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A quick homemade gingerbread syrup is the star of the show in this easy, creamy gingerbread latte recipe that’s full of cozy Christmas flavor! If you like the seasonal ginger latte at Starbucks, you’ll love this.
If I had to pick one flavor that sums up Christmas, for me, it would have to be gingerbread. With rich, sweet molasses and warm, earthy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, it doesn’t get any more festive.
If you’re a gingerbread fan and enjoy the seasonal lattes at Starbucks or just want to add a little festive flair to your morning coffee, you’re going to love this latte!
What Goes In a Gingerbread Latte?
The real question here is how to make coffee taste like gingerbread. And the answer to that is gingerbread syrup!
Gingerbread syrup, or more accurately called gingerbread simple syrup, is a sweet syrup that contains molasses and gingerbread spices. Regular simple syrup is a nothing more than a 1:1 ratio of sugar:water that’s brought to a boil to dissolve the sugar. The festive version has warm spices and molasses added, but it’s just as easy to make.
In addition to gingerbread syrup, this latte contains espresso (or strong coffee) and whatever kind of milk you like. And if you really want to make it special, you can add a little whipped cream on top.
What Does a Gingerbread Latte Taste Like?
A gingerbread latte tastes like a gingerbread cookie dipped in coffee! Imagine a blend of warm spices with a hefty dose of ginger, blended into sweet, creamy coffee.
Ingredients
Breaking It Down
Ingredients Explained
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas where applicable. For the full recipe (including the ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
- Espresso – Or double-strength brewed coffee.
- Whole milk – Or any kind of milk you like.
- Gingerbread syrup – If possible, I recommend making your own gingerbread syrup! It’s a quick recipe and it’s as easy as making regular simple syrup with the addition of molasses and warm spices.
- Whipped cream – This is optional, but really makes this homemade latte feel special. You can use freshly whipped heavy cream or store-bought sweetened whipped cream.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg – This is also optional. Just a pinch on top adds a festive touch.
You Don’t Need Special Equipment to Make a Great Latte at Home
Instead of espresso, you can use double-strength coffee that’s brewed any way you like.
And surprisingly, you don’t need fancy tools to froth milk. You can blend it in a blender, beat it with a handheld electric mixer, or add it to a lidded glass jar and shake away! (I give additional methods for frothing milk without special equipment in my dirty chai latte post.)
How to Make a Gingerbread Latte
- Make (or buy) the gingerbread syrup. You can use homemade gingerbread syrup or store-bought gingerbread syrup.
- Make the espresso (or strong coffee). If you’re making an iced latte, let it cool; otherwise, you’re ready to rock and roll.
- Mix. Add the espresso, milk (frothed if you like!), and gingerbread syrup to a mug (to serve hot) or glass (to serve iced); stir to combine.
- Finishing touches. If desired, top with the whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Homemade Gingerbread Latte
- Hot or iced – Gingerbread is a holiday flavor, so weather-wise it’s typically chilly out and a hot coffee drink is in order! But I live in Florida, so even in December it may or may not be a high of 85F on any given day; when that’s the case, I like a cold latte. To make an iced gingerbread latte, don’t warm your milk before frothing it. Also, let your espresso or coffee cool before making it so the drink doesn’t get watered down when you pour it over ice. Lastly, serve it in a glass over ice instead of in a mug.
- Low carb and keto friendly version – This drink is easy to make low carb! To do so, simply use your favorite keto granulated sweetener (instead of granulated white sugar) and keto brown sugar (instead of molasses) when you make the gingerbread simple syrup, and use your favorite low carb milk to make the latte. If you like, add a dollop of whipped heavy cream on top.
- Protein version – With everyone trying to reach their daily protein goals lately, you can use this latte to help you do it! To bump up the protein in this coffee, use a high-protein milk (such as Fairlife) and if you want, blend the milk with 1/2 to 1 scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla-flavored protein powder before mixing up this latte.
- 21 and over – If you’re making this drink for adults (which you probably because it’s coffee), you can spike it for a boozy version. To do so, add 1 shot of your favorite alcohol to each latte; rum, spiced rum, or a coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua) are particularly good options here.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve With This Latte For a Gingerbread Christmas Brunch
- Gingerbread Waffles – If you make these waffles, make extra gingerbread syrup and drizzle it on them instead of maple syrup, yuuum.
- Gingerbread Scones – A lovely easy bake that’s perfect for brunch or as part of a festive holiday tea or coffee break.
- Healthy Gingerbread Pancakes – This paleo pancake recipe makes one serving, so it’s perfect if you’re cooking for just you and you’re feeling festive. On the other hand, it’s very easy to scale up if you’re feeding your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Starbucks, this is the ingredient list: MILK, BREWED ESPRESSO, GINGERBREAD FLAVORED SYRUP [WATER, SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVOR, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE (PRESERVATIVE)], WHIPPED CREAM [CREAM (CREAM, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, CARRAGEENAN), VANILLA SYRUP (SUGAR, WATER, NATURAL FLAVORS, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID)], PUMPKIN SPICE TOPPING [CINNAMON, GINGER, NUTMEG, AND CLOVES].
That’s a matter of personal preference; it depends on how sweet you like your coffee drinks! I use 2 tablespoons of gingerbread syrup for each 2 shots of espresso (or about 6 to 8 tablespoons of double-strong brewed coffee) + 1/2 cup of milk + a generous dollop of whipped heavy cream on top. I find that this ratio adds enough flavor without overpowering the drink. Try it like this and add more to taste if you want.
More Gingerbread Christmas Recipes to Try
- Gingerbread Pie – No-bake cheesecake made with Biscoff cookie butter!
- Christmas Brownies – Gingerbread brownies + eggnog buttercream, complete with adorably festive sprinkles.
- Gingerbread Cake Roll – With a maple cinnamon frosting swirl, and surprisingly easy to make!
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Gingerbread Latte Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso see Notes below to use coffee instead
- 1/2 cup whole milk or any kind of milk you like, frothed if you like (see Notes)
- 2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream freshly whipped heavy cream or store-bought sweetened whipped cream (optional; for topping)
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon or freshly-grated nutmeg (optional; for topping)
Instructions
- Mix. Add the espresso, milk, and gingerbread syrup to a mug (to serve hot) or glass (to serve iced); stir to combine.
- Finishing touches. If desired, top with the whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Espresso Substitute: If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can use double-strength coffee brewed any way you like. Two shots of espresso is about 6 tablespoons, so I typically use 6 to 8 tablespoons of strong coffee.
- How to Froth Milk: You don’t need fancy tools to froth milk! You can blend it in a blender, beat it with a handheld electric mixer, or add it to a lidded glass jar and shake away! (I give additional methods for frothing milk without special equipment in my dirty chai latte post.)
- Hot Version: Serve in a mug. Use hot espresso or coffee and warm your milk until steaming.
- Iced Version: Serve in a glass. Use cooled espresso or coffee and cold milk; serve it over ice.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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