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This homemade gingerbread latte is a copycat version of the famous Starbucks drink! Perfect on its own or over ice for an iced beverage.
If you’ve tried our gingerbread blondies or gingerbread cookies already, it’s high time you enjoy the flavor in liquid form: as this gingerbread latte recipe.
It has all the flavors you’d expect, but in a creamy and warm drink.
Why this recipe works
- Cheaper (and better) than Starbucks. With simple and easy ingredients, this homemade version costs a fraction of what they sell for at Starbucks.
- Wholesome ingredients. Nothing artificial needed.
- Ready in two minutes. Simply add all the ingredients in a small saucepan, bring it to a boil, and enjoy.
- Perfect hot or cold. Sure, gingerbread lattes are delicious warm but pour it over ice for a frappuccino-like bevvy.
What we love about this recipe is just how delicious it is. It’s also easy to switch up based on your diet. Use any milk of choice and make them as sweet or bitter as you like!
Ingredients needed
- 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. Use your favorite milk (oat, almond, soy, coconut, whole, skim, etc).
- Sugar. White, brown, coconut, or sugar free blends all work (like a brown sugar or powdered sugar substitute).
- Gingerbread spices– A mix of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Whipped cream– optional, but gives the latte the true Starbucks experience.
How to make a gingerbread latte?
In a small saucepan, combine all your ingredients and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Once simmering, reduce to low and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.
Now, remove the gingerbread latte mixture off the heat and pour it into mugs. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.
Flavor variations
Like any good Starbucks drink, you can customize them to suit your taste. Here are some ideas.
- 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.
Storage instructions
- To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
- To reheat: Either microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a small saucepan until hot.
More drink recipes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
A grande Starbucks gingerbread latte clocks in at 330 calories, 40 grams of carbs and a whopping 38 grams of sugar. This homemade version has just 40 calories per serve.
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 tablespoons sugar any sugar works
- 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.
Making it 50 people. 😉 Delicious, very flavourful and more guilt-free than the Starbucks ones which always taste chock-full of syrup.
I used whole milk from a local dairy, some really strong coffee, and coconut sugar, and this turned out so good. I’ll definitely make this again!
The gingerbread latte looks delicious, great to learn the process of making it.
It was rlly good, just a liiiitle sweet for me(I didn’t have an espresso machine, so I used the instant coffee method). I filled half my cup with the mixture(made it stronger by adding more instant coffee) and, bcs I used almond milk initially, I filled the rest of the cup w/ oatmilk. Overall topped off the caloric intake to about 95 cal. Totally worth it for a Starbucks dupe tho
I just made it. It’s good, it has the taste of ginger just right. I use coconut milk unsweetened cuz that was all I had . Next time I will try it with almond milk .
Can you clarify what 2 serves of coffee is? Like 2 tbsp instant ground coffee, not prepared?
Hi! It depends on the brand, but most is 1 tablespoon of instant coffee. I tend to use more because my coffee tolerance is a little…excessive 😉
This latte was delicious! I halved the quantities of spices and sugar. I stirred together multiple servings of instant coffee, sugar, and spices in a jar, so now, I have gingerbread latte mix, and I can enjoy this everyday. 😀
Can this be made just by using some regular coffee, and then proceeding? Don’t have instant, and don’t care for the taste of most. But LOVE these lattes, and LOVE this recipe otherwise
Hi Amy! What I sometimes do is reserve leftover coffee the night before and cook it in there 🙂 Yay!
Oh yum! I need to make this for my family soon. I think that they would really enjoy this beverage!
Thanks so much, Linda- It’s delicious over ice too 🙂
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
I do love a good coffee, my favourite from starbucks right now is the spiced pumpkin latte 🙂
LOL on “visually unfortunate”! I’d try it no matter how it looked! 😉 Will have to make this for Son, his girlfriend, and myself next week. Thanks for sharing on Gluten-Free Wednesday, Arman!
Shirley
Thank you Shirley for hosting- Really appreciate it! Hope you guys enjoy it- I added a tiny bit of molasses the other day and it came out delicious!
I hope the pralines version isn’t poisoned because I drank one over the weekend. I split it with the Hubby and actually was tired by the time it was gone. I needed coffee to wake me up from my coffee. Weird, and yet maybe the pralines one is poisoned. Gasp!
Sunshine, you have a stomach of steel…it probably danced right through you 😉
I love Gingerbread Latte. When I lived in London I developped a full blown addiction to this beverage. Nice recipe. Looking forward to trying this 🙂
Hope you do buddy- try a drizzle of molasses too!
This gingerbread latte is freakin’ fantastic, though I am equally intrigued by this praline and cream latte you speak of. Giving this a whirl soon!
I bet Jamie Oliver wouldn’t make this as party as I did.
Jamie would probably add 5 ingredients in there that I’ve never heard of.
Man I love the visually unfortunate expression. I’m going to have to permanently borrow that phrase. I like recipes like this, put stuff in a pot, boil, stir, drink. Nicely done.
We need to make that a hashtag and make it go viral.
Ok, here I am, (trying) to enjoy the homemade chai latte that I just made from a tea bag, thinking that it is so bland and really needs some spices stirred directly into it…and you present me with a gingerbread latte recipe (made with coffee, making it infinitely better anyway). Yes, yes and yes. Kind of tempted to dump this cup out and make your latte right now.
I think that would be a very very very wise decision.
Imma have to take your WORD FOR IT because I have never had Starbucks Gingerbread Latte – I should ask Britt! 😉
Hahahahaha yes. throw it ON Britt.
I love you for making this!! This used to be my favourite drink. I had one about 3 times a day the last time I was in the US. Healthy gingerbread latte – you are a legend 🙂
Thanks buddy!!! Hope you drink it…over ice!
I made a frosted mint latte today at work. It was pretty good except I loathe espresso. I might be the only person who cannot stand it’s bitterness. I go for the café au lait with a shot of syrup. My favorite is a blackberry café au lait (Café au lait is half steamed milk and half coffee) That’s how I make my specialty drinks!
I think you should do a copy cat recipe of curly fries from Arby’s
Here’s a picture/link if you don’t know what that is: https://arbys.com/our-menu/sides/curly-fries
YUM!
I love those curly fries but I think the frozen, packaged ones would be a time saver!
Does the Christmas Blend count as a seasonal drink? Because I’ve switched from my regular Pike to that one. Sometimes I’ll even add a sprinkle of cinnamon. Other than that, I’m not really a huge fan of the seasonal drinks. I like my coffee strong and black, and the sweetened lattes are a little too sweet for my tastes.
I tried the Christmas blend and was disappointed there was no holly or candy canes in it!
If I shared this drink with you, you’d have to drink it!
im so looking ffwd to this series..love this latte!
Thanks Dixya!
Happy Sunday my speedy friend 😉 I’d love to see a copy cat salted carmel hot chocolate from the grand ole’ Starbucks. And I have yet to get my fingers on their fancy red cups, but I am always a fan of their over priced peppermint mocha. And can we get a round of applause for this amazing food-ography? …I just made a new word…damn….I must be hungry.
Brilliant recipe and thank you for saving me from burning a new hole in my wallet. I am trying this tomorrow.
OHHH That sounds incredible!
Hope you try it out buddy!
is matcha green tea seasonal? Because that’s the only latte I’ve had in like the last 8 years because ew coffee. Although I have to admit, Saturday morning around 4 am I was wishing I was a coffee drinker..
I am secretly loving these new shifts of yours. Once we sort out this messaging thing… BOOM.
I love coming to a blog and being greeted as a “champion” 😉 . Now I just need some caffeine in me from this latte to get me all pumped up for my day. WOOOOOOOOO.
To be honest, I’ve never had one of their gingerbread lattes before (I’m more of a plain nonfat one with like 5543 shots of espresso or a plain caramel machiato <— not even gonna try to spell that right), but I would happily take one of these of your hands. Thanks, buddy 😉
Of course…champion.
Can I just say I’m still salivating over your soup from instagrm AND see my bloglovin showing it’s been posted there?!
Yum! I’ve never had the gingerbread latte from Starbucks before. I’m a fan of the peppermint mocha, personally, especially this time of year!
Hi! I’m back again lol! Can’t wait to adman-bomb your blog tomorrow. Please have a gingerbread latte. It fuels …outlet shopping.
It’s kind of cool to do a copy cat recipe. Often times I want to go to Starbucks..I just don’t want to spend the money…don’t we all though seriously? From Starbucks, the cake pops and the breakfast sandwiches they have. I think you would do a great job with the sandwiches!
Hahahaha I will do the Turkey and Swiss. 3 ingredients- bread, turkey and cheese.
oh i am excited for this series! Lots of fun recipes to come. and this looks good to me, visually and all! and the cookies —> duh.
Hahaha. Copycat Healthy Bites.
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!
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!)
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!
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 😉
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!
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
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. 😉
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!
Dare I ask what makes it “visually unfortunate”?
Almond milk photographs terribly!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
“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 😉