There’s something truly cozy about a warm, spiced drink in your hands, especially when the holidays roll around. This Gingerbread Latte Recipe is like a gentle hug in a mug, bursting with festive flavors that make it irresistible to enjoy any time you want to feel a little extra cheerful.

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 quickly became one of my go-to cozy treats because it’s simple, flavorful, and totally customizable. It brings all those warm gingerbread spices you adore without any complicated steps or fancy equipment.

Perfect balance of spices: The mix of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a comforting flavor without being overpowering.
Easy to make at home: No espresso machine? No problem! I’ve got alternatives that still deliver that café-quality taste.
Customizable to your taste: Whether you want it dairy-free or iced, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Quick prep: From start to finish, you’ll have your gingerbread latte in under 10 minutes – perfect for busy mornings or cozy afternoons.

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

Every ingredient in this Gingerbread Latte Recipe plays a key role to bring out that warm, inviting flavor. Let’s break down why these work so well together and how to pick the best for your cup.

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, but whole milk, oat milk, or any milk you love will add creaminess and body to your latte.
Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso works best for the deep coffee flavor, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, I’ll share a neat workaround.
Ground ginger: This gives that signature spicy kick that makes the drink feel truly gingerbread-inspired.
Cinnamon: The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon pairs perfectly with coffee and the other spices.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness and brightness of the other spices.
Allspice: This little gem ties all the flavors together with hints of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg – perfect for festive drinks.
Sugar: Any sugar will work; I usually use simple white sugar, but you can swap for maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar if you like.
Whipped cream (optional): Adds a decadent finishing touch and makes your latte café-level indulgent.

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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 tweaking this Gingerbread Latte Recipe depending on my mood or what’s on hand. You can absolutely make it your own and still end up with something delicious and comforting.

Variation: I often make an iced version by simply cooling the latte and pouring it over ice – perfect for when I want that festive flavor but the weather’s a little warmer.
Dairy-Free: Using almond or oat milk keeps it creamy without dairy, and it still tastes fantastic.
Less Sweet: Sometimes I cut back on sugar or use a sugar substitute to keep it lighter on sweetness without losing the cozy vibe.

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

Step 1: Heat the milk and spices gently

Start off by adding the milk to a small saucepan along with the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. I like to set the heat to medium and watch closely until it just begins to simmer — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stir regularly so the spices distribute evenly and the sugar dissolves nicely. Don’t let it boil vigorously; you want warmth and gentle bubbles, not a full boil.

Step 2: Brew or prepare the espresso

While the milk mixture is heating up, prepare your espresso shots. If you have an espresso machine, awesome — just pull two shots. For those without one, here’s my favorite hack: dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup of boiling water, then add it to your milk mixture (reducing milk a little to keep the balance).

Step 3: Combine and simmer briefly

Pour the espresso into the warm spiced milk, reduce the heat to low, and stir for a couple more minutes. This keeps everything cozy and lets the flavors meld beautifully. When you see steam rising and everything smells like the holidays, it’s time to remove from heat.

Step 4: Serve and top with whipped cream (if you like!)

Divide your gingerbread latte between two mugs, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, dollop on some whipped cream. It’s that little extra touch that makes the experience so special, especially during festive mornings.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Gingerbread Latte Recipe dozens of times, a few small tweaks can really elevate the final cup and ensure success every time.

Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresher ginger and cinnamon powder make a noticeable difference in flavor brightness.
Don’t overheat the milk: Heating to a gentle simmer keeps the milk from tasting “cooked” or burnt and preserves its creamy texture.
Stir frequently: Spices can settle and clump if left alone, so stirring helps keep the taste smooth and consistent.
Adjust sweetness last: I start with 2 tablespoons of sugar but always taste and add a bit more if I want it sweeter – that way, it’s perfectly balanced for you.

How to Serve Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my lattes with a swirl of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Sometimes, I sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies right on top — it adds a fun texture and extra gingerbread vibe. It’s a small touch, but it makes every sip feel special.

Side Dishes

This gingerbread latte pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread, soft sugar cookies, or even a slice of lemon pound cake. It’s perfect as a companion for holiday baking sessions or a cozy afternoon treat by the window.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I sometimes serve the latte in clear glass mugs so the warm color shows through. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer not only looks beautiful but also infuses extra aroma as you sip. During holiday brunches, I’ve even served the latte garnished with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a star anise pod for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any gingerbread latte left, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until steamy again. I find it’s best to avoid reheating more than once to keep the spices fresh and the milk creamy.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t recommend freezing this latte. The milk and espresso combination doesn't freeze well and can separate upon thawing. Instead, it’s best to make fresh batches—that quick prep time makes it super doable.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching. If it’s a bit thicker after chilling, stirring in a splash of fresh milk helps bring back that silky smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Gingerbread Latte Recipe without espresso?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an espresso machine, just dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup boiling water. Use this as your coffee base along with 1 ¾ cups of milk. It’s a great workaround that still delivers rich flavor.

What kind of milk is best for this gingerbread latte?

You can use any milk you prefer! Unsweetened almond milk is great for a dairy-free version and adds subtle nutty flavor, but whole milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk all work beautifully to give a creamy texture.

Can I make this latte iced?

For sure! After preparing the latte, just let it cool down, then pour over ice and enjoy a refreshing gingerbread iced latte—perfect for warmer days or when you want a festive cold drink.

How long does this gingerbread latte keep in the refrigerator?

Store leftover latte in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently to keep the milk and spices tasting fresh. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Latte Recipe really feels like a little celebration in a cup to me—simple but full of warmth and spice that instantly brightens my day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your new favorite comfort drink for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect blend of gingerbread goodness!