Let's get cozy with this homemade gingerbread latte! Featuring a rich, perfectly spiced gingerbread simple syrup, this holiday latte is full of festive flavors and just as tasty as anything you'd get at an overpriced coffee shop.
Why You Need to Make This Recipe
When the holidays hit, I give Starbucks entirely too much money and buy all the seasonal lattes as frequently as possible. I love them all — peppermint mocha, eggnog, crime brûlée, pumpkin spice — I just can’t stop. But in 2019, I noticed one of my favorite flavors was missing: the Starbucks gingerbread latte.
Starbucks retired this classic holiday latte. Was it a mistake? Absolutely. But I’ve found peace with it because this gingerbread latte recipe is just as delicious, we can make it from the comfort of our own kitchen, and we can enjoy it any time of year.
Bonus: If you love this Christmas latte, you'll also enjoy my maple latte and eggnog latte!
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients we need to make this homemade gingerbread latte.
- Espresso: Espresso is the classic latte ingredient. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use instant espresso or brew a strong cup of coffee.
- Milk: Use your favorite type.
- Gingerbread simple syrup: While you can buy this in the store or online, I highly recommend my homemade gingerbread simple syrup instead. It’s so much more flavorful than any store-bought variety.
- Whipped cream: Technically, this is an optional ingredient, but it’s the holidays. I say we indulge and add a big dollop every time. We deserve it.
- Kitchen tools: An espresso machine is standard, but as we discussed, you can also use a coffee maker if need be. To froth the milk, we can use a fancy milk frother or keep it simple with a saucepan and a whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s review how to make this Christmas latte on the stove without fancy equipment. If you have a milk frother and espresso machine, you can simply use the proportions listed in the recipe card with your equipment.
We begin by heating our milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. As the milk heats, we prepare our espresso or strong coffee and add it to a mug with the gingerbread syrup.
After a few minutes, the milk will start to slightly steam. As it gets warmer, more steam will rise off the liquid and small bubbles will form on the edge just as it starts to simmer. We turn off the heat and whisk like our arm might fall off until the mixture turns frothy.
Now we pour the steamed milk into our mug with the espresso and gingerbread simple syrup and give it a gentle stir. For a decadent finishing touch, we top with whipped cream and sip away. Bonus points if a fireplace is involved.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Love an iced latte? Allow the espresso to cool, add all the ingredients to a glass with a handful of ice and stir. Voila! For an iced gingerbread latte, there’s no need to froth the milk.
- For a boozy brunch, feel free to add a shot of Kahlua to your latte. Baileys Irish Cream is another delicious option.
- Keep the heat to medium and don’t let the milk boil. When milk boils, it can separate.
- With the espresso, milk, gingerbread latte syrup, foam and whipped cream, we need a mug that can hold a little under 2 cups of liquid, which is close to the Grande size from Starbucks. Latte mugs are a great choice.
Perfect Pairing
What’s better with a holiday latte than gingerbread waffles? Sounds pretty perfect to me. You’ll also love this festive latte with a carrot cake muffin, sweet potato muffin or slice of maple-bourbon banana bread.
Or maybe you'd like to serve this as an after-dinner drink. You can't go wrong with my gingerbread tiramisu or gingerbread pudding.
When you need a cozy, festive holiday coffee, I hope you try this homemade gingerbread latte recipe. Please let me know how you enjoyed Christmas latte in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Looking for More Holiday Recipes?
- Buddy the Elf’s Favorite Maple Eggnog
- Gingerbread pudding
- Spiced holiday chocolate chip cookies
- Soft gingerbread men cookies
- Gingerbread ice cream
Homemade Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup espresso or strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons gingerbread simple syrup store-bought or homemade
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Do not boil.
- Meanwhile, make the espresso and pour it along with the gingerbread simple syrup into a large mug.
- When the milk steams and bubbles start to form, turn off the heat. Whisk until frothy. Pour over the espresso and gingerbread simple syrup. Gently stir to combine. If desired, top with whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don't have an espresso machine, you can make instant espresso or make double-strength coffee.
- The stove-top method works well if you don't have a milk frother. That said, if you have a milk frother, feel free to use that and keep the rest of the proportions the same.
- We don't want the milk to boil, which can cause it to break. Just little bubbles on the surface is all we need.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Nutrition
Google Web Story: Gingerbread Latte
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Oh my! I need this in my life. Must print your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Dennis Littley says
I made these for my wifes book club and they loved them!
Jerika says
Wow! would want to try this homemade gingerbread latte, looks so delicious and fun to drink with fam. Thanks and Happy Holidays!:)
Kristina says
I love homemade lattes in the winter, but usually opt for peppermint. This gingerbread latte was spot on, a great change.
Jean says
This is so good, way better than store-bought. Will be making this again for my friends to try.
Rob says
What a great recipe! So much better than buying a gingerbread latte at any coffee shop!
serena says
Oh my gosh I didn't realize Starbucks retired this drink! Now I definitely have to start making these at home.
nancy says
This is the perfect holiday drink! That gingerbread syrup is really good.
Bonnie Cordova says
I made so modifications to you recipe, by using your gingerbread simple syrup recipe.
I used dehydrated molasses and vanilla french cream coffee creamer, and powdered milk.
I made this part of my hot chocolate bar. Instant hit. So much so that I am making and packaging individual servings to go in with my hand crafted hot cocoa mixes that I give our during the holidays.
Thank you for this great inspiration.
I look forward to trying more of your recipes.
Bonnie
P.S. you are on the label as recipe inspiration.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you so much for sharing that and including me on the label! I’m so glad it was a hit, and it sounds like such a thoughtful holiday gift.
Genevieve says
I too loved those gingerbread lattes from Starbucks and I'm so sad they took them off the menu, but relieved I have discovered a wonderful substitute! This latte looks cozy and delicious!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It really is confusing how Starbucks made that decision, but I think it's even better with this homemade gingerbread syrup. Enjoy!
Laura says
This is a delicious mix of coffee, milk and gingerbread. We made our own simple syrup and we'll be making these every day until it runs out!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Sounds like a great way to enjoy the holiday season!
Jesse says
Probably the most flavorful gingerbread latte ever! It really brings out the holidays.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Totally agree! The homemade gingerbread simple syrup just adds such a lovely flavor.
Dannii says
This is my favourite festive drink and I am going to try making it at home myself. YUM!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You will love it, Dannii! ❤️?
Clara says
Made this yesterday for part of our Chritsmas dessert and it was delish. I used your homemade gingerbread simple syrup recipe too and it turned out great. Thanks
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
So glad you loved it, Clara! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
Jere Cassidy says
I hear you about all the seasonal latte's, so thank you for sharing this delicious Gingerbread Latte. Honestly, making these at home is not hard and better than Starbucks.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
You’re so welcome, Jere! It’s so convenient to whip up a festive latte whenever you want one. Happy holidays!