Eggnog Latte Is Once-a-Year Treat

When it comes to coffee, I’m not one for variation. When the urge hits, I’m typically after a cappuccino. No mochas or flavored syrups for me. I have a certain taste in mind, and I don’t want anything messing with it.

But there is one exception: The eggnog latte at Starbucks. The drink, with its warm blanket of spicy, nutmeg-scented froth, is like Christmas in a cup.

It’s made just like a regular latte, except foamed eggnog is added instead of milk. The warm, mellow espresso tempers the sharp sweetness of the eggnog. The smell and taste is right up there with holiday cookies fresh from the oven. It wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

And, like mistletoe and holly, it’s only around once a year. Eggnog lattes are available from Thanksgiving through the first week in January, so it’s not too late to try one. It’s my favorite pick-me-up when the holiday glow starts to fade.

* Tall eggnog latte--490 calories/22 grams of fat. $2.75 at Starbucks.

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