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Tis’ the season for all things sweet! This easy homemade Vanilla Gingerbread Latte is the sweetest mug to cozy up to. Steamed milk, with sweet molasses, hints of real vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, and a couple shots of espresso. This latte is creamy, rich, just perfectly sweet, and best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of salted caramel brûlée candy. Perfect for sipping on while opening gifts on Christmas morning…or watching your favorite holiday movie.
This post is sponsored by Breville.
We’re getting so close to Christmas! Yes, we all know how excited I get this time of year. So you can guess just how thrilled I am to partner with one of my favorite brands, Breville. I’m sure you’ve all heard me go on about just how much I love my Breville espresso machine. So when I had the opportunity to receive the new (and gorgeous) Red Velvet Cake collection, I was of course on board.
The line is so visually stunning…and obviously fun for the holidays…but it’s equally beautiful all year round.
Since I now have the new Red Velvet Barista Pro, I really wanted to create an espresso-based drink for the holidays. Since I’ve already shared an espresso martini this season, I thought I’d do something warm and cozy for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas morning. Enter his Vanilla Gingerbread Latte which checks all those boxes. Fun fact, Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year…so much fun to be had!
In addition to the Barista Pro, the Red Velvet Cake collection includes a blender, kettle, toaster, and a range of other Breville products.
If you’re looking for something last minute, any of these would make the perfect holiday gift.
The details
This sweet latte is like a gingerbread cookie in drink form with a double shot of espresso. The best combination.
I used the Barista Pro for my shot of espresso and it made this latte coffee shop quality. Maybe even a bit better with the addition of a little whipped cream and sweet caramel brûlée on top (kind of like Starbucks).
The caramel brûlée is literally just caramelized sugar that you break into pieces. SO SIMPLE, but yet so good – and festive! Just sprinkle the shards of sugar over the latte. They melt into the drink creating the most delicious caramel swirls in your gingerbread.
Yes, it’s over the top, but perfect for Christmas morning by the fire!
FAQ:
Can I make this without espresso?
Yes—use very strong brewed coffee or moka-pot coffee. Aim for a bold, concentrated base so the spices don’t overpower it.
How do I get good foam without a frother?
Use a French press: pump 20–30 times until the milk increases in volume. Or shake hot (not boiling) milk in a heat-safe jar, venting the lid slightly.
What if I don’t have molasses?
Try dark brown sugar plus a drizzle of maple; you’ll get sweetness and some depth, though the “gingerbread” note will be softer.
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely—start with half the sweetener, taste, then adjust. The spices and vanilla will keep it flavorful even with less sugar.
Looking for other warming Christmas morning drinks? Here are my favorites:
Lastly, if you make this Vanilla Gingerbread Latte, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Vanilla Gingerbread Latte
Ingredients
Salted Caramel Brûlée
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- flaky sea salt
Gingerbread Latte
- 2 cups coconut milk or whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 shots espresso or 1/2 cup brewed black coffee
- whipped cream, for serving (homemade recipe in notes
Instructions
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium pot, cook the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a heat-proof spatula until the sugar has melted and turns a golden caramel, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully pour the caramel onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread in a thin even layer and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let sit 5 minutes. Once hardened, crush the caramel into small pieces/shards with the back of a spoon.2. Combine the milk, maple syrup, molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium pot and bring to a simmer, heat until steaming. Add the vanilla. Using a small whisk or fork, whisk until frothy. Remove from the heat.3. Divide the espresso between 2 mugs. Pour over the gingerbread milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of caramel brûlée. Drink up!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Love the recipe and live the mug. Can you say where it’s from?
Hey Lisa,
The mug is from Terrain, it is currently sold out. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Is this the coffee machine advertisement? Or a recipe?
Hi there,
This is a recipe:) Please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I’m sitting by my Christmas tree enjoying the best gingerbread latte I’ve ever tasted. My favorite recipe guru strikes again!
Hey Aniella,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Happy Holidays! xTieghan
I can’t wait to try this. What are those little stars? Cinnamon? They’re so cute!
Hi Tereasa,
Those are star anise. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try! xTieghan
Hi!
This looks amazing- I don’t drink coffee- if I leave it out should I adjust the amounts of anything else?
Also- If I make it on Sunday, do you think it will last a few days in the fridge?
Love your recipes & your books ❤️
Hi Kristen,
A latte is made with coffee, if you omit that I really don’t know how this would taste. Let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious latte! Ran to the grocery store on a whim to get ingredients after coming across the recipe last night! Forgot I don’t have a hand mixer so I whipped the heavy cream by hand and it actually wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be, everything came out perfect 🙂 Two thumbs up!
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe out, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
Where did you get that adorable mug?
Hi Polly,
Here is the link for the mug:
https://shopstyle.it/l/bBNK0
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Do you use fresh grated ginger or ground ginger powder?
Hi Bri,
For this recipe, you will want to use ground ginger. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Even with just the flavored milk, it’s deliciously spicy!
Hey Miranda,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe out, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed. Happy Holidays! xTieghan
This was wonderful! Thank you!
Hey Natalie,
Happy Sunday! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
I’m confused by these two ingredients listed in the recipe. Is it a typo?
1/4-1/2 cup brewed black coffee, steaming hot
3-4 shots espresso or 1/2 cup brewed black coffee
I’m confused by that also. I don’t see where the 1/4 – 1/2 cup of steaming hot brewed black coffee, that’s listed before the espresso, is used.
Hey Sue,
So sorry for any confusion, you will want to use the 3-4 shots of espresso OR 1/2 cup brewed black coffee. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Where does the brewed black coffee come into play? Is this just an alternative if you don’t have espresso shots? I’m confused as to why I need espresso and the black coffee.
Never mind!!! I now see the either or! I swear I read this 3 times! SMH!!!
LOL no worries!
Hey Rachel,
You can use either black coffee or the espresso:) Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Love my Breville espresso machine, and that red velvet is gorg! You always have the cutest mugs. Can you share in links? Trying the brûlée recipe today. Thinking it’s be a great little hostngidt!
Awe thanks so much!! Yes, Breville is the best! This mug is from Anthropologie! xTieghan
I ardore the kettle so much!!
Miki x
https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/
Thanks!
Right now I am getting too many emails, please unsubscribe me from all your lists. PLEASE.
Hi Catherine,
You can simply hit the “unsubscribe” button on your emails, or go to your account and adjust your preferences:) xTieghan