This homemade gingerbread latte is the perfect cozy treat for the holiday season.
Inspired by Starbucks’ beloved version, this recipe brings the classic flavors right to your kitchen.
The secret? A rich, spiced gingerbread syrup made with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger.
It’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with a warm cup of espresso and frothy milk.
Let’s recreate that festive magic at home!
How To Make A Gingerbread Latte: At A Glance
- Make Gingerbread Syrup: Combine molasses, brown sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Brew Espresso: Prepare 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee.
- Froth Milk: Use an electric frother, whisk, or jar method to froth ¾ cup of milk.
- Assemble: Mix espresso with 3 tablespoons of gingerbread syrup, then top with frothed milk.
- Garnish: Optionally, add whipped cream, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top. Enjoy!
What is a Gingerbread Latte?
A gingerbread latte is a delicious spiced coffee drink made with gingerbread syrup, espresso, and milk.
The syrup brings in warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, creating a comforting blend perfect for the colder months.
Combined with the bold taste of espresso and the creaminess of frothed milk, it offers a balanced yet festive flavor profile.
This drink is ideal for winter or holiday occasions, as the spices evoke cozy memories of gingerbread cookies and holiday cheer.
Ingredients Overview
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make both the gingerbread syrup and the latte:
For the Gingerbread Syrup
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Gingerbread Latte
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup milk (regular or non-dairy, like oat or almond milk)
- 3 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
Step-by-Step Recipe
How to Make Gingerbread Syrup
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add ¼ cup molasses, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ cup water, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, lower the heat slightly and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let it cool. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make the Gingerbread Latte
- Brew the Espresso: Brew 2 shots of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee using your preferred method (espresso machine, French press, or coffee maker).
- Froth the Milk: Froth ¾ cup of milk (regular or non-dairy) using an electric frother, whisk, or the jar method. To use the jar method, shake the milk in a sealed jar until frothy, then microwave it for 30 seconds to warm it.
- Assemble the Latte: Pour the brewed espresso into a mug, stir in 3 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup, and top with the frothed milk. Optionally, garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Latte
To get the best flavor out of your gingerbread latte, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking
The beauty of making a gingerbread latte at home is that you can control the sweetness.
Start with the recommended amount of syrup, usually about 3 tablespoons, and adjust from there.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add a bit more syrup.
For those who enjoy a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount to create the perfect balance for your taste.
Use Fresh Spices and Quality Ingredients
For the richest flavor, it’s important to use fresh spices.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg lose potency over time, so make sure yours are fresh for the best results.
Additionally, using high-quality molasses is essential.
Unsulphured molasses provides a deep, authentic gingerbread flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices and espresso.
Froth the Milk Properly
Achieving that creamy, frothy texture is key to a good latte.
Whether you’re using a milk frother, whisk, or even shaking the milk in a jar, make sure to froth it until it reaches a light, airy consistency.
This step creates that signature smoothness that makes your gingerbread latte feel like it’s straight from a café.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to garnishing your gingerbread latte, you can get as creative as you like.
A classic option is to top your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon on top.
You can even crumble a gingerbread cookie over the whipped cream or place one on the side for a fun, seasonal decoration.
To really enhance the holiday vibe, consider serving your gingerbread latte with festive treats.
Pair it with gingerbread cookies, biscotti, or even holiday-themed cupcakes.
These treats complement the warm, spiced flavors of the latte and make for a delightful snack to enjoy on a cozy winter day.
If you’re looking to elevate the presentation, adding a candy cane or marshmallows can be a playful and delicious addition to your drink.
Variations and Customizations
Iced Gingerbread Latte
If you’re craving a cold version of this cozy drink, making an iced gingerbread latte is simple.
Start by brewing your espresso and letting it cool for a few minutes.
Mix in your gingerbread syrup, then pour the mixture over a glass filled with ice.
Top it off with cold milk—regular or non-dairy options work great.
Stir everything together, and your iced gingerbread latte is ready to enjoy.
Vegan/Dairy-Free Option
For those looking to avoid dairy, you can easily make this latte vegan or dairy-free.
Simply replace regular milk with plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk.
Oat milk is particularly popular because of its creamy texture, which closely mimics the richness of traditional dairy milk.
Frothing plant-based milk works just as well and adds a delicious foam layer to your latte.
Sugar-Free Option
If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, this recipe can still fit your lifestyle.
Instead of using regular sugar in the syrup, opt for a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener.
These sugar alternatives can help you achieve the same sweetness without the extra calories, allowing you to enjoy a sugar-free version of the gingerbread latte.
Boozy Version
For a fun, adult twist, you can turn this gingerbread latte into a boozy treat by adding a shot of Kahlua or Baileys Irish Cream.
These liqueurs blend perfectly with the warm, spiced flavors of the gingerbread syrup and give the latte an extra festive kick.
Conclusion
Making a gingerbread latte at home is simpler than you might think.
With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this festive favorite in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy winter morning or a holiday gathering, this recipe brings all the warmth and spice of the season.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with others—it might just become your new holiday tradition!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or coffee made in a French press works just as well.
Make it as concentrated as possible to mimic the boldness of espresso.
How long does the syrup last?
Homemade gingerbread syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
What’s the best milk to use?
You can use any milk you prefer.
Regular dairy milk is a classic choice, but oat milk is a great option for a creamy, vegan-friendly latte.
Almond or soy milk also works well for those avoiding dairy.
