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How to Make an Eggnog Latte! This delicious, custardy latte is easy to make at home with REAL ingredients. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up leftover eggnog!
A few days ago, I saw snowflakes.
They didn’t stick, they didn’t last, but as they fell they whispered, “Winter is coming.”
It’s time to find the blankets, dig out your sweaters, and break out the eggnog!
If you, along with the rest of America, have been chugging Pumpkin Spiced Lattes since October, it’s time to try winterizing your latte with some ‘nog.
Skip the coffee shop lines and prices, and make this rich and creamy latte at home!
Are you shopping for an espresso maker? Check out our picks for the best small espresso makers.
How to Froth Eggnog: What Didn’t Work
Okay, guys– this latte has a story.
Every winter, Starbucks starts selling their Eggnog Latte, and the husband LOVES it.
Theirs is too sweet for me though, and I’ve never been able to drink more than a few sips.
This year, I was on a mission– I was going to make my own Eggnog Latte at home! Easy, right?!
Well, it is– but there is a learning curve. Learn from my mistakes, and your first latte will be perfect!
Here’s why serving eggnog warm is tricky– Eggnog is made from mostly eggs.
And, as we all know, something happens to eggs when they get hot.
They cook. Scramble. Turn solid.
My Eggnog Latte Adventures left me with a sad, horrid-looking cup of scrambled eggs, not once– but TWICE.
It happened once when I tried to use the wand on a steam-powered espresso maker (the steam’s too hot), and once when I let the eggnog get too hot in a pot on the stove.
I got distracted and walked away– bad!
How to Froth Eggnog: What DID Work
I actually gave up on this custard-filled latte, deciding that Starbucks must use some fake, eggless syrup in their lattes, but the husband was convinced it was possible.
He went into Starbucks, ordered the latte, and peppered the barista with questions.
So here’s the deal– you want to get the eggnog WARM, not hot.
Warm Eggnog on a Stovetop
You can do this on your stove top, just watch the ‘nog carefully and take it off the heat as soon as it’s warmed.
Warm Eggnog with an Espresso Machine
If you have a pump-powered espresso machine, use the steam wand for about 10 seconds, holding the bottom of the frothing container, and stop as soon as the container feels warm on your hands.
Do not use this technique for a steam-powered espresso machine (such as a Mr. Coffee).
Need an pump-powered espresso maker? We use a Delonghi Dedica in our kitchen.
What Type of Coffee Beans Should I Use?
Stick to a dark roast.
Our favorite is the Major Dickason’s Blend from Peet’s coffee.
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead of Espresso?
Don’t have an espresso maker?
Try using a French Press! Your coffee won’t technically be espresso, but it will have a very similar flavor.
I also like making French Press cappuccino.
Can I use Pre-Made Eggnog?
You can absolutely use pre-made eggnog!
Just make sure to taste the eggnog and see if you like the flavor. Not all pre-made eggnogs are created equal.
Can I Use Leftover Homemade Eggnog?
Yes! Absolutely. If you’re interested in making your own homemade eggnog, go for it!
Leftover eggnog can also be used in eggnog French toast and a pumpkin eggnog cocktail.
Can I Use Leftover Alcoholic Eggnog?
If you’ve got leftover ‘nog from a party– that works too! If your leftover cocktail is made with alcohol, turn your latte into an eggnog latte cocktail!
And maybe drink it after work, not before work.
Eggnog Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
Eggnog:
- 4 ounces eggnog Homemade or store-bought
- 4 ounces brewed espresso (more or less as desired)
- ½ cup whole or 2% milk (not skim)
- Optional garnish- freshly grated nutmeg, ground cinnamon, whipped cream
Instructions
- Tip: Eggnog (especially homemade eggnog) has the potential to turn to scrambled eggs during this step. Follow the directions carefully and do not over-heat the eggnog!Stovetop method:Warm eggnog on medium-low in a small pot, testing often, and removing from heat as soon as eggnog is warm but not hotUse a steam wand on a pump-powered espresso maker:Heat the eggnog for approximately 10 seconds. While warming, hold your hand underneath the milk frothing container, and stop frothing as SOON as the container feels warm. Do not attempt to use the frothing wand on a steam-powered espresso maker, because the steam is too hot and the eggs will scramble.
- Divide eggnog between two large mugs.Next, brew espresso and steam milk. If you don't have a milk steamer, heat milk on stovetop and use a hand-held frother or immersion blender to create some froth (froth optional).
- Pour half the espresso in each cup, and then stir to help blend the eggnog and espresso. Pour milk into each espresso, holding back the froth with a spoon. Top with foam.Optionally, top with whipped cream and dust with nutmeg or cinnamon.Serve immediately.
What do you mean, you didn’t want scrambled egg latte???? Gorgeous, as usual!
oh you know.. I’m being picky 😛 Maybe I should try it that way again– it’s like a well rounded breakfast in a cup haha! And thanks!
Well your hard work has paid off-this looks delicious and not a scrambled egg in sight! I’ve accidentally scrambled eggs many times in my baking and cooking adventures (scrambled egg ice cream, scrambled egg custard, scrambled egg pie, the list goes on and on really). Nice detective work! I want to do that to my favorite drink, the Aztec Mocha from Flying Goat Coffee. I just can’t get it right. I need someone to do reconnoissance.
aw thanks! eggs are trickier than they seem aren’t they??
Ooooo an Aztec Mocha sounds intriguing!!
Confession: I’ve never made egg nog and I’ve only had plain skim milk lattes — never flavored. I am so boring! Can I cheat and use store-bought eggnog?
Haha you can totally cheat with store bought!
Sarah you so rock! I’ve been looking for a good eggnog recipe! Can’t wait to try this latte!!
Aw thanks! If you’re making it without the coffee just add a little bourbon 😉 lol
Where are you based? We got a tonne of snow in the last few days but there was almost nothing before that. So crazy…but at least if feels a little more festive now!
Also, isn’t it an awesome feeling when you finally master a recipe you’ve been trying to perfect?! Congrats!
I’m in Southern WV- we have ZERO snow yet on the ground- just flurries! I’m waiting for a snow day from work soon! Lol
What a lovely story and the way you have made it look so simple. I must admit. I am a fool that I never tried this before. Heading off to kitchen now.
Let me know how it turns out!! 🙂
Warm eggnog makes perfect sense. Nobody wants a scrambled latte. I’m like you I like my latte less sweet. I must try this recipe. It may become a new winter favorite.
Thanks! And right- keep the eggs on the plate, not in the coffee. Lol
I’m sitting under a cozy blanket right now and I’m still freezing. I could go for a big mug of this right now!
I hear ya!
I have a confession – I’ve never tried eggnog… But the idea of drinking an egg drink seems so weird to me. I don’t think I would want to try. Your recipe, however, looks gorgeous! If I didn’t know that latte was made with eggnog I might even try it.
It is a little weird, but it’s even more delicious! You should try it! 😀
Ok…I LOVE eggnog lattes. I don’t have a fancy machine (not that I don’t want one). I make mine with a french press and use a battery milk frother (after I heat the milk on the stove). Simple, but it works!
This is so delicious. For me it’s a year round drink!!