Drinks

Gingerbread Latte

Warm spices, hot coffee, and creamy milk come together in this cozy Gingerbread Latte. It smells of cinnamon and nutmeg, tastes warmly spiced and sweet, and feels silky on the tongue. This simple drink is perfect for a chilly morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. Try pairing it with a sweet spread for a snack—like a gingerbread dip for a festive board (gingerbread dip).

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 300 kcal (approximate)
Protein: 8.5 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fat: 13 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 36 g
Sodium: 130 mg

Why Make This Gingerbread Latte

This Gingerbread Latte is quick and satisfying. It brings holiday spice to your daily coffee with just a few ingredients. You get warm ginger, sweet molasses notes, and a creamy texture. It’s ideal when you want a tasty, homemade treat without a trip to the cafe. The aroma alone can lift your mood and make your kitchen feel festive.

How to Make Gingerbread Latte

Make a spiced coffee drink in minutes. Brew a strong cup, sweeten with gingerbread syrup, heat and froth the milk, then top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg. The drink should be hot, smooth, and lightly sweet with a balanced spice finish.

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1 cup milk (any kind)
2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
Whipped cream (for topping)
Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Ground nutmeg (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Brew the espresso or strong coffee. Use fresh grounds for the best flavor. Measure out the milk and gingerbread syrup.

Step 2: Mixing

In a mug, combine the brewed coffee and gingerbread syrup. Stir until the syrup dissolves and the coffee smells sweet and spiced.

Step 3: Cooking

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Froth the milk with a handheld frother, whisk, or use a milk steamer until it is light and foamy.

Step 4: Finishing

Pour the frothed milk over the coffee mixture. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte

Serve hot in a pre-warmed mug to keep your latte warm longer. Garnish with extra grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick for stirring. Pair the latte with a simple biscuit, a piece of gingerbread, or a holiday cookie for a cozy snack. For a brunch or holiday gathering, serve in clear mugs to show the layered look of coffee, milk, and whipped cream.

How to Store Gingerbread Latte

Prepared latte: Best drunk fresh. Reheated lattes lose froth and texture.
Leftover coffee base (coffee + syrup): Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently and froth milk fresh before serving.
Gingerbread syrup: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed bottle.

To reheat: warm gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts. Froth or whisk milk again for best texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Latte

Use strong coffee or espresso for a full flavor that stands up to the syrup.
Heat milk until steaming, not boiling. Boiling creates a skin and scalds the milk.
Froth milk right before serving for a creamy top. A handheld frother works great for home use.
Taste before topping. Adjust syrup to your sweetness preference — start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer less sweet.
For a richer drink, use a higher-fat milk or half-and-half.
If you like a stronger spice note, add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the coffee before pouring the milk.

Delicious Variations

Iced Gingerbread Latte: Brew strong coffee, mix with syrup, cool, pour over ice, and add cold milk. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Vegan Gingerbread Latte: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
Spiked Gingerbread Latte: Add 1 oz of spiced rum or Irish cream for an adult version.
Extra-spiced Latte: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cloves to the syrup for a bolder gingerbread profile.
Low-sugar version: Use a sugar-free gingerbread syrup or half the syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make gingerbread syrup at home?
A: Yes. Simmer equal parts water and sugar until the sugar dissolves, then add molasses, grated fresh ginger or ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of cloves. Simmer 5–10 minutes, cool, and strain if needed. Store in the fridge up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
A: Yes. Use a stronger brew or double the coffee grounds to make a bold cup that won’t taste weak once mixed with milk and syrup.

Q: How do I froth milk without a frother?
A: Heat the milk until steaming, then whisk vigorously by hand, shake in a sealed jar for 30 seconds, or use a French press: pump up and down to create foam.

Q: Is this drink sweet?
A: It is mildly to moderately sweet with the gingerbread syrup. You can reduce the syrup to 1 tablespoon for less sweetness or increase to taste.

Q: Can I prepare this for a party?
A: Yes. Make a large batch of the coffee-syrup base and warm milk separately. Guests can pour the heated milk and froth individually, then add whipped cream and spice garnishes.

Q: Will the spices settle or separate?
A: Ground spices can settle on top. Stir gently before drinking. For even spice distribution, dissolve a tiny pinch of spices into the syrup when making or warming it.

Q: How long does the whipped cream topping hold up?
A: Fresh whipped cream lasts about 1–2 hours at room temperature before it begins to melt. Keep it cold and top just before serving.

Conclusion

This Gingerbread Latte is a quick, cozy treat that brings warm spice and creamy comfort to any moment. It’s easy to make at home and flexible for many diets and tastes. For more inspiration and a homemade take on this classic, see Homemade Gingerbread Latte – Burrata and Bubbles. Give it a try — the warm smell and sweet-spiced flavor will make your day feel special.