How to order an Eggnog Latte at Starbucks

Starbucks Eggnog Lattes are a seasonal favorite that can be customized to your exact taste while staying true to the brand’s core offerings.

With a few simple modifications you can get the strongest, creamiest, or most balanced version of this festive drink without paying for unnecessary add-ons.

This guide explains the base recipe, ingredient roles, nutrition considerations, customization options, how it compares to other holiday drinks, and how to order like a pro at the register or in the app.

What is a Starbucks Eggnog Latte

A Starbucks Eggnog Latte is a holiday latte made with espresso, steamed milk, and eggnog, typically flavored with nutmeg and sometimes vanilla.

At its core, the drink relies on the espresso topline for structure and layers with creamier, sweeter eggnog to create a dessert-like cup.

Because it is a seasonal offering, availability and exact formulations can vary by market and year, though many fans seek to replicate the experience in off-seasons or at home.

Core Ingredients and Their Roles

• Espresso: provides the coffee backbone and caffeine kick
• Milk: adds creaminess and balances the drink’s sweetness
• Eggnog: contributes rich, creamy, holiday sweetness and body
• Nutmeg and vanilla: enhance aroma and seasonal flavor depth

Standard Recipe and Typical Sizes

A conventional Starbucks Eggnog Latte combines espresso, steamed milk, and eggnog, topped with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Although recipes and ratios can vary by store and year, the following table summarizes commonly reported measurements and characteristics for a better at-home recreation.

How to Make an Eggnog Latte at Starbucks

Ordering is straightforward, but small phrasing choices can make a big difference in texture, sweetness, and temperature control.

In-Person Ordering Steps

1. Approach the counter or kiosk and state the size you want.
2. Request an Eggnog Latte and specify the number of espresso shots (default is typically two).
3. Choose milk type if you want to deviate from whole; alternatives can change body and foam.
4. Ask for light or extra eggnog if you prefer milder or richer flavor.
5. Confirm whipped cream and nutmeg garnish if you want the classic presentation.

Mobile Order and App Tips

In the Starbucks app, select Eggnog Latte under seasonal drinks, pick your size and milk, then adjust espresso and syrup options if available.

Double-check that the drink is listed correctly before submitting, and choose pickup time to skip the line.

Customization and Common Variations

Many regulars adjust sweetness, dairy load, and coffee intensity to match personal preferences.

Below are reliable tweaks you can ask for without changing the drink’s identity.

• Reduce or omit vanilla if you prefer a cleaner nutmeg profile
• Request lighter whipped cream or skip it for a lower-calorie version
• Ask for an extra shot for a stronger coffee presence in larger sizes
• Try half-and-half or a smaller amount of eggnog for more balanced sweetness

Nutrition and Dietary Considerations

Because Eggnog Lattes contain dairy, eggnog, and often additional syrup, they are higher in calories, saturated fat, and sugar compared with plain lattes.

Exact values vary by size, milk choice, and added syrups, so consider the following ranges as approximate guidance.

If you are lactose intolerant or dairy-free, request a plant-based milk alternative, though foam and body will be affected.

Eggnog usually contains dairy and egg, so this drink is not suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies unless substitutions are explicitly confirmed with staff.

Starbucks Holiday Menu Context

Eggnog Lattes are part of Starbucks’ broader holiday lineup, which often includes Peppermint Mochas, Chestnut Praline Lattes, and other spiced or seasonal variations.

Compared with these alternatives, the Eggnog Latte is creamier and less chocolately, making it closer to a dessert beverage in mouthfeel.

Because formulations may change year to year, it is best to confirm current ingredients and availability with baristas or official Starbucks resources before planning around the drink.

Tips from Baristas

Consistency and temperature improve when you use clear, specific language and avoid vague terms like regular or normal.

• Specify espresso first: say “two shots” rather than “tall” so the base strength is clear.
• State milk preference before flavor: for example, “Grande Eggnog Latte, whole milk, light whip.”
• Ask for less pump if you want to lower sweetness without removing the eggnog character.
• Request extra nutmeg at the end for a more aromatic finish.