Gingerbread Latte

Seasonal flavors abound during the holidays: peppermint, toffee, cranberry, sugar cookie and eggnog are just a few standouts that come to mind. It’s fun to indulge in them to make the season feel truly holly and jolly. But one of my favorite holiday flavors—gingerbread—doesn’t get the same love. Many people dismiss it for inedible gingerbread houses or too-thin cookies.

But there are a ton of festive gingerbread recipes to make during the holidays that go beyond houses and men. This gingerbread latte, for instance, is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavor and start a December morning on the right foot. I love enjoying it when I’m trying to add some Christmas cheer into the season.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Latte

• Gingerbread syrup: Molasses, brown sugar, granulated sugar and water create a simple syrup. Warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla extract create that signature toasty gingerbread flavor.
• Espresso: You’ll need 3 ounces espresso for this gingerbread latte recipe, but you can add more or less depending on your preference.
• Milk: Whole milk is our milk of choice for latte recipes because it creates the creamiest base. You can use skim or 2% milk instead, but the gingerbread latte will be a lot thinner. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, if you’re someone who doesn’t like a rich beverage.
• Heavy whipping cream: We add a little heavy whipping cream for flavor, but mainly to help the milk froth up and create a nice foam.
• Cinnamon: Shake a little cinnamon on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: Make the gingerbread syrup

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In a small saucepan, combine the molasses, brown sugar, granulated sugar and water.

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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook until the sugars are dissolved, two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla extract. Cool the mixture completely to room temperature. Reserve 1 tablespoon for the latte, and refrigerate the remaining syrup in a closed container for future use.

Step 2: Assemble the latte

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Pour 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup and 3 ounces brewed espresso into a mug, and stir it together to combine. Froth the milk and cream until it’s hot and foamy.

Editor’s Tip: For those who don’t have a frother on an espresso machine, warm the whole milk and heavy cream, then use a hand-held milk frother to make the milk and cream nice and foamy. You could also fluff it up in a French press!

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Then pour the froth over the espresso and syrup mixture.

Step 3: Garnish the gingerbread coffee

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Just before serving, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top to complete the drink. Enjoy!

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Recipe Variations

• Make it dairy-free: Make this gingerbread latte recipe dairy-free by swapping in a nondairy milk alternative for the whole milk and heavy whipping cream. If you want to add whipped cream on top, use coconut whipped cream.
• Serve it over ice: Prefer an iced latte? Keep the whole milk and heavy whipping cream chilled, and assemble the drink as directed. Serve the latte with your desired amount of ice.
• Spike it: For those 21+, add a shot of liqueur! Spiced rum is my favorite, but you could do whiskey, bourbon, brandy or Kahlua.

How to Store Gingerbread Latte

Store leftover gingerbread latte in the fridge for up to three days. Before storing, let the drink cool completely to room temperature, then cover the drink so it doesn’t absorb any funky fridge smells.

How do you reheat a gingerbread latte?

To reheat a gingerbread coffee, pour the drink into a saucepan over medium heat. Warm up the gingerbread latte, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also reheat the drink in the microwave.

Gingerbread Latte Tips

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What should you do if you don’t have an espresso machine?

We get it; not all of us have the best espresso machine in our house (but it’s always on the Christmas list). Instead you can use a Moka pot to brew espresso at home. If you don’t have one of those either, brew a very strong cup of coffee or use cold brew instead.

How should I serve this gingerbread latte?

Our recipe suggests serving the gingerbread latte simply with a sprinkling of cinnamon. To take it a little more over the top, add homemade whipped cream and a mini gingerbread man. Drizzle salted caramel sauce on top for good measure.