Christmas Coffee Recipes: Gingerbread Latte and Holiday Drinks
Key Takeaways
- Peppermint mocha requires only peppermint syrup and chocolate sauce — both are straightforward to source or make at home
- Gingerbread latte flavor comes from three key ingredients — ginger, cinnamon, and molasses
- Holiday coffee drinks benefit from presentation — a cinnamon stick garnish or festive sprinkles elevate the experience
Five coffee drinks designed for the Christmas season. Spices, chocolate, and peppermint all have a natural affinity with coffee, and these recipes are easy to make at home for a holiday morning or a gathering.
Recipe 1: Gingerbread Latte
The signature holiday coffee drink.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- Espresso: 2 shots (60ml)
- Ginger syrup: 1 tbsp
- Molasses or dark sugar syrup: 1 tsp
- Milk: 150ml
- Cinnamon: a pinch
- Nutmeg: a very small pinch
Making Ginger Syrup
- Fresh ginger (thinly sliced): 50g
- Sugar: 100g
- Water: 100ml
Combine in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, then strain. Keeps refrigerated for 2 weeks.
Instructions
- Combine ginger syrup and molasses in the cup
- Pour in espresso and stir well
- Pour in warmed milk
- Dust with cinnamon and nutmeg
Recipe 2: Peppermint Mocha
A Starbucks holiday classic, easily recreated at home.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- Espresso: 2 shots (60ml)
- Chocolate sauce: 1 tbsp
- Peppermint syrup: 2 tsp (store-bought)
- Warmed milk: 150ml
- Whipped cream: optional
- Chocolate sprinkles or candy cane: for decoration
Instructions
- Add chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup to the cup
- Pour in espresso and stir
- Pour in warmed milk
- Top with whipped cream and decoration if desired
Peppermint syrup substitute: Brew strong peppermint tea and dissolve sugar in it for a quick homemade syrup. Alternatively, a few drops of peppermint extract added to simple syrup also works well.
Recipe 3: Eggnog Latte
A fusion of the classic Western Christmas drink with espresso.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- Espresso: 1 shot (30ml)
- Eggnog (store-bought): 150ml
- Nutmeg: a pinch
- Cinnamon stick: for garnish
Pull the espresso and pour warmed eggnog over it. Dust with nutmeg and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Recipe 4: Spiced White Mocha
White chocolate base with spices for a snowy Christmas feel.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- Espresso: 2 shots (60ml)
- White chocolate sauce: 1 tbsp
- Milk: 150ml
- Cinnamon: a pinch
- Vanilla extract: a few drops
- Whipped cream: optional
Instructions
- Add white chocolate sauce and vanilla extract to the cup
- Pour in espresso and stir
- Pour in warmed milk
- Top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon
Homemade white chocolate sauce: Melt 30g white chocolate with 2 tbsp heavy cream in a double boiler. Store-bought white chocolate syrup is a straightforward substitute.
Recipe 5: Christmas Cappuccino
Simple to make, but presentation transforms it into a holiday drink.
Ingredients (1 serving)
- Espresso: 1–2 shots
- Steamed milk: 100ml
- Milk foam: generous
- Cinnamon: for dusting
- Star-shaped chocolate sprinkles: for decoration
Make a standard cappuccino, then use a stencil or steady hand to dust cinnamon into a Christmas tree or star shape on the foam.
Summary
- Gingerbread latte: Ginger syrup + molasses delivers authentic holiday flavor
- Peppermint mocha: Chocolate + mint is the defining Christmas coffee combination
- Eggnog latte: The Western holiday classic paired with espresso
- Presentation matters: Garnishes and decorations quickly create a festive atmosphere
About the Author
Coffee Guide Editorial
A team of writers and baristas passionate about coffee. We cover everything from bean selection and brewing methods to café culture.
Team Credentials
- Certified baristas
- Specialty roasting café experience
- Coffee import industry experience