Homemade Gingerbread Latte
This homemade gingerbread latte is a copycat version of the famous Starbucks drink! No refined sugar and no dairy needed, it’s a healthier version that tastes MUCH better!
Healthy Gingerbread Latte
When it comes to cozy and festive recipes, I love making a hot chocolate mug cake, hot fudge pudding cake, and this homemade gingerbread latte.
If you are anything like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to try out all the limited edition flavors. It’s that special time of the year where many stores bring out the holiday flavors that are ONLY available for a specific time period. One of my favorite places to indulge in the holiday goodies is Starbucks.
My usual Starbucks order is the Americano, but that goes out the window when they first advertise the pumpkin spice latte. Next comes the peppermint mocha and white chocolate mocha and my personal favorite, the Gingerbread latte. While I typically don’t enjoy the gingerbread flavor, I am a sucker for all the caffeinated version of it. It’s got the bitterness of the coffee, paired with the spiciness of the gingerbread and then the sweetness from the syrup.
Now, this is FAR from a healthy or even keto drink. In fact, the last time I had one was BEFORE I went keto. Since I’ve been craving it like crazy, I decided to make a homemade version. Not only is it healthier to make and uses simple ingredients, but it’s also so much CHEAPER!
No sugar, no dairy, and no paper cups needed. It’s sweet, dark, and full of spices. The latte takes less than 2 minutes to make and satisfies the gingerbread craving.
I’ve been drinking it all week and it is so good, I’ve even made it after dinner using decaf coffee!
How do you make a gingerbread latte?
The Ingredients
- Espresso OR instant coffee– If you own a coffee maker or machine, use a single shot of espresso per cup of coffee. If you don’t, simply combine a 1/4 cup of hot water with 2 teaspoons of instant coffee.
- Milk of choice– Any milk can be used. If you are looking to keep this both keto and vegan, be sure to use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- Granulated sweetener of choice– Any granulated sweetener can be used. Monk fruit sweetener and erythritol are great sugar free substitutes, but of course, white, brown, and coconut sugar can all be used.
- Gingerbread spices– A mix of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Whipped cream– optional, but gives the latte the true Starbucks experience.
The Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine all your ingredients and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Once simmering, reduce to low and stir regularly for 1-2 minutes.
Remove the gingerbread latte mixture from the stovetop and pour it into mugs. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.
How many calories in a homemade gingerbread latte?
My homemade version is sugar free and dairy free, so the calories are minimal compared to the traditional latte.
A grande Starbucks gingerbread latte clocks in at 330 calories, 40 grams of carbs and a whopping 38 grams of sugar.
In my homemade version, each latte clocks in at 40 calories, 3 grams of carbs and ZERO grams of sugar.
Ways to jazz up your gingerbread latte
- Add molasses– If you don’t follow a keto or sugar free diet, add a drizzle of molasses. This gives it a more authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Serve it cold– Pour your latter over ice, for an iced gingerbread latte.
- Double the espresso– This is something I would do! Double the amount of espresso for the ultimate caffeine kick.
- Serve with cookies– Pair your latte with some shortbread cookies or sugar cookies.
More festive treats to make
Gingerbread Latte (Starbucks Copycat!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
- 2 shots espresso * See notes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 2 tablespoon granulated sweetener of choice
- 1/4 cup whipped cream optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add all your ingredients, except for the whipped cream. On medium heat, bring to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce to low and stir regularly. After 2 minutes, remove from the heat.
- Pour into two cups and top with whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
“Visually unfortunate” bhahaha. And what was going on with that Starbucks server?? Sounds funny! 😀 this morning gets better and better! Thanks for the warning. I guess the taste Totally makes up for it… gingerbread ftw!
And YAY snickers *happy dance*
Have a nice week!!
I am also visually unfortunate.
The snickers is dedicated to you!
I bet you’re telling this every female reader!! I’m looking forward to the snickers anyway 😉
No way madam 😉
It doesn’t look too unfortunate! I think it’s a great idea. Hmm…the cake pops they have on a stick at Starbucks would be very cool.
Ohhh they do look cool don’t they. You’ve inspired me Lauren!
After my unfortunate taste of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice coffee that I brewed the other day….it was SO HORRIBLE!…I am nervous…very weary…of ever trying another “spiced” coffee…I may just be an all or nothing dark roast black kinda girl 😛
Nawww. Well, if you change your mind, this recipe is here!
Yay I love Gingerbread lattes… Well anything gingerbread hahahaha!! And visually unfortunate gahaha!! Love it & have to use it in the future lmao!! :-O
Please do- we can make it trending like the best of them.
I actually think it looks VERY visually appealing! Looks like a cozy drink. Yes, I’ve never had one before.
Hahahaha. Always a first for everything! Cheers, Tonya!
Hahaha…I can totally imagine the look on the barista’s face when you went to order your coffee. I bet you rock a mean Aussie accent! Either way, I’m loving this recipe…it might be warm down there, but we are covered in snow up here, so I need lots of hot beverages right now. Can’t wait to give this one a shot!
Haha, I actually have a French accent…not really.
Hope you do try it and it turns out much more visually appealing!
Dare I ask what makes it “visually unfortunate”?
Almond milk photographs terribly!
Gingerbread lattes are my favorite seasonal drink! Can’t wait to try this, I just so happen to have all the necessary ingredients in my dorm!
OH wow! Hope you make your dorm mates jealous!
Im kind of obsessed with gingerbread right now! And pralines latte? Why haven’t I tried this before?
Please try it and if it’s not poisonous, I shall try it too. 😉
About to go to Starbs to get a Pralines and Cream latte. Will update on whether my barista has the same facial issue.
Also, visually unfortunate is my new favourite phrase.
Please do. Maybe she just didn’t like latte toned sexy Australians
Milky Way! I already told you it was my favourite candy bar growing up but didn’t make the request for a recreation back then so there you go! Such a great idea for a recipe series. I’ll possibly be throwing requests at you all the time bow – you’ve been warned!
The Gingerbread Latte brings back warm and fuzzy memories of a certain day – because I only ever let Starbucks rob me off money for that – when I ordered it. I’m not sure I’ll try nutmeg in my coffee again, though. I did when I meant to prepare a pumpkin spice latte at home and … no.
I love milky way! I actually have a thickshake recipe for it!
remember that time i told you i was going on gingerbread overload? well this just solved so many of my problems! oh maaaaaan now i can make this in the comfort of my own home 🙂 because i’m lazy and whether it’s work or the gym there’s no way i’m going out of my route to search for coffee shops. it looks warm and comforting and makes me wish i had a fireplace. maybe i’ll just turn on my gas stove and sit near the oven. i think it’s visually arousing so BOOM. bring on the gingerbread and snickers.
Dude you need to….and make one for me (this makes two servings ;))
I hope you enjoy my Thursday post 😉
At least your’s is visually fortunate 🙂 No molasses? All the spices sound incredible. I always put cinnamon in my coffee at Starbucks– but can’t have dairy milk, so I never try the seasonal ones (I wouldn’t want all the sugar anyway!). I love making drinks like this at home– and I was actually thinking just yesterday I should try a gingerbread latte! Problem is… you know– Malaysia– can’t always get Almond Milk! I was actually super impressed when I moved here to find it at all. And now, it’s gotten a bit better.
You need to post more about your trip!
Michelle! If I was in Malaysia longer I would have demanded a blogger meet up!
I tried molasses and it sunk lol! I saw Almond Milk for like $20 Riggit! Have you tried iherb? I often order from them!
Damn, this sounds awesome! I don’t normally go for the seasonal drinks, but this sounds nice and subtle. I might even drizzle a teeny bit of molasses on top!
YES! Do it! I tried but it sunk (but then again, I tried half the jar lol!)
Mmmm starbucks. I love it! No funky sweeteners and it looks just as good(: I was wondering, did you ever announce the giveaway winners for the sugar free chocolates?
Thanks Carly! And yep, they have been emailed and have received their prizes!