Eggnog latte at home

Name: Eggnog Latte Recipe: Easy Holiday Coffee at Home
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1 latte
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 g finely ground coffee for a double espresso (about 2 oz), or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee; 1/2 cup (120 ml) store-bought or homemade eggnog; 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, optional; Whole nutmeg for grating, or a pinch of ground nutmeg; Pinch of cinnamon, optional

By the CDL Team. Updated 2026-11-03. Prep 5 min, cook 5 min, serves 1.

Gently heat eggnog with an equal amount of milk, froth it, and pour over a double shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong coffee). Finish with grated nutmeg. Makes one 12 oz latte in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

18 g finely ground coffee for a double espresso (about 2 oz), or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
1/2 cup (120 ml) store-bought or homemade eggnog
1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract, optional
Whole nutmeg for grating, or a pinch of ground nutmeg
Pinch of cinnamon, optional

Equipment

Espresso machine, moka pot or AeroPress (or a French press for strong coffee)
Small saucepan
Milk frother or whisk

Method

Brew the coffee. Pull a double shot of espresso, or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Pour it into a 12 oz mug.
Heat the eggnog gently. Warm the eggnog and milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until steaming. Do not let it boil; eggnog thickens and can curdle when it gets too hot.
Froth. Off the heat, stir in the vanilla, then froth with a handheld frother or whisk until a light foam forms. Eggnog foams less than plain milk, which is why the milk is added.
Combine and finish. Pour the eggnog over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. Grate nutmeg over it and add cinnamon if you like.

Tips and swaps

Sweetness

Most store-bought eggnog is already sweet, so taste before adding any sugar.

Dairy-free

Use a plant-based nog and oat milk. Heat gently in the same way.

Less caffeine

Decaf Mexico Sierra Azul works well for an after-dinner version; Mexico Half Caf is a middle ground.

For adults

A splash of bourbon or dark rum is a classic eggnog pairing. Add it after heating.

Coffee to use

Frequently asked questions

Can you steam eggnog?

Yes, but keep it below a boil and mix it with some milk. Pure eggnog is thick and can scorch or separate on a steam wand.

What coffee goes with eggnog?

A medium-dark or dark roast with chocolate or nutty notes balances the richness and sweetness of eggnog.

Can I make an iced eggnog latte?

Yes. Shake cold eggnog and milk together and pour over ice with a cooled double shot.