When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing cozier than sipping on a warm (or iced) and spiced beverage. This season, try a gingerbread matcha latte, a festive twist on the classic matcha latte that’s sweet, creamy, and spicy.

Made with a homemade gingerbread syrup, this latte is a delightful way to add a touch of holiday magic to your daily routine. The combination of bold matcha and sweet, spiced syrup will leave you coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to make!

Here’s how to make a gingerbread matcha latte at home!

What is a Gingerbread Matcha Latte?

A gingerbread matcha latte is a holiday-inspired beverage that combines rich, earthy matcha tea with the festive spices of gingerbread! It’s a modern twist on the gingerbread latte, but with tea.

The homemade gingerbread syrup elevates this drink, but the gingerbread cream takes this drink to the next level. Nothing beats a sweet and creamy top on your drink!

This latte can be served iced or hot, perfect for all your seasonal cravings. While I prefer it cold, you can’t go wrong with a warm, comforting matcha latte with some extra flavor.

Why Make a Gingerbread Matcha Latte?

If you want to elevate your holiday drink game, the gingerbread matcha latte is the perfect choice. It’s a unique drink combination to traditional gingerbread lattes made with coffee, offering the same festive flavors but with the added benefits of matcha’s natural energy boost and antioxidants.

Making your own gingerbread matcha latte at home is also a fun and creative way to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, with a homemade gingerbread syrup, you can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste.

What’s in a Gingerbread Matcha Latte?

This matcha gingerbread latte includes matcha tea powder, milk, ice, cream, and homemade gingerbread syrup. The syrup is made by simmering cinnamon, ground ginger, pumpkin pie spice, molasses, brown sugar, and water until it’s thick and aromatic. This syrup is what gives the drink its signature holiday flavor.

To assemble the latte, you’ll whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of water to create a frothy liquid, then combine it with your milk of choice and the gingerbread syrup. You can also top it with a gingerbread sweet cream that makes your drink super creamy and decadent.

What Does a Gingerbread Matcha Latte Taste Like?

A gingerbread matcha latte tastes like a more earthy and rounded gingerbread drink. The matcha provides a vibrant, slightly grassy base, while the gingerbread syrup adds layers of sweetness and spice.

The flavors are similar to a chai matcha latte, which makes sense since gingerbread and chai can sometimes use the same spices. Matcha also pairs well with more bold flavors, so ingredients like cinnamon and molasses shine in matcha drinks.

What is Gingerbread?

Gingerbread is a traditional holiday flavor memorable from a blend of warm spices typically mixed with molasses for a rich, mildly sweet flavor. It is often linked to cookies, cakes, and intricately decorated gingerbread houses with frosting and candy.

When added to a latte, gingerbread spices lend a warm, nostalgic taste to your drink. If you don’t have molasses, you can also use just brown sugar (which is made of cane sugar and molasses) but it won’t have the same caramel-like flavor that makes gingerbread so distinct.

Is Ginger Good in Matcha?

Ginger and matcha are a known flavor pair!

Ginger has a nice kick that complements matcha’s earthy, slightly bitter notes. Plus, with some sweetener, the two work well together and make it a sweet and spicy treat that’s both soothing and invigorating.

Ginger enhances flavor without overpowering the delicate matcha. It’s a winning combination that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little spice in their tea!

How to Prepare Matcha

Preparing matcha properly is important for achieving a smooth and flavorful latte! No one wants clumpy matcha that tastes gritty in your drink!

For the traditional method, start by sifting 1-1.5 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps. Heat water to just below boiling (around 175°F or 80°C) or use room temperature water and pour 1/4 cup into the matcha. Whisk briskly in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (chasen) until the matcha is smooth and frothy.

Alternatively, you can use a milk frother or electric whisk for convenience. Simply combine the matcha powder and hot water in a cup, then froth until fully dissolved. You can even shake the matcha powder and water in a jar!

This matcha base is the foundation for your latte, ready to be paired with milk, your favorite sweetener, and ice!

How to Make Gingerbread Syrup

Making gingerbread syrup at home is simple and easy! Plus, it makes a great gift if you make extra.

In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the spices are fragrant.

Let the syrup cool, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any spice particles. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. This syrup is great for drizzling over pancakes or adding to other holiday drinks like a gingerbread chai latte.

How to Make a Gingerbread Matcha Latte

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

• 1.5 tbsp gingerbread syrup
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/5 tsp matcha powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ice

Gingerbread Matcha Latte Recipe

1. Make gingerbread syrup. Boil the sugar, spices, and water in a saucepan until thickened and fragrant. Read this in-depth gingerbread syrup instruction guide if needed.
2. Make gingerbread cream. Whisk gingerbread syrup and heavy cream in a cup or bowl until soft and fluffy.
3. Whisk matcha. Prepare the matcha by whisking it with hot or room tempearture water until smooth and frothy. You can use a bamboo whisk, an electric whisk, or any othe matcha preparationmethod.
4. Assemble drink. For a cold drink, add ice, gingerbread syrup, and cold milk to a cup, then mix to dissolve. For a hot latte, pour in steamed milk and syrup into a heatproof cup. Top with whisked matcha and gingerbread cream.
5. Mix and enjoy!

Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their health-boosting properties. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation while providing a steady energy boost without the jitters associated with coffee.

Additionally, matcha can support metabolism, improve focus, and provide a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Paired with the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, this latte is not only delicious but also nourishing!

It can be less healthy with the addition of a lot of sugar, but still packs a nice healthy punch.

Tips:

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

• Use High-Quality Matcha: High quality matcha offers the best flavor and vibrant color for lattes. Go for a brand that discloses where their matcha is grown and harvested!
• Adjust Sweetness: Start with a small amount of gingerbread syrup and add more to taste. You can always add more sweetener but you can’t take it away!
• Experiment with Milk: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all pair beautifully with the flavors in this latte.
• Serve Immediately: Matcha is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its delicate flavor and health benefits.
• Make Extra Syrup: The gingerbread syrup can be used in other holiday recipes, from cocktails to baked goods.