnog almost always has a little nutmeg in the carton or recipe. Sprinkle a touch more on top of the latte eggnog as an attractive garnish that builds on that core spice.
• Whipped cream: Whipped cream is optional and gives the latte a decadent finish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the eggnog and milk

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In a small saucepan, bring the eggnog and milk to a low simmer over medium-low heat for four to five minutes or until bubbles gather on top.

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Using a milk frother or whisk, vigorously whip the eggnog mixture to encourage the development of foam.

Step 2: Combine with the espresso

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Pour the espresso into a mug.

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Gently pour the eggnog and milk mixture into the mug, using a spoon to stop the foam.

Step 3: Finish with foam

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Spoon the foam on top of the latte. If desired, top with whipped cream.

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Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve immediately.

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Eggnog Latte Variations

• Use coffee: If you don’t have an espresso machine or espresso beans, make a latte with coffee instead. Espresso vs. coffee mostly comes down to how the beans are roasted and brewed. Because espresso is more concentrated than coffee, start with equal amounts of coffee and the eggnog and milk mixture. You can always add more of either to taste.
• Add alcohol: Spiking eggnog with alcohol is a long-standing tradition, so feel free to add a shot or two of liquor to an oversized mug for a festive hot drink. What alcohol goes in eggnog is really up to you, but rum, whiskey, bourbon and brandy are some of the more common selections.
• Include other spices: Espresso has a strong taste, so you can spice up the eggnog without overpowering the beverage. Sprinkle ground cinnamon, allspice, clove or ginger into the saucepan as you heat the milk. Or warm the mixture with a whole cinnamon stick and a few cloves, removing them before you pour it into the mug.

How to Store Eggnog Lattes

We don’t really recommend storing an eggnog latte, as it tastes best with freshly brewed espresso. Until you whip up the latte, keep the milk and eggnog in the refrigerator and use them by their expiration date. Homemade eggnog should be stored in a covered container.

How to store espresso and other types of coffee depends on whether the beans are whole or ground. When storing ground coffee, we recommend a cool, dry, dark place (or the freezer in a container that locks out moisture). Use ground beans within a couple of weeks. As explained in our guide to espresso, whole beans keep best in an airtight bag or container placed in a moisture-free space, like a cool, dark cupboard.

How long does an eggnog latte last?

Store-bought eggnog has an expiration date, but it should be used within three to five days of opening the carton. Homemade eggnog only lasts for two to three days.

Eggnog Latte Tips

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Can you make iced eggnog lattes?

You can turn this recipe into an iced eggnog latte by putting the drink in the refrigerator until chilled and then adding ice. However, the foam will go flat, and the beverage might taste thin. We think this eggnog latte recipe tastes best when you drink it hot. To create iced eggnog lattes, use cold brew coffee and chilled eggnog.

Can you make a dairy-free or vegan eggnog latte?

Dairy-free eggnog has become increasingly common in grocery stores. For a homemade version, swap in one of your favorite nondairy milk alternatives when preparing your eggnog recipe. Use that same type of nondairy milk to prepare this eggnog latte recipe. For example, doubling down on coconut milk would create an intense coconut taste. Alternatively, you could replace the whole milk with a different option, like almond milk, for a broader flavor profile.

Check the eggnog carton label carefully if you want a truly vegan eggnog. The classic beverage uses dairy and eggs, but some nondairy versions also remove the eggs. They may use thickeners like rice starch, guar gum or cashews as an egg replacement.

What can you serve with an eggnog latte?

Serve eggnog latte with traditional Christmas cookies, of course. If you like to dunk a sweet treat in the hot beverage, make a batch of shortbread cookies, classic almond biscotti or one of these fancier biscotti recipes. Emphasize the coffee flavor by nibbling on coffee bean bark or cutting a slice of double chocolate espresso pound cake. To build on the eggnog flavor instead, make one of these festive eggnog desserts to serve with an after-dinner eggnog latte. If you’re sipping the latte at breakfast, serve it with muffins, a quick bread like coffee cake or, for something less sweet, traditional scones.