Craving gingerbread isn’t really a seasonal thing. I mean, is there anything really specific about wanting to taste cinnamon, brown sugar, molasses, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice?

Those flavors are as warming and delectable in June as they are in January! And what could be wrong with that?

Also, this incredibly decadent latte is perfect hot or cold, which truly makes it craveable all year long.

Seriously.

All.

Year.

Round.

This drink starts with an insanely flavorful gingerbread syrup, and then is mixed together with espresso and frothed milk. Which gives it layers, and layers of creamy flavor.

It’s a ginger treat that will keep you happy in shorts weather, and in skiing weather!

Starbucks Gingerbread Latte recipe

This is a two-part recipe, because you have to start by making the gingerbread simple syrup. This may feel a little scary, but don’t worry – it’s all really easy! For the gingerbread simple syrup, all you have to do is:

Bring all of the ingredients to a light boil in a small pot over medium heat.

Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.

Allow to cool completely.

(And if that’s all you can do for the day, no problem – the simple syrup can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.)

Then for making the actual gingerbread latte:

Pour the milk into a metal container, and using a hand frother process the milk until it’s aerated and creamy.

If making a cold drink, fill a glass with ice and stir together the simple syrup, espresso, and vanilla extract.

Pour the milk over the iced espresso mixture, and top with foam.

If making a hot latte, omit the ice and stir the mixture together and pour in the milk and top with foam.

Tips and substitutions

If you want to make this dairy-free, simply sub in coconut milk for the dairy milk – a 1:1 substitution ratio should do just fine.

If you want to amp up the ginger flavor even more, you can grate fresh ginger off the ginger root instead of using powdered ginger – just be sure to strain out the fresh ginger once the syrup has cooled.
If you have extra coffee on hand, freeze it in an ice cube tray. That way, when you’re craving a cold drink on a hot day, the flavors won’t get diluted. And you really don’t want to water down the amazing flavors in this drink!

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