Starbucks brings back holiday customer favorite with the long-awaited Eggnog Latte return—millions of fans celebrate the classic winter flavor.
Coffee lovers, it’s time to rejoice: after years away, Starbucks brings back holiday customer favorite – the beloved Eggnog Latte. Fans across the country couldn’t be more thrilled. Starting 2 December, the seasonal classic returns nationwide as part of Starbucks’ holiday menu, finally answering the pleas of thousands of disappointed drinkers and this media company.
The Eggnog Latte first debuted in 1986, when (then a smaller Seattle-based coffee chain) incorporated the recipe from espresso bar Il Giornale. Over decades it became one of the most cherished seasonal drinks — a treat, which for many, defined the holiday season. Then, after the 2020 holiday run, Starbucks quietly dropped it from the U.S. menu. By 2021, the company officially confirmed the discontinuation.
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That decision shattered many fans — especially those who looked forward to the warm, spiced flavor each December. Critics accused Starbucks of being tone-deaf to holiday traditions and loyal customers alike. But this year, Starbucks is returning to form. In addition to the classic hot latte, fans will also be able to enjoy an iced version — and for the first time, a brand-new Eggnog Cold Foam topping has been introduced as part of the 2025 holiday menu.
Starbucks’ customer base is broad, but demographic data suggests its core audience tends to be adults between the ages of roughly 22 and 60, with the “average” customer around 42 years old. These patrons include students, professionals, parents, and a wide swath of middle- and upper-income consumers, many of whom rely on Starbucks not just for their daily caffeine fix but for seasonal treats and indulgences.
In recent years, cold drinks have surged in popularity at Starbucks. In fact, Millennials and Gen Z are credited with driving the growth of cold coffee beverages, which reportedly account for a large majority of Starbucks’ beverage sales.
At the same time, Starbucks’ loyalty program (Starbucks Rewards) remains a backbone of its business: as of 2024, there were roughly 34.3 million active U.S. members — and loyalty-program users visit more often, spend more, and tend to order the same items repeatedly.
All of this suggests the Eggnog Latte’s return isn’t just a nostalgic sideshow. For many regulars — especially seasonal drink fans — this is a major win for Starbucks’ holiday strategy, likely to draw in both longtime holiday-drink loyalists and newer cool-drink seekers.
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To appreciate why this latte means so much this time of year, it helps to know where eggnog itself comes from. The drink — typically made with milk or cream, sugar, eggs, and spices like nutmeg — traces its roots back to medieval Britain’s “posset,” a warm, curdled milk drink often enriched with wine or ale. Eggs were added over time, as were spices and sugar.
The term “eggnog” is thought by some historians to be a fusion of “egg” and “noggin” (a small wooden mug), or possibly “grog” — an old word for a strong alcoholic drink — served in a “noggin.” By the time it crossed the Atlantic to colonial America in the 18th century, eggnog had become a holiday staple — often made with rum or bourbon when available, and consumed during winter celebrations.
Over the centuries, eggnog evolved from an aristocratic luxury to a ubiquitous holiday tradition. Today, most versions served are non-alcoholic but still rich, creamy, and sweet — the kind of cozy, indulgent treat many Americans (especially around the holidays) crave.
The return of the Eggnog Latte to Starbucks is more than just a menu update — it’s a nod to nostalgia, holiday tradition, and consumer demand. The Fresh Toast has been on the forefront of charge for the return. For many, the first sip evokes memories of chilly December mornings, holiday shopping, and the scent of nutmeg and cream in the air. With Starbucks’ wide and loyal customer base, the return could rekindle old traditions and create new ones. And the new Eggnog Cold Foam gives fans a chance to enjoy the flavor even with iced drinks or cold brews.
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For purists of warmth and comfort, the classic hot latte remains a perfect choice. But for those curious or looking for something lighter, a steamed eggnog — hot eggnog with a shot of espresso and nutmeg on top — is also a great option. After all, a steamed eggnog is how many classic holiday memories were born.
