Description
This Gingerbread Latte recipe brings the cozy flavors of gingerbread spices combined with rich espresso and steamed milk, creating a warm, comforting beverage perfect for chilly days or festive occasions. Sweetened with maple syrup and molasses, this latte has a balanced spicy-sweet profile topped with optional whipped cream and warming spices for a delightful homemade treat.
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
Beverage
- 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 for garnish
Instructions
- Make the gingerbread syrup: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup (or honey), molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot water as needed to thin the mixture until it becomes pourable.
- Mix syrup with espresso: Pour the warm gingerbread syrup into the freshly brewed hot espresso shots and stir thoroughly until the syrup is fully dissolved.
- Steam the milk using your preferred method: You can use any of the following methods:
– Steam wand: Submerge the wand tip just below the surface of the milk and steam until silky textured and heated to 150-155°F.
– Handheld frother: Heat the milk in the microwave or stovetop until hot but not boiling, then froth until foamy.
– Stovetop: Warm the milk gently in a small pot over medium heat until hot and steamy, then whisk briskly to incorporate air and create foam. - Assemble the latte: Divide the espresso and gingerbread syrup mixture evenly between two mugs. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, using a spoon to hold back foam initially, and then spoon the foam over the top.
- Add toppings if desired: Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. For an extra festive touch, garnish with mini gingerbread men sprinkles or cookies.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Choose dairy or non-dairy milk according to your preference; oat milk works great for frothing.
- Use freshly ground spices for the best aromatic flavor.
- For a bolder coffee flavor, use a stronger espresso or cold brew concentrate.
- To easily heat milk to the right temperature without a thermometer, heat until steam just starts to rise and the milk is hot to the touch but not boiling.
