Gingerbread Latte

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Warm up your holiday season with the cozy flavors of a Gingerbread Latte! This delightful drink blends the comforting spices of everyone's favorite Christmas Cookie with the richness of freshly brewed coffee, creating the perfect pick-me-up for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. Whether you're relaxing by the fire or hosting a holiday brunch, this sweet and spiced homemade Starbucks copycat Gingerbread Latte is sure to add a little magic to your day.

A gingerbread man cookie sits in the milk foam of top of a ginger bread latte in a clear glass mug.

During the holidays and throughout the colder months, I always find myself looking forward to those quiet, cozy moments. There’s just something about curling up with a soft blanket, a good book, and a hot drink that makes the winter feel so much warmer. This Gingerbread Latte fits perfectly into that comforting routine, with its warming spices and rich coffee base giving me the caffeine kick I need to stay energized, even during the busiest holiday rush.

The blend of gingerbread flavors in every sip feels like a warm hug, making it an ideal treat for dunking a homemade gingerbread cookie or your favorite Christmas cookies. Whether I’m enjoying it during a peaceful afternoon or serving it for a weekend brunch, this recipe makes enough for two, so I can share the cozy vibes with someone special. Pair it with a holiday movie, and you've got the recipe for the perfect winter evening!

This recipe goes great with Banana Nut Muffins and French Apple Cake Loaf.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Variations/ Substitutions
Equipment
Top tips
FAQ
RECIPE

Ingredients

Milk – Use 2% milk for a creamy texture, but you can also substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Make sure to heat the milk gently to avoid scalding and froth it for a smooth, café-style finish.
Strong Coffee – Brew ½ cup of strong coffee or use espresso for a bolder flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, make your regular coffee extra strong by using more coffee grounds per cup of water.
Gingerbread Syrup – Opt for a high-quality gingerbread syrup such as Torani. If you like a sweeter drink, feel free to adjust the amount of syrup to your taste. You can also use brown sugar or maple syrup.
Ground Nutmeg – This spice adds a warm, aromatic garnish. Choose freshly ground nutmeg for the best flavor, or grind whole nutmeg directly onto your latte for an extra punch of freshness.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

A pitcher of frothed milk sits beside a pitcher of brewed coffee.

Step 1: Brew ½ cup of strong coffee and set aside. Heat and froth the milk until steaming. Stir the gingerbread syrup into the milk. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Step 2: Pour the brewed coffee into two mugs. Divide the warm, gingerbread-flavored milk between the two mugs, pouring it over the espresso. Lightly sprinkle ground nutmeg on top of each mug.

Hint: Heat the milk gently to avoid scalding it.

Variations/ Substitutions

Dairy-Free – Swap the 2% milk with almond milk, oat, or coconut milk for a creamy, plant-based version. Oat milk tends to froth nicely, giving a rich texture similar to regular milk.
Caffeine-Free – Use decaffeinated coffee or espresso if you're looking for a cozy evening drink without the caffeine kick.
Extra Spice – Boost the gingerbread flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cloves directly to the milk while heating. This will enhance the spiced notes for an even cozier sip.
Maple – Replace the gingerbread syrup with a mix of maple syrup and ground ginger for a subtle, natural sweetness.
Whipped Cream – For a more decadent treat, top your latte with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or gingerbread crumbs.
Iced – Turn it into a refreshing iced drink by skipping the frothing and pouring the ingredients over ice. It’s a great option for when you want those holiday flavors even in warmer weather!
Spiked – Add a shot of Baileys, Kahlúa, or spiced rum for a festive, boozy twist. This version is perfect for holiday parties or cozy evenings by the fire.

If you like this gingerbread latte, also try my homemade vanilla latte.

Equipment

When selecting a coffee pot, a drip coffee maker with customizable strength settings or a French press for more control can be great options. For milk frothers, a handheld frother is affordable and easy to use, perfect for frothing small amounts of milk quickly. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, an electric milk frother with heat settings can create silky, café-quality foam in minutes, making your homemade lattes even more indulgent.

Gingerbread cookies sit beside two gingerbread lattes in glass mugs.

Top tips

Brew your coffee or espresso right before making the latte to bring out the rich, bold flavors.
Be careful not to scald the milk when heating it. Warm it just until it steams, and use a frother to create a nice, velvety foam.
If you don't have a frother you can vigorously whisk the milk in the pan.
Start with 2 tablespoons of gingerbread syrup and add more if you desire a sweeter drink.
A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon adds warmth and a festive touch. For a more decadent drink, top with whipped cream and a dash of ground gingerbread or cookie crumbs.
For the best texture and flavor, serve your Gingerbread Latte right after preparation.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without a milk frother?

If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat the milk in a small saucepan and whisk it vigorously to create foam. You can also shake the warm milk in a mason jar to get a similar effect.

How do I make an iced gingerbread latte?

To make an iced gingerbread latte, simply brew your coffee, let it cool, and skip heating the milk. Pour the coffee over ice, add the cold milk mixed with gingerbread syrup, and enjoy a refreshing iced version.

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RECIPE

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