There’s something magical about sipping on a gingerbread latte during the holiday season. It’s warm, spicy, and full of nostalgic flavors, perfect on a cold day. While Starbucks’ gingerbread latte may no longer be on their menu in some places, that doesn’t mean you have to go without it!

With a homemade version, you can recreate the same delicious experience—or even make it better—right in your own kitchen.

Here’s how to make a creamy gingerbread latte at home that’s just as good or better than Starbucks!

What is a Gingerbread Latte Made Of?

A gingerbread latte is the ultimate cozy drink that combines the warm spices of gingerbread, brown sugar, espresso, milk, and, sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence. Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, it’s like a warm hug in a cup, perfect for chilly days.

Gingerbread syrup mixes ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses to mimic the taste of freshly baked gingerbread cookies. You can also add the spices and sweeteners directly into the milk, as in this recipe. Some versions even add a hint of vanilla or caramel for extra depth. Together, these ingredients create a festive, comforting, and irresistibly delicious drink.

What Does a Gingerbread Latte Taste Like?

Imagine gingerbread cookies’ rich, spicy warmth but in a creamy, drinkable form. That’s what this drink tastes like!

A gingerbread latte has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile, with notes of ginger and cinnamon as the primary taste. The espresso adds a bold, slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness, while the milk makes it smooth and velvety.

If you love holiday flavors, this latte is a must-try. The spices are prominent but not overwhelming, creating a well-rounded drink that feels festive and comforting. And if you love gingerbread, you’ll love this gingerbread latte. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who enjoys classic holiday desserts or wants to sip on something that tastes like Christmas.

What Happened to the Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks?

Once upon a time, Starbucks fans eagerly awaited the return of the gingerbread latte every holiday season. But in 2019, Starbucks quietly removed it from their U.S. holiday lineup, much to the disappointment of devoted fans. While it’s still available in some international markets, Americans have only memories (or DIY attempts) of this festive favorite.

The decision to discontinue it in the U.S. may have been due to shifting customer preferences or logistical reasons. Thankfully, making a gingerbread latte at home is surprisingly easy, and you can customize it to your taste.

What is Gingerbread?

Gingerbread is a classic holiday treat with roots that trace back centuries. Traditionally, gingerbread could refer to cookies, cakes, or even bread-like loaves. Today, we often picture intricately decorated cookies or festive gingerbread houses when we think of gingerbread.

Originally created in Europe, it’s made with a blend of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combined with molasses or honey for sweetness. Its distinct flavor comes from the combination of spices, creating a balance of sweet and spicy that’s become synonymous with the holiday season.

What are the Spices in Gingerbread?

The signature spices in gingerbread are what make it so special. Usually, gingerbread has ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg. Ginger takes center stage, providing that warm, slightly peppery kick. Cinnamon adds a sweet, woody note, while cloves bring a bold, aromatic depth. Some recipes also include nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.

These spices work together to create a balanced, fragrant, cozy, festive flavor. You can add all the spices separately or look for a gingerbread spice blend that has multiple spices in one, similar to apple pie spice or pumpkin spice.

How to Make Gingerbread Syrup

To make gingerbread syrup, you’ll need brown sugar, water, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combine them in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to infuse the spices and thicken slightly.

You can add a spoonful of molasses or a dash of vanilla extract for an extra touch of authenticity. Strain the syrup to remove any spice bits, and store it in a jar in the fridge. This syrup is the key to capturing that gingerbread flavor in your latte.

Note: It’s important to use brown sugar because it has molasses, which, if you have it, is even better than brown sugar for this recipe. Molasses gives gingerbread that signature caramel-like flavor, and it’s not quite the same without it.

How to Make a Gingerbread Latte

Here’s what you’ll need to make a gingerbread latte at home:

• Ground ginger or sliced ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Brown sugar or molasses
• Water
• Milk
• Espresso
• Whipped cream (optional)

Gingerbread Latte Recipe

1. Make gingerbread syrup. If making syrup, combine spices, brown sugar, and water in a small pot and simmer on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly, then let cool before straining and storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
2. Make gingerbread milk. Warm milk on the stove or using a frother. Add gingerbread syrup to your milk and stir to dissolve. Alternatively, you can also add the sugar and spices directly into hot milk and mix or simmer on the stove until well combined, no syrup needed.
3. Brew espresso. Brew your espresso or coffee and set it aside.
4. Assemble drink. In a cup, add your brewed espresso and top with sweetened and spiced milk. Optional: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
5. Mix and enjoy!

Gingerbread Latte Variations

There’s more than one way to enjoy a gingerbread latte.

For a dairy-free version, use almond, oat, or coconut milk—it pairs beautifully with the spices. If you’re looking for a cold option, try an iced gingerbread latte by skipping the steamed milk and serving it over ice.

You can also experiment with flavors. Add a touch of caramel or vanilla syrup for extra sweetness, or mix in some cocoa powder for a gingerbread mocha. However you tweak it, this drink is a canvas for all your holiday cravings.

Tips

Here are some tips for making a delicious gingerbread latte at home!

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh, high-quality spices make all the difference. Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves lose potency over time, so check your spice cabinet before you start.
• Use Molasses: This is the traditional sweetener for most gingerbread and gives it that distinct gingerbread caramel flavor. You’ll make a very authentic-tasting gingerbread syrup with molasses, but you can also use brown sugar.
• Steaming Milk Alternatives: Don’t have a milk steamer? Heat your milk in a saucepan until it’s warm (but not boiling), then whisk vigorously or use a handheld frother to create foam. You can also use a French press to froth warm milk.