Starbucks Eggnog Latte Copycat Recipe

Starbucks Eggnog Latte

A Starbucks Eggnog Latte is an espresso drink sometimes offered on the holiday menu, that has dark roast espresso, steamed eggnog, and a dusting of nutmeg spice on top.

The eggnog portion of the drink is cut with milk.

Eggnog is thick has a high fat content. Combining it with milk makes it easier to steam into a silky micro foam.

According to my Starbucks barista daughter, they use equal parts eggnog and milk. That’s how I make it at home, too.

Why You’ll Love this Homemade Eggnog Latte

• Eggnog lattes have not been on the Starbucks holiday menu for the last few years, but you can always make a copycat right in your own kitchen.
• A rich eggnog latte is a festive way to enjoy an espresso latte with just the addition of eggnog and a light dusting of nutmeg.
• Making an eggnog latte at home is convenient and saves a lot of money compared to coffee shop prices.

Starbucks Eggnog Latte Recipe

This recipe makes a 14 ounce eggnog latte, halfway between a tall and grande size Starbucks drink.

Ingredients

• Eggnog
• 2% Milk
• Brewed Espresso
• Ground Nutmeg

Eggnog: Grab a carton of your favorite egg nog (without alcohol) from the store. It’s a seasonal item so it’s usually available from November through the winter.

Milk: I recommend using 2% or whole milk. An eggnog latte is a rich treat so I say, save the skim milk for skinny lattes.

Espresso: The standard Starbucks eggnog latte is made with their signature dark roast espresso. You can of course select dark, blonde or decaf.

My favorite way to brew espresso at home is with my Breville Barista Express and Starbucks whole dark roast espresso beans.

If you have a Nespresso machine, you can use Starbucks dark roast Vertuo capsules or Starbucks dark roast original line capsules.

Nutmeg: A touch of ground nutmeg is the finishing touch on top of an eggnog latte.

You can use ground nutmeg from a spice bottle or freshly-grated whole nutmeg.

Whichever you choose, less is more when it comes to nutmeg. Don’t be heavy-handed when sprinkling it on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brew a double shot of espresso in a mug that has a capacity of 14 fluid ounces or larger.
2. Combine equal portions of eggnog and milk in a steam jug or electric milk frother. Steam the eggnog mixture to 150°F. Tap and swirl it on the counter to knock down any bubbles, then pour the eggnog into the espresso.
3. Sprinkle nutmeg on top.

Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.

Recipe Notes

No steam wand or electric frother? If you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam wand or an electric milk frother, warm the eggnog and milk on the stove or microwave.

Then use a handheld milk frother to aerate the eggnog mixture.

This process adds air to the milk and stretches it into a creamy texture.

Whipped Cream: A Starbucks eggnog latte is not served with whipped cream.

If you want to add a delicious dollop, here’s how to make Starbucks whipped cream at home.

How to Steam Eggnog for a Latte

Eggnog has a higher fat content than milk so you may need to adjust your steaming technique. Here are some tips.

Use cold eggnog. Cold milk and eggnog stretches better.

The end result should be a volume of about 1/3 more than what you started with. Do not overfill the pitcher.

Aerate longer. Eggnog has a high fat content and takes more time for the sugars to break down. This means you will need to introduce air longer compared to regular dairy milks.

After sufficiently aerating the eggnog, lower the steam wand to bring it to 130-150°F.

I use an inexpensive milk thermometer to achieve the optimal temp.

Position steam wand properly. Ideally. place the wand halfway between the center of the pitcher and the side.

Tip the pitcher slightly to create a spinning vortex for silky microfoam.

Groom the steamed eggnog. Tap out any bubbles and swirl the pitcher until the eggnog is shiny and smooth like wet paint. Immediately pour the steamed eggnog into the espresso.

How to Make an Iced Eggnog Latte

Making an iced eggnog latte is even easier than making the hot version.

Since you don’t have to steam the eggnog, you can use 100% eggnog, if desired.

If that’s too rich for you, make the latte with a combination of eggnog and milk.

1. Add brewed espresso to a glass.
2. Pour eggnog (or eggnog and milk) into espresso.
3. Add ice followed by whipped cream (optional).
4. Sprinkle nutmeg on top.

More Starbucks Holiday Lattes

• Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte: Taste, Caffeine & More
• Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte: Flavor, Caffeine & More
• Starbucks Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte: Drink Overview

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