Description
This Gingerbread Latte recipe combines warm spices and rich espresso with creamy steamed milk for a cozy, festive coffee treat. Sweetened with maple syrup and molasses, the latte is infused with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it perfect for chilly days or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1-2 teaspoons hot water, as needed to thin
Coffee and Milk
- 4 shots espresso (4 ounces or 120 milliliters)
- 1 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy (or 1 ¼ cup for a creamier latte)
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (for topping)
- Mini gingerbread men sprinkles or cookies
Instructions
- Make the gingerbread syrup: In a small bowl, combine maple syrup (or honey), molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot water to thin the mixture until it is pourable and well combined.
- Mix syrup with espresso: Pour the warm gingerbread syrup into the hot espresso shots and stir until the syrup is fully dissolved, creating a spiced coffee base.
- Steam the milk – Steam wand method: Submerge the tip of a steam wand just below the surface of the milk. Steam until the milk develops a silky, smooth texture and reaches a temperature of approximately 150 to 155°F (65 to 68°C).
- Froth the milk – Handheld frother method: Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot but not boiling, then froth with a handheld frother until the milk becomes foamy.
- Warm and whisk the milk – Stovetop method: Gently warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot and steamy. Remove from heat and whisk briskly to incorporate air and create slight foam.
- Assemble the latte: Divide the espresso and gingerbread syrup mixture evenly between two mugs. Pour steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Finally, spoon the milk foam on top of each latte.
- Add toppings: Garnish each latte with whipped cream if desired, and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. Optionally, add mini gingerbread men sprinkles or cookies for a festive presentation.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Use dairy or any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy to suit dietary preferences.
- Temperature for steaming milk should not exceed 155°F to prevent scalding.
- If you do not have a steam wand or frother, warming milk and whisking vigorously is an effective alternative.
- For a richer latte, increase milk to 1 ¼ cups.
- This recipe makes two servings.
