Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Warm up your holidays with this easy gingerbread latte recipe, plus tasty tips and festive variations!

By Matt Simmons

If you have been craving a festive drink that’s both sweet and spicy, this gingerbread latte recipe is your perfect match. Inspired by the classic holiday flavors of gingerbread cookies, it layers warm spices, molasses, and maple syrup into a creamy coffee base. Whether you’re missing the Starbucks version or want to try something new at home, this homemade latte will bring cozy holiday vibes straight to your cup.

Ingredients

Strongly brewed coffee or espresso (hot)
1 tablespoon molasses (unsulfured for best flavor)
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
A pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg (optional)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or oat milk)
Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon (optional garnish)

Directions

Combine the spices and sweeteners
Stir the molasses, maple syrup, ground ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla extract into your hot coffee or espresso until everything dissolves. If you like a bit more spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg.
Warm and froth the milk
Heat your milk in the microwave or on the stovetop to around 150°F. Froth it using an electric or manual frother. You can also shake the warmed milk in a jar, just be careful of the hot liquid.
Assemble the latte
Pour the frothed milk into the spiced coffee mixture. Gently swirl to combine the flavors. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want an extra-festive finish.

Tips & Variations

Vegan-friendly option: Swap cow’s milk for oat milk or another plant-based alternative to keep the creaminess without dairy.
Serving a crowd: Prepare the ginger-spiced coffee in a heat-safe carafe. Then froth fresh milk for each cup right before serving.
Iced version: Dissolve the molasses and maple syrup in hot coffee first, then pour over ice and add cold milk.
Boost the flavor: Increase the ground ginger if you want a bolder bite or reduce the cloves if you prefer milder spice.

Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~215
Total Fat: ~7 g

Saturated Fat: ~4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: ~20 mg

Sodium: ~95 mg

Total Carbohydrates: ~34 g

Dietary Fiber: ~0 g
Total Sugars: ~33 g
- Includes ~1 Tbsp molasses
- Includes ~1 Tbsp maple syrup

Protein: ~8 g

Final Thoughts

Crafting your own gingerbread latte at home feels surprisingly easy and satisfying. By using familiar pantry staples like molasses, maple syrup, and festive spices, you’ll save money on expensive seasonal drinks and customize each cup to match your preferred level of sweetness and spice. It’s a fun way to embrace the holiday spirit and keep warm during wintry days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare the syrup beforehand?
Yes. You can premix the molasses, maple syrup, and spices into a small jar and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir or warm it gently before adding to your coffee.
How do I make it taste more like the Starbucks version?
Starbucks typically uses a sweeter syrup, so feel free to add extra maple syrup or a little extra molasses to boost sweetness. Whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon also mimic that classic coffee shop experience.
Is it necessary to use fresh ginger in the syrup?
Fresh ginger adds a punchy flavor, but ground ginger is perfectly fine and still delivers the traditional gingerbread taste. Adjust the intensity by experimenting with the amount of ginger you use.