Eggnog coffee is the perfect holiday drink; from cold brews to cocktails, you can make almost anything. Read our eggnog coffee recipes to get you started.
No holiday is complete without a cup of warm eggnog, and no morning is complete without a mugful of coffee. Combining the two sounds like a match made in heaven. We’re not the first ones to think so, as eggnog coffee is very much a holiday staple.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some delicious eggnog coffee recipes. You can also check out our guide on the best Starbucks winter drinks.
What Is Eggnog Coffee?
As the name suggests, eggnog coffee combines two drinks into one. The sweet, custardy flavor of eggnog pairs exceptionally well with coffee.
Given how amazingly the two drinks go together, it’s hard to imagine eggnog coffee hasn’t been around forever. Eggnog coffee first debuted in 1986 at Il Giornale espresso bar. The idea was to make a special drink for Christmas; the brand created a latte consisting of espresso, steamed eggnog, and ground nutmeg.
A year later, Il Giornale merged with Starbucks, and one of the drinks that became a staple on the seasonal menu was none other than the eggnog latte. Unfortunately, the crowd’s favorite seasonal beverage was discontinued in 2021 in the US. However, those living in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East are in luck, as eggnog latte is still available in these locations.
Variations Of Eggnog Coffee
The beauty of eggnog coffee lies in its versatility. There’s no single recipe you need to stick to.
Classic Eggnog Latte Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave–safe mug
Ingredients
- 3 oz espresso
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- A dash of freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp whipped cream
Instructions
- Brew the espresso.
- Mix the milk and eggnog.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for one minute.
- Pour the eggnog mixture into a mug with espresso.
- Top the drink with whipped cream and nutmeg.
Eggnog Mocha Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave–safe container
Ingredients
- 2 oz espresso
- 1 oz eggnog
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- whipped cream
- ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Brew the espresso.
- Heat the eggnog in a microwave-safe container for one minute. You can add half a cup of milk to dilute it if desired.
- Pour the eggnog into a mug and add the espresso.
- Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup to the mixture. Stir it well.
- Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg.
Eggnog Cold Brew Recipe
Equipment
- Pitcher
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold brew
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 to 3 ounces eggnog
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Steep coffee grounds in a pitcher in the fridge overnight.
- Mix the cold brew with the spices. Start small, try it, and then add more to taste.
- Pour the cold brew mixture into a tall glass with ice and enjoy.
Irish Christmas Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 2.5 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1.5 cups eggnog
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 oz hot espresso
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp sugar
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Brew the espresso.
- Combine the two ounces of Bailey’s Irish cream with the eggnog, milk, and espresso in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- To make Bailey’s whipped cream for garnish, combine half an ounce of Bailey’s Irish cream with heavy whipping cream and sugar. Whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
- Pour the espresso into the mug, then add the hot milk mixture. Top the drink with Bailey’s whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Eggnog Espresso Martini Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz dark spiced rum
- 1 oz Kahlua
- 1 oz espresso
- 3-4 oz eggnog
- 1 cup ice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Brew the espresso.
- Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 to 30 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Strain the drink into a glass. Top it with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Learn more in our cold brew coffee-to-water ratio explainer.
Health Benefits And Nutritional Information
All these eggnog coffee recipes sound delicious, right? However, you might want to think twice before switching your regular cup of java to eggnog coffee, as it contains more calories than regular coffee.
The exact calorie content will depend on how much eggnog you use and the other ingredients. One cup of eggnog contains around 224 calories and 11 grams of fat. Eggnog also contains 12 grams of protein and some vitamins and minerals, including calcium, so there are some perks.
If you’re concerned about calories, then you should consider sugar-free or low-fat alternatives. They’re made with skimmed milk, so they’re much lighter than regular eggnog. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself.
Keep in mind that some kinds of eggnog contain alcohol, so double-check the ingredients if you have eggnog coffee in the morning. You can also find dairy-free and egg-free versions of eggnog, so the vegans don’t have to miss out this holiday season. Check out our coffee smoothie without banana recipe.
Where To Find Eggnog Coffee
Nowadays, you can buy eggnog at most grocery stores. Fresh eggnog is typically only available during the holiday season. But shelf-stable alternatives are available all year round, and they’re sold as either a liquid or a powder.
However, making your own eggnog at home is unbelievably easy, and the final results are way better than the store-bought version.
Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites optional
- 1/4 cup sugar + additional tbsp on the side
- 16 oz whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 3 oz bourbon optional
Instructions
- Add egg yolks to a large bowl and beat until they become lighter in color. Then, gradually add sugar.
- If you want a fluffier texture, add egg whites to a separate bowl and beat to soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining one tablespoon of sugar. Then, whisk the egg whites into the egg yolks, and set aside.
- Add milk, heavy cream, and nutmeg to a saucepan and place over high heat. Stir occasionally until boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, then gradually temper the hot milk mixture into the eggs. Put the saucepan back onto the stove and cook until it reaches 160°F.
- Remove the mixture from the heat. If you’re making a spiked version, add the bourbon.
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge; however, do not put it in the fridge if it’s still piping hot, as it can spoil your food. Enjoy your eggnog once it’s cold.
If you liked this post, you might also be interested in our pine needle tea guide for another festive treat.
