Chestnuts roasting over an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Too soon? I agree, Halloween just ended and I’m not quite ready to break out the Christmas decorations yet, but the holidays are starting to pop up everywhere and they’ve definitely been on my mind.
That’s not just because the gift guide is out and the stores are stocking holiday goodies; it’s because my favourite coffee shops are stocking holiday drinks and the smell of cinnamon, ginger, and eggnog are already filling the air.
In my opinion, it’s never too early to get started on holiday coffee recipes and start treating yourself to some seasonal lattes and other hot beverages. They are only around for so long, and it’s a great way to slowly get into the holiday spirit. If you have your own coffee bar or espresso machine like I do, you can skip the lineup at your local coffee shop and make these seasonal drinks at home.
I recently invested in the Breville Duo-Temp Espresso machine, and I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to steam a little eggnog, grab a candy cane, and enjoy these drinks every day. You can too, and all you need are these recipes, your own trusty espresso maker, and you’re ready to go.
Eggnog Latte Recipe
My favourite holiday drink! An Eggnog latte is very easily made at home with your own espresso machine, and I like to steam the eggnog on its own without adding steamed milk. It just takes a bit longer with the steam wand, but you can get it to the point of it being foamy. Don’t forget to add the nutmeg to the top. It really makes it a holiday drink. Photo and recipe from allrecipes.com.
Ingredients
1/3 cup 2% milk
2/3 cup eggnog
1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger brewed espresso
1 pinch ground nutmeg
Directions
Pour milk and eggnog into a steaming pitcher and heat to between 145 degrees F to 165 degrees F (65 to 70 degrees C) using the steaming wand. Brew the shot of espresso, then add to mug. Pour the steamed milk and eggnog into the mug, using a spoon to hold back the foam. Spoon foam over the top. Sprinkle nutmeg on top of the foam.
Gingerbread Latte Recipe
From topsecretrecipes.com, this recipe was inspired by the Starbucks Gingerbread Latte. What I love is that you can make your own Gingerbread Latte Syrup and whip up a latte anytime. It keeps well in the fridge until you need it.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup fresh espresso
8 ounces steamed milk (with foam)
Garnish
Whip Cream
Ground Nutmeg
Directions
Make gingerbread syrup by combining water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, watching that the mixture doesn’t bubble over.
Using your espresso machine make a double shot of espresso. Steam your milk using the steam wand.
Add 1/2 cup espresso to a 160ounce cup. Add 1/4 cup gingerbread syrup. Add the steamed milk and stir.
Top the beverage with a whip cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Holiday Coffee Recipes
If you have a drip brewer, you can make your own holiday coffee and fill your entire home with the scent of Christmas by adding just a few ingredients to the basket. Photo and recipe from food.com.
Ingredients
8 cups water
8 tablespoons ground coffee
1 vanilla bean, split
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
Directions
Pour water into coffee maker.
In the basket place coffee vanilla bean, cinnamon and cloves.
Brew.
Spiced Cappuccino Recipe
From Better Homes and Gardens, this spiced cappuccino is one of my favourites. You can add in some real amaretto if you’re planning on spending a cozy night in.
Ingredients
1 cup hot brewed espresso
1/4 cup flavored liquid nondairy creamer, such as amaretto, Irish creme, or French vanilla
dash ground cinnamon
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
dash ground cardamom
Directions
Stir together the hot espresso, creamer, and cinnamon in a glass measure. Pour into 2 mugs. Add a scoop of ice cream to each and sprinkle with cardamom. Makes 2 (6-ounce) servings.
Maple Latte Recipe
I can’t go through the holiday season without a daily maple latte, and I’ve found them really hard to locate in coffee shops. Because not everyone makes them, it was important that I figured out how to make my own, and this recipe from purecanadamaplesyrup.com fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
1 serving of coffee
1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup from Canada (Grade A light or medium)
Milk
Directions
Pour the cup of freshly brewed espresso into a mug, stirring in the maple syrup. Then, lightly spoon in steamed milk.
Sweet Tip: If you have a regular coffee maker at home without a milk steamer, we recommend lightly scalding ¼ of milk in a small pot. When ready, remove the pot from the stove and lightly froth the milk with a milk frother.
Peppermint Mocha Recipe
By the time I have my first peppermint mocha, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. I love to add a real candy cane as a stir stick. Photo and recipe from food.com.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons powdered baking cocoa
3 tablespoons warm water
1 1⁄2 tablespoons peppermint syrup (do not use extract- you can buy a very large bottle of syrup at Starbucks) or 1 1⁄2 tablespoons creme de menthe
4 ounces espresso
12 ounces steamed milk
Whipped cream
Red sugar crystals
Directions
Combine 3 Tbsp Baking Cocoa with 3 Tbsp warm water to make into a rich syrup. Pour into a 16 ounce mug.
Add a double shot of espresso
Add Peppermint syrup.
Steam milk and add to remainder of cup.
Garnish with whipped cream and sugar crystals.
Now that I’ve shared all of these great holiday coffee recipes, it’s really beginning to feel like the holidays could creep around here at any time. I’m not going to put up my tree like a few of my relatives have, but I’m definitely getting into the spirit.
So whip out your espresso maker, pick up a liter of eggnog, grind up some coffee beans, and you can enjoy any of these holiday coffee recipes right in your own kitchen. When you’re ready, they’re a great way to kick off the holidays.
