Gingerbread Latte Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Starbucks Copycat

The Starbucks Gingerbread Latte was a popular addition to the holiday drinks menu for many years, but it hasn’t been seen since 2018. If you miss the original, you’ll love this copycat recipe. It’s cheaper, healthier, and more delicious than anything from a chain coffee shop. And you can enjoy it whenever the mood strikes, free from the whims of the Starbucks marketing department.

Stay cozy with this easy homemade gingerbread latte recipe. It even includes a bonus recipe for gingerbread syrup that you can use in all sorts of tasty holiday treats.

What Does The Gingerbread Latte Taste Like?

This gingerbread latte tastes just like a gingerbread cookie thanks to the inclusion of ginger and molasses in the syrup. Our copycat version is more nuanced than the original, which tastes mostly of ginger and the nutmeg topping. Give this recipe a try if you love gingerbread.

This is a very well-balanced drink. The bold espresso, dark sugars, and warm spices are balanced by the sweet and creamy steamed milk. The bittersweet espresso keeps it from being overpoweringly sweet, but you can increase the syrup to taste if you have a sweet tooth.

Our homemade gingerbread latte trumps Starbucks latte drinks in every important way. It’s healthier, has a more complex flavor, and uses all-natural simple ingredients – no chemical flavors or preservatives. This cozy gingerbread latte is for true lovers of gingerbread!

Do you think more of peppermint than ginger when you think of holiday flavors? You’ll love our homemade version of the Christmas Latte.

How to Make Your Own Gingerbread Syrup

To make gingerbread latte syrup, add all the ingredients to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce to a simmer, and stir until everything has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. 

Remove from the heat and let steep for an additional 5 minutes while the mixture cools. Strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.

Replace the fresh ginger with an additional ½ teaspoon of ground ginger if you don’t want to bother buying, peeling, and chopping fresh ginger. You’ll get a slightly mellower – but still delicious – ginger bite. Or use store-bought gingerbread syrup to avoid this step altogether.

How can I use this homemade gingerbread syrup?

This recipe for homemade syrup makes far more than you need for a single latte. Luckily, there are tons of festive uses for your leftover syrup. Add it to tea or hot chocolate, spoon it over pancakes or waffles as a spicy substitute for maple syrup, or drizzle it on your favorite holiday ice cream. Or just make a delicious gingerbread latte every day.

Store the leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for at least a month.

How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte

This copycat gingerbread latte is quick and easy to pull together once you make the syrup. You’re only four steps away from a sweet and spicy treat. Let’s learn how to make a gingerbread latte. 

Step 1: Pull The Espresso Shots

Pull a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine. For the best results, start with a dose of 20 grams of coffee and aim for 2 ounces of liquid espresso. 

You can substitute 2 ounces of strong coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. An Aeropress, Moka pot, or French press are the best brewers for making strong coffee. Even if you don’t have a coffee maker, 2 ounces of strong prepared instant coffee will work.

Step 2: Steam The Milk

Measure 6 ounces of milk into a frothing pitcher. Use the steam wand of your espresso machine to steam it until it has a silky smooth texture, like wet paint. It should be capped with just a thin layer of foam. 

The ideal steamed milk temperature is 140 F, which produces a lovely sweet flavor. You can measure it with a thermometer, but if you don’t have one, a good gauge is that the exterior of the pitcher should feel hot but not scalding.

You can use a handheld or automatic milk frother or a French press to froth the milk if you don’t have a steam wand. Just note that frothed milk and steamed milk aren’t quite the same texture. Your drink will be light and foamy rather than smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine The Ingredients

Add the espresso and gingerbread syrup to a 12-ounce mug. Top with the steamed milk, pouring a decorative latte art design if you want. 

Using 2 tablespoons of syrup makes a gently sweet and flavorful drink that is still quite coffee-forward. If you want a sweeter and spicier version, feel free to use an extra tablespoon of syrup.

Step 4: Add Toppings And Garnish

This step is optional because the traditional way to make a latte doesn’t include toppings. But if you want to replicate the Starbucks original perfectly, top with whipped cream and a grating of fresh nutmeg. 

Feeling fancy? Crumble a gingerbread cookie over it for some textural crunch.

Final Thoughts

Many gingerbread latte fans have been disappointed to find their favorite seasonal coffee drink missing from the Starbucks menu for the past few years. If you count yourself among them, despair no longer! Now you can enjoy this seasonal latte at home whenever you want, whether it’s on the Starbucks menu or not.

Did you make this latte? If you love this recipe, please leave us a rating and review. And, of course, share it with all your friends who love Starbucks!