Hurrying for the Holidays with a Gingerbread Latte

I’m sure you’ve had the infamous holiday drinks from Starbucks — they’re all decadently sweet, rich and bursting with a syrupy flavor. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s a tad too sweet and a bit too rich, even though I love how they capture the delicious holiday flavors. Of course, I found a recipe on Pinterest for a copycat Gingerbread Latte, but the recipes called for a simple syrup that required not one, but TWO cups of sugar! Not only that, but then you added 1/4 to 1/2 c of that simple syrup just to your one cup of coffee. Here’s a lightened-up version of the Gingerbread Latte. I made this two ways: 1). combined skim milk with unsweetened vanilla almond milk; and 2). just skim milk, but you can use whatever milk you enjoy the most. Like the Almond Milk Pumpkin Spice Latte, the spices don’t readily blend; that’s why I added only 1/4 t of the gingerbread spice mix, but you can always add more as you’d like for a more robust spice profile. The addition of the ground cloves to the cinnamon and ginger is what makes this drink a convincing copycat. The key to this latte like any latte is to froth the milk mixture before serving to get that perfect foamy consistency. This Copycat Gingerbread Latte has a much darker coffee profile to become a less-sweet take on the holiday favorite. On this Sunday, indulge a little and sip that Copycat Gingerbread Latte and all its perfection.

Ingredients (serves 1).

• 1 shot of espresso, about 1 oz. (or about 3 T strongly brewed coffee)
• 1 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice *
• 1 t molasses
• 1/2 t vanilla extract
• 1/4 t of gingerbread spice mix:
  • 1/2 t cinnamon
  • 1/4 t ginger
  • 1/4 t ground cloves
• 1 t agave nectar or sweetener of choice to taste (optional)
• Cinnamon sugar for topping (optional)

* NOTE: I’ve tried just almond milk, just skim milk or a mixture of both for a healthier take. For a richer or sweeter flavor, use sweetened almond milk, a combination of fat-free half & half with skim milk, or milk of your choice.

Directions.

1. Brew one shot of espresso. You can also use about 3 T of strongly brewed coffee. Stir in agave nectar or sweetener of your choice.
2. Combine spices to make the gingerbread spice mixture and mix together.
3. Blend milk, molasses, vanilla, and 1/4 t gingerbread spice mix in a blender or Magic Bullet. Mix the ginger milk mixture well until slightly frothy (see last picture below). Then heat the milk mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Pour the hot milk over the brewed espresso shot.
5. Top with cinnamon sugar (optional), drizzle with molasses, or whipped cream of choice (both optional — not shown).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Adapted from Chocolate-Covered Katie‘s Homemade Gingerbread Spice Latte and from The Dallas Socials‘ 5 DIY Starbucks Holiday Drink Recipes.

Sometimes you just need a holiday mug to brighten up your morning.

Copycat Gingerbread Latte pictured with Gingerbread Oatmeal.

Look at that frothy perfection. The gingerbread milk mixture before pouring over the espresso.