Espresso Eggnog Recipe: Holiday Coffee Drink

Espresso Eggnog Quick Answer

Espresso eggnog is a holiday coffee drink made by combining espresso with eggnog, served hot or iced. Espresso eggnog recipes usually use 1–2 oz espresso plus 4–6 oz eggnog, with optional cinnamon or nutmeg. Eggnog is thicker and sweeter than milk, so espresso eggnog works best with medium to dark roast espresso and careful temperature control during heating.

Espresso eggnog combines espresso extraction with the custard-like texture of eggnog. Espresso eggnog popularity rises during November and December because eggnog availability increases and holiday drink menus expand.

Eggnog behaves differently than milk during heating and frothing because eggnog contains egg solids, sugar, and higher fat content. Espresso eggnog technique should focus on gentle heating and controlled foam creation to avoid scorching and separation.

What Espresso Eggnog Is

Espresso Eggnog Definition

Espresso eggnog is an espresso-based drink that replaces steamed milk with eggnog. Espresso eggnog can be served as a latte-style drink (espresso + warmed eggnog) or as an iced drink (espresso + chilled eggnog + ice). Espresso eggnog flavor typically emphasizes vanilla, nutmeg, and warm spice against espresso bitterness.

Espresso Eggnog vs Eggnog Latte

An eggnog latte usually describes espresso combined with heated eggnog in a latte format. Espresso eggnog is a broader category that includes iced espresso eggnog, shaken espresso eggnog, and whipped espresso eggnog formats. Both drinks use the same ingredient pairing: espresso plus eggnog.

Espresso Eggnog Recipe (Hot)

Hot Espresso Eggnog Ratio

Espresso: 1–2 oz (single or double shot)
Eggnog: 4–6 oz
Spice (optional): pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Serving size: 6–8 oz cup
Eggnog heating target: 140–155°F

Step 1: Pull Espresso

A double shot espresso provides enough intensity to balance eggnog sweetness in most recipes. A medium-dark roast espresso often complements eggnog vanilla and nutmeg notes more reliably than a light roast espresso.

Step 2: Warm Eggnog Gently

Eggnog should be heated gently to reduce curdling risk. A steam wand can warm eggnog, but eggnog should be heated at a lower target temperature than milk. A saucepan method (low heat with stirring) provides controlled heating for thick eggnog.

Step 3: Combine and Garnish

Espresso eggnog combination works best when espresso is poured first and eggnog is poured second. A nutmeg garnish improves aroma perception and aligns with traditional eggnog flavor chemistry.

Espresso Eggnog Recipe (Iced)

Iced Espresso Eggnog Ratio

Espresso: 1–2 oz
Eggnog: 4–6 oz (cold)
Ice: full glass
Optional dilution: 1–2 oz water or cold milk for very thick eggnog

Iced Espresso Eggnog Mixing

Iced espresso eggnog benefits from rapid mixing to avoid hot espresso creating localized eggnog coagulation. Shaking espresso and eggnog with ice produces fast chilling and smoother texture.

Espresso Eggnog Tips

Choose Espresso Roast Profiles That Balance Eggnog Sweetness

Eggnog contains sugar, so espresso bitterness becomes a useful balancing flavor. Chocolate-forward espresso and caramel-forward espresso profiles often complement eggnog better than high-acidity espresso profiles.

Avoid Overheating Eggnog

Eggnog contains egg proteins that can coagulate under high heat. Lower heating targets reduce curdling risk and reduce burnt flavor development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Espresso Eggnog

Can espresso curdle eggnog?

Hot espresso can curdle eggnog if hot espresso contacts eggnog in a concentrated area. Gentle warming and fast mixing reduce curdling risk. Lower eggnog heating targets also reduce separation risk.

Can a steam wand froth eggnog?

A steam wand can froth eggnog, but eggnog frothing is more sensitive than milk frothing. Eggnog foam can become overly thick or can separate when overheated. Controlled steaming with a lower temperature target improves results.

What espresso machine features help espresso eggnog drinks?

A stable espresso machine temperature and a capable steam wand improve eggnog drink outcomes. PID temperature control improves shot repeatability and reduces extraction variability across holiday drink prep.

Espresso Eggnog Guide