When you are obsessed with all things coffee, nothing says "winter" quite like a gingerbread latte. This festive drink can be found at almost every cafe, but why face going outside to a real coffee shop in the bitter cold when you can make a homemade gingerbread latte with this recipe in your own kitchen? You don't even need to be a real barista! All you need is a few basic ingredients and five whole minutes. It also ends up being so inexpensive that you won't feel so guilty about your caffeine addiction. Well, that's what I tell myself, at least.
The best part is that you can customize the festive drink to your heart's desire, and you don't even need to be a barista to make it happen. For instance, if you prefer cinnamon over clove, adjust the proportions until the flavor is just right. Not a fan of sugar? Use maple syrup or honey to naturally sweeten up the drink. This homemade holiday latte is easy to make all your own, no matter your skill-level in the kitchen.
If you are hosting a holiday brunch or dinner party, bring this drink tutorial for a spin. Your guests will be super impressed at your DIY beverage skills. Top it off with easy gingerbread recipes and delicious peppermint treats, and you've got yourself the most classic flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white or brown sugar (optional)
1. Warm the milk over low heat. Keep a close watch, and whatever you do, don't let it boil or bubble. You can also pop it in the microwave if you have one. Just a minute and a half should do the trick.
Is one cup of milk too thick for your liking? Thin it out by combining 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup water.
2. Add the instant espresso. For a stronger latte, add another 1/2 to one tablespoon. Mix until dissolved.
2. Add the vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Add the ground clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add another 1/4 teaspoon of each for a latte with more intense flavor. On the other hand, you can also use a pinch of each for a milder beverage.
Stir until completely dissolved.
4. If you'd like, sweeten up the drink with a little sugar.
5. To serve the gingerbread latte, top it off with whipped cream. Add an extra dash of spices and mini chocolate chips, if you'd like.
Thanks to the beauty of homemade drinks, adding your own spin to this recipe is really easy. Here are some delicious ideas to upgrade your homemade latte:
Maple Syrup
For a more natural way to sweeten up your drink, use maple syrup instead of sugar.
Chocolate Syrup
On a cold and dreary day, there's nothing a drizzle of chocolate syrup can't fix. Add it straight to the drink or on top of whipped cream.
Cookie Garnish
Give your latte an upgrade by garnishing the rim with cookie crumbs. Before filling up the mug, moisten the rim with milk or creamer and dip into a plate of crumbs. It's like a 2-in-1 treat.
Vegan Options
If you eat a dairy-free diet, use coconut or almond milk instead. Top things off with coconut whipped cream.
Cinnamon Stick
Use a cinnamon stick as a makeshift stirrer. It will add extra flavor while creating a totally gram-worthy beverage.
Sprinkles
I think we can all agree everything is better with sprinkles. Chocolate ones seem like the obvious choice, but rainbow sprinkles will do as well.
Powdered Sugar
Wintry treats wouldn't be complete without powdered sugar. Add some right on top of the latte or along the rim.
I'm sorry, what's outside again? I forgot because I'm so damn cozy drinking this.
