Gingerbread Latte
Warm up with my copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte that brings together bold coffee and spiced gingerbread flavors in every sip. This easy homemade version uses simple ingredients and takes less time than a coffee shop run, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons.

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This easy latte captures all the cozy flavors of the holiday season in a single cup. The velvety steamed milk swirled with gingerbread syrup, poured over bold espresso, and topped with a cheerful sprinkle of nutmeg. I’m grinning just thinking about it!
What makes me even MORE excited is how incredibly simple this recipe is. I’m talking 10 minutes from start to sipping, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps – just pure, unadulterated coffee shop vibes that you create with your own two hands
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and simple – I can make this in the time it would take me to drive to a coffee shop.
- Budget-friendly – I save so much money making these at home instead of buying them out.
- Customizable sweetness – I control exactly how much gingerbread flavor goes into each cup.
- Feels festive – This drink instantly puts me in a cozy, holiday mood no matter what time of year, especially on chilly autumn mornings or cozy winter afternoons.
- Uses basic ingredients – I don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items.
If you love cozy coffee drinks, be sure to check out my Praline Latte or my Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Ingredients

- milk or your favorite milk alternative
- espresso shots or strongly brewed coffee
- gingerbread syrup – see note below*
- ground nutmeg for sprinkling on top
- gingerbread cookies for garnish (I used these gingerbread men)
Can’t find gingerbread syrup in the store? Make your own by simmering 1 cup water, 1 cup fresh ginger peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, â…” cup packed dark brown sugar, â…“ cup unsulphured molasses (not the blackstrap variety), 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before straining through cheesecloth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks.
Step by step
- Brew the Espresso or Coffee: Make 2 shots of espresso or about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee, then set it aside.
- Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat, whisking now and then until it’s hot and steamy. Froth the milk in a milk frother if you like a creamier texture. (I have this milk frother and love it.)
- Mix in the Gingerbread Syrup: Add 3 tablespoons of store-bought gingerbread syrup to the warm milk and stir well. Adjust the amount of syrup based on your preferred sweetness.
- Combine Everything: Pour the espresso or coffee into two mugs, then evenly divide the gingerbread milk mixture over each one.
- Add the Finishing Touch: Dust the top with a pinch of ground nutmeg and a gingerbread man for a cozy holiday flavor.

Tips for best results
- Don’t boil the milk – keep it steaming but not bubbling to avoid a burnt taste
- Use quality espresso or strong coffee for the best flavor foundation
- Start with less syrup and add more to taste rather than making it too sweet from the start
- Serve with these adorable gingerbread men cookies if you are entertaining!

Variation
Try making it an iced latte by pouring the gingerbread syrup and espresso over ice, then adding cold milk for a refreshing version.
For a dairy-free option, swap in oat milk or almond milk, which both complement the gingerbread flavors beautifully.
If you want an extra indulgent treat, top your latte with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or gingerbread syrup.
Serving suggestion
I love enjoying mine alongside freshly baked cake or cookies, especially gingerbread cheesecake or whipped shortbread cookies. It also makes a perfect companion to breakfast pastries like cinnamon roll monkey bread muffins or cinnamon coffee cake or quickbreads like my pumpkin cream cheese bread or banana bread.
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll love my free 5-Ingredient Dinner Challenge.
I’ll send you super simple meals that use just five ingredients and come together fast — perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Gingerbread Latte
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Warm up with my copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte that brings together bold coffee and spiced gingerbread flavors in every sip. This easy homemade version uses simple ingredients and takes less time than a coffee shop run, making it perfect for busy mornings or relaxing afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk, or any milk alternative
- 2 shots of espresso, or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 3 tablespoons gingerbread syrup, adjust to taste
- Ground nutmeg and gingerbread cookies, for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Make 2 shots of espresso or about ½ cup of strong brewed coffee, then set it aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat 2 cups of milk over medium heat, whisking now and then until it’s hot and steamy. Froth the milk if you like a creamier texture.
- Add 3 tablespoons of store-bought gingerbread syrup to the warm milk and stir well. Adjust the amount of syrup based on your preferred sweetness.
- Pour the espresso or coffee into two mugs, then evenly divide the gingerbread milk mixture over each one.
- Dust the top with a pinch of ground nutmeg for a cozy holiday flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 30.6 g
- Sodium: 107.3 mg
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 8.4 g
- Cholesterol: 4.9 mg







