Sweet molasses and brown sugar laced with warming cinnamon and spicy ginger. Homemade gingerbread syrup makes this Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte a breeze to create your own homemade version!
It's time to dust off the weekend cobwebs, recover from the start of holiday parties and get this week over so we can do it all over again next weekend.
Here, to save the day - and to continue the tradition of Gingerbread Week (!!!!) - is this speak-to-your-soul, sweet and gingery, Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte.
It's the holiday season and we really don't need another reason to go to Target do we?
Let's cut out one less line to stand in and dollars to dish out because that tasty, seasonal Starbucks Latte we love to sip as we peruse the aisles can totally be made in the comfort of your own home without changing out of your jammies.
(Truth though...if you always wear yoga pants no one at Target knows you're still in your jammies.)
How to make Gingerbread Syrup
Making the base flavor of this latte is really just making a gingerbread cookie in simple syrup form - sugar, water, spices.
Ground ginger and molasses give gingerbread its signature taste so we will surely be putting those in our saucepan to become one big happy family.
Bring everything to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. That's it!
It's so easy you could do it without caffeination. I said, could, not that you have to.
The Easiest at-home latte
If you didn't have it on your Christmas list or score one during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, I've got the perfect kitchen gadget for all your coffee-loving needs.
We got our Nespresso machine as a gift from friends and while the short stack of coffee in my cup was an adjustment at first, I am 100% on the Italian-style coffee train. Climb aboard and ride to caffeination nation friends!
This Nespresso pixie comes with the milk frother, and is the same version we use at home and absolutely love. My favorite coffee pods for the espresso are the ristretto.
If you're not ready to dish out that kind of dough, a french press will brew perfect home espresso.
Frothed milk can be made on the stovetop by simmering in a saucepan over low heat while whisking. A little more elbow grease than pressing buttons, but the same result.
How to make the perfect holiday-season latte
You will be so amazed at how simple making this latte is. It truly keeps me from running to the coffee shop and just making my afternoon caffeinated treat at home.
To make a gingerbread latte, you'll need:
- gingerbread syrup: brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, water, ground ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla
- espresso
- your preferred milk or milk substitute
The most prep work is making the syrup - and all you need to do for that is just bring the ingredients to a simmer on the stove! Once the syrup simmers, you can transfer it to an air-tight container and store it until needed.
Tips for a perfect latte every time:
- Shake the gingerbread syrup before using. The spices might settle to the bottom in between using.
- Use at least 2 shots of espresso to 3 tablespoons of syrup to make the perfect copycat Starbucks gingerbread latte. If you prefer things more or less sweet, adjust to your tastes!
- Froth - or at least warm - your milk. While it is super convenient, you don't need a fancy frother. Try whisking the milk over medium low heat.
- Finish your latte with fresh grated nutmeg or homemade gingerbread spice.
Freshly brewed espresso, sweet and spicy gingerbread syrup, luscious frothed milk, and a little fresh spice and you've got yourself a cup of coffeehouse bliss.
You're just a few fluffy baked gingerbread doughnuts or fresh-baked scones away from a seriously festive start to the day!
If you made this recipe, please take a moment to leave a star rating below in the recipe! Thank you, as always, for your amazing support! Happy holidays!
Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
Gingerbread Syrup
- ¼ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
- 3 tablespoons Gingerbread Syrup
- 2 shots espresso
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- fresh grated nutmeg
- whipped cream optional
Instructions
Gingerbread Syrup
- In a medium size saucepan, combine the ingredients. Heat over medium heat, stirring until combined.
- Bring to a slow boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes - stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to a heat proof storage container. Shake well before each use to redistribute the spices.
Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Latte
- In a large coffee cup, add two shots of espresso. Stir in 3 tablespoons of Gingerbread Syrup and top with frothed milk.
- Scoop the foam of the frothed milk onto the top of the latte. Freshly grate nutmeg over the foam.
- Optional: add whipped cream to the top of the milk foam before freshly grating the nutmeg.
Notes
- If you don't have an espresso maker, espresso can be brewed in a french press.
- To froth the milk without a milk frother, simmer on the stove top over low heat in a sauté pan whisking constantly until a foam forms.
Nutrition
Nette Smith says
I had a Starbucks Gingerbread Latte last night and I was not impressed. So I searched and found this syrup recipe and made it tonight and OMG!!! Sooo good!!!! This will definitely be in rotation this winter!!!
Lauren says
Thanks Nette!
Jen says
Tastes exactly like Starbucks.
Daisy says
How many serving are in this syrup considering that I use 3 tablespoons each time?
Lauren says
About 6 servings total
Kathryn says
This is so delicious! I was desperate to find a gingerbread latte after Starbucks discontinued theirs. Thank you for the great recipe!
fyi - I use regular brewed coffee and almond milk.
Lauren says
Thank you! This is my holiday season must-have too!
wendy Winter says
super easy and delish. i made the pumpkin latte syrup as well. WE love our Nespresso and I use the new Napoli and it's amazing.
Samantha J Morris says
I was very disappointed when the GB lattes didn't return this year. Thankfully I found this recipe and i received a K-cafe for Christmas.(thx hubby) So I was eager to try out the recipe and extremely happy to say it taste exactly like a GB latte from ☆bux. Thank you so much.
Sebastian says
I really love this siryp recipe. I alsways prepare a vegan gingerbread latte with the sirup and it's definitely as good as the one @starbucks.
Gretchen says
I see I’m not the only one who searched “copycat starbucks gingerbread syrup recipe” because they got rid of their GL!! This is a great recipe, and thank you so much for it! I got a regular latte from Starbucks this morning and popped a few tablespoons of this syrup into it and it’s wonderful!! I am so glad I can still enjoy my GL this holiday season! 🙂
Cami says
What is the shelf life on this home made syrup an d how does everyone store it?
Lauren says
Hi Cami - The syrup should last about 1 month. Keep it in an air tight container. My favorite is a mason jar with a tight fitting lid.
Jessica H says
Do I put the syrup in the fridge? Or can i just leave it in an airtight container on the counter? I was so sad this year when sbux didn't bring back GL. This recipe is so tasty! Thanks!
Lauren says
I store mine on the counter in a mason jar since there are no perishable ingredients. You can definitely refrigerate it, you just might need to bring it to room temp to thin out before using. So glad you love this recipe!
Julia says
Can’t wait to try this! How long do you recommend storing the leftover syrup?
Sam says
This is so good! I was so bummed when Starbucks took away gingerbread syrup this year, but this recipe is just as good!
Lauren says
Thank you! I was also super bummed when the GL didn't come back this year!
Chelsea Green says
Made this last year and I’m making it again this year! Delicious.
Mackenzie says
I absolutely LOVE using my Nespresso milk frother. It is hands down my favorite way to make a latte, and so easy! I can't wait to get festive with this recipe!
Jessa Nowak says
I can't wait to try this!