Gingerbread Latte
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My homemade gingerbread latte recipe is the ultimate Starbucks dupe that is super creamy, cozy, and perfectly spiced. It takes minutes to make with simple ingredients.
My gingerbread latte was inspired by Starbucks
Confession: I checked my account from 2016, when I was in my peak Starbucks era, and I spent upwards of $162 on seasonal lattes. The culprit? Starbucks’ gingerbread latte.
Fast forward, and now I’m all about saving money where I can, and making this latte at home is a no-brainer.
It’s easy to make, and I can add as much ginger as I’m in the mood for (which is usually a lot!). Here’s why I’m obsessed:
- Cheaper than Starbucks. I just checked, and a grande gingerbread latte is about $6.50 in my area. My version? Around 80 cents a serving.
- I control what goes in it. Just real ginger, spices, and sweetened with either brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Ready in about 5 minutes. Add all the ingredients to a small saucepan, heat until steaming, and enjoy.
- Perfect hot or cold. Sure, these are delicious warm, but pour them over ice for a frappuccino-like beverage.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Making it 50 people. 😉 Delicious, very flavourful, and more guilt-free than the Starbucks ones, which always taste chock-full of syrup.” – Rose
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Espresso OR brewed coffee. I use a single shot of espresso per cup. If you don’t, brew a VERY strong coffee using double the grounds (about 1 1/2 tablespoons).
- Milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works, like oat milk, soy milk, or whole milk.
- Sugar (or alternative). I typically use brown sugar or a brown sugar substitute, but for a more fall-inspired flavor, I find maple syrup or honey works really well. Honey can be a little overpowering. For a more traditional gingerbread flavor, you can use molasses.
- Gingerbread spices. I use a mix of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground nutmeg. I have seen some pre-mixed gingerbread spice blends, but I usually avoid them because they can be heavy on one spice (and they’re pricey).
- Whipped cream. Optional, but it gives the latte the true Starbucks experience.
How to make gingerbread latte
Step 1- Simmer. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients except the whipped cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and stir regularly. After 2 minutes, remove it from the heat.
Step 2- Serve. Pour into two mugs and top with whipped cream.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Stir often while it simmers. Keep the heat on medium-low and stir often so the milk doesn’t scorch or boil over.
- Make coffee shop-style foam. Heat some milk separately, then use a milk frother and froth until light and fluffy. Pour this over the finished latte and top with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
- Make a homemade gingerbread syrup. Save time by simmering the sugar (or maple syrup), spices, and 1/4 cup water with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Once it’s reduced to a thick syrup, let it cool before storing it in the fridge. It will keep for about two weeks.
- Serve it iced. Pour the latte over ice cubes (or coffee ice cubes!) for an iced latte.
More copycat Starbucks drinks
This gingerbread latte was the catalyst for me developing a bunch of other seasonal drinks. Try one of my others:
Gingerbread Latte (Starbucks Copycat!)
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 2 shots espresso * See notes, 60mL
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or molasses
- 1/4 cup whipped cream optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the milk, espresso, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. 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.
Maybe I need to filter this when done, but the spices were so gritty that this was not enjoyable.
Hi Jennifer- I’m sorry you had this issue. Were your spices a little more course than finely ground? When testing this recipe, simmering everything on the stovetop prevents the spices from being gritty (versus microwaving everything or just adding hot water to a cup).
I bought gingerbread today to make this. I am so excited as its cold now in my country so I will try and enjoy.
Wow this is so amazing recipe when winter comes. Hot cup of gingerbread latte, movie, night…Amazing!
Making it 50 people. 😉 Delicious, very flavourful and more guilt-free than the Starbucks ones which always taste chock-full of syrup.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rose! Wow, for 50 people- I’m very impressed that you’ve undertaken that. Yes!!!! Look, I do like a Starbucks now and then, but even with reduced syrup (I ask for one pump), it’s still so sweet. That’s what inspired my homemade copycat version!
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!
Love to hear that, Lauri. I also love that you said you used really strong coffee- You’re my kind of person! Any flavored latte MUST have strong coffee haha!
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 😉