Easy Homemade Gingerbread Latte (Starbucks Copycat)

This homemade Starbucks copycat gingerbread latte recipe is cozy, sweet yet spicy – a taste of gingerbread in every sip. It’s quick and easy to make with simple, affordable ingredients.

I love splurging on the occasional Starbucks treat. But at $5 (or more!) a trip, “splurge” definitely translates to “once in a while” rather than “every day.”

Going to Starbucks every day just doesn’t fit into my budget, so a couple of years ago, I started figuring out how to make some of my favorite drinks. It’s surprisingly easy to make some of my favorites, like Strawberry Acai Refresher and Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte.

They also have delicious hot coffee and iced coffee fall treats that I look forward to each year, such as their Iced Pumpkin Chai Latte and their Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Starbucks’ signature gingerbread lattes were a special seasonal offering that hit all the right notes. When they discontinued it, I knew that I needed to figure out how to make a yummy gingerbread latte myself!

I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out! I hope you love it too from the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Latte Recipe

• Cheaper than Starbucks – I’m a fan of Starbucks, but it’s a serious budget-killer. Enjoy the same treats for a fraction of the price. 
• Customize to your preferences – Easily make it creamier, stronger, spicier – whatever you want! 
• Simple ingredients – This recipe totally lacks artificial sweeteners or mystery syrups. 
• Enjoy hot or cold – Prefer an iced gingerbread latte? Gingerbread lattes work well either hot or cold, served over ice!  

If you want more fall and holiday-inspired festive beverage recipes, try my Classic Homemade Eggnog or Hot Mulled Cider. They are better than store-bought options!

Gingerbread Latte Recipe Ingredients

You just need a few simple ingredients and pantry staples to make a cozy gingerbread latte! For full recipe details, please check out the handy recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Brewed Coffee – or espresso, whatever brand you prefer most
• Milk – use your favorite milk.
• Gingerbread Syrup – store-bought or homemade (process below)
• Spices – Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
• Brown Sugar – adds that nice caramel flavor.
• Water
• Vanilla Extract – I prefer pure extract, not the imitation
• Whipped cream – totally optional and adds the full Starbucks experience. Feel free to use homemade whipped cream!

How To Make A Gingerbread Latte

This festive latte is perfect for cozying up on a cold day or sharing with friends during the holidays.

1. Make Gingerbread Simple Syrup – Add brown sugar, water, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes.
2. Cool Syrup – Remove from the burner and allow the mixture to cool. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
3. Make The Coffee – Brew coffee or espresso to your preference.
4. Froth the Milk – Place the milk in a saucepan and heat over medium until it steams (not boils). Use a milk frother or blender to froth the milk.
5. Combine – Pour coffee or espresso into a large mug. Add in some of the gingerbread syrup and stir. Slowly pour in the steamed milk, keeping the froth separate. After adding the milk, use a spoon to place the frothed milk on top.
6. Garnish – Add a dollop (or two) of fresh whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon and/or nutmeg.

Gingerbread Latte Notes And Expert Tips

• Each person’s taste buds are different, so adjust the spice blend and level to your preference.

• If you are using a nondairy milk, keep in mind that it will probably not froth or foam as much as regular dairy milk.

• The homemade gingerbread syrup makes enough for numerous cups of latte. Store in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to a week.

• Don’t have an espresso maker? Just brew some very strong coffee. And measure out the strong brewed coffee like shots.

• Stir often while the milk simmers to prevent scorching it. 

How To Serve A Gingerbread Latte

This homemade gingerbread latte recipe delivers all the seasonal flavors you want in a Christmas latte! Use these ideas and tips to serve up your new favorite holiday drink.

Garnish – Add some homemade whipped cream, small gingerbread cookies, and even marshmallows for garnish.

Adult Beverage – For an adult twist, add a splash of Kahlua.

Waffles – This gingerbread latte would be absolutely scrumptious with gingerbread waffles or even eggnog waffles!

Variations of Gingerbread Latte To Try

Although this copycat Starbucks gingerbread latte recipe is fabulous just as it is, here are some ideas to customize this festive treat. 

• Drizzle with some warm caramel sauce.

• Crumble up a gingerbread cookie and sprinkle on the top of the latte.

• Allow your coffee or espresso to cool and pour it over ice before adding the syrup and spices for a delicious iced latte.

• I used 2% milk, but any milk works, whether it’s unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or whole milk.

• Sweeteners – I used brown sugar, but you could try a brown sugar substitute to keep calories low. Liquid sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup work well in this recipe, too! 

• Adjust the spice – Give it a stronger gingerbread flavor by adding more ginger. Just remember the flavors will intensify as everything simmers. 

• Add molasses – A drizzle of molasses delivers that truly authentic gingerbread flavor. 

Make It Gluten-Free 

Great News!!! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Be sure to do your due diligence if you are unsure or use different ingredients of your choice. 🙂

Make It Dairy-Free

The two ingredients that will need to be replaced are the whipped cream and the milk. There are several great plant-based milk and cream options – use the brand you prefer the most.

Gingerbread Latte Storage

If you have made more than 1 serving, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1-2 days. If you have used a non-dairy alternative, it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a small saucepan until hot. 

Gingerbread Latte FAQs

Would you recommend using coffee or espresso in this recipe?

Espresso is most commonly used in a latte and typically has a stronger taste. You can use a stronger brewed coffee as well. The best choice is to use what you prefer the most. 🙂

How can I make the latte a little less sweet?

That’s a great question! Use a small amount of the syrup and adjust according to your taste. Also, you can eliminate the whipped topping or just add a small dollop, which will also make it less sweet.

Is there a pre-made gingerbread syrup I can buy instead of making my own?

YES! There are several brands you can purchase. The most popular brand of flavored syrups is Torani, but you may be able to find other brands that also include a sugar-free option.

More Refreshing Starbucks Copycat Beverages To Try

• Easy Homemade Healthy Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe
• Starbucks Butterbeer Latte
• Healthier Starbucks Strawberry Cheesecake Frappuccino Copycat
• Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit Refresher
• Starbucks Butterbeer Latte

Pin For Later!