Winter is coming and the holidays are almost upon us. Buy Organic Coffee would like to vote for eggnog latte for the holidays as an appropriate way to make healthy organic coffee for Thanksgiving, Christmas and into the depths of winter. Here is a little information about eggnog, latte, and how to make eggnog latte for the holidays.
Where Did Eggnog Come From?
Eggnog probably originated in East Anglia, England and has its roots in a medieval European beverage made with hot milk called posset. Nog comes from noggin which was Middle English for a small carved wood cup used to serve alcohol. At the time of its origin, the drink was also called egg flip because the preparer flipped or rapidly poured it between two pitchers to mix it. An early reference to eggnog in the colonies in the 18th century described “egg-nog” as a mixture of rum, eggs, “new” milk, and sugar. Travelers in that era were known to fortify themselves against the elements by drinking “egg-nog” before going out on the lonely roads and trails of the era.
You will find more information and see a modern recipe for eggnog in our article, How to Make Homemade Eggnog. The article also includes George Washington’s recipe for homemade eggnog. Besides the milk, sugar, and eggs, America’s revolutionary leader and first president included brandy, rye whiskey, Jamaica rum, and sherry to his eggnog recipe and advised to “taste frequently.” They certainly knew how to make impressive eggnog in those days!
Homemade Eggnog
Latte Origin
In the USA a basic latte is a coffee house coffee made with espresso and steamed milk. But, be careful when traveling. If you ask for a latte in Italy you will get a glass of milk! You would need to ask for a Caffè latte. In Europe, coffee with milk has been popular for a few hundred years.
- Italy: Caffè latte
- Germany: Milchkaffee
- France: Café au lait
- Spain (and Latin America): Café con leche
- British Isles: Coffee with milk
Making “latte” seems to have started on the West Coast of the USA, first in Berkeley, CA in the 1950s and then in Seattle where the drink was made specifically with espresso and steamed milk. Interestingly, the trend moved back to Europe but in Scandinavia rather than in the South an included espresso and steamed milk.
Making a Latte
Ingredients
- Espresso, single or double
- Whole milk (6 to 12 ounces)
- Steamed Milk
- Foamed Milk
Equipment
- Espresso maker with steam wand or arm
- Milk jug
- Thermometer
Steps
- Fill a milk jug a third full with whole milk
- Purge the steam arm of the espresso maker
- Foam the milk before making espresso. Aim for a smooth “microfoam”
- Gently tap the jug to remove unwanted, overly large, bubbles
- Prepare the espresso (single or double) using a latte cup
- Pour the frothed milk into the espresso starting high above and steepen the pouring angle as you lower the milk jug
- Make sure that a small amount of milk foam remains on top of the drink at the end.
If you do not have an espresso maker you can use strong coffee but the standard latte is made with espresso.
Latte
Eggnog Latte for the Holidays (or Whenever)
This article is about eggnog latte but the holidays should be about family, friends, traditions, and enjoyment. So, if all you want to do is add a little store-bought eggnog, as creamer, to a fresh hot cup of coffee, plus a little Irish whisky for your Christmas version of Irish coffee, please go ahead.
But, if you have the inclination and the time, check out our recipe in how to make homemade eggnog. Then follow the latte directions from Caffe Society, modified for eggnog latte.
You will be using eggnog instead of whole milk but you can still froth or foam it with the steam want from you espresso machine. If you don´t have a steam wand, you can vigorously whisk the eggnog to make it froth up.
And, if you also do not have an espresso maker, strong coffee will do.
(Craftsy)
Alcohol or No Alcohol in Your Eggnog Latte for the Holidays
Going back to George Washington and even before, it is traditional to make eggnog with rum and other spirits. Thus, you may choose to make your eggnog with alcohol in it. But, there are good reasons to leave the alcohol out of your homemade eggnog if you will be serving it to children or to those for whom alcohol presents a problem.
If you leave the alcohol out of the eggnog, you can still add it selectively to the eggnog latte for the holidays.
Here is a quick and easy recipe for creamy eggnog coffee for the holidays featuring homemade or store-bought eggnog and alcohol added at the end.
Ingredients
- Cold coffee: 4 cups
- Eggnog: 32 ounces
- Frozen whipped topping: 8 ounces
- Ground cinnamon: half teaspoon
- Rum: 1 cup (optional)
- Whipping cream (optional)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl combine coffee, eggnog, and whipped topping with a whisk
- Add rum and stir
- Put in the refrigerator to keep cool until serving
- Just before serving whip up whipping cream and grate the nutmeg to top off each glass
We at Buy Organic Coffee hope that this bit of information helps you enjoy your holidays just a little more.