Copycat Gingerbread Latte

A gingerbread latte is one of those drinks that makes the colder months a little more enjoyable. Coffee, warm spices, vanilla and molasses come together to make a homemade latte that tastes like gingerbread in a mug.

I find my morning walks quite therapeutic but some days I get really really cold. So when I get in, I make this delicious hug in a cup, copycat gingerbread latte.

By the way, are you looking forward to the holidays? This is my absolute favourite time of year. I love all the lights and the happy vibes. I love that the UK goes all out and London at Christmas time is just magical. The kids love it too. My daughter loves anything sparkly, shiny and my son loves all the huge decorations like that reindeer I shared on my stories the other day. 

This copycat gingerbread latte is easy to make at home in just 10 minutes. It uses everyday ingredients, including cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg, with maple syrup and molasses for that familiar gingerbread flavour.

There's no need to buy a bottle of flavoured syrup or head out for a takeaway coffee. Warm the milk with the spices, stir through freshly brewed coffee and you're ready to go. Add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you fancy making it feel a little more like a coffee-shop treat.

Jump to:

• Recipe Snapshot
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• What Is a Gingerbread Latte?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make a Gingerbread Latte
• Tips for the Best Gingerbread Latte
• Variations
• How to Make Dairy-Free Whipped Cream
• What to Serve with a Gingerbread Latte
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Drinks to Try
• 📖 Recipe

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Course: Drinks
• Cuisine: American

What you'll make: A homemade gingerbread latte with coffee, milk, molasses, maple syrup, vanilla and warming spices.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 10 minutes - Make your favourite seasonal coffee at home without a trip to the coffee shop.
• Made with simple ingredients - Cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg create that familiar gingerbread flavour.
• Easy to customise - Adjust the sweetness, use your preferred milk or add whipped cream on top.
• No flavoured coffee syrup needed - The molasses, maple syrup and spices provide the flavour.
• Perfect for colder days - A warming spiced coffee to enjoy with breakfast, a homemade biscuit or your favourite slice of cake.

What Is a Gingerbread Latte?

A gingerbread latte is a coffee drink flavoured with the spices traditionally used in gingerbread, including ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It is often associated with autumn and the Christmas season.

Coffee shops commonly use flavoured syrups to create the taste. This homemade version takes a different approach by warming the spices directly with the milk and adding molasses, maple syrup and vanilla.

Molasses gives the latte its deep, slightly caramel-like flavour, while the maple syrup adds sweetness. Brewed coffee balances the sweetness and makes this a proper coffee rather than simply a spiced milk drink.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Milk - I use Oatly Barista, but you can use dairy milk or your favourite plant-based alternative. Barista-style milk is particularly good if you want a creamy finish.
• Molasses - Blackstrap molasses gives the latte a deep, rich flavour. I use Meridian Blackstrap. If you can't find molasses, honey or extra maple syrup can be used instead, although the flavour will be slightly different.
• Maple syrup - Adds sweetness and complements the molasses. Adjust to taste if you prefer a less sweet coffee.
• Vanilla extract - Adds a rounded, sweet aroma that works well with the spices.
• Cinnamon - Gives the latte its familiar warmth and is also useful for dusting over the top.
• Ginger - Adds the characteristic gingerbread flavour. Ground ginger is what you need here.
• Cloves - A little goes a long way, adding a warm, aromatic flavour.
• Nutmeg - Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the spice mixture.
• Brewed coffee - Use freshly brewed coffee with enough strength to stand up to the milk and spices.

How to Make a Gingerbread Latte

1. Warm the Milk

Pour the milk into a saucepan and place over a medium heat.

2. Mix the Sweetener and Spices

Meanwhile, mix the molasses and maple syrup together in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the milk along with the vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg.

Whisk well to distribute the spices and break up any lumps of molasses.

3. Add the Coffee

When the milk begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and stir through the brewed coffee.

4. Heat Until Foamy

Continue heating gently until the latte is foamy. Remove the pan from the heat before the milk boils.

5. Serve

Pour into two mugs. Dust with cinnamon and serve with whipped cream and gingerbread, if desired.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Latte

• Heat the milk gently - Let it simmer rather than boil. This helps prevent the milk from scorching and keeps the texture pleasant.
• Whisk the spices well - Ground spices can settle, so whisk thoroughly to distribute them throughout the milk.
• Taste before serving - If you prefer a sweeter latte, add a little extra maple syrup. If you like a stronger coffee flavour, use stronger brewed coffee while keeping the recipe proportions in mind.
• Use molasses if you can - It contributes a distinctive, deep flavour that maple syrup alone won't quite replicate.
• Make it frothy - Whisk the mixture as it heats, or use a milk frother before serving for extra foam.

Recipe Notes

• If you can't find blackstrap molasses, use honey or extra maple syrup. The flavour will be slightly different.
• You can use any milk you like.
• For dairy-free whipped cream, chill a tin of coconut milk overnight, remove the solid cream from the top and whip with a little vanilla.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.

Variations

• Dairy-free gingerbread latte - Use oat, almond or soy milk. Oat barista milk is a good option for a creamy finish.
• Decaf gingerbread latte - Use brewed decaffeinated coffee if you'd like the flavour without as much caffeine.
• Extra-spiced latte - Adjust the ginger and cinnamon slightly to suit your taste.
• Sweeter gingerbread latte - Add a little more maple syrup, tasting as you go.
• Iced gingerbread latte - Prepare the spiced milk mixture, allow it to cool, then combine with chilled coffee and ice. The texture will be different from the hot version.
• Gingerbread latte with whipped cream - Top with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon and a gingerbread biscuit for a coffee-shop-style finish.

How to Make Dairy-Free Whipped Cream

Coconut milk makes a useful dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream.

1. Place a tin of coconut milk in the fridge overnight.
2. The following day, carefully remove the solid cream from the top of the tin.
3. Whip the coconut cream in a blender, adding a little vanilla if desired.
4. Spoon over your latte just before serving.

Choose a full-fat coconut milk that separates when chilled for the best results.

What to Serve with a Gingerbread Latte

This latte works well with a simple breakfast, an afternoon biscuit or something sweet alongside your coffee.

Try it with:

• Gingerbread biscuits
• Cinnamon rolls
• Shortbread
• Chocolate chip cookies
• A slice of spiced loaf cake

It is also lovely served alongside a homemade breakfast or enjoyed on its own when you fancy a warming coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make a Gingerbread Latte Without Molasses?

Yes. You can replace the molasses with honey or extra maple syrup, as suggested in the original recipe. The drink will still be sweet and spiced, although it won't have quite the same deep flavour.

Can I Use Any Type of Milk?

Yes. Dairy milk and plant-based alternatives both work. I use Oatly Barista, but choose whichever milk you enjoy in coffee.

Can I Use Instant Coffee?

Yes. Prepare the instant coffee with hot water before adding it to the milk mixture. Follow the product instructions and make it strong enough to balance the milk and spices.

Does This Gingerbread Latte Contain Coffee-Shop Syrup?

No. This recipe uses molasses, maple syrup, vanilla and ground spices instead of commercially flavoured gingerbread syrup.

Can I Make This Latte Ahead of Time?

It's best made fresh, but you can prepare the spiced milk mixture ahead and refrigerate it once cooled. Reheat gently, stir well and add freshly brewed coffee before serving.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes. Use plant-based milk and make sure the maple syrup and any toppings are suitable for a vegan diet. If using honey as a substitute for molasses, choose maple syrup instead for a vegan version.

How Do I Make the Latte Frothy Without a Coffee Machine?

Whisk the milk mixture as it heats, or use a handheld milk frother once it is warm. You don't need an espresso machine to make this recipe.

More Drinks to Try

If you enjoy making your favourite drinks at home, check out our other drink recipes:

Authentic Indian Chai (Easy Homemade Masala Chai)

Saffron Chai (Karak-Style Saffron Milk Tea)

Chai Karak (Emirati-Style Tea)

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