If you’re looking for a delicious way to get into the Christmas spirit, look no further than the gingerbread latte. This festive beverage is sure to bring smiles and cheer to any holiday gathering or cozy night in. With notes of ginger and cinnamon combined with sweet espresso, it’s like Christmas in a cup! But it doesn’t have to be confined to the festive season. You can, and should, enjoy a gingerbread latte anytime you want.
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What is a gingerbread latte
The perfect drink for cold winter days, this comforting treat can be enjoyed hot or cold depending on your preference. Whether you are hosting family and friends during the holidays or just want something special for yourself, this recipe will help you make an unforgettable gingerbread latte. Plus, it only takes minutes to prepare! So grab your ingredients and let’s start brewing up some festive flavor.
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What does a gingerbread latte taste like?
Short answer: It’s a Christmas treat that combines the festive flavors of ginger with sweet creamy foamed milk and intense espresso.
It really is as simple and as good as that! But it goes beyond the taste. The aroma shouts Christmas, with a mix of spices including ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. It just puts me in a happy place.
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Best coffee beans for a gingerbread latte
As always, use the best quality and freshest beans you can. And grind them when you need them.
There are no rules for which is the best coffee to use for a gingerbread latte. The creamy spice flavors are the stars.
So here are some great coffees you can use for this recipe:
illy Classico medium roast
Delicious tastes and aromas of caramel and chocolate.
San Francisco Bay Coffee – French Roast
A deeply intense experience of dark roast coffee with notes of chocolate and spices.
Lavazza Super Crema light-medium roast espresso
Super rich espresso with so much taste and aromas of hazelnuts and brown sugar.
Kicking Horse Coffee Smart Ass Medium/Dark Roast
Great flavor notes of berries, brown sugar and chocolate.
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How to make a gingerbread latte at home
Making gingerbread latte at home is easy and fun! Like most lattes you only need a few ingredients and somewhere to relax and enjoy the delicious tastes and aromas.
Equipment
- 1 coffee maker or espresso machine
- 1 steam wand or milk frother or blender
- 1 Latte glass
- 1 spoon
- 1 Kitchen scales (optional)
- 1 Set of measuring spoons (optional)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- 1-2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup of strong coffee
- 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
- 1 tbsp whipped cream (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Method
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso
- heat the milk to 140°F (60°C), but don’t let it boil
- add the syrup and any vanilla extract you want to use
- froth the milk to a creamy texture
- pour the milky mixture gently over the espresso
- top with any (or all) whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder or a dusting of cinnamon powder.
- Relax and enjoy!
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Top tips for making gingerbread latte at home
- Be sure to choose good quality fresh espresso beans to create the base of your strawberry latte.
- Adjust the amount of syrup you add to change the sweetness of your latte. I recommend starting with the recipe as I have written it. Then, if it’s too sweet for you, next time use a little less gingerbread syrup. Alternatively, if it’s not sweet enough for you, you can add a bit more syrup and stir it in.
- You can use store-bought gingerbread syrup. It’s available from most good stores around the holiday season. But if you have any difficulty finding it. or you want to make your own, check out my easy gingerbread syrup recipe.
With an espresso machine
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug, Add the gingerbread syrup to the milk.
- add in any vanilla extract you want to use. It is not essential, but I find the vanilla extract just adds a little something extra.
- Stir the milk.
- Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk to a creamy foamy texture.
Without an espresso machine
- Use your preferred coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee.
- While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a pot over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
- Pour the milk into a blender or bowl. Add the gingerbread syrup and any vanilla extract you want to use. It is not essential, but I find the vanilla extract just adds a little something extra.
- stir the milk.
- Use a milk frother or blender to build a smooth creamy texture.
Finishing your gingerbread latte
- Pour the espresso into a latte glass, then gently pour in the milk. Hold back some foam to gently layer on top.
- You can use whatever milk you prefer. If you like dairy milk, check out my review of the best dairy milks. Otherwise, I have a great review of the best non-dairy milks you can use.
- If you want to really treat yourself, you can add a spoonful (or two) of whipped cream to the top. Better yet, pipe the cream. Then finish with a dusting of cinnamon powder or chocolate powder.
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Different types of latte
Check out some of my favourite festive lattes. Don’t tell anyone, but I enjoy them year-round:
- Mocha Latte – a creamy and indulgent coffee with a sweet and spicy flavor and wonderful aroma!
- Vanilla Latte – the ultimate relaxing latte. Find somewhere you won’t be disturbed and enjoy!
- Pumpkin Spice Latte – It’s like having autumn in a cup! You’ll be surprised how easily you can make this tasty seasonal favorite coffee at home.
- Irish Cream Latte – A combination of smooth Irish cream liqueur (or Irish cream syrup) and espresso create a knockout flavor that is sure to please any coffee lover.
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FAQs
Can I make a gingerbread latte with non-dairy milk?
You absolutely can make delicious gingerbread lattes with non-dairy milk. Check out my review of the best non-dairy milks.
When I am not in the mood for dairy milk, I prefer to use oat milk. My current favorite is Oatly Barista blend, but check out all the options. Its rich and creamy and foams as well as any dairy milk.
What is a gingerbread latte made of?
Gingerbread lattes have just a few ingredients, strong coffee, velvety milk and gingerbread spice syrup.
Is gingerbread latte difficult to make?
No, it’s so easy to make that you will only regret you haven’t made it sooner.
You just need to:
- brew some strong coffee,
- add some gingerbread syrup to a cup of milk
- heat the milk and froth it with a blender
- pour the milk over the coffee and drink!
- I know there are some fancy steps you can add, but these are the basis of a great tasting drink!
What is in a Starbucks gingerbread latte?
The Starbucks latte contains espresso, steamed milk, and Gingerbread syrup, finished off with gingerbread-flavored whipped cream and a crunchy wafer topping.
What does a gingerbread latte taste like?
A gingerbread latte is creamy and comforting, with an underlying spicy warmth from the ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The espresso coffee adds a further depth and aroma which mingles with the other ingredients.
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Gingerbread latte recipe: the taste of Christmas
Equipment
- 1 Espresso machine or coffee maker
- 1 steam wand or milk frother or blender
- 1 Latte glass
- 1 spoon
- 1 Kitchen scales (optional)
- 1 Set of measuring spoons (optional)
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
- 1 tbsp whipped cream (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- ¼ tsp cocoa powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso
- heat the milk to 140°F (60°C), but don’t let it boil
- add the syrup and any vanilla extract you want to use
- froth the milk to a creamy texture
- pour the milky mixture gently over the espresso
- top with any (or all) whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder or a dusting of cinnamon powder.
- Relax and enjoy!
Notes
Top tips for making gingerbread latte at home
- Be sure to choose good quality fresh espresso beans to create the base of your strawberry latte.
- Adjust the amount of syrup you add to change the sweetness of your latte. I recommend starting with the recipe as I have written it. Then, if it’s too sweet for you, next time use a little less gingerbread syrup. Alternatively, if it’s not sweet enough for you, you can add a bit more syrup and stir it in.
- You can use store-bought gingerbread syrup. It’s available from most good stores around the holiday season. But if you have any difficulty finding it. or you want to make your own, check out my easy gingerbread syrup recipe.
With an espresso machine
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso.
- While the espresso is brewing, pour the milk into a jug, Add the gingerbread syrup to the milk.
- add in any vanilla extract you want to use. It is not essential, but I find the vanilla extract just adds a little something extra.
- Stir the milk.
- Use the steam wand on your espresso machine to heat and froth the milk to a creamy foamy texture.
Without an espresso machine
- Use your preferred coffee maker to brew a strong short coffee.
- While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a pot over medium heat, or in a microwave, until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Do not let it boil.
- Pour the milk into a blender or bowl. Add the gingerbread syrup and any vanilla extract you want to use. It is not essential, but I find the vanilla extract just adds a little something extra.
- stir the milk.
- Use a milk frother or blender to build a smooth creamy texture.
Finishing your gingerbread latte
- Pour the espresso into a latte glass, then gently pour in the milk. Hold back some foam to gently layer on top.
- For a luxurious finish, spoon or pipe some whipped cream over the top.
- You can use whatever milk you prefer. If you like dairy milk, check out my review of the best dairy milks. Otherwise, I have a great review of the best non-dairy milks you can use.
- If you want to really treat yourself, you can add a spoonful (or two) of whipped cream to the top. Better yet, pipe the cream. Then finish with a dusting of cinnamon powder or chocolate powder.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.
Hi, I’m Eric Loftuss, co-founder of Bean Thirst with my wife Sophie.
My Coffee journey started young. I used to help my mom with the weekly shopping trip and we always called in to a coffee wholesaler and retail outlet in our town.
I really started to learn about coffee when, while in college, I worked in a local coffee shop and trained as a barista. Even though I went on to qualify and work as a lawyer, I still get a kick out of brewing a cup of Joe.
Sophie and I are so glad to be part of your coffee journey. Find out more about us