Name: Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 2 shots espresso; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup whipped cream (optional)

There’s something truly cozy and magical about a spiced coffee drink that warms you up from the inside out. This Gingerbread Latte Recipe hits all those festive notes with a perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg — making it an absolute must-try when you want a little holiday magic at home.

Two clear glass cups filled with light brown coffee topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon are placed on a white marbled surface. Each cup holds one layer of creamy coffee, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream with a swirl shape and dusted with cinnamon powder. Around the cups are brown star-shaped cookies decorated with white icing and brown pine cones, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. A white cloth with a soft texture is partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Gingerbread Latte Recipe because it’s not only super simple but also carries the cozy essence of all your favorite holiday spices. Brew it fresh, and you’ve got a café-worthy treat in your own kitchen that your friends will rave about.

Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
Warm and Festive Flavors: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice delivers a deliciously authentic gingerbread taste without baking a thing.
Flexible Ingredients: Whether you use dairy or plant-based milk, espresso, or instant coffee, you can tailor it to what you have on hand.
Perfect For Any Occasion: Makes a wonderful holiday morning treat or an afternoon indulgence, iced or hot.

Two clear glass mugs filled with a light brown frothy drink topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. The mugs are on a white marbled surface with cozy white knitted fabric, pinecones, brown star anise, and gingerbread cookies shaped like stars and fish scattered around. Warm fairy lights softly glow in the blurred background, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Gingerbread Latte Recipe relies on pantry staples and spices that blend together beautifully to mimic the cozy, spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies. Each ingredient plays its part in layering flavor and delivering comforting warmth in every sip.

Flat lay of a small white bowl filled with unsweetened almond milk, two white ceramic espresso cups with dark espresso shots, a small white bowl containing ground ginger, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of ground allspice, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: I usually use unsweetened almond milk—it froths nicely and keeps things light, but dairy milk works great too for creaminess.
Espresso: Strong coffee is key here. If you don’t have an espresso machine, instant coffee brewed strong does the trick.
Ground Ginger: The star spice delivering that spicy warmth that defines gingerbread flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness, balancing the sharper ginger notes perfectly.
Nutmeg: Gives a subtle, nutty depth that rounds out the spice mix.
Allspice: This little powerhouse combines flavors reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, so it reinforces the gingerbread vibe.
Sugar: I prefer raw or brown sugar for a richer flavor, but white sugar works well if that’s what you have.
Whipped Cream (optional): For topping, the creamy sweetness makes the latte feel indulgent and festive.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I appreciate about this Gingerbread Latte Recipe is how easy it is to play around with. Personalizing it keeps the experience fresh and lets you dial in your favorite coffee and spice levels.

Dairy-Free Version: Using almond, oat, or coconut milk adds its unique flavor and creaminess—I've found oat milk gives a slightly sweeter, richer finish that’s lovely.
Iced Gingerbread Latte: Pour your finished latte over ice for a refreshing take, especially great if you want that festive vibe but don’t want something hot.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar depending on your taste or swap it out for maple syrup or honey; just add that in gently to keep the balance.
Caffeine-Free Alternative: Use decaf coffee or strong chicory coffee for a cozy treat without the buzz.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prep

Start by measuring out your spices and sugar so everything’s ready when the milk warms. Trust me, this helps avoid last-minute scrambles while your milk’s on the stove. I like to mix the spices together first to get an even, balanced flavor throughout.

Step 2: Warm the Milk and Spices

Pour the milk into a small saucepan and add your ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. Heat on medium until it just starts to simmer—that’s the magic moment where those spices bloom and infuse the milk. Stir often to avoid scorching and prevent spices from sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Add Espresso and Simmer Gently

Once you see tiny bubbles forming, reduce the heat to low and pour in your espresso shots. Keep it on low for about 2 minutes, stirring regularly so the flavors meld perfectly. Don’t let it boil—that’ll ruin the milk’s texture and the taste.

Step 4: Serve and Top

Divide the latte between two mugs, then top with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top just for that extra holiday touch. Pour, sip, and smile!

Top Tip

From making this Gingerbread Latte Recipe again and again, I’ve picked up a few handy tricks to get it just right every time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your latte a delicious hit.

Don’t Boil the Milk: Keep the heat low once simmering starts to prevent curdling and a burnt flavor.
Fresh Ground Spices: Using freshly ground or good-quality spices makes a noticeable difference in flavor intensity and aroma.
Strong Coffee Base: If you’re short on an espresso machine, dissolve instant coffee in very hot water so the coffee flavor stands out and doesn’t get lost in milk.
Stir Constantly: Keeping it moving on the stove prevents sediment settling at the bottom and gives you a smooth, even flavor throughout.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a big dollop of whipped cream because it melts into the latte, making every sip extra creamy. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds that picture-perfect holiday look and an enticing aroma. Sometimes, a drizzle of molasses or a cinnamon stick as a stirrer lifts it up even more.

Side Dishes

Pair this latte with a chunk of gingerbread cookie or a slice of pumpkin bread to really lean into autumn vibes. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a flaky croissant or cinnamon roll for a sweet brunch spread. It makes any morning feel special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I serve this Gingerbread Latte Recipe in clear glass mugs to show off the layers. Adding a cinnamon stick or candy cane as a stirrer instantly upgrades the vibe. You can even rim the mugs with brown sugar or crushed gingerbread crumbs for an extra festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually drink this latte fresh for the best taste, but if you have leftovers, pour them into a sealed jar and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir or quick warm-up before sipping—sometimes the spices settle at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing the whole latte isn’t ideal because milk can change texture, but you can freeze the brewed espresso or strong coffee base separately. When you’re ready, just thaw and mix with warmed spiced milk.

Reheating

Warm leftover Gingerbread Latte gently on the stove or microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating. Stir often to keep everything blended. Adding fresh whipped cream when serving revives that fresh-made feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Absolutely! You can use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have espresso. I recommend making a concentrated brew to keep the coffee flavor bold enough to stand up to the spices and milk.

How do I make this latte vegan?

Simply swap out dairy milk for your preferred plant-based variety like almond, oat, or soy milk. Most of these milks work beautifully in this Gingerbread Latte Recipe and keep it creamy and cozy.

Can I make this Gingerbread Latte iced?

Yes! After making your latte, just pour it over a glass filled with ice. It’s refreshing and still delivers all those warming spices, perfect for warmer days when you want a festive drink without the heat.

What’s the best way to sweeten this latte?

Sugar is traditional, but you can absolutely swap in maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sweetener. Just add it gradually and taste as you go to get your perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Latte Recipe has become my go-to for holiday mornings and those chilly evenings when I want to feel wrapped in a warm, delicious hug. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—it’s the kind of drink that brings a little sparkle to the everyday. So grab your favorite mug, whip up a batch, and enjoy a cozy moment with a friend or just yourself.