Gingerbread Latte

Ingredients

2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
4 ounces (½ cup) fresh whole milk or oat milk* (double for two servings when steaming)
1 tablespoon Gingerbread Syrup

Instructions

If not made already, make the Gingerbread Syrup.
Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot.
Stir in the gingerbread syrup: Stir the Gingerbread Syrup into the espresso.
Steam or froth the milk (double batch): Steam the milk with an espresso machine, or heat and then froth the milk using your method of choice (milk frother, French press, whisk or covered jar). It’s easiest to steam or froth 1 cup of milk for 2 drinks.
Serve: Pour the milk into the center of the espresso, ending with light foam (using half the steamed or frothed milk for 1 drink). If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

*Whole milk works best; milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte.

What’s in a gingerbread latte?

A Gingerbread Latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread syrup. You can make the syrup homemade: all you need is 20 minutes and you can use it for drinks throughout the season! Or, make it with purchased syrup. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this drink:

Espresso
Whole milk or oat milk for vegan
Gingerbread simple syrup: brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and fresh ginger

Homemade gingerbread syrup (and a substitute)

The homemade gingerbread syrup makes this Gingerbread Latte! It’s a brown sugar syrup that’s infused with fresh ginger, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks. All you do is simmer the ingredients for 20 minutes. It’s a fun and versatile syrup you can use for other drinks, like Christmas coffee or a Gingerbread Martini. Here’s more about it:

Homemade gingerbread syrup has the best flavor! It takes just 20 minutes and we highly recommend it. Go to Gingerbread Syrup.
Purchased gingerbread syrup also works; here’s a link to buy gingerbread syrup online.

Making espresso at home

The hardest part of a Gingerbread Latte? Finding a great espresso method and milk steaming method. The best way to do it is with an espresso machine, but it can be pricey. Here are a few of our top espresso making methods:

Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso is with a countertop espresso machine: it makes the best espresso, hands down!
Manual espresso maker: Without a machine, you can use a small manual espresso maker: it’s cheaper and portable!
French press: French press espresso is delicious and a good substitute for a machine.
Moka Pot (Bialetti): Try Moka Pot coffee for a dark, espresso like flavor.

Methods for steaming or frothing milk

You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to make a Gingerbread Latte! There are several methods for frothing milk that also work. You can steam the milk if you have a countertop espresso machine, which is what we did here. Here are the

Steam the milk with an espresso machine: The result is rich, creamy microfoam. Go to How to Steam Milk.
Froth the milk with a hand frother, whisk, or French Press: There are several tools you probably already have at home that work!

And that’s it! Let us know what you think of this cozy Gingerbread Latte. It’s our favorite cozy holiday drink this season.