What’s in a Gingerbread Latte?
Every coffee shop has their own recipe, but the ingredients in the Starbucks’ seasonal Gingerbread Latte are milk, espresso, gingerbread syrup, and vanilla syrup. It’s then topped with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg.
After one of those, I definitely feel like I can lead Santa’s sleigh! (Fun fact: All of Santa’s reindeer are female.)
I’m all about holiday treats. But, these flavored lattes also cost around $4 a piece. And, if you’re trying to budget during the holidays so you have money to spend elsewhere (like on that trip to overseas or on these gifts for your best friend), you can save money by making them at home.
What Does It Taste Like?
The best ones taste just like their namesake cookie! They should be a little sweet and a little spicy.
If you’re ordering the one at Starbucks, or getting one at your local coffee shop, they tend to be on the sweeter side. A grande version at Starbucks contains 38 grams of sugar, about 20 grams of which is added. The rest is naturally occurring milk sugar.
That said, Starbucks doesn’t have one on their holiday menu this year, so if you want to make your own, simply follow the recipe below!
How To Make a Gingerbread Latte
- Heat on medium-high and stir until the mixture is just about boiling
- Remove it from the heat, place a lid on top and place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Make two shots of espresso and pour into a mug.
- Froth milk mixture or reheat on stove.
- Pour milk mixture on top of espresso.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of nutmeg.
When I make these, I don’t use syrup. This dramatically cuts down on the sweetness and allows the flavors of the spices to come through.
Instead, I infuse the milk with ginger and cinnamon.
I recommend starting with two teaspoons of sugar per serving. If that’s too sweet for you, go ahead and cut that back to one teaspoon. If you like your lattes to be super sweet, add another teaspoon.
I picked all of these ingredients up at Ralphs, but if you’re in a time crunch, you can have them ship them to you!
Gingerbread Latte
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 2 shots espresso
- whipped cream (optional)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Place milk, ginger, cinnamon, and sugar in small saucepan.
- Heat on medium-high. Stir often until mixture is almost boiling.
- Remove from heat and place lid on top. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare two shots of espresso and pour into mug.
- Reheat mixture on stove or froth using milk frothing wand.
- Pour warm milk on top of espresso.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of nutmeg.
This post was sponsored by Kroger, but all text and opinions are my own.
My background is in publishing (I've worked at Parade, Men's Journal, Us Weekly, Stuff, Blender, Beachbody, and more), mostly with a focus in health, fitness, and entertainment. I've also run my own baking company and competed on Cupcake Wars, so hit me up with your baking questions!
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Perfect for cozying up to the fire place!
This sounds like the ultimate holiday drink! I love anything gingerbread so this sounds delicious!
Love the flavor combinations in the Latte. It is the perfect drink for these cold mornings. I am looking forward to making this.
Great combination of spices and beautiful photography. Makes me really want to try this gingerbread latte!
yummmm this sounds so good I will definitely try it on the next cold winter morning! You’re right it’s so unreasonable to spend so much on something you can make even better at home. (also I really like that mug)
I spend way too much money this time of the year buying these lattes at Starbucks, I’ll admit it! Can’t wait to try this recipe at home! 🙂
Becca, this sounds sooo delicious…and I’m in love with that ceramic mug! Yum…thanks for sharing!