The Sixth Day of Christmas Coffee - Your Guide to The Perfect Eggnog Latte
Your Guide to the Perfect Eggnog Latte
The holidays are here; with them come festive drinks that warm our hearts and bring us together. At the top of the list is the indulgent Eggnog Latte. This creamy, spiced delight combines the rich flavors of eggnog with the robust essence of coffee. It's like sipping Christmas joy in a cup!
Are you getting ready for a holiday movie marathon or an afternoon by the fireplace? This drink makes for a great companion.
In this article, we'll explore eggnog lattes, share a simple yet delicious recipe for whipping one up at home, and discuss why they're a holiday favorite. So, grab your favorite mug, and let's get started!
The Story Behind Eggnog Lattes
Eggnog is a drink steeped in tradition. Its origins date back to medieval Britain, where a concoction called posset—a warm ale drink mixed with eggs and milk—was popular. Over time, eggnog evolved into the rich, creamy beverage we know today, often spiked with rum or brandy for holiday celebrations.
The result was magic when the coffee world got its hands on this festive drink. The Eggnog Latte was born by combining frothy eggnog with espresso and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, offering the perfect balance of richness, warmth, and a hint of caffeine.
Why We Love Eggnog Lattes
Festive Comfort
Eggnog's inherently comforting, and pairing it with coffee adds a sophisticated twist. The warmth of the drink combined with the warm spices feels like a hug in a cup—perfect for cold winter mornings or evenings.
Nostalgic Vibes
For many, the flavor of eggnog sparks memories of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the magic of childhood. An eggnog latte can take you on a nostalgic journey with every sip.
Customizable Delight
Whether you prefer a hint of nutmeg or an extra shot of espresso, the customizations for this drink are endless. You can tweak it to suit dietary needs by swapping traditional eggnog for plant-based versions.
Let's Make It: The Ultimate Eggnog Latte Recipe
Making an eggnog latte at home is easier than you might think. You can create a café-quality beverage in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
1/2 cup eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk)
1 shot of espresso (or use 1/3 cup strong brewed coffee)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground cinnamon
Whipped cream (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
Prepare the Eggnog Base
Combine the eggnog, milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scalding. Remove from heat once it's warm and steamy (but not boiling).
Brew the Coffee
While the eggnog mixture heats, brew your espresso or strong coffee. If you don't have an espresso machine, a Moka pot, French press, or even instant espresso powder works in a pinch.
Combine the Two
Pour the freshly brewed coffee into your favorite mug. Slowly add the warm eggnog mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Top It Off
For the café feel, top your eggnog latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle a small pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for something extra.
Sip and Enjoy
Find a cozy spot, cue up your favorite holiday playlist or movie, and savor your homemade eggnog latte's creamy, spiced perfection.
Customizing Your Eggnog Latte
One of the best things about making eggnog lattes at home is the ability to tailor them to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
Spiked Version: Add a rum, bourbon, or brandy splash for an adult-friendly treat.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond, oat, coconut milk, and a plant-based eggnog alternative.
Extra Bold: Double the espresso shot for a stronger coffee kick.
Sweeter Touch: Drizzle caramel or add a teaspoon of sugar to the eggnog mixture.
Pair it with Holiday Magic
An eggnog latte is more than just a drink—it's an experience. Pair it with some festive touches to make the moment even more special:
Holiday Movie Night: Nothing goes better with a classic like It's a Wonderful Life or Home Alone than a warm, spiced latte.
Cozy Reading Session: Grab a good book, a blanket, and an eggnog latte for a relaxing evening by the fire.
Baking Companion: Sip your latte while baking cookies or preparing holiday treats for family and friends.
Fun Fact: Eggnog Around the World
While eggnog is often associated with Christmas in the U.S., variations of this drink exist worldwide. In Puerto Rico, coquito is a coconut-based version of eggnog, usually spiked with rum. In Mexico, Rompope adds a cinnamon twist. Each culture brings its unique spin, but the comforting richness remains a common thread.
Why Make Eggnog Lattes at Home?
Grab an eggnog latte from your favorite café, but when holiday demands are pulling you in multiple directions, making it at home has its perks:
Cost-Effective: Save money by crafting your drinks at home instead of buying them daily.
Creative Freedom: Experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your personal taste.
Festive Fun: Making an eggnog latte can be a fun holiday activity to share with family or friends.
Share the Joy
One of the best parts of the holidays is sharing special moments with loved ones. Consider inviting friends over for a DIY eggnog latte bar. Set out different toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and caramel drizzle, and let everyone customize their drink.
Final Sip
There's nothing like a cozy eggnog latte on a frosty winter day. That creamy, rich flavor with just the proper nutmeg and cinnamon? It's pure holiday magic in every sip!
Whether you enjoy it solo as a little seasonal treat or share it with loved ones, this festive drink has all the makings of a holiday tradition you'll want to keep year after year.
So, eggnog lovers, rejoice! With this recipe and a little holiday spirit, you're just a few steps away from the perfect seasonal indulgence.
Until next time…
Patty Bonsera is the founder and editor-in-chief of Local Coffee Talk Magazine and host of the Local Coffee Talk Podcast. She combines her love for sharing the stories of specialty coffee and the passionate people behind them with her own love of travel and coffee to foster the connections among coffee enthusiasts, travelers, and local communities. Through her work with the magazine and podcast, she strives to inspire meaningful experiences and celebrate the vibrant culture of specialty coffee, one cup and conversation at a time.
