Eggnog Latte
- 5 min
- 7 g protein
- 200 kcal
- 1 latte (12 oz)
Updated November 11, 2026
Quick answer
An eggnog latte is 2 shots of espresso topped with ½ cup eggnog and ¼ cup milk steamed together to 140 °F, finished with grated nutmeg. Cut the eggnog with milk and keep it below 150 °F: pure eggnog scorches and curdles when it gets too hot. It needs no syrup because eggnog is already sweet.
How to steam eggnog without curdling
Mix eggnog with milk 2 : 1 and heat it gently to 140 °F, no hotter.
Eggnog has egg yolks and more sugar than milk, so it sticks and turns grainy at the temperatures used for regular latte milk (150 to 160 °F). A steam wand works if you stop early. On the stove, warm it over medium-low heat, whisking, until it steams but doesn't bubble. A handheld frother then makes a thick, velvety foam.
Store-bought vs. homemade eggnog
| Store-bought | Homemade (below) | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 0 minutes | 15 minutes + chilling |
| Taste | Sweeter, thicker | Fresh nutmeg and vanilla, less sweet |
| Safety | Pasteurized | Cooked to 160 °F, safe without raw eggs |
| Keeps | Until the date on the carton | 3 days in the fridge |
| Calories (½ cup) | about 170 | about 150 |
Safe homemade eggnog (cooked)
- Whisk 4 egg yolks with ⅓ cup sugar in a saucepan until pale.
- Whisk in 2 cups whole milk and ½ tsp grated nutmeg.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring, until it reaches 160 °F and coats a spoon (8 to 10 minutes).
- Off the heat, stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Chill at least 2 hours. Makes about 3 cups.
Iced eggnog latte
Pour cold eggnog (no heating) over ice, add a splash of milk and 2 shots of espresso. Grate nutmeg on top. It's the easiest holiday drink to make for a brunch: set out a jug of eggnog next to the coffee.
Eggnog Latte
- Prep: 2 min
- Cook: 3 min
- Total: 5 min
- Makes: 1 latte (12 oz)
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso, or ½ cup strong coffee
- ½ cup eggnog, store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup 2% milk
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Brew the espresso into a 12 oz mug.
- Heat the eggnog and milk to 140 °F with a steam wand, or in a small pot over medium-low heat while whisking.Tip: Stop as soon as it steams; bubbles mean it's too hot.
- Froth briefly with a handheld frother for a thick foam.
- Pour over the espresso and grate nutmeg on top.
Nutrition per serving
- 200Calories (kcal)
- 7 gProtein
- 20 gCarbs
- 10 gFat
- 20 gSugar
Estimated with USDA FoodData Central values for the listed ingredients.
Equipment
- Milk frother or steam wand
- Microplane for nutmeg
- Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Variations
- IcedCold eggnog over ice, splash of milk, espresso on top.
- Spiked (adults)Add 1 oz bourbon or dark rum after steaming.
FAQ
Is an eggnog latte the same as a coffee-chain eggnog latte?
The idea is the same: espresso with steamed eggnog and milk. The chain versions have mostly been discontinued, which is why homemade is now the easiest way to get one.
Can I use dairy-free eggnog?
Yes. Almond or oat nog steams well and doesn't curdle; heat it to 150 °F.
How much caffeine is in it?
About 125 mg from two espresso shots. Use decaf for a Christmas-evening drink.
Free printable
Coffee Syrup Recipe Cards + Bottle Labels
Recipe cards for 8 homemade coffee syrups and matching bottle labels. 3 pages, US Letter.
