Gingerbread Spiced Latte (Print version)

A warm latte with spiced molasses syrup and frothy milk, ideal for winter comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Spiced Syrup

01 - 2 tablespoons molasses
02 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt
09 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Latte

10 - 2 shots (60 ml) espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
11 - 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk, dairy or plant-based
12 - Whipped cream, for topping (optional)

→ Garnish

13 - Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for dusting
14 - Mini gingerbread cookie (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine molasses, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, salt, and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup is smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
02 - In a separate pan or milk frother, warm the milk until hot and frothy.
03 - Prepare two shots of espresso or brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
04 - Divide the spiced syrup evenly between two mugs. Add the espresso or brewed coffee to each mug and stir thoroughly.
05 - Pour steamed milk over the coffee mixture, holding back foam with a spoon. Then spoon the foam on top.
06 - Garnish with whipped cream, a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, and place a mini gingerbread cookie on the side if desired.
07 - Serve immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes just 10 minutes to create a café quality drink at home
  • The spiced syrup tastes like captured warmth, that secret ingredient that makes people ask what you're drinking
  • Works beautifully with any milk you have on hand, whether dairy or plant-based
02 -
  • The spiced syrup is the secret. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week, then you can have this drink ready in 5 minutes any morning.
  • Your milk temperature matters more than you'd think. Too hot and it won't froth properly, not hot enough and the drink won't feel luxurious. Aim for about 150 to 155 degrees if you're fussy about it.
03 -
  • Fresh spices make all the difference. If your ginger, cinnamon, or cloves have been sitting in your cabinet for more than a year, that's the perfect reason to replace them.
  • Oat milk and almond milk both froth beautifully and complement the spice profile perfectly, though any milk you love will work.