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
Hope says
I love this recipe!! The gingerbread chai at Starbucks is my favorite and I wanted a copy cat recipe to make this at home. One question, how long does this syrup usually last?? Thanks!
T-dub, says
I was skeptical -- I am now blown away. DELICIOUS, simple to make, and totally tastes like the 'real thing'. In fact, it tastes even better because I no longer have to shell out mega bucks to get one!
Dru says
Total keeper, thank you! I had just tried another recipe that mixed the spices into the warming milk, but making this syrup is the way to go. I also used a vegetable milk and vegan whip cream (all the Oatly stuff works great!)
Shannon says
I absolutely LOVE this but no matter how I store it after a few days it gets a slimy film on the bottom!!! Anyone else have this issue? Stored in a mason jar on the counter and in the back of the fridge, both ways did the same. Made sure to heat enough to kill bacteria. I stir before using each time. Any thoughts?
Kate says
So easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Thank you for such a wonderful recipe, I will be enjoying this syrup all winter long!
Beth Celestin says
This is so delicious! Better than Starbucks in my opinion. I love that you can batch make the syrup for easy lattes.
Shannon says
I normally don't comment on recipes but this is AMAZING!!!! I was disappointed they didn't bring theirs back but honestly I'm happier now, this is way better than SB GL!! Thanks so much!