Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte

Disappointed that Starbucks isn't re-releasing the gingerbread latte in the US this year?  No worries; you can make a delicious copycat version at home with simple ingredients.  You'll even learn how to make your own gingerbread syrup to make this latte even more tempting.

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Ingredients

Wonder what's in a Starbucks gingerbread latte?  The Starbucks website gives the ingredients as milk, brewed espresso, gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, vanilla syrup, and nutmeg.

• Syrup: I made my own instead of buying the Starbucks or Torani versions, as those have mixed reviews online.  Making your own tastes SO good and is really easy to do.
• Espresso: Be sure to make your own espresso or strong coffee fresh.
• Milk: I recommend using whole milk for the creamiest taste, but feel free to substitute a plant-based barista milk blend for a non-dairy option.
• Vanilla Syrup: Since I don't have vanilla syrup at home, I substituted with a ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract.  This saves on calories, too.
• Whipped Cream: I omitted this from my recipe, as I thought the latte looked pretty without it, but feel free to add some if you'd like.
• Nutmeg: This is the final garnish on top of the latte.  Don't skip this, as it makes the latte look even prettier and adds to the spiced taste. I like to freshly grate my own nutmeg with a microplane (affiliate) and whole nutmegs.  So good!

Questions

How does a gingerbread latte taste?

This drink has the spicy flavors of gingerbread cookies with the richness of freshly brewed espresso and the creaminess of steamed milk.  The spice flavors are more subtle, but they complement the coffee quite nicely.  The drink has a frothy top from the foamed, steamed milk and a hint of nutmeg from the sprinkle of spice on top.

Is the Starbucks gingerbread latte vegan?

The Starbucks version and this recipe aren't vegan, but you can easily make a vegan version.  All you need to do is substitute the whole milk with a plant-based barista milk blend instead.

Is the gingerbread latte at Starbucks?

Unfortunately, the last time it was available in the United States was in November 2018.  As of November 2020, the drink will be served in Canada during the Christmas season.  However, with this easy copycat recipe, you'll be able to make your own awesome Starbucks latte at home!  No more waiting in lines and paying the high prices.

Does the Starbucks gingerbread latte contain caffeine?

Yes, it does, as the drink is traditionally made with espresso.  However, if you make your own at home, you can use strong decaf coffee or decaf espresso if you prefer.  Keep in mind that the typical shot of espresso (2 tablespoons) contains 64mg of caffeine, so it's best to have this drink before 4 pm if you choose to have caffeine.

How to Make

Let's start by making the gingerbread syrup!  Gather the ingredients before you start.

Whisk the water, sugar, and spices together until the sugar has dissolved.  Add the cinnamon sticks after the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the syrup to a boil, then turn it down to low heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.  The syrup should have a maple syrup-like consistency and should have a noticeable spicy flavor.

Pour the syrup through a strainer to remove the whole spices, then pour the syrup in a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

To make the latte, you'll need freshly brewed espresso or strong black coffee, gingerbread syrup, whole milk, and vanilla extract.

Stir together 2 tablespoons espresso, 3 tablespoons syrup, and ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.

Steam the milk until it reaches 140 F (microwaving it in a glass jar for 40 seconds on 100% power is perfect).  Froth with a milk frother, or tightly screw a lid onto the jar and shake vigorously.

Pour the frothed milk into the espresso mixture and sprinkle some grated nutmeg on top.  Enjoy right away!

Variations

• Tea Latte: substitute the espresso for extra strong chai tea.
• Iced Latte: stir in a handful of ice cubes to the coffee mixture before topping with the foamed milk.
• Cold Brew Latte: swap the espresso for cold brew.
• Decaf Latte: use decaf coffee or espresso instead of regular.

Pro Tips

• Make your own gingerbread syrup instead of buying the Starbucks or Torani syrups; it will taste a lot better.
• Use freshly brewed coffee or espresso for the best flavor.
• Heat the milk to 140 F and use whole milk (or a plant-based barista blend) for the best froth.
• Don't have a milk frother?  Use a French press or shake the milk in a mason jar instead.
• Serve this latte with gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cake, or ontbijtkoek.

Other Copycat Starbucks Drinks You'll Love

• Peppermint Mocha
• Flat White
• Smoked Butterscotch Latte
• Salted Caramel Mocha
• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew
• Pumpkin Spice Latte

Other Coffee Drinks to Try

• Chick-fil-A Mocha Cream Cold Brew
• Chick-fil-A Frosted Coffee
• Non-Alcoholic Irish Coffee
• How to Make French Press Coffee

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Recipe

Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 drink 1x

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Description

Sad that Starbucks took the gingerbread latte off of the holiday menu?  Cheer up—making this copycat gingerbread latte is so easy!  Plus, you’ll learn how to make DIY gingerbread syrup to make this coffee drink even more festive.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Gingerbread Syrup

• 2 cups light brown sugar (400g)
• 2 cups water (475 ml)
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1-inch piece ginger root, peeled and diced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 cloves

For the Gingerbread Latte

• 3 tablespoons gingerbread syrup (45 ml)
• 2 tablespoons espresso (1 shot; 30 ml)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup whole milk, steamed
• Ground nutmeg, for garnish

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Instructions

Making the Syrup

1. Pour all of the syrup ingredients except for the cinnamon sticks into a 2-quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan and set over medium-high heat.  Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, then add the cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring the syrup to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened to a maple-syrup like consistency and has a spicy flavor.
3. Remove from the heat and pour through a sieve to strain out the whole spices.  Pour into a glass jar, let cool to room temperature, then seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.  You should have around 2 cups of syrup.

Making the Latte

1. Pour the espresso, gingerbread syrup, and vanilla extract into an 8-ounce glass mug.  Stir until well combined.
2. Steam the milk in the microwave or in a saucepan.  I like to steam milk by pouring it into a mason jar and microwaving it for 40 seconds.
3. Froth the milk with a frother until thickened and doubled in volume, then pour the frothed milk into the coffee mixture.
4. Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Want a fancy syrup pump like they have at Starbucks?  These syrup pumps screw onto a standard mason jar.
• If you're serious about crafting lattes at home, I recommend that you purchase a good-quality milk frother, as they are easy to use and quite affordable.  However, if you don't own one, froth the milk by plunging a French press up and down or shake the milk vigorously inside of a mason jar.
• For the best-tasting espresso, choose beans that have been roasted within the past month, and grind just before brewing.  My favorite grocery store whole bean coffee for espresso is Starbucks Italian roast.
• Serve this latte with homemade gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cake, or Dutch ontbijtkoek for a truly delightful experience.

• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stirred
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: starbucks, recipe