Eggnog Latte {Starbucks Copycat}

If you miss the way Starbucks used to make their Eggnog Latte, this recipe is for you! Made with real eggnog, milk, espresso, and nutmeg, this cozy copycat brings back the creamy holiday drink the way fans remember it.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why this recipe works
• 🗒 Ingredients
• ☕️ Recipe Tips
• 🎉 Variations on recipe
• 🎄 More Starbucks holiday Drink copycats
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Fans rejoiced when Starbucks announced the Eggnog Latte was returning to the holiday menu in 2025.

The drink was discontinued back in 2021 and eggnog lovers have been begging for it to return since then.

It's back... But let's just say it's not better than ever. I was all geared up to make a copycat Eggnog Latte based on Starbucks new drink recipe. I even purchased all the ingredients and came to terms with the fact it was going to be way more complicated than the old drink.

But once the drink was officially launched, it was clear that nobody was enjoying it. I immediately nixed my recipe creation plan since I'm not in the business of making drinks nobody likes. And decided to share the classic Starbucks Eggnog Latte recipe with you instead.

So, though you still can't get the Starbucks Eggnog Latte you remember at your coffee shop, you can easily make it at home!

❤️ Why this recipe works

It uses real eggnog: that's the problem with Starbucks' new recipe; it uses a powdered eggnog made with dried egg yolks that's mixed with half-and-half. I recreating this with custard powder and half-and-half, but let's face it; nothing beats the flavor of real eggnog.

It's very simple: the drink uses very few ingredients, which allows the eggnog to shine. It's also easy enough to whip up in just minutes.

It's perfect for the holidays: if you love eggnog, that is. Of course, it's not the drink for everyone; but even people who don't like eggnog due to the consistency might like this drink since the eggnog is mixed with milk and espresso. It really does taste just like the holidays.

It's easy to customize: you can top your latte with whipped cream or leave it off or even make an iced eggnog latte with cold foam. I have lots more eggnog latte customization ideas for you, too!

🗒 Ingredients

Here's everything you need to make the classic Starbucks Eggnog Latte (be sure to view the recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions):

• Eggnog
• Nonfat milk: or the dairy/non-dairy alternative of your choice
• Brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee
• Ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream: optional for topping

☕️ Recipe Tips

This is one of the simplest Starbucks copycat recipes I've made. But it still requires a few tips to help you make it perfectly:

• Way back in the day, Starbucks had an actual proprietary eggnog mixture, but in later years, they simply mixed store-bought eggnog with nonfat milk to keep the latte rich and eggnog-forward without being overly thick or heavy. They used a 2:1 eggnog:milk ratio, so that's what we do here.

• I recommend heating the eggnog and milk mixture slowly in a saucepan (instead of using a frother or steam wand) as this will give you better temperature control, keeping the texture smooth and preventing scorching or curdling, which can easily happen with eggnog.

• You want the mixture to be about 150 degrees F. It should be hot and steaming, but not boiling or bubbling.

• Once mixture comes to temperature, I like to give it a quick, gentle froth with either a handheld frother (for about 3-5 seconds) or just by whisking briskly. This will give your drink a little bit of microfoam.

• Eggnog is the star of the show here and you don't need to add any syrups or other ingredients to this drink!

• A typical grande latte at Starbucks has 2 shots of espresso, which equates to about 2 ounces. Of course, you can add more if you want (I always do!).

• You have the option of adding whipped cream or not adding whipped cream to your finished latte. The old eggnog lattes were almost always advertised with eggnog, but the new ones rarely are. They do all have a sprinkling of ground nutmeg, though!

Your favorite espresso with steamed eggnog and ground nutmeg. What could be better for the holiday season?

The new Starbucks Eggnog Latte may be quite a disappointment, but at least you can make an absolutely delicious one in your own kitchen!

And serve it up exactly how you like it.

🎉 Variations on recipe

There are many ways you can serve this drink and lots of ingredients you can add to it to make it perfect for your tastes. Here are some ideas:

• There are so many flavors of eggnog available these days (from pumpkin to vanilla and more) and you can use any flavor in this latte. But really, we like classic best.
• Use a dairy-free eggnog and almond milk or oat milk to make this drink dairy-free.
• Make an iced eggnog latte by combining espresso, eggnog, and milk in an ice-filled glass. You could even put all the ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously for an Eggnog Shaken Espresso!
• Try topping your iced drink with an eggnog cold foam! Make it with my standard cold foam recipe, but using ½ cup eggnog, ¼ cup 2% milk, and 2 tablespoon heavy cream. The milk and cream are imperative as eggnog doesn't foam up very well on its own.
• If you want more sweetness and different flavors, you can add the syrup flavor of your choice. You can make this homemade eggnog syrup or buy a store-bought eggnog syrup. Other complementary eggnog latte syrups include toffee nut, sugar cookie, and vanilla.
• Add additional spices, like cinnamon or cloves if you want.

🎄 More Starbucks holiday Drink copycats

If Starbucks drinks are one of your favorite things about the holiday season, be sure to check out all of my Starbucks recipes. In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:

Do you miss the Eggnog Latte the way Starbucks used to make them?

📖 Recipe