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

There’s something about the warming spices and creamy espresso that just wraps you in cozy vibes. This Gingerbread Latte Recipe is my go-to for chilly mornings or anytime I want that festive café feeling at home without the line.

Two clear glass mugs filled with light brown coffee topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon powder sit on a white marbled surface. Each mug has three visible layers: a bottom layer of coffee, a thick middle layer of frothy milk, and a fluffy top layer of whipped cream with the cinnamon dust. Around the mugs are brown star-shaped cookies with white icing in simple patterns and dark brown pinecones scattered on the surface. A white textured cloth with cinnamon specks adds softness to the scene. 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’m genuinely excited to share this Gingerbread Latte Recipe because it captures all the magic of Christmas in a cup without any complicated steps or fancy equipment. It’s just pure, comforting goodness you can whip up in minutes.

Authentic flavors: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives you that perfect holiday spice mix without it being overpowering.
Simple & quick: No espresso machine? No problem! This recipe includes easy alternatives so anyone can make it.
Customizable: Whether you like yours hot or iced, dairy or almond milk, this latte is easy to tweak to your taste.
Cozy & comforting: It’s like a warm hug in a mug, perfect for curling up with a good book or kicking off your holiday morning.

Two clear glass mugs filled with light brown hot chocolate are topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with a reddish-brown powder, likely cinnamon, on top. The mugs are placed on a white marbled surface surrounded by brown pinecones, star anise, and light brown star-shaped gingerbread cookies. The background has a soft, cozy winter feel with out-of-focus warm lights and white knitted fabric adding a textured layer to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Gingerbread Latte Recipe comes from simple pantry staples that blend perfectly for that seasonal spice buzz. Plus, the milk and espresso create a creamy, rich base that makes it feel totally indulgent.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with unsweetened almond milk, two shots of dark espresso in a small white bowl, a small white bowl containing ground ginger powder, another small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl holding ground allspice, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, 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 often use unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works well and adjusts the creaminess to your liking.
Espresso: Two shots pack the punch here, but don’t worry if you don’t have a machine—I’d recommend instant coffee as a great swap.
Ground ginger: This brings the signature gingerbread zing without being too spicy.
Cinnamon: Adds sweet warmth that’s essential to any gingerbread flavor profile.
Nutmeg: A little goes a long way in adding depth and a bit of nuttiness.
Allspice: Enhances the spice mix with that subtle clove-like note we love in holiday drinks.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices and coffee without overpowering.
Whipped cream (optional): Adds that indulgent touch on top, plus it looks pretty and tastes amazing!

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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

I love playing around with this Gingerbread Latte Recipe—sometimes brighter and spicier, other times a little sweeter depending on my mood or the season. Mixing up the milk or trying it iced gives it a whole new vibe.

Variation: Once, I swapped regular milk with oat milk and added a splash of vanilla extract—it turned out so creamy and slightly sweeter, just how I like it.
Diet-friendly: You can use sugar alternatives like maple syrup or coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Adjust strength: If espresso is too strong, just brew weaker coffee or use fewer shots to suit your taste.
Iced version: Pour it over ice for a refreshing, holiday-inspired iced latte that surprised all my friends.

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

Step 1: Warm up the milk and spices

Start by pouring your milk into a small saucepan along with the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. I like to keep the heat medium so the milk warms gently without scalding. Stir every so often—it’ll smell heavenly in just a couple of minutes!

Step 2: Brew your espresso or coffee

While your milk mixture is warming, pull two shots of espresso if you have a machine. If not, don’t stress: mix 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with ¼ cup boiling water. This handy shortcut still gives you rich coffee flavor.

Step 3: Combine and simmer

When the milk mixture starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and add your espresso or coffee. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes so all those spices really blend in nice and smooth. Watch carefully here—don’t let it boil over!

Step 4: Serve and top it off

Pour the latte into your favorite mugs—two servings here—and if you’re feeling fancy (or just indulgent like me), top each cup with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few small tricks that make this Gingerbread Latte Recipe truly shine and help you avoid any hiccups along the way.

Heat gently: Using medium heat to warm your milk and spices prevents burning, which can sour the flavor.
Fresh spices matter: Ground spices lose potency over time—if yours have been sitting for months, freshening them up makes a huge difference.
Stir often: Keeping the mixture moving avoids clumps and helps flavors marry nicely.
Don’t boil espresso: Add it once the milk mixture is just simmering, then lower the heat immediately to keep the delicate coffee notes intact.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about the classic: a dollop of whipped cream dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. Sometimes I add a cinnamon stick for stirring—that extra aroma really amps up the coziness factor.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or even a nice slice of pumpkin bread. I like having a little sweet treat on hand to nibble as I sip.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this latte in clear glass mugs layered with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. Topping with crushed candy canes is a festive touch that wows guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover latte (though I rarely do!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before reheating because some separation might occur.

Freezing

Freezing the latte isn’t my favorite option since dairy-based drinks can separate when frozen and thawed. But if you want to freeze, do so without whipped cream, and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring often until warm. Avoid the microwave if you can—the milk heats unevenly and can curdle, which you definitely don’t want.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Gingerbread Latte Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Using plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk makes this recipe vegan-friendly. Just make sure to use vegan-friendly whipped cream or skip it if you prefer.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine?

No worries! Simply mix 2 teaspoons of instant coffee with ¼ cup boiling water to substitute espresso shots. You might want to slightly reduce the milk amount to keep the drink strong enough.

Can I make this Gingerbread Latte iced?

Yes! Just prepare the latte as usual, then pour it over ice. I find the spices still come through nicely, and it’s a refreshing way to enjoy it on warmer days.

How do I store leftover Gingerbread Latte?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove while stirring to keep it smooth and avoid curdling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Gingerbread Latte Recipe feels like a little holiday gift to myself and everyone I share it with. It’s the kind of drink that makes simple moments feel special, and I can’t recommend it enough for those brisk mornings or relaxing afternoons. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your seasonal favorite just like it did for me!