The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for the Best Holiday Coffee (That Doesn’t Cost $7)

Once Halloween comes and goes, I’m counting down to Christmas, decorating the house, buying a real fir tree, and swapping out my regular cup of joe for a festive latte. Gingerbread, peppermint, sugar cookie—anything cookie- or candy-related—and I’m a sucker for my local coffee shop’s luxurious $7 latte.

With prices at an all-time high, I really can’t justify spending that much on a coffee that has just one pump of syrup in it. Instead, I’ve been reaching for another seasonal staple that’s already in my fridge, and it somehow makes a cup of regular drip taste better than a fancy barista brew.

That secret? Eggnog.

Why You Should Add Eggnog to Your Coffee

Eggnog is basically a seasonal, souped-up coffee creamer. It’s made with cream and milk, sweetened with sugar, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and thickened with eggs. Add a splash to your morning coffee, and your brew instantly transforms into a cozy, café-worthy treat.

While most of us associate eggnog with the boozy version best saved for holiday parties, the nonalcoholic kind is perfect for your morning cup. Of course, if it’s that liminal time between Christmas and New Year’s—when the days of the week barely count—or you’re craving something extra cozy after dinner, spike your coffee with a splash of the boozy stuff for a grown-up dessert drink.

Best Brands of Eggnog for Your Coffee

Personally, I think the best eggnog is the one already sitting in your fridge. But if you’re shopping, fan favorites include Organic Valley’s Eggnog, which reminds me of drinking melted ice cream, and Southern Comfort’s Vanilla Spice Flavored Eggnog, which you should absolutely spike with some of the brand’s signature whiskey.

If lactose gives you tummy troubles, or maybe you’d prefer to skip the pasteurized eggs in your coffee, there are plenty of plant-based eggnog-inspired creamers that deliver the same cozy flavor. I’m a huge fan of Elmhurst’s Oat Nog or Planet Oat’s Oatnog—both use oats to mimic the creaminess of dairy and add that cinnamon-nutmeg sweetness that makes your morning coffee taste instantly festive.

How To Soup Up Your Eggnog Coffee Even More

If you’re feeling fancy, go beyond the simple splash of eggnog:

• Blast it with canned whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for café-level presentation
• Add a shot of espresso to turn it into an eggnog latte
• Dust with cinnamon or cocoa powder for a little contrast and aroma
• Try it iced: Shake cold brew, eggnog, and ice together in a jar until frothy—it’s holiday magic on the go

No matter how you make it, this one-ingredient trick is the easiest (and coziest) way to make your morning coffee taste like the holidays—without waiting in a drive-thru line or spending your dough.