Eggnog latte — Christmas comfort in a cup
Christmas 2020 will be unusual for many of us. Some have called this year's intimate family celebrations “micro Christmas”. Yet the absence of bustling gatherings can be balanced by many small pleasures. And what could delight a caffeine lover more than the morning ritual of preparing the finest festive coffee Santa's elves ever imagined: eggnog latte?
Warming spices — the magic of eggnog latte
Why add this sweet, spiced coffee to your December menu? Above all, its warming spices capture the essence of a cosy Christmas. Cinnamon and nutmeg take the lead, helping us face December's chill a little more bravely.
Strong coffee combined with thick, sweet eggnog — a cousin of Poland's egg-and-sugar dessert, kogel-mogel — brings calories and optimism. The coffee itself supplies energy, clears the mind and wakes up brain cells lulled by holiday relaxation.
How to make eggnog latte
Preparing a hot eggnog latte yourself is not difficult. Follow the steps below.
Ingredients
- One espresso, around 30 ml, or strong brewed coffee, around 50 ml
- About 150 ml full-fat milk
- One egg yolk
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- A few cloves
- Your choice of flavoured syrups
Prepare the eggnog
The thick, sweet mixture at the heart of this latte is reminiscent of kogel-mogel, especially because of its egg yolk and honey. In a tall container, combine the yolk with milk, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. Blend briefly until smooth, then add a few cloves.
Warm gently over a low heat to develop the spice aromas, waiting for the mixture to thicken. Its changing consistency and intense fragrance tell you it is ready. To create a light, three-layer latte, froth the eggnog, removing the whole cloves first.
Prepare the coffee
Strong, aromatic coffee is the foundation of the festive latte. Most people use an espresso made from freshly ground beans. Remember that the chosen coffee affects the finished flavour.
For a delicate latte, choose gently sweet beans with low acidity, such as Brazil Santos. For a sweet drink with a more pronounced coffee character and a lively kick, try Guatemala SHB or Costa Rica SHB.
Pour the warm eggnog into a tall glass and wait a few moments. Gently pour hot coffee down the side. Aim for three layers: milk at the bottom, coffee in the middle and light foam on top.
Add vanilla, cinnamon, ginger or another flavour that recalls a carefree Christmas. Our Espresso Syrup winter-flavour set makes it easy: these 100% natural syrups taste and smell festive. Syrup also creates a visual effect, settling into an additional coloured layer at the bottom.
Remember: festive eggnog latte is wonderfully moreish, so be sensible when treating Santa and the reindeer!