I can officially say that now that we are post-American Thanksgiving. It feels so good to come out of the Christmas closet and share my holiday spirit with everyone. Normally I start with the Christmas music and decorations sometime in October, but this year I vowed to hold out until after Thanksgiving. There is something nice about embracing the holidays one at a time and I think my resolve helped make Thanksgiving more special. But now? We’re in full on Christmas mode. The lights are on the tree, the stockings are hung on the mantel bookshelf, and I am so excited to be posting my first holiday recipe of the season. And it’s a good one. Full of caffeine and alcohol and everything that is delicious about the holiday season.
A few years ago, my sister turned me onto the perfect combo of amaretto liqueur and eggnog. I know the typical eggnog spirit of choice is rum, but I find that the amaretto mixes in much more seamlessly. I tend to shy away from drinks that taste boozy and I think the flavor of amaretto blends so perfectly with the ‘nog that it doesn’t taste boozy at all. Instead, it just tastes deliciously warm. Which is exactly what you want out of a holiday beverage. Go ahead, put a shot of amaretto in your next glass of eggnog. You will not regret it.
Once you’ve had the amaretto/eggnog drink straight up, then you can move onto this latte. This dessert coffee would be a perfect adult drink while trimming the tree and listening to the She & Him Christmas album (highly recommended). Or, if you are feeling particularly cozy and decadent, a great way to celebrate on Christmas morning.
It’s Christmas, no one cares if you drink at 8am.
This is definitely not a low-calorie drink option. If you want to lighten it up, try to search out lowfat eggnog as opposed to the usual full-fat kind. Also, make sure to check the sugar content of your eggnog. I chose to add a touch of sugar to the latte, but if your ‘nog is particularly sweet, you might be able to skip the sugar all together.
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Amaretto Spiked Eggnog Latte
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Makes: 1 large latte
Nowadays, there are a lot of great dairy-free “egg” nog options out there. Check your grocer’s dairy case for the soy milk or coconut milk options to make this into a vegan drink.
Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 cup strongly-brewed, hot coffee (4 tablespoons coffee to 1 cup water)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ounce amaretto liqueur
- Nutmeg for garnish (optional)
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog until very warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and froth by either using a frother, blending with an immersion blender, or transferring to a Mason jar with lid and shaking vigorously. Set aside.
- Combine coffee, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon in a bowl and whisk together until well mixed.
- Pour amaretto into a large mug, add in coffee and mix. Pour hot eggnog over top. Spoon eggnog foam on top. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with more nutmeg for garnish, if using.
We have two holiday drinks:
Snowman’s Kiss: Equal parts Disaronno & Eggnog, in a cordial glass, and then put in the freezer for an hour or so. They get slushy but not frozen (thanks booze!). It’s a great sensation to drink something cold that makes you feel so warm. Old family tradition.
Poinsettia Cocktails: 3 oz Cranberry juice (real stuff), .5 oz triple sec, in a flute, topped with sparkling white wine. Started having this as well a few years ago as we needed something to start Christmas Eve with, and Snowman’s Kiss is more of a dessert/night cap, not something you can have a lot of whilst cooking. ๐
I usually like to reserve my calories for food instead of booze at Christmas (I’m like a reverse drunkorexic). But this I would definitely make in the weeks leading up to Christmas. I love egg nog and it’s easy to drink a lot of it, but it is so unhealthy ๐
Yeah, I love it, too. I only buy small amounts just because I can easily down a gallon in a week. Moderation. ๐
This sounds delicious. I really like amaretto but I never know what to do with it.
I need to listen to that She and Him Christmas album!
Also, I’m a BIG fan of mulled cider, spiked or not! We made a batch this past weekend with allspice berries, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, oranges, cloves… SO DELICIOUS.
I kind of love the holiday season!
Sounds like a must try!! My favorite holiday drink is pretty much anything that uses peppermint!
This has to be good. I’m gonna make a single serving because I only have one of the small 50ml of Disaranno. Thanks for sharing!
My boyfriend is obsessed with eggnog, coffee, and liquor. He will flip for this! What a great recipe and awesome pictures.
WOW this drink looks so delicious! I just wanted to say that I thought your bio was so great, and good for you for going back to basics!! Can’t wait to read more on your blog!
first time poster, great recipe. also, where did you get those mugs?
I got them as a wedding gift a few years back, but I believe they are from Target. ๐
Great recipe, these look fabulous!! ๐
Wow! I never would have thought amaretto, but thank you! I made an eggnog latte (in my super automatic espresso machine) this afternoon to warm up after a family trip to the Christmas tree farm. The amaretto was a great compliment! I have a new favorite drink. ๐
Hi ! We put up a list of the TOP 100 best Christmas recipes for 2015. Your recipe was also included on this list. Go check it out at: http://ohmydish.com/100-best-christmas-recipes-2015/ Greetings, Veronique and Marco from ohmydish.com