There’s something about the first sip of an Eggnog Latte that hits you right in the nostalgia. For me, it was a chilly December morning in 2016, waiting in the drive-thru line before work, that I tasted one for the first time. It wasn’t just coffee, it was like drinking the memory of every Christmas movie night, every frosted window, every pine-scented candle I never admitted I bought too early. Since Starbucks took it off the U.S. menu for a couple of years, I had to figure out how to make it myself. And honestly? This copycat Starbucks Eggnog Latte gets pretty close.
It’s sweet, creamy, and gently spiced with nutmeg, with that telltale whisper of cinnamon hiding in the background. But the secret? It’s not a complicated drink. At heart, it’s good eggnog, a bit of milk, strong espresso, and just enough foam to make you feel fancy. Whether you’re trying to recreate a beloved holiday ritual or just want to skip the seasonal lines, this version is warm, cozy joy in a mug. No drive-thru needed.
Table of Contents
How to make Starbucks Eggnog Latte
You’ll start by brewing a strong shot of espresso, something bold enough to cut through the sweetness of the eggnog. While that brews, warm up a mix of full-fat eggnog and milk on the stove or in a frother, just until it’s hot and steamy but not boiling. You want it cozy, not cooked. If you’re feeling fancy, give it a quick froth for that soft café-style foam on top.
Pour the espresso into your favorite mug (bonus points if it’s a holiday one), then top it with the warm eggnog blend. Add a whisper of freshly grated nutmeg over the surface, don’t skip this part, it’s what makes the first sip feel like December. Optional: a swirl of whipped cream if you want to make it extra indulgent, or maybe a cinnamon stick to stir and look festive.
It’s simple, but it hits deep. Like curling up by a window with a thick sweater and a stack of old holiday movies. All in one mug.
Nutrition facts (per 12 oz serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Sugar: 35 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Caffeine: ~75 mg
Ingredients (makes one 12 oz serving)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
- ⅔ cup full-fat eggnog (store-bought, not light)
- ⅓ cup 2% or whole milk
- 1 shot espresso (or ¼ cup very strong brewed coffee)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
- Optional: ⅛ tsp vanilla extract (for extra warmth)
Tools you’ll need
- Espresso machine or moka pot (or French press, strong drip brew)
- Small saucepan or milk frother
- Spoon or whisk
- Grater (for nutmeg)
- 12 oz mug or glass
- Optional: milk frother wand or French press for foam
Instructions
Step 1: Brew your espresso
Brew one strong shot of espresso (about 1 oz / 30 ml). If you don’t have espresso, use ¼ cup of strong moka pot coffee or double-strength drip brew. Pour into your mug and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the eggnog + milk
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggnog and milk. Stir gently until it’s hot but not boiling, aim for around 150–160°F (65–70°C). If it starts to bubble hard, pull it off the heat. You want it hot and steamy, not scorched.
Optional: Stir in vanilla extract for a little flavor boost.
Step 3: Froth (optional)
If you like foam, use a milk frother, steam wand, or even pump the hot mix in a French press for 15–20 seconds until lightly frothy. Don’t overdo it, the real Starbucks Eggnog Latte has minimal foam, just a thin layer.
Step 4: Pour and garnish
Pour the warm eggnog mixture over the espresso. Sprinkle a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg over the top. Optional: add a swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra festive.
Step 5: Sip and feel the holidays
Find a quiet moment (even if it’s just 5 minutes before emails hit), wrap your hands around the mug, and let the season come to you.
Tips
- Don’t overheat the eggnog or it may curdle. Keep it warm, not boiling.
- Use fresh nutmeg if you can. The aroma is magic and elevates the whole drink.
- Steam and pour immediately, eggnog cools quickly and loses that velvety texture.
- Skip the sugar, most eggnogs are already sweet enough on their own.
- Chill your mug before serving iced if you’re doing the cold version.
What to serve with
Sweet holiday comforts
- Gingerbread cookies – Soft or snappy, gingerbread brings out the mellow spice in the latte and makes the whole experience feel like a snow globe in your mouth.
- Cranberry-orange scones – That tartness cuts the richness of the eggnog, and the citrus gives a bright contrast to the latte’s warm vanilla spice.
- Butter croissants with cinnamon sugar – Light, flakey, and just indulgent enough to turn your mug of eggnog into a breakfast worth slowing down for.
Savory winter pairings
- Cheddar-chive biscuits – Trust me, a little sharpness goes beautifully with the sweet and creamy notes of the latte. It’s like your holiday brunch just got an upgrade.
- Maple-glazed sausage links – If you’re going full cozy mode, this combo is like a Christmas morning plate in a cup and on the side. Sweet, savory, and very satisfying.
- Smoked salmon on toast with cream cheese – Unexpected? Maybe. But that little pop of salt and creaminess works as a sophisticated counter to the thick, spiced drink.
Afternoon snack pairings
- Caramel popcorn or candied pecans – Crunchy, sweet, and perfect for curling up with a blanket and a book.
- Pumpkin bread or banana bread – Soft, spiced, and naturally cozy companions to this wintery latte. Especially good if lightly toasted.
- Mini brie bites with fig jam – Fancy little bites that feel like a holiday party snack, even if you’re just treating yourself solo at the kitchen table.
Variations
Iced Eggnog Latte
Make it cold by skipping the heating step. Shake eggnog and milk with ice, pour over your chilled espresso, then top with cold foam and nutmeg. Starbucks sold it this way for years, and it’s perfect when the holidays show up early but the weather doesn’t.
Eggnog Cold Foam Latte
Use the eggnog-milk mix to make cold foam. Froth it cold (with a little half-and-half if needed), then spoon it on top of iced coffee. A super airy way to enjoy the eggnog flavor without the heat.
Extra Spiced Version
Stir a pinch of ground cinnamon and a few grains of clove into the milk while heating. For spice lovers who want a bolder sip. Just don’t overdo it, too much clove turns the holiday joy into a cough syrup memory.
Boozy Holiday Twist
Add a splash of bourbon, spiced rum, or even brandy into the mug before pouring in the hot eggnog. Just half an ounce will do. It’s like grown-up holiday cheer in a cup, sip slowly.
Double Espresso Version
Need a real kick? Use two shots of espresso and scale up the eggnog–milk mix to 1¼ cups total. A fuller cup and fuller buzz.
Vanilla Bean Eggnog Latte
Add a scraped vanilla bean or a drop of vanilla bean paste to the milk as it warms. This little extra gives you more depth and a fancy café feel.
Ingredient substitutes
Eggnog
- Original: Full-fat store-bought eggnog
- Substitutes: Homemade eggnog (use pasteurized egg yolks), vegan eggnog (almond or oat-based), or even a custard-style milk mix with cinnamon and nutmeg for a DIY version
Milk
- Original: 2% or whole milk
- Substitutes: Oat milk for creaminess, almond milk for a nutty edge, soy milk for a protein boost, or skip and use 100% eggnog for a very thick drink
Espresso
- Original: One shot brewed espresso
- Substitutes: Moka pot coffee, AeroPress espresso, or ¼ cup of extra-strong drip coffee
- Instant espresso works in a pinch, just dissolve 1 tsp in 2 tbsp hot water
Nutmeg
- Original: Freshly grated whole nutmeg
- Substitutes: Pre-ground nutmeg (use sparingly), pumpkin pie spice (for a twist), or cinnamon (if you’re out of nutmeg entirely, but it won’t be quite the same)
Vanilla extract (optional)
- Original: Real vanilla extract
- Substitutes: Vanilla bean paste, vanilla syrup, or leave it out for a more neutral eggnog flavor
Whipped cream (optional)
- Original: Store-bought or homemade whipped topping
- Substitutes: Coconut whipped cream, oat whip, or leave it off for a lighter, more traditional finish
Honest Review
After a few batches and a couple tweaks to the milk ratio, this Starbucks Eggnog Latte copycat came out surprisingly close to the original. The first sip gives you that smooth, gently spiced richness that screams holiday season, and the nutmeg on top really seals the deal. Texture-wise, it’s just how I remember it: velvety, cozy, and not too foamy.
Would I say it’s 100% identical to what you get at Starbucks? Honestly, not quite. They probably use a specially formulated eggnog base and a high-pressure steam wand that gives their drinks that ultra-fine microfoam. But flavor-wise? It hits all the right nostalgic notes, especially if you’re using a quality store-bought eggnog and freshly brewed espresso. It tastes like Christmas in a cup.
If you’ve been missing this drink since it disappeared from the menu, or just want to bring a little holiday magic into your own kitchen, this one’s a win. No line. No seasonal FOMO. Just creamy, spiced comfort that warms your hands and your mood.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup full-fat eggnog (store-bought, not light)
- ⅓ cup 2% or whole milk
- 1 shot espresso (or ¼ cup very strong brewed coffee)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (for garnish)
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
- Optional: ⅛ tsp vanilla extract (for extra warmth)
Instructions
Step 1: Brew your espresso
Brew a strong shot of espresso, about 1 ounce (30 ml). If you don’t have an espresso machine, use ¼ cup of strong moka pot coffee or double-strength drip coffee. Pour it into your mug and set it aside.
Step 2: Heat the eggnog + milk
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the eggnog and milk. Warm it gently until it’s hot but not boiling, aiming for 150–160°F (65–70°C). If it starts to bubble heavily, remove it from the heat. You want it warm and steamy, not scorched. Optional: stir in a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.
Step 3: Froth (optional)
If you enjoy foam, lightly froth the hot mixture using a frother, steam wand, or French press. Pump or steam for 15–20 seconds until it’s just a bit foamy. A real Starbucks Eggnog Latte has only a thin layer of foam.
Step 4: Pour and garnish
Pour the warm eggnog mixture over the espresso. Add a small dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top. If you want a festive touch, add a swirl of whipped cream.
Step 5: Sip and feel the holidays
Take a quiet moment, wrap your hands around the mug, and enjoy the warm holiday flavors before the day picks up.
Notes
Calories: 320Total Fat: 12 gSaturated Fat: 7 gCarbohydrates: 40 gSugar: 35 gProtein: 9 gCaffeine: ~75 mg
