Have you ever tried a Starbucks Gingerbread Latte? It was one of my favorite drinks at Starbucks, but unfortunately, it was discontinued in 2019. Although they introduced gingerbread drinks for the 2023 holiday season, I missed this on their holiday menu.
The combination of warm, aromatic spices with the creamy latte created a unique and memorable taste experience that really elevated the whole drink. It was like a cozy, flavorful hug in a cup!
Moreover, the gingerbread flavor in this latte brought a delightful holiday cheer to every sip. I loved how it was not just your standard latte with a hint of gingerbread, but it was a carefully crafted blend of spices that made it truly special.
Therefore, on my special request, our talented in-house chef Jasbir has crafted a perfect copycat version of Starbucks’ Gingerbread Latte. It captures all the warmth and festive spice of the original, giving you that same cozy holiday feeling but from the comfort of home.
If you, too, are a fan of this beverage like me, let’s dive into the details of this recipe that uncovers the secret behind this extraordinary drink. All you need to do is follow the recipe as it is, and you are in for a delicious and spicy iced gingerbread latte.
Equipment Required
- Small Bowls: I use small bowls to assemble all the ingredients before starting the recipe.
- Milk Pan: While I use a milk pan, you can use any saucepan to prepare the water mixture for the latte.
- Metal Spoon: You will need a metal spoon to mix all the ingredients together.
- Mason Jar: I use a mason jar to prepare this drink. You can use any wide-opening jar to prepare the latte.
- Fancy Glass: You can use any fancy glass you choose to serve the drink.
Starbucks Gingerbread Latte Ingredients and Substitutions
Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you yield single serving. If you wish to serve more, you can easily increase the quantity of ingredients given below.
- 1 Cup Sugar: I usually prefer using brown sugar instead of white sugar for this latte. However, you can also use stevia or monk fruit as an alternative.
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger: You can use fresh ginger by grating it in boiling water or substituting it with allspice to make this latte.
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: I use whole cinnamon instead of ground cinnamon, but you can also substitute allspice for ground cinnamon in this drink.
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves: You can ground star anise and use it instead of cloves to make this drink, as it is the best substitute for cloves.
- ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg: Mace works the best as an alternative for nutmeg.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla: Vanilla powder or almond extract can be substituted instead of vanilla to make this latte.
- Pinch Salt
- ½ Cup Fresh Espresso (freshly brewed for hot latte): If you don’t have espresso, you can opt for instant coffee powder to make this latte.
- 8 Ounces of Milk (steamed for hot lattes): Regular dairy-based milk can be substituted for almond, soy, or oat milk to make this latte.
- Whipped Cream (for garnish)
- Ground Nutmeg (for garnish)
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
How To Make Starbucks Gingerbread Latte At Home
Step 1
In a milk pan, boil some water over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Step 2
Then, mix well in a pinch of salt and sugar to the water.
Step 3
Now, add the ground spices one by one to the boiling water and stir until well combined. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 4
Now pour the mixture into a mason jar and top it off with ice cubes to cool. Pour chilled espresso on the ice.
Step 5
Next up, add ginger syrup to the jar and mix well.
Step 6
Lastly, pour in the hot milk, which I heat to around 150°F (65°C) to maintain its creamy texture.
Step 7
Now mix everything until well combined. Transfer the drink to a fancy glass of your choice. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with some nutmeg dusting. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I always use quality and fresh ingredients when preparing this latte, as that makes a huge difference in the taste of the latte.
- I also prefer using freshly ground spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon rather than the pre-grounded ones, as they enhance the aroma and flavors of the latte.
- You can also use a pre-made ginger syrup or make the ginger syrup ahead of time and store it.
- Sometimes, when I prepare this drink for my guests, I prefer foaming the milk to create a nice froth that adds a lovely texture. For that, I use a a milk frother. You can also use a hand blender.
- Let the water simmer nicely to ensure the flavours are well-infused.
- Lastly, I garnish my drink with whipped cream and nutmeg powder and drizzle some gingerbread syrup for an added flavor. You can also dust other ground spices as you like for garnish.
FAQs About Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
Nutritional Information Per Serving
This Starbucks Gingerbread Latte is high in sugar, calories, and carbohydrates. Hence, it cannot be termed as a healthy drink to drink on a regular basis. However, having it in moderation is no harm.
Take a look at the full nutritional profile of this latte to have a better understanding.
| Calories | 959 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 220 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 27 mg |
| Sodium | 112 mg |
| Potassium | 570 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 212 g |
| Vitamin A | 383 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.4 mg |
| Calcium | 370 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
This Starbucks Gingerbread Latte is suitable for people following a vegetarian and a gluten-free diet.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: People following a vegan diet can make this latte by substituting milk with almond or soy milk and whipped cream with silken tofu pureed with soy milk.
- Dairy-Free Diet: My husband is lactose intolerant, so I make this latte using almond milk or oat milk for him. I also avoid using whipped cream as a topping.
- Keto-Friendly Diet: People following a keto diet can substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners and regular milk with almond or oat milk to make it suitable for their diet.
- Sugar-Free Diet: I usually substitute regular white sugar with artificial sweeteners like monk fruit or stevia in this latte to follow a sugar-free diet.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: I generally keep the leftovers of this latte in a jar with an airtight lid and place them in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 48 hours because a dairy-based drink won’t last longer. However, you can also make the ginger syrup ahead of time and store it, as it can last for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: This gingerbread latte can be frozen for one month when stored in an airtight container or jar. I generally prepare a large batch of ginger syrup and store it in the freezer, as it can last for about two months.
Reheating
- Microwave: I pour the latte into a microwave-safe glass or cup and heat it for 30 seconds to 60 seconds, stirring in between, until it is warmed through.
- Stovetop: I heat the latte over low-medium heat for a few minutes, stirring in between until it warms through. Avoid overheating, as it might cause the milk to curdle.
What To Serve With This Recipe
While I love enjoying this Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, I prefer serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and nutmeg dusting to my guests. I also adore pairing it with Apple Crumble, as the gingerbread latte complements the apples perfectly.
You can also serve this latte with Buttermilk Biscuits, Butter Cake, Orange Fudge, or Waffles.
Printable Version
Starbucks Gingerbread Latte Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- Pinch Salt
- ½ Cup Fresh Espresso freshly brewed for hot latte
- 8 Ounces of Milk steamed for hot lattes
- Whipped Cream for garnish
- Ground Nutmeg for garnish
Equipment
- Small Bowls
- Milk Pan
- Metal Spoon
- Mason Jar
- Fancy Glass
Instructions
- In a milk pan, boil some water over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
- Then, mix well in a pinch of salt and sugar to the water.
- Now, add the ground spices one by one to the boiling water and stir until well combined. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Now pour the mixture into a mason jar and top it off with ice cubes to cool. Pour chilled espresso on the ice.
- Next up, add ginger syrup to the jar and mix well.
- Lastly, pour in the hot milk, which I heat to around 150°F (65°C) to maintain its creamy texture.
- Now mix everything until well combined. Transfer the drink to a fancy glass of your choice. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with some nutmeg dusting. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- I always use quality and fresh ingredients when preparing this latte, as that makes a huge difference in the taste of the latte.
- I also prefer using freshly ground spices like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon rather than the pre-grounded ones, as they enhance the aroma and flavors of the latte.
- You can also use a pre-made ginger syrup or make the ginger syrup ahead of time and store it.
- Sometimes, when I prepare this drink for my guests, I prefer foaming the milk to create a nice froth that adds a lovely texture. For that,, I use a a milk frother. You can also use a hand blender.
- You can also experiment with the spices in your latte to make it according to your taste and liking. You can add more ground cinnamon if you like it that way or increase the ratio of other spices according to your preferred taste.
- You can also adjust the sweetness of this latte to your taste. For instance, I prefer a sweeter drink, so I add more sugar to it.
- Lastly, I garnish my drink with whipped cream and nutmeg powder and drizzle some gingerbread syrup for an added flavor. You can also dust other ground spices as you like for garnish.
Nutrition
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Conclusion
I am thankful to Chef Jasbir Singh for bringing back the same taste of Starbucks Gingerbread Latte that I have loved for two decades.
This favorite drink perfectly captures the festive spirit with a harmonious blend of spices intricately mixed into the ginger syrup. Each sip brings a warm, holiday feel that’s both comforting and delightful.
Even if you haven’t tasted this drink before at Starbucks, you will find it amazing. Its spicy flavor blends well with the warm milk and freshly brewed chilled espresso.
So, go ahead and try out this quick and simple latte and relish it with your loved ones. While having a sip of this delicious latte, do not forget to leave your thoughts on this holiday drink recipe in our comment section below.
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