LATTESEggnog Latte
The quick answer
An eggnog latte uses 2 oz of espresso and a 2:1 mix of eggnog to milk (4 oz eggnog to 2 oz milk) steamed to 140 degrees F. Steaming eggnog straight causes scorching, so always cut it with milk. A pinch of nutmeg on top finishes the drink in under 8 minutes.
Eggnog is too thick and too sweet to steam on its own -- cut it with milk at a 2:1 ratio and you get a latte that's rich but not cloying.
The key technique here is diluting the eggnog before steaming. Full-strength eggnog scorches easily at steam wand temperatures and its sugar content makes it foam poorly. Mixing 4 oz of eggnog with 2 oz of whole milk keeps the richness while giving you a milk mixture that steams and froths reliably.
Eggnog is already heavily sweetened, so you don't need to add syrup. Taste your espresso-eggnog mix before adding anything extra. If you want more spice, a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon stirred into the espresso base does the job without adding more sweetness.
The espresso roast matters more in this drink than in a standard latte. The eggnog's richness can flatten a light roast. Medium-dark or dark roast espresso provides enough bitterness to cut through the eggnog and keep the drink from tasting like warm custard.
For an iced eggnog latte, combine espresso and eggnog over ice -- no milk dilution needed when cold since you skip the steaming step. A 1:2 ratio of espresso to eggnog works well and the cold temperature keeps the eggnog from overwhelming the coffee.
Dial it in before you make it
Match your espresso dose and yield before you pull the shot.
Espresso Ratio Calculator
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose (in) | 18 g |
| Ratio | 1:2 |
| Yield (out) | 36 g |
| Yield (fl oz ref.) | 1.2 fl oz |
| Shot time guide | Aim 25–32 seconds |
fl oz reference uses 30 g per fl oz (espresso is denser than water). Dial in grind size to hit your target yield in 25–32 s.
Make it
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients
Steps
We tested full-strength steamed eggnog versus the 2:1 eggnog-to-milk blend side by side. The blend wins every time -- it steams in 30 seconds, foams slightly, and doesn't burn on the bottom of the pitcher. The full-strength version is too sweet and scorches before you get foam.
Pro tips
- Never steam eggnog undiluted. The high sugar content causes it to scorch at temperatures below 150 degrees F.
- Heat eggnog to 140 degrees F maximum. Overheating breaks the egg proteins and creates a grainy texture.
- Use dark or medium-dark roast espresso. Light roast gets lost behind the eggnog richness.
- Refrigerated eggnog works better than shelf-stable carton eggnog for this recipe -- the flavor is more pronounced.
- For a lighter version, use a 1:1 ratio of eggnog to milk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I steam eggnog directly without milk?
Not recommended. Full-strength eggnog scorches at steam wand temperatures because of its high sugar and egg content. Always dilute it with whole milk at a 2:1 eggnog-to-milk ratio before steaming. This gives you the flavor without the burnt-sugar bottom of the pitcher.
What temperature should I heat eggnog to?
Heat eggnog to 140 degrees F maximum -- about 10 degrees lower than standard milk steaming. Above 145 degrees F the egg proteins start to curdle and you get a grainy texture in your drink. Use a thermometer if you have one, or pull it off heat at the first wisps of steam.
Does an eggnog latte have alcohol in it?
Not by default. Standard store-bought eggnog contains no alcohol. If you use spiked eggnog, the alcohol content carries through to the drink. For a family-friendly version, any major grocery store eggnog brand works fine without modification.
What espresso roast works best with eggnog?
Medium-dark to dark roast works best. The eggnog is rich, sweet, and thick -- a light or medium roast espresso gets overwhelmed and you lose the coffee character. Roasts labeled Espresso Roast or Dark Roast at most grocery stores are the right choice.
Can I make an iced eggnog latte?
Yes, and it is simpler than the hot version. Pour 2 oz of espresso over a glass of ice, then add 4 oz of cold eggnog straight from the fridge. No dilution needed for the cold version -- you skip steaming, so scorching is not a concern.
