Looking for a cozy holiday drink that’s easy to make at home?
The Iced Gingerbread Latte is a perfect choice.
With its blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and espresso, this latte tastes just like a gingerbread cookie in liquid form.
It’s ideal for Christmas mornings, but you can enjoy it all year long.
Whether you serve it hot or iced, this festive coffee drink brings the warmth of the holidays to your cup.
Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and much cheaper than your usual café order!
How To Make An Iced Gingerbread Latte: At A Glance
- Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Syrup
- Step 2: Prepare Espresso or Coffee
- Step 3: Assemble the Latte
- Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Why Make It at Home?
Making an iced gingerbread latte at home is cost-effective and allows you to completely control the taste of your drink.
Store-bought versions, like those from Starbucks, can be pricey and don’t always meet personal preferences.
Preparing it at home allows you to adjust the sweetness, milk type, and flavor intensity to your liking.
You can use as much or as little gingerbread syrup as you prefer, pick your favorite milk (like oat milk for a creamy texture), and even choose your garnishes.
Plus, it’s a much cheaper option in the long run, especially if you already have the ingredients at home.
Key Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This syrup is what gives your latte its signature festive flavor.
It’s a blend of sweet and spicy, with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Once prepared, the syrup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Espresso or Strong Coffee
- 2 shots of espresso (recommended)
- Strong brewed coffee (if you don’t have an espresso machine)
You can use an espresso machine for a robust flavor, but a Nespresso or a strong brewed coffee works just as well.
Just make sure the coffee is strong to balance the sweetness of the syrup.
Milk Options
- Recommended:
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- Alternatives:
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Regular dairy milk (if not vegan)
Oat milk is preferred for its creamy texture, but you can substitute it with any milk of your choice, depending on your dietary preferences.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Make the Gingerbread Syrup
To create the gingerbread syrup, start by combining 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly.
This should take about 5-8 minutes.
Once ready, remove it from heat and let it cool.
Step 2: Prepare Espresso or Coffee
Next, brew your coffee.
Ideally, you’ll want to use two shots of espresso for a bold flavor.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee.
Make sure the coffee is rich and strong, as it needs to balance the sweetness of the gingerbread syrup.
If you’re using a Nespresso machine or other alternatives, aim for a concentrated brew.
Step 3: Assemble the Latte
Now it’s time to assemble your iced gingerbread latte.
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade gingerbread syrup, depending on how sweet you want it.
Pour in your freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee.
Finally, add 1/2 cup of oat milk (or your preferred milk), and give everything a good stir to combine.
The gingerbread syrup tends to settle at the bottom, so make sure it’s well-mixed.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
For the finishing touch, garnish your iced gingerbread latte with whipped cream.
You can sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added spice.
If you’re feeling extra festive, add a gingerbread cookie on the side or even crumble some into the drink.
This step is optional but adds a festive, holiday flair to your latte.
Enjoy your cozy, homemade iced gingerbread latte!
Customization Options
Adjust Sweetness and Flavor
One of the best parts about making an iced gingerbread latte at home is that you can fully control the sweetness.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add more gingerbread syrup—1 to 2 tablespoons is a good starting point, but you can easily adjust to your taste.
For a less sweet option, use less syrup or even try a small drizzle for a more subtle gingerbread flavor.
Hot vs. Iced
This recipe works beautifully as both a hot and iced latte.
To make a hot gingerbread latte, skip the ice and heat your milk until it’s warm but not boiling.
Froth the milk to get that creamy, luxurious texture, then pour it over your brewed espresso and gingerbread syrup.
Milk and Vegan Options
For those who are vegan or prefer non-dairy options, you can swap out regular milk with alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Oat milk is especially recommended for its creamy texture, but almond and soy also work well.
Plus, non-dairy whipped cream can be used to keep your drink completely plant-based.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Make Coffee Ice Cubes
One great tip to make your iced gingerbread latte taste even better is to use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice.
This prevents your drink from getting watered down as the ice melts.
Simply brew extra coffee or espresso, pour it into an ice tray, and freeze.
When you’re ready to make your latte, pop a few coffee ice cubes into the glass for a stronger flavor and a more concentrated coffee experience.
Frothing Tips
If you don’t have a milk frother at home, don’t worry—you can still achieve that creamy, frothy texture.
Simply heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave until warm, then whisk it vigorously by hand.
You can also pour the milk into a jar, close the lid tightly, and shake it until frothy.
Batch Preparation
For convenience, consider making a large batch of the gingerbread syrup in advance.
As mentioned earlier, the syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you’ll always have it on hand for quick and easy lattes.
This is especially helpful during busy mornings or when you’re preparing multiple lattes for friends or family.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for the Holidays
The iced gingerbread latte is a fantastic addition to your holiday celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or a cozy Christmas party, this latte is sure to impress your guests.
It brings all the warm, spicy flavors of the season into a refreshing drink.
Imagine sipping it while watching a holiday movie or even while wrapping gifts.
Its festive taste makes it ideal for any Christmas gathering, and it’s a perfect non-alcoholic option for those who still want something special to enjoy.
Pair with Gingerbread Treats
For an extra festive experience, pair your iced gingerbread latte with some seasonal treats.
Gingerbread cookies are a natural match, complementing the flavors in the latte perfectly.
You can also enjoy it with other holiday desserts like spiced cakes, sugar cookies, or even a slice of pie.
Dunking a gingerbread cookie into the latte adds a delightful crunch and enhances the warm, comforting flavor of both the drink and the treat.
Conclusion
The iced gingerbread latte is a festive and flavorful drink that’s easy to make at home.
It’s perfect for the holidays, and with customizable sweetness, milk options, and garnishes, you can create the perfect latte every time.
Try it out for yourself, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media to spread the holiday cheer!
FAQs
How long does gingerbread syrup last?
The homemade gingerbread syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Can this recipe be made without an espresso machine?
Yes, you can still enjoy this latte without an espresso machine.
Simply use strong brewed coffee or a Nespresso machine to achieve a similar rich flavor.
