Bring the cozy flavors of the holiday season right into your kitchen with this homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Latte! Every sip tastes like gingerbread cookies in a cup.
If you love ordering seasonal coffee drinks but don't love the coffee shop price, this homemade gingerbread latte is an easy way to enjoy your favorite holiday flavors at home. You can make it with espresso or strong brewed coffee, use your favorite milk, and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Also try out these drinks - Cookie Butter Latte Dunkin Donuts (Copy Cat Recipe), Iced Sugar Cookie Latte (Starbucks Copycat), and homemade Sugar Cookie Syrup Recipe!
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Why This Works
This gingerbread latte is a simple homemade version of a popular holiday coffeehouse drink. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives the syrup that familiar gingerbread flavor without needing complicated ingredients.
Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness, while a little maple syrup brings another layer of flavor. When combined with espresso and creamy milk, the result is a balanced coffee drink that tastes warm, sweet, and festive.
Ingredients Needed (with Descriptions)
- Espresso: Two shots of espresso give this latte its rich coffee flavor.
- Milk: I used Almond Milk
- Gingerbread syrup: This is what gives the drink its signature holiday flavor. Homemade syrup made with brown sugar, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves works beautifully.
- Whipped cream: An optional topping that makes your homemade latte feel like a coffee shop treat.
- Ground cinnamon: A light sprinkle over the whipped cream adds a little extra holiday flavor.
Gingerbread Syrup
For the gingerbread syrup, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the syrup to cool before using. Here's my recipe for syrup - Starbucks Gingerbread Syrup Copy Cat
Seriously, I could drink the syrup out of the container for this!
How to Make a Gingerbread Latte
Prepare the espresso: Brew two shots of espresso. Set aside briefly to cool so it doesn't melt all the ice immediately.
Add the syrup: Pour 2 tablespoons of homemade gingerbread syrup into a large glass.
Add the ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the milk: Add approximately ¾ to 1 cup of cold milk, depending on the size of your glass and how creamy you like your latte.
Add the espresso: Slowly pour the cooled espresso over the milk and ice. Or you can do it before adding the milk.
Finish the drink: Stir everything together until the gingerbread syrup is evenly mixed throughout the latte.
Pro Tips for Gingerbread Latte
- Make the syrup ahead: Homemade gingerbread syrup can be prepared several days before making your latte. This makes assembling your coffee quick and easy.
- Adjust the sweetness: Start with 2 tablespoons of syrup and add more if you prefer a sweeter drink.
- Use strong coffee: If you're substituting brewed coffee for espresso, make sure it is strong enough to stand up to the milk and syrup.
- Froth your milk: Even a basic handheld milk frother can give your latte a nice layer of foam.
- Warm your mug: Pouring hot water into your mug for a minute before making your latte can help keep your drink warm longer.
Storage
The gingerbread latte is best enjoyed immediately after making it. Once the espresso and milk are combined, the texture and flavor are at their best.
You can, however, prepare the gingerbread syrup ahead of time. Let it cool completely and transfer it to a clean, airtight jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within about one week for the best quality. If the syrup becomes too thick after chilling, stir in a little warm water to loosen it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade gingerbread latte with your favorite holiday breakfast or afternoon snack. It pairs especially well with gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and coffee cake.
For a festive holiday coffee bar, set out a bottle of homemade gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon, and your favorite mugs. Everyone can customize their own drink with the amount of syrup and toppings they like.
You can also make this drink iced! Simply combine the espresso and gingerbread syrup, pour over a glass filled with ice, and add cold milk. Top with whipped cream if desired.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Strong brewed coffee works as a substitute for espresso. You can also use instant espresso or instant coffee prepared according to the package directions.
Absolutely. Store-bought gingerbread syrup is a convenient option if you don't have time to make your own. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust the amount to your taste.
Yes! Prepare the espresso and stir in the gingerbread syrup while the coffee is warm. Pour it over ice, add cold milk, and enjoy.
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Starbucks Gingerbread Latte Copycat
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 6 min
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Coffee
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Bring the cozy flavors of the holiday season right into your kitchen with this homemade Starbucks Gingerbread Latte! This festive coffee drink combines rich espresso, creamy steamed milk, and a homemade gingerbread syrup made with brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm holiday spices.
Ingredients
- 1 serving instant decaf Nespresso
- 1–2 tablespoons homemade gingerbread syrup
- ¾ cup milk
- Ice for an iced latte
Instructions
- Brew two shots of espresso. Set aside briefly to cool so it doesn't melt all the ice immediately.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of homemade gingerbread syrup into a large glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Add approximately ¾ to 1 cup of cold milk, depending on the size of your glass and how creamy you like your latte.
- Slowly pour the cooled espresso over the milk and ice.
Notes
Make the syrup ahead: Prepare your gingerbread syrup in advance so you can quickly make iced lattes throughout the week.
Let the espresso cool: Allowing the espresso to cool slightly helps keep your ice from melting too quickly.
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