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 just something toasty and magical about sipping on a gingerbread latte during the holidays. This Gingerbread Latte Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, spiced hug—comforting, cozy, and absolutely delicious. It’s so simple to make at home, and I’m excited to share how you can nail that perfect blend of spices and espresso right in your kitchen.

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

This Gingerbread Latte Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday treats to whip up anytime I want that festive café vibe without the long coffee shop lines. There’s something so satisfying about blending those warm spices with rich espresso right at home.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these spices in your pantry, making this latte easy to create on a whim.
Customizable Flavors: You can adjust the spice levels or use any milk you like, which means it feels personalized every time.
Quick & Cozy: It takes under 10 minutes, so no waiting forever for that festive caffeine fix.
Perfect for Any Time: Whether you want it hot or iced, morning or evening, this recipe works beautifully.

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

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Latte Recipe plays a part in creating that classic holiday flavor we all crave. The spices balance the espresso, and the milk brings creaminess that ties it all together perfectly.

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 love using unsweetened almond milk for a light, nutty flavor, but whole milk or oat milk also work if you prefer something richer.
Espresso: This is the heart of your latte—strong and robust. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry—instant coffee works in a pinch.
Ground Ginger: Adds a little bite and that signature “gingerbread” warmth.
Cinnamon: The cozy spice that makes your taste buds sing with nostalgia.
Nutmeg: A subtle, earthy spice that deepens the flavor.
Allspice: Brings a fragrant complexity that rounds out the spice mix perfectly.
Sugar: Balances the espresso’s bitterness; feel free to use brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
Whipped Cream (optional): Because sometimes a fluffy, creamy topping is a must-have for that café feel.

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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 best parts about this Gingerbread Latte Recipe is how easy it is to tweak just for your taste buds. Over time, I’ve found a few little switches that make it feel really “mine” and help you create your perfect cup.

Variation: I often swap in coconut milk to give this latte a creamy, tropical twist that’s surprisingly comforting. You could also try sugar-free syrup or honey if you want a natural sweetness boost.
Dietary Mods: Use decaf espresso or instant coffee if you want the flavor without the caffeine kick. And for vegan friends, almond or oat milk with maple syrup is a delicious combo.
Seasonal Twists: In December, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra holiday vibes.

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

Step 1: Warm the Milk and Spices Gently

Pour your milk into a small saucepan along with the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. Put it on medium heat and start warming up the mixture. The key is to heat it slowly until it almost simmers—this brings out the spices’ flavor without scorching the milk. Stir often to prevent burning, and once you see little bubbles around the edge, reduce the heat to low and keep stirring for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Step 2: Add the Espresso

While your spice-infused milk is warming, prepare two shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup of boiling water. Add the hot espresso or coffee to the milk mixture and stir to combine.

Step 3: Serve and Top with Whipped Cream

Pour your luscious Gingerbread Latte into two mugs, then top each with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you like. This finishing touch makes it feel more special and café-quality, perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Top Tip

Having made this Gingerbread Latte Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tips that really help it shine every single time. These small details elevate the whole experience—you’ll taste the difference for sure!

Simmer Slowly: Heating your milk and spices gently is crucial. Rushing this can burn the milk or make the spices taste bitter.
Fresh Spices: I recommend grinding whole spices yourself if you can—it makes the flavor so much brighter and fresher.
Espresso Strength: Don’t skimp on the espresso—it’s what balances the sweetness and spice perfectly, so make sure it’s strong and hot.
Whipped Cream Finish: Adding whipped cream isn’t just about looks; it softens the spicy edge and makes each sip creamy and dreamy.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny dash of cinnamon or grated nutmeg on top of the whipped cream—it adds a touch of extra warmth and looks so inviting. Sometimes, I even drop a stick of cinnamon inside the mug to stir in during sipping; it’s a simple way to amp up the cozy vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Gingerbread Latte with a buttery shortbread cookie or a slice of cozy banana bread. The sweet, tender crumb complements the rich spice mix perfectly and makes for a little mini indulgence whenever you need it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday party, I like to serve this latte in clear glass mugs to show off the creamy layers topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Adding a candy cane or mini gingerbread cookie on the side turns it from everyday latte to festive treat instantly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover milk mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just gently reheat on the stove and add fresh espresso or instant coffee for the best flavor fresh.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the fully mixed latte because the whipped cream and espresso don’t freeze well, but you could freeze the spiced milk base alone. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before reheating and adding espresso.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave at medium power, stirring regularly to keep the spices from settling at the bottom. Avoid boiling again as it can change the texture of the milk and spices.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make a vegan version of this Gingerbread Latte Recipe?

Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk, and swap sugar for maple syrup or another vegan sweetener if you like. It still tastes rich and cozy without dairy.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine?

No worries! Just dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup boiling water and reduce the milk to 1 ¾ cups. It’s an easy way to replicate the espresso flavor without special equipment.

Can I make this latte iced?

Definitely! Prepare the latte as usual, then pour it over a glass filled with ice cubes. Sometimes I blend the mixture with ice for a frothy gingerbread frappé version—it’s incredible!

How long does the spiced milk mixture keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the spiced milk mixture stays fresh for up to 2 days. Remember to reheat gently and add fresh espresso or coffee when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Latte Recipe is one of those magical little rituals I look forward to each year. It’s simple enough for a weekday treat but special enough to brighten up the holiday season or anytime you need a spiced pick-me-up. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that every warm sip feels like a cozy moment in your day.