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My homemade gingerbread latte recipe is the ultimate Starbucks dupe that is super creamy, cozy, and perfectly spiced. It’s made in seconds using simple ingredients.
Loving warm, festive Starbucks drinks? Try my peppermint mocha, almond milk hot chocolate, and keto pumpkin spice latte next.
I used to love going to Starbucks for their signature gingerbread lattes, but when they discontinued it, I took it as a sign I should be making my own at home.
Let’s just say: best decision ever. Not only is it deceptively easy to make, but I can add as much ginger as I’m in the mood for (which is usually a lot!).
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Cheaper (and better) than Starbucks. How much are you guys paying for Starbucks? Because I feel like I’m paying an arm and a leg! Never again.
- Wholesome ingredients. There are zero sugars, artificial sweeteners, or mystery syrups.
- 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, these are delicious warm, but pour them over ice for a frappuccino-like bevy.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“Making it 50 people. 😉 Delicious, very flavourful, and more guilt-free than the Starbucks ones, which always taste chock-full of syrup.” – Rose
Ingredients needed
- Espresso OR brewed coffee. If you own a coffee maker or machine, use a single shot of espresso per cup of coffee. If you don’t, simply brew a VERY strong coffee using double the amount of grounds.
- Milk of choice. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works, be it oat milk, soy milk, or whole milk.
- Sugar. I went with a brown sugar substitute to keep the calories low, but you can use whichever sugar you prefer or even a liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Gingerbread spices. A mix of ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice, and ground nutmeg.
- Whipped cream. Optional, but it gives the latte the true Starbucks experience.
How to make gingerbread lattes
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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. So you don’t scorch the milk.
- Froth some milk on top. 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, spices, and a teaspoon vanilla extract with water. Once it’s condensed to a thick syrup, let it cool before storing it in the fridge.
Variations
- Amp up the spice. The more ginger powder you add, the spicier it’ll be. Just keep in mind the flavors will intensify as it simmers.
- Add molasses. For a more authentic gingerbread flavor, I find a drizzle of molasses is irresistible.
- Serve it iced. Pour the latte over ice cubes (or coffee ice cubes!) for an iced latte.
- Pair with cookies. Because why not? I’m partial to my almond flour biscotti or a low-carb gingerbread cookie.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan until hot.
Frequently asked questions
Ginger bread lattes taste like a sweet yet spicy coffee drink, akin to gingerbread but with added flavor from the milk and espresso.
More Christmas-inspired recipes
Gingerbread Latte (Starbucks Copycat!)
Ingredients
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published October 2022, updated and republished September 2024
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.
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. 😀