If you’ve ever wondered “is eggnog good in coffee?” — the answer is yes, absolutely! This Starbucks copycat Eggnog Latte combines rich espresso with creamy eggnog and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive, cozy coffee drink that tastes like the holidays in a mug.
Starbucks used to serve this drink every holiday season, but since it’s been off the menu for a few years, I started making my own at home, and it’s just as good (if not better).
It’s simple to make, smells amazing while you steam the eggnog, and saves a ton compared to coffee shop prices.
Whether you’re craving a Christmas morning coffee treat or just looking for a new way to enjoy eggnog, this homemade eggnog and coffee recipe will hit the spot.
Chai lovers will want to try this one!
Love the flavor of eggnog but want something a little spicier? My Eggnog Chai Latte combines creamy eggnog with the warm, cozy spices of chai. It’s rich, aromatic, and absolutely amazing on a chilly morning.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Eggnog Latte
- Festive and nostalgic. It’s like holiday cheer in coffee form.
- Easy to make. Just four ingredients and no fancy equipment required.
- Budget-friendly. Skip the $6+ seasonal drink and make your own at home.
- Customizable. Use any espresso or coffee you love (even decaf).
- Perfect texture. The blend of eggnog and milk makes it creamy, smooth, and easy to froth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need four ingredients (plus optional whipped cream) to make this cozy Starbucks-style latte.
- Eggnog
- Milk
- Brewed Espresso
- Ground Nutmeg
Ingredient Notes
Eggnog – Choose your favorite store-bought eggnog (non-alcoholic). It’s usually available from November through winter.
Milk – Starbucks uses 2% milk to cut the richness of the eggnog. Whole milk also works.
Espresso or Strong Coffee – Brew your favorite espresso, or make strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine.
Nutmeg – A light dusting of nutmeg on top gives it that signature holiday touch. You can use ground nutmeg or grate some fresh. Whichever you choose, less is more when it comes to nutmeg. Don’t be heavy-handed when sprinkling it on top.
Barista Tip: According to my daughter (who used to be a Starbucks barista), the ratio is half eggnog, half milk for the perfect balance of creamy and frothy.
How to Make a Starbucks Eggnog Latte at Home
Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.
- Brew the espresso.
Make a double shot (about 2 ounces) and pour it into a 14 oz mug. - Steam the eggnog and milk.
Combine equal parts eggnog and milk in a frothing pitcher or electric milk frother. Steam or heat until it reaches 150°F. Swirl to smooth the foam. Tap the jug on the counter to knock down any bubbles if necessary. - Pour and top.
Pour the steamed mixture over the espresso, spooning on a little foam at the end. Dust with ground nutmeg. - Optional: Add whipped cream if you want extra indulgence. Starbucks doesn’t serve it that way, but it’s delicious.
Recipe Notes
- Serving size: This recipe makes one 14 oz latte (between a tall and grande).
- Coffee alternatives: If you don’t have espresso, use ½ cup of strong brewed coffee instead.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg gives the best flavor, but bottled works fine (just use a light hand).
- Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free eggnog and your favorite plant milk (a barista edition oat milk froths best).
No Frother? No Problem.
If you don’t have a steam wand or electric frother:
- Warm the eggnog and milk on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Use a handheld frother or whisk to aerate until frothy.
It’s not quite microfoam, but it still creates that cozy, coffee-shop texture.
How to Steam Eggnog for the Best Latte Foam
Steaming eggnog takes a little finesse since it’s thicker and higher in fat than milk.
Here’s how to get it silky, not clumpy:
- Start with cold eggnog and milk. They stretch better when cold.
- Aerate longer than you would regular milk to get that smooth, glossy texture.
- Keep the temp below 150°F to prevent curdling. A cheap milk thermometer or temperature control milk jug both work great if you have a steam wand. And I love this 3-cup Breville electric milk frother with temperature control settings.
- Tap and swirl the pitcher on the counter to smooth any large bubbles before pouring.
When it’s right, the eggnog should look shiny and flow like wet paint. That’s your cue it’s perfect.
How to Make an Iced Eggnog Latte
Prefer your holiday drinks cold? Here’s how to make an iced coffee with eggnog:
- Add your espresso or strong brewed coffee to a glass. (If you want to add a flavored syrup, now is the time to do so.)
- Pour in cold eggnog (or a half-and-half mix of eggnog and milk).
- Fill glass with ice.
- Stir and top with whipped cream and nutmeg.
It’s creamy, refreshing, and tastes like dessert in a cup.
Try This Next: Iced Sugar Cookie Latte
If you love iced holiday drinks, my Iced Sugar Cookie Latte is another must-try! It’s made with homemade sugar cookie coffee creamer and homemade sugar cookie syrup for a sweet, buttery flavor that tastes just like a cookie in your cup. It’s perfect for when you want a festive coffee that’s still cool and refreshing.
More Cozy Coffee Recipes to Try
- Gingerbread Coffee Creamer – warm spice and molasses flavor for your morning brew.
- Sugar Cookie Coffee Creamer – sweet, buttery, and perfect for holiday lattes.
- Gingerbread Hot Chocolate – rich chocolate and warm spiced gingerbread come together for a decadent winter drink.
Starbucks Eggnog Latte Copycat
Easy Starbucks eggnog latte recipe that you make at home with brewed espresso, steamed eggnog and nutmeg. This holiday coffee drink is rich and creamy, has just 4 ingredients and takes under 5 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces brewed espresso
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
- ground nutmeg, to garnish
Instructions
- Brew a double shot of espresso in a mug that has a capacity of 14 fluid ounces or larger.
- Combine equal portions of eggnog and milk in a steam jug or electric milk frothier. Steam the eggnog mixture to 150°F. Tap and swirl it to knock down any bubbles and pour the eggnog into the espresso.
- Sprinkle nutmeg on top.
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