You get all the sweet, spicy flavor of the classic holiday treat plus an energizing jolt of caffeine — what could be better?

Use Roasty’s homemade gingerbread latte recipe to create a copycat version of the coffee shop franchise’s beloved wintertime treat.

Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a platter of classic gingerbread cookies. And gingerbread coffee has the same effect on all of us java-obsessed folks.

That’s why Starbucks Coffee debuted its gingerbread latte in 2000: to give customers a satisfying kick of caffeine and get them into the holiday spirit.

Unfortunately, the franchise discontinued the combination of fresh-brewed espresso, gingerbread syrup, and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of ground nutmeg, in 2019.

But just because it’s not on the Starbucks menu anymore doesn’t mean you have to go without the coffee drink.

Use our copycat recipe to make it at home and give yourself a dose of sweet, spiced cheer whenever you want.

What Does the Gingerbread Latte Taste Like?

The answer to this question varies depending on where you get the latte.

For example, a Starbucks gingerbread latte tastes different than one from the Mom-and-Pop café in your hometown, and neither will taste exactly like a homemade one.

Why? Because every café makes their lattes with different coffee beans, different syrup brands, and, likely, different kinds of milk.

For clarity’s sake, we based our taste description on Starbucks’ version of the beverage.

Even though molasses is a key player in creating the classic gingerbread flavor, the sweetener is hardly noticeable in Starbucks’s version of the drink.

Instead, ginger and nutmeg steal the show, making for a spiced, subtly-sweet beverage.

@roastycoffee Let’s make a sweet but not too sweet gingerbread latte! Make your gingerbread syrup: Add 2 tbsp molasses 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp vanilla And 1/4 tsp salt To a saucepan, bring to a boil, reduce, and pour into a temperature safe container Then make your latte: Pour 1-2 tbsp of gingerbread syrup into your cup Add creamer of choice (I used oat) Froth together Add 2 shots of espeesso Enjoy hot or iced! #gingerbreadlatte #latterecipe #coffeetok #espressotok #starbucksdrinks ♬ Stick Season – Noah Kahan

Make a Homemade Gingerbread Latte

You’ll Need

• 1 to 2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
• Your milk of choice
• 2 shots of espresso
• Milk frother
• Frothing pitcher
• Medium-size saucepan
• Tall glass
• Ice cubes

The Process

Step 1:

Spoon the gingerbread syrup into a frothing pitcher — if you don’t already have one, check out our buying guide to find a pitcher to add to your brewing tool collection — and pour in some of your preferred milk.

We used oat milk, but feel free to use whatever you usually put in your cup of coffee. Use your frother to blend the two ingredients and pour the mixture into a glass.

Step 2:

Drop a few ice cubes into the gingerbread-flavored foam. Then, use your espresso machine to pull two shots of rich, strong coffee. Make sure freshly-ground beans* are part of your brewing routine if fresh-tasting, flavorful joe is your biggest priority.

Pour the espresso shots over the steamed milk and gingerbread syrup blend.

Step 3:

Savor every sip of your gingerbread cookie-flavored coffee!

*Not sure what beans brew the best-tasting espresso? Check out our espresso bean buying guide for inspiration!

Can You Make the Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte Hot?

Good news – you can drink your homemade version of this seasonal latte hot or cold.

Use an automatic milk frother or your espresso machine’s steam wand to heat things up. If you don’t have either of those, you can whisk milk to a frothy consistency as it heats in a saucepan over a low flame.

How to Make Gingerbread Syrup

You can always buy it ready-made, but if you want to whip up a batch of homemade gingerbread syrup, then reduce molasses, cinnamon, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.

Let it cool, and it’s ready to use! The exact measurements of each ingredient are as follows:

• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Be sure to store the finished product in an airtight container.