Secret Menu Eggnog Latte À La Starbucks -

If you're craving a festive holiday drink that combines the richness of eggnog with your favorite coffee, you'll want to discover this secret menu creation. While Starbucks officially retired their Eggnog Latte, you can still enjoy this beloved seasonal treat by knowing exactly how to order it. Your barista can craft this warming blend of creamy eggnog, espresso, and aromatic spices that'll transport you straight into the holiday spirit.

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Key Takeaways

Order an eggnog latte at Starbucks by directly requesting it, as it's a known seasonal variation during holiday months.
Customize your eggnog latte with extra shots of espresso, vanilla syrup, or additional nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
Ask for a blend of half eggnog and half milk to create a lighter version of the traditional recipe.
Request whipped cream topping with extra nutmeg and cinnamon sprinkles for the authentic holiday experience.
Specify hot or iced preparation, as both versions are available when ordering this seasonal favorite.

Why you'll love this recipe

Looking for the perfect holiday drink that combines comfort and festivity? This Secret Menu Eggnog Latte will become your new favorite winter indulgence.

You'll love how the rich, creamy eggnog blends seamlessly with bold espresso, creating a drink that's both familiar and sophisticated. The warming spices of nutmeg and cinnamon will transport you straight into the holiday spirit, while the velvety texture makes each sip feel like a special treat. Additionally, you can pair this indulgent drink with lemon ginger tea for a refreshing contrast that boosts your immune system.

What's even better, you can easily customize this recipe to match your preferences. Whether you're using store-bought eggnog or making it from scratch, strong coffee or espresso shots, you'll create a café-quality beverage right in your kitchen.

Plus, it's the perfect drink to serve at holiday gatherings or enjoy during quiet moments alone.

Ingredient notes

Every ingredient in this festive latte plays an essential role in creating that perfect holiday flavor.

You'll want to use high-quality espresso or strong coffee as your base, which provides the rich, caffeinated foundation. The eggnog, whether store-bought or homemade, brings that signature creamy sweetness and seasonal spice to your drink.

Don't skip the vanilla extract, as it enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to your latte. For the best results, try using freshly grated nutmeg instead of pre-ground, as it'll give you a more vibrant, aromatic taste.

The whipped cream topping isn't just for looks – it adds a luxurious touch that makes your latte feel extra special, while the sprinkle of cinnamon provides the perfect finishing note. Additionally, using pure maple syrup can bring an extra layer of sweetness and complexity to your holiday drink.

Origin of the recipe

While the exact origins of this secret menu eggnog latte remain somewhat mysterious, it's believed to have emerged from creative baristas and customers experimenting with Starbucks' seasonal offerings in the early 2000s.

You'll find that this recipe gained popularity through word-of-mouth and social media sharing, as coffee lovers discovered they could combine their favorite holiday drink with Starbucks' signature espresso.

The customization trend caught on quickly, and soon you could find variations of this festive beverage at local cafes and home kitchens across the country.

Today, you can order this holiday favorite at Starbucks by specifically requesting an eggnog latte, though many customers prefer to craft their own version at home.

How to make the recipe

You'll start by brewing your coffee until it's deeply fragrant and ready to complement the other ingredients.

Next, you'll heat your eggnog in a saucepan until it's steaming, stirring in the vanilla extract and nutmeg to create a rich, aromatic base.

Finally, you'll combine the coffee with your eggnog mixture, top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream, and dust it with cinnamon for that perfect holiday touch. Adding a touch of maple syrup can enhance the sweetness and create a delightful balance with the spices.

Step 1. Brew Coffee Until Fragrant

Begin by brewing a rich, aromatic espresso or strong coffee as the foundation for your festive latte.

You'll want to guarantee your coffee is fresh and hot to create the perfect base for this holiday treat.

If using an espresso machine, pull 1-2 shots of espresso until you see a golden crema on top.
For traditional coffee makers, brew your coffee at double strength using dark roast beans.
When using a French press, let the grounds steep for 4 minutes before pressing.
With instant coffee, use 2 tablespoons per cup of hot water for stronger flavor.

As your coffee brews, you'll notice the wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.

Don't rush this step – properly brewed coffee makes all the difference in creating that signature coffeehouse taste you're looking for in your eggnog latte.

Step 2. Heat Eggnog Until Steaming

Once your coffee is ready, gently warm the eggnog in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

You'll want to heat the eggnog until you see steam rising from the surface, but don't let it come to a boil. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, depending on your stove.

While the eggnog heats, add the vanilla extract and ground nutmeg, stirring to combine these warming spices evenly.

You'll know the eggnog mixture is ready when it's hot to the touch but not bubbling. If you're using a kitchen thermometer, aim for around 150°F (65°C).

The perfect temperature will help the flavors blend beautifully with your coffee while maintaining the eggnog's creamy texture.

Step 3. Add Vanilla and Nutmeg

After heating the eggnog to the perfect temperature, stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to create the signature holiday flavor profile.

You'll want to mix these warming spices thoroughly into your steamy eggnog to guarantee they're evenly distributed throughout your drink.

Here's why these additions make your latte extra special:

Vanilla extract adds a sweet, mellow undertone that complements the eggnog's richness
Ground nutmeg brings that classic holiday warmth we all love
The spices work together to enhance the coffee's natural flavor
You'll notice these ingredients create that authentic coffeehouse taste

Once you've stirred everything together, you're ready to combine this aromatic mixture with your freshly brewed espresso for the perfect seasonal treat.

Step 4. Pour Coffee Into Eggnog Mixture

The real magic happens when you combine your spiced eggnog mixture with freshly brewed coffee.

Take your warm, fragrant eggnog mixture and carefully pour it into a large mug, making certain there's enough room for the coffee.

Now, slowly add your freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee into the eggnog, stirring gently as you pour to help the flavors blend together perfectly.

You'll notice the drink taking on a beautiful, creamy caramel color as the two liquids combine.

For the best results, you'll want to pour the coffee in a steady stream while stirring, which helps prevent the eggnog from curdling and guarantees a silky-smooth texture throughout your drink.

Step 5. Add Whipped Cream Topping

Finishing your festive latte with a cloud-like crown of whipped cream creates that perfect coffeehouse experience right at home.

You'll want to make sure your whipped cream complements the rich eggnog and espresso flavors beneath it, so take care to add it with style and precision.

Hold your can of whipped cream upright, about 2 inches above the drink
Slowly swirl the cream in a circular motion, starting from the center
Continue until you've created a generous, 1-inch dome on top
If using homemade whipped cream, spoon it carefully to maintain its fluffy texture

Once you've added your whipped cream topping, you're just moments away from enjoying your creation.

Don't forget to dust it with that final sprinkle of cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch.

If you liked this you may also like

Similar seasonal beverages you'll enjoy include Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Gingerbread Lattes, and Peppermint Mochas, which all capture that same festive spirit.

You might also want to try a Chai Tea Latte, which features warming spices that complement the holiday season perfectly.

For those who love the creamy richness of eggnog, you'll find similar satisfaction in a Crème Brûlée Latte or White Chocolate Mocha.

If you're looking for something with less caffeine, try a Steamed Eggnog without the espresso, or explore seasonal tea options like Chestnut Praline Tea.

During warmer months, you can transform many of these drinks into invigorating iced versions, proving that holiday flavors aren't just for winter anymore. Additionally, consider trying a Christmas Fruity Holiday Apple Ginger Tea Infusion for a cozy, healthful beverage that embodies the essence of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Drink Dairy-Free With Non-Dairy Eggnog Alternatives?

You can definitely make this drink dairy-free by using plant-based eggnog alternatives!

Look for soy, almond, or coconut-based "nogs" at your local grocery store – they're becoming increasingly popular during the holiday season.

You'll want to heat these alternatives gently, just like traditional eggnog, and they'll work perfectly with your coffee base.

Don't forget to top it with dairy-free whipped cream for that festive finish.

How Many Calories Are in One Serving of This Eggnog Latte?

Your eggnog latte will contain approximately 350-400 calories per serving, though this can vary based on your ingredients.

The eggnog contributes about 180-200 calories, while the espresso adds minimal calories.

If you're adding whipped cream on top, you'll need to factor in an extra 50-80 calories.

You can reduce the calorie count by using light eggnog or skipping the whipped cream topping.

What's the Caffeine Content Compared to a Regular Starbucks Latte?

Your homemade eggnog latte's caffeine content will vary based on whether you're using espresso or strong coffee.

With espresso, you'll get about 64mg of caffeine per shot, while a regular Starbucks latte contains around 75mg per shot.

If you're using strong brewed coffee instead, you'll typically get 95-200mg of caffeine per cup, depending on your brewing method and coffee type.

Is This Recipe Suitable for Pregnant Women or Children?

You'll want to be cautious with this recipe if you're pregnant or serving it to children, as traditional eggnog often contains raw eggs and alcohol.

However, you can make it pregnancy and child-friendly by using pasteurized, store-bought eggnog that's specifically labeled as non-alcoholic.

For an extra safety measure, heat the eggnog thoroughly when preparing the drink.

Always consult your doctor if you're unsure about consuming certain ingredients during pregnancy.

Can I Make a Large Batch and Reheat Individual Portions Later?

While you can prepare a large batch, reheating eggnog lattes isn't ideal since the espresso can become bitter and the eggnog's texture might separate.

If you'd like to save time, you can warm the eggnog mixture ahead and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to serve, just brew fresh coffee and combine them for the best taste and quality.

Conclusion

You'll find this secret menu eggnog latte both delicious and easy to recreate at home. With its perfect balance of creamy eggnog, bold espresso, and warming spices, you're getting all the festive flavors of the season in one cup. Whether you're craving a holiday treat or looking to impress guests, this copycat recipe lets you enjoy the beloved Starbucks favorite whenever the mood strikes.