The Gingerbread Latte is one of my favorites from Starbucks. The blend of rich espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread is like magic to me.
Contents
Gingerbread latte recipe
Gingerbread latte is a seasonal coffee beverage. It combines the rich flavors of coffee, milk, and gingerbread syrup. This drink is particularly popular during the fall and winter months, especially the Christmas season.
Starbucks removed this latte from the menu in 2020. I was heartbroken. Besides the Eggnog, this drink is my traditional Christmas drink. So, this year, I decided to recreate it at home.
The latte features a unique blend of flavors: the spicy note from ginger, the creaminess from the milk, and the depth of coffee. Ginger in the latte offers health benefits beyond taste. It soothes digestion, relieves nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
This Christmas latte is the perfect drink for winter. Here is how to make gingerbread latte for the season:
Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
For Gingerbread Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Gingerbread Latte
- 2 cup strong brewed coffee or 4 shots of espresso
- 1 cup milk any type you prefer
- Whipped cream optional
- Ground cinnamon or crushed gingerbread crumbs for garnish
Instructions
Make Gingerbread Syrup
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the syrup to cool.
Make Gingerbread Latte
- Brew your favorite coffee or make 4 shots of espresso.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm but not boiling. You can also use a milk frother for a creamier texture.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared gingerbread syrup to each cup of brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso. Pour the warm milk over the coffee/espresso and gingerbread syrup mixture. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each latte.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or crushed gingerbread crumbs over the whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Stir gently and savor the warm
Nutrition
Hot to pair
Here are some excellent pairing suggestions for the gingerbread latte:
- Sweet Pairings
- Gingerbread cookies are a classic choice.
- Chocolate-dipped shortbread’s sweetness contrasts nicely with the spices.
- Peanut butter blossoms’ nutty flavor is a great match.
- Biscotti is ideal for dipping.
- Gingerbread apple coffee cake is perfect with the latte.
- Cranberry orange scones balance the latte’s sweetness.
- Cinnamon sugar cookies offer a sweet, spiced contrast.
- Pumpkin biscotti spices harmonize with gingerbread flavors.
- Savory Pairings
- Cheese scones balance the sweetness of gingerbread latte.
- Spiced muffins enhance the latte’s flavor profile.
Variations
Gingerbread lattes can be customized in various ways. Here are some popular variations:
- Dirty Gingerbread Chai
- Replace half the coffee with chai tea
- Use chai-spiced milk
- Add cardamom
- Optional: Honey drizzle
- Caramel Versions
- Add 1-2 tbsp caramel sauce
- Top with caramel drizzle and toffee bits
- Optional: pinch of sea salt
- Chocolate Flavor
- Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- Use chocolate milk instead of regular
- Top with chocolate shavings
- Optional: drizzle chocolate sauce
- Extra Spicy Latte
- Add 1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Include a pinch of black pepper
- Double the gingerbread syrup
- Extra cinnamon on top
- Skinny Version
- Add 1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- Include a pinch of black pepper
- Double the gingerbread syrup
- Extra cinnamon on top
- Iced Gingerbread Latte is perfect for warmer climates or those who prefer chilled beverages.
- Cooled coffee or espresso or cold brew
- Add ice
- Cold foam topping instead of whipped cream
