Description
This Warm Spiced Gingerbread Latte is a cozy, festive coffee drink perfect for chilly days. Combining aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with creamy milk and robust espresso or coffee, it captures the essence of gingerbread in a comforting latte. Topped with optional whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie garnish, this simple recipe brings holiday warmth to your cup in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon of gingerbread syrup or 1/2 teaspoon of molasses and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
Coffee
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for topping
- Gingerbread cookie for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, gingerbread syrup (or the molasses and ground ginger substitute), ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to form the spiced milk base.
- Warm the Mixture: Heat the milk mixture until warm but not boiling, stirring continuously to blend the spices evenly and prevent the milk from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Prepare Coffee: While the milk mixture heats, prepare a shot of espresso or brew a strong cup of coffee to serve as the coffee base for the latte.
- Froth the Milk: Remove the warmed spiced milk from heat and froth it with a handheld frother until light and airy. If a frother isn’t available, briskly whisk the milk to create froth manually.
- Pour Coffee: Pour the espresso or brewed coffee into a large cup or mug, setting the stage for the latte.
- Add Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the spiced milk into the cup over the coffee, using a spoon to hold back the froth at first, then spoon the frothy milk on top to create a creamy finish.
- Add Whipped Cream: Optionally, top the latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and a festive look.
- Sprinkle Spices: Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg on the whipped cream or froth to enhance the warm, spiced flavor and add visual appeal.
- Garnish: Add a gingerbread cookie on the side of the mug for a delightful seasonal touch and to complement the gingerbread flavor of the latte.
Notes
- You can substitute non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk for a vegan-friendly option.
- If gingerbread syrup isn’t available, combining molasses with ground ginger works well as a homemade alternative.
- Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preference for more or less warmth.
- For a caffeine-free version, use decaffeinated coffee or substitute with an espresso alternative.
- Be careful not to overheat the milk to avoid burning or curdling.
