If you could bottle December and pour it into a mug, this would be it. One sip of this Holiday Spice Latte With Nutmeg & Clove and your living room turns into a hygge ad—minus the staged throw blankets. It’s creamy, spicy, and just sweet enough to make you forget the drive-thru even exists.
Bonus: you’ll make it faster than your delivery app can find a driver. Ready to upgrade “just coffee” into a holiday ritual you’ll look forward to every morning?
Table of Contents
Feeling foggy, stuck, or emotionally off?
- • Trouble focusing or feeling scattered
- • Low energy or emotional drive
- • Feeling disconnected or stuck
These tools can help you reset, refocus, and reconnect:
- 🔋 Mitolyn
- Cellular energy & mitochondrial support
- 🌙 SleepLean
- Restful sleep & metabolic balance
- 💧 ProstaVive
- Prostate comfort & urinary support
The Secret Behind This Recipe
This latte works because it layers spices that actually like each other. Nutmeg brings warmth and a hint of vanilla, while clove adds depth and a subtle, woodsy sweetness. They’re bold, so we balance them with creamy milk and a whisper of brown sugar or maple to keep it smooth, not loud.
We also use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee to cut through the spices. A tiny pinch of salt wakes up the flavors (yes, really). And the final flourish—freshly grated nutmeg on top—is what makes it taste “barista-level,” even if you’re in sweatpants.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso (about 2 oz) or 1/2 cup very strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup milk of choice (whole, oat, or almond for creaminess)
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus extra for garnish
- 1/8 teaspoon ground clove (a little goes a long way)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Orange zest or a cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brew the base: Pull 2 shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup strong coffee.
Keep it hot.
- Warm the milk: In a small saucepan, add milk, brown sugar (or maple), nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium until steaming, not boiling.
- Whisk or froth: Use a whisk, handheld frother, or blender to froth the spiced milk for 15–30 seconds. You want microfoam, not soap bubbles.
- Combine: Pour the espresso into a mug.
Slowly add the spiced milk, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.
- Finish: Top with whipped cream if you’re feeling festive. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top and add orange zest or a cinnamon stick if you’re extra.
- Taste and tweak: Want sweeter or spicier? Stir in another teaspoon of sweetener or a literal pinch more nutmeg.
Small changes, big difference.
Storage Tips
- Spice mix: Pre-mix nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. Store in an airtight jar for up to 3 months. Flavor gets friendlier over time, FYI.
- Make-ahead syrup: Simmer 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup brown sugar with the spices for 5 minutes.
Strain, cool, and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Use 1–2 tablespoons per latte.
- Leftover latte: Not ideal to store once mixed (foam dies), but you can refrigerate and reheat gently on the stove. Re-froth if you must—no judgment.
Why This is Good for You
- Spices with benefits: Clove and nutmeg contain antioxidants that support overall wellness.
Translation: your cozy drink is doing a little good behind the scenes.
- Less sugar control: You choose how sweet it gets. Use maple syrup for a smoother glycemic curve than refined sugar (IMO).
- Calming ritual: The warm spice aroma can help reduce stress and make mornings less chaotic. Science and vibes, both on your side.
- Dairy-flexible: Use oat or almond milk if dairy isn’t your friend.
Oat milk gives the best café-style texture.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overdoing clove: It’s powerful. Too much and your latte tastes like a dentist’s waiting room. Stick to 1/8 teaspoon.
- Boiling the milk: Boil = scorched flavor and sad foam.
Heat until steaming only.
- Stale spices: If your nutmeg smells like nothing, it will taste like nothing. Use fresh or grate whole nutmeg.
- Skipping salt: That tiny pinch makes sweet and spice pop. Don’t fear it.
Different Ways to Make This
- Iced version: Brew double-strength coffee, chill it.
Shake cold milk with spices and sweetener in a jar. Pour over ice, add coffee, and finish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Dairy-free deluxe: Use barista-style oat milk for velvety foam. Add a teaspoon of coconut cream for extra body.
- Zero-caffeine: Swap espresso for chicory coffee or strong rooibos.
Still cozy, no jitters.
- Protein boost: Whisk in 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla whey/plant protein before heating the milk. Warm gently to avoid clumping.
- Spiked for evenings: Add 1 ounce dark rum or bourbon. Sprinkle orange zest to balance.
Adulting accomplished.
- Ultra-lux: Stir in 1 teaspoon sweetened condensed milk and a dash of cardamom. Dessert-in-a-mug energy.
FAQ
Can I use pre-ground coffee instead of espresso?
Yes. Brew it strong—aim for a 1:12 ratio (1 gram coffee to 12 grams water) or use a moka pot.
You want intensity to stand up to the spices.
Is fresh nutmeg really worth it?
Absolutely. Whole nutmeg grated with a microplane has a brighter, creamier flavor. It’s the difference between “nice” and “whoa—what is this?”
How do I get café-style foam without a machine?
Heat milk, then use a handheld frother or shake vigorously in a heat-safe jar (lid on, obviously) for 20–30 seconds.
☕ Transform Your Coffee Into a Wellness Ritual
Smarter caffeine habits, mindful routines, and fat-burning brew strategies.
🌞 Morning Routine — Burn More Fat
🧪 Science Behind Your Sip — Does Coffee Help?
Oat milk foams easiest at home.
What sweetener works best?
Brown sugar adds caramel notes; maple syrup adds a lighter sweetness and pairs well with clove. Honey works too, but add after heating to preserve flavor.
Can I make a big batch for guests?
Yes. Scale up the milk, spices, and sweetener in a saucepan.
Keep warm on low and let guests add their own espresso or strong coffee per mug.
Why add a pinch of salt?
It sharpens sweetness and rounds bitterness. You shouldn’t taste “salty”—just more balanced and vivid flavors.
Will this taste like pumpkin spice?
Similar vibe, different personality. This leans deeper and woodier thanks to clove and nutmeg, with less dessert-like sweetness.
Cozy, not cliché.
Final Thoughts
The Holiday Spice Latte With Nutmeg & Clove is your fast track to instant seasonal mood. It’s simple, customizable, and tastes like a hug from someone who knows their way around a spice rack. Keep the clove measured, the milk hot-not-boiled, and the nutmeg fresh.
Make it once and, fair warning, your coffee routine may never go back to “plain.”
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.