Review: Starbucks Eggnog Latte

The Eggnog Latte is… rough. On paper, it sounds like it should be the ultimate holiday mash-up: classic eggnog plus coffee, warm and cozy and nostalgic. But in practice, it just doesn’t work, and it shows itself pretty quickly.

From the first sip, something feels off. You don’t get that creamy, comforting eggnog flavour you’d expect. Instead, you get a strange mix of coffee bitterness and eggnog-like sweetness that never properly blends together. It’s like they’re fighting for space in the cup instead of harmonizing.

The aftertaste is where it really falls apart. Instead of a soft, spicy, vanilla-nutmeg finish, you’re left with a lingering, unpleasant flavour that kind of sticks to your mouth. It’s not just “a bit strong” — it’s actively not good. You notice it more as you keep drinking, and it doesn’t really grow on you.

Texture-wise, the drink is fine. It’s warm, smooth, and drinkable from a mouthfeel perspective. But texture can only carry so much when the flavour isn’t there. The eggnog side feels flattened out — you don’t get that thick, rich, slightly custardy vibe that makes eggnog special. It feels like someone whispered “eggnog” over a bitter latte and called it a day.

Sweetness sits in a weird place too. It’s sweeter than a basic latte, obviously, but the sweetness doesn’t feel like it belongs. It leans more toward “odd sugary layer on top of something bitter” than a unified, cozy drink. You don’t get that balanced holiday taste — just competing elements that never quite click.

If you genuinely love eggnog, this is extra disappointing, because it doesn’t honour what’s great about it. And if you’re on the fence about eggnog to begin with, this definitely won’t convert you. For you, this one is an easy “nope” — big flop, not something you’d order again or recommend.

Bottom Line:

The Eggnog Latte sounds festive in theory but falls apart in the cup. The flavours don’t blend, the aftertaste is unpleasant, and it doesn’t deliver either as a coffee drink or as an eggnog-inspired treat. If you’re curious, it’s one of those things that’s better admired from the menu board than ordered. Skip it and spend your holiday drink budget elsewhere.