Updated: September 11, 2026
Every year, my family and I look forward to making eggnog lattes, especially after we whip up a big batch of my homemade eggnog. My method keeps things simple with rich eggnog and bold espresso. So there’s no need to add milk to dilute that nostalgic eggnog flavor. Ready in just 8 minutes, this creamy eggnog latte is one of my favorite cozy coffee drinks this time of year. Enjoy it warm and frothy with freshly grated nutmeg, or turn it into an iced eggnog latte when you’re craving something cold.
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What You Will Love About This Eggnog Latte
- No diluted eggnog flavor – Many homemade latte recipes add whole milk to the eggnog mixture, but I skip it completely. You get the full creamy, spiced flavor of the eggnog in every sip.
- Ready in 8 minutes – This is an easy homemade latte you can make faster than a trip to your favorite coffee shop.
- Only two main ingredients – All you really need is eggnog and espresso. Whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg make a delicious finishing touch.
- Homemade or store-bought works – I love making this with my homemade eggnog recipe, but a carton of eggnog from the grocery store works perfectly too.
- Easy to make hot or iced – Enjoy it as a cozy drink on a chilly morning or pour it over ice for an iced eggnog latte.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need a coffee-shop setup to make your own eggnog latte at home.
- Espresso machine or espresso maker – Use this to brew a double shot of espresso. A Moka pot or very strong coffee can also work.
- Small saucepan – For gently warming the eggnog over medium-low heat.
- Handheld milk frother – Quickly creates that creamy, frothy topping.
- Coffee mug: Choose a mug large enough to hold the espresso and ¾ cup of frothed eggnog.
Eggnog Latte Ingredients
This homemade eggnog latte recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Detailed measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- Eggnog – The creamy base of the latte and the source of those warm, nostalgic winter flavors. Homemade eggnog is my preferred method, but your favorite store-bought eggnog works as well.
- Espresso – A double shot of espresso balances the sweetness and richness of the eggnog with bold coffee flavor.
- Freshly grated nutmeg – Optional, adds a fragrant, warm spice that complements the eggnog.
- Whipped cream = Optional, but perfect when you want to turn your latte into an extra-special sweet treat.
How to Make an Eggnog Latte
Learning how to make an eggnog latte at home couldn’t be easier. Below you will find step-by-step instructions with photos. Additional details can be found in the printable recipe card below.
STEP 1: Brew the espresso – Brew 2 shots, or 2 fluid ounces, of espresso using your espresso machine or preferred method. Pour the espresso into your favorite coffee mug.
STEP 2: Heat the eggnog – Pour ¾ cup eggnog into a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steaming. Do not allow the eggnog to boil.
STEP 3: Froth the eggnog – Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a handheld frother to froth the warm eggnog until it becomes creamy and foamy.
STEP 4: Make the latte – Slowly pour the warm, frothed eggnog over the double shot of espresso. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and finish with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
How to Make an Iced Eggnog Latte
When I’m in the mood for the same cozy flavors without a hot coffee, I make an iced eggnog latte instead.
STEP 1: Brew the espresso – Brew 2 shots of espresso and allow them to cool slightly.
STEP 2: Grab Your Ice – Fill a glass with ice, pour in ¾ cup cold eggnog, and add the espresso. Stir until combined and finish with a dusting of nutmeg.
TIP: For an extra frothy iced latte, froth the cold eggnog with a handheld frother before pouring it over the ice. There’s no need to add milk, the eggnog is already creamy enough on its own.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this eggnog latte recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you have at home.
- Use store-bought eggnog – Don’t have homemade eggnog? Use your favorite regular eggnog from the grocery store.
- Make it dairy-free – Use your favorite dairy-free eggnog make your own dairy-free eggnog at home. Oat milk-based eggnog tends to have an especially creamy consistency, but almond milk or coconut milk versions can work as well.
- Use strong coffee – If you don’t have an espresso machine, substitute about ⅓ cup of very strong coffee. A French press can help you achieve a stronger coffee flavor. For an iced coffee, my favorite coffee to use is the Starbucks Medium Roast Iced Coffee.
- Make it iced – Skip heating the eggnog and serve it with cooled espresso over ice.
- Add more spice – Add a pinch of cinnamon or a little extra freshly grated nutmeg.
- Make it sweeter – Depending on the sweetness of your eggnog and personal preference, you can add a small amount of maple syrup or your favorite sweetener.
- Add vanilla – A small splash of vanilla extract can add even more warmth to the latte.
Eggnog Latte Tips
- Don’t boil the eggnog – Keep your saucepan over medium-low heat and warm the eggnog just until it’s hot and steaming. Boiling can affect its creamy texture.
- Use freshly brewed espresso –The strong coffee flavor is important because eggnog is rich and sweet. A double shot of espresso gives you enough coffee flavor to balance it.
- Froth while the eggnog is warm- For the best texture, use your handheld frother immediately after removing the saucepan from the heat.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg – A little freshly grated nutmeg on top makes a big difference and gives the finished drink a beautiful aroma.
- Adjust the coffee-to-eggnog ratio – I love the balance of 2 ounces of espresso to ¾ cup eggnog, but you can add a little more espresso if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor.
- Serve it right away – This creamy eggnog latte is best while the eggnog is warm and the top is still frothy.
How to Store an Eggnog Latte
An eggnog latte is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made, especially if you want to enjoy the creamy foam on top. If you have leftovers, allow the latte to cool and transfer it to an airtight container or mason jar. Refrigerate for up to 1 day. The foam will disappear as it sits, so I recommend frothing the latte again before serving. To reheat, pour the latte into a small saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling it. You can also reheat it in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval.
More Eggnog Recipes
If you love that creamy, nostalgic eggnog flavor as much as my family does, here are a few more recipes to try:
- Homemade Eggnog
- Dairy-Free Eggnog Recipe
- Eggnog Cocktail
- Eggnog Ice Cream
- Eggnog Martini
FAQ
Can I use store-bought eggnog instead of homemade?
Yes. While I love using my homemade eggnog recipe, your favorite store-bought eggnog works beautifully in this recipe. Since brands vary in sweetness and thickness, you may find that you prefer slightly more or less espresso depending on the eggnog you choose.
Do I need an espresso machine to make an eggnog latte?
No. An espresso machine will give you the most traditional latte flavor, but you can use a Moka pot or about ⅓ cup of strong brewed coffee instead. The important thing is to make the coffee strong enough to stand up to the rich eggnog.
Can I make an eggnog latte dairy-free?
Yes. Simply use your favorite dairy-free eggnog. Oat milk-based eggnog is a great option when you want a rich and creamy consistency, but other dairy-free varieties can work as well.
Is an eggnog latte the same as eggnog coffee?
They're very similar, but an eggnog latte traditionally uses espresso rather than regular brewed coffee. Adding eggnog in coffee is an easy way to get similar flavors, while espresso creates a stronger coffee base and gives the drink more of a classic latte experience.
Does an eggnog latte have milk in it?
It depends on the recipe. Some versions combine eggnog with whole milk before steaming, but I don't add any additional milk to mine. Using eggnog by itself gives this latte a richer texture and stronger eggnog flavor without watering it down.
Recipe Card
Eggnog Latte
Equipment
- Handheld Milk Frother
- Coffee Mug
- Measuring Cup
Instructions
- Brew 2 shots, or 2 fluid ounces, of espresso using your espresso machine or preferred method. Pour the espresso into your favorite coffee mug.
- Pour ¾ cup eggnog into a small saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot and steaming. Do not allow the eggnog to boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a handheld frother to froth the warm eggnog until it becomes creamy and foamy.
- Slowly pour the warm, frothed eggnog over the double shot of espresso. Top with whipped cream, if desired, and finish with freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this homemade eggnog latte, I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio so I can see what you’re making, follow along on Pinterest for more easy recipes, or leave a comment below. And tell me: what latte recipe would you like to see me make next?
