How to Make Homemade Eggnog Latte (Hot or Iced)

There are two things I actually look forward to when winter rolls around and it’s not the freezing mornings or scraping ice off the windshield.

I’ve never been a fan of cold weather. But the holiday season? That’s my excuse to shamelessly indulge in two of my favorite drinks: the cozy Gingerbread latte and my all-time winner, the eggnog latte.

Honestly, every year it sneaks up on me. One minute I’m sipping plain coffee in a hoodie, and the next I’m dunking a gingerbread cookie into a mug full of creamy and spiced eggnog.

Sure, I end up a few pounds fluffier by January… but if festive lattes are wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

If you’ve ever wanted to make eggnog latte at home and skip the long lines or overly sweet café versions, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to step-by-step recipes (both hot and iced), flavor tips, and easy ways to make it your own. So let’s start brewing!

What Is an Eggnog Latte?

Eggnog latte is a blend of two favorites: rich, creamy eggnog and a bold shot of espresso (or really strong coffee if that’s what you’ve got). You heat them up, top it with a little froth, and suddenly your regular latte feels like it’s ready for the holidays.

What can you expect?

Now, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sold on it the first time I heard the idea. Eggnog in coffee? Sounded a little weird.

But one snowy afternoon, I gave in and ordered it from a small café downtown. And wow… The eggnog gives it this velvety texture and soft sweetness that doesn’t overpower the coffee. You still get that caffeine kick, but with a smooth and spiced twist.

Plus, the flavor is similar to a mix between custard and chai. You’ve got the nutmeg, cinnamon, and a little vanilla. If you’re not into sugary drinks, use less eggnog or mix in extra milk to mellow it out.

How to Make an Iced Eggnog Latte?

Sometimes, hot just doesn’t hit the spot especially if you’re in a warm kitchen, or you prefer your drinks iced coffee year-round, no matter the weather.

The iced eggnog latte has all the spiced flavor of the hot version. However, with a chilled and refreshing twist. So, here’s what you need to do:

1 – Brew and Chill Your Espresso

Start by pulling a shot or two of espresso. You can use a moka pot or strong brewed coffee if that’s what you’ve got. Once brewed, let it cool for at least 10 minutes.

I usually pop it in the freezer for a few while I prep the other ingredients to speed things up.

Pro tip: if you’re planning ahead, make a batch of espresso and store it in the fridge. That way, you’ve got chilled espresso ready to go anytime the craving hits.

2 – Mix with Eggnog and Milk

In a glass (or cocktail shaker if you’re feelin’ fancy), combine ½ cup cold eggnog with ½ cup milk. I like to use oat milk here because it’s creamy and plays well with the spices.

Next, pour in your cooled espresso and stir until it’s all blended together. If you want to get extra smooth texture, shake it with ice before serving, then strain into a fresh glass.

3 – Add Ice and Top It Off

Now fill your glass with ice. Afterward, pour your eggnog-coffee mixture right over it. If you’re feeling festive, top it with a little whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Latte Eggnog: Tips & Variations

If you’re anything like me, once you’ve nailed the basic eggnog latte, the next step is to play with the flavor. Over time, I’ve tested a bunch of tweaks but the following variations are my favorite:

1 – Stronger Flavor

Sometimes you just need more coffee kick especially on slow winter mornings. I like to use a double shot of espresso when I want that bold flavor to punch through the sweetness of the eggnog. Or, if you’re using brewed coffee, just cut the milk a bit to concentrate the richness.

2 – Sweeter Latte

Well, the fact is eggnog is already sweet. However, if your taste leans dessert-level, adding 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or a splash of vanilla syrup takes it over the top.

I find maple works better as it adds that cozy, woody warmth that plays so nicely with nutmeg. Just don’t go overboard or it’ll drown out the coffee.

3 – Make It Boozy

Alright, this one’s not for your morning commute, but on a chilly Friday night? Yes please. Just a splash of bourbon or spiced rum makes your eggnog latte feel like a proper holiday treat.

4 – Homemade Eggnog

If you’ve got a few minutes and want full flavor control, making your own eggnog is 100% worth it. I whisk together 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup milk, ½ cup cream, and a good pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.

Next, warm it gently on the stove while stirring constantly until slightly thickened. This takes maybe 10 minutes tops.

Last Thoughts

So whether you’re cuddled up by the fireplace or just looking for a new way to enjoy your coffee, give this homemade eggnog latte a shot.

Of course, now I’m curious. Have you tried it yet? Did you experiment with a twist, like extra nutmeg, oat milk, or a splash of brandy? Drop it in the comments below, and with that… voilà!