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
Recreating a Starbucks eggnog latte is relatively simple at home.
Materials Needed
- Microwave–safe mug
Ingredients:
- Three ounces of espresso
- Half a cup of milk
- Half a cup of eggnog
- A dash of freshly ground nutmeg
- Two tablespoons of whipped cream
Method:
Step 1: Brew The Espresso
Brew your espresso as normal and pour it into a large cup.
Step 2: Heat The Milk And Eggnog
Mix the milk and eggnog together. Heat it for one minute in the microwave.
Step 3: Combine & Garnish
Pour the eggnog and milk into your mug with the espresso. Then top with whipped cream and nutmeg.
Eggnog Mocha
The eggnog latte is already a sweet drink, but an eggnog mocha is like a dessert in a cup.
Materials Needed
- Microwave–safe container
Ingredients:
- Two ounces of espresso
- One ounce of eggnog
- One tablespoon of raw cacao powder
- A quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract
- One tablespoon of maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Ground nutmeg
Method:
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
Brew your espresso as normal and leave it aside.
Step 2: Heat The Eggnog
Heat the eggnog in a microwave-safe container for one minute. To dilute this drink, you can add half a cup of milk at this step.
Step 3: Combine & Garnish
Combine the espresso with the eggnog and milk (if you added it). Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, then stir well. Top the drink with whipped cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Eggnog Cold Brew
If you’re looking for something lighter, consider trying an eggnog cold brew.
Materials Needed
- Pitcher
Ingredients:
- One cup of cold brew
- One tablespoon of brown sugar
- One cup of ice cubes
- Two to three ounces of eggnog
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- A quarter teaspoon of ground ginger
Method:
Step 1: Prepare The Cold Brew
You can make cold brew coffee by steeping coffee grounds in a pitcher in the fridge overnight. Learn more in our cold brew coffee-to-water ratio explainer.
Step 2: Combine
Mix the cold brew with your spices. It’s best to start small with spices, try it, and then add more to taste.
Step 3: Serve
Pour the cold brew into a tall glass with ice and enjoy.
Eggnog Espresso Martini
As you know, eggnog is often served with a splash of liquor like bourbon, brandy, or rum. When it comes to eggnog coffee, all the aforementioned alcohol pairs well. Other great additions are liqueurs like Bailey’s or Kahlua, which add flavor without overpowering the drink.
One of the more popular spiked eggnog coffee drinks is the eggnog espresso martini.
Materials Needed
- Cocktail shaker
Ingredients:
- One ounce of dark spiced rum
- One ounce of Kahlua
- One ounce of espresso
- Three to four ounces of eggnog
- One cup of ice
- A quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of nutmeg
Method:
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
Brew your espresso as normal and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Shake
Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake for about 15 to 30 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy.
Step 3: Serve
Strain the drink into a glass, then top with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Irish Christmas Coffee
Finally, we can’t forget about one of the most popular spiked coffee cocktails – Irish coffee. This drink pairs exceptionally well with eggnog, and it’s a perfect option for a Christmas cocktail party.
Materials Needed
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer
Ingredients:
- Two ounces of Bailey’s Irish Cream
- One and a half cups of eggnog
- A three-quarter cup of milk
- Two ounces of hot espresso
For a more festive drink, you could top it with some Bailey’s whipped cream. For this, you’ll need the following:
- A three-quarter cup of heavy whipping cream
- One tablespoon of Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Two teaspoons sugar
- Freshly grated nutmeg
Method:
Step 1: Brew Your Espresso
Brew your coffee and leave it to one side.
Step 2: Heat The Other Ingredients
Combine Bailey’s Irish Cream with eggnog and milk in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Whip The Cream
Whip the cream with the electric mixer until it gets a foamy consistency. Slowly add sugar and Bailey’s until the cream reaches the medium peak stage.
Step 4: Serve
Pour hot espresso into the mug, then add the hot milk mixture. Top the drink with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
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.
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.
Ingredients:
- Four egg yolks
- Four egg whites (optional)
- One-third of a cup of sugar – and an additional tablespoon on the side
- One pint of whole milk
- One cup of heavy cream
- One teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- Three ounces of bourbon (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Beat The Eggs
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.
Step 2: Heat The Milk
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.
Step 3: Let The Mixture Rest
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.
