Years ago I had my first Eggnog Latte at Starbucks. I fell in love and Eggnog Lattes quickly became my favorite seasonal treat. They are rich, creamy, slightly spiced, and slightly sweet, (and caffeinated!), a warm sip of heaven in a cup.
Having a home espresso machine, I tried to recreate Eggnog Lattes at home. In that quest, I went through many, many varieties of commercial eggnogs. I found that every carton of eggnog is different, some more intense than others, some sweeter than others, some spicier than others, some too weak, most were too strong, and some, no most, truly horrible and artificial tasting.
Then, in 2016 this homemade eggnog entered my world and the angels sang…
Eggnog for Lattes
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup cream
- 1/3 cup rum or bourbon, optional (I never add)
- Place milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Heat just until bubbles appear around the edge of the pan. Do not bring milk to a full boil.
- While milk and spices are heating, beat 6 egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat until mixture is pale and creamy.
- Remove hot milk from the stove. With beaters on low (to avoid splashback) slowly pour the hot milk into the egg and sugar mixture.
- After all the milk mixture has been incorporated, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and return to stove.
- Over medium heat, bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 160 degrees.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream and optional rum or bourbon.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
To make an Eggnog Latte: I use half this eggnog mixture and half milk in my lattes. For company, I might top with a bit of whipped cream and a light dusting of nutmeg.
To make an Eggnog Coffee: stir this eggnog mixture, as is, into a cup of strong, hot black coffee.
Eggnog for my Dad: a small glass of chilled eggnog, straight up, with an extra shot of bourbon. Repeat.
Added bonuses: No added preservatives or chemicals, no wasteful packaging!