Tis the season for those holiday lattes that appear each year may get you in a better mood for the Christmas music that you hear. Although giving $5 to the coffee clerk everyday to have that simple pleasure in a coffee mug may not be ideal to you. I don’t know about you, but that is pretty expensive if you actually think about it. Who really wants to pay that everyday? However, those favorites can be made right in your own kitchen. No worries of having to leave the warmth of your home or debating on if you should really spend that last $5 in your purse to satisfy your craving. Here are a few holiday latte recipes that have become the most popular.
Gingerbread Latte
photo credit: indigodeath via photopin cc
Ingredients & Preparations:
First prepare the Gingerbread Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat and allow for syrup to simmer. Leave uncovered for 15 minutes and then remove from fire.
Express Preparation:
- 1/2 cup fresh espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 8 ounces milk, steamed
Prepare a double shot of espresso and steam 8 ounces of milk. Pour 1/2 cup of espresso into mug, add 1/4 cup of gingerbread syrup followed by the milk. Stir and serve hot.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Photo credit: Thinkstock
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. espresso
- 2 tbsp. pumpkin pie mix out of the can
- 8 oz. milk
Directions:
Combine espresso and pumpkin pie and mix well. The nice thing about the pumpkin pie mix is it already has all the spices needed. If you only have canned pumpkin use 2 tbsp. canned pumpkin and ½ tsp. cinnamon and ½ tsp. nutmeg. Top with warmed milk and enjoy this traditional holiday treat.
Eggnog Latte
photo credit: [on the beauty of life] via photopin cc
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup eggnog
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1-2 shots espresso
- Sprinkle of nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
Combine cold eggnog with cold milk and steam. Add espresso shots to steamed eggnog mixture and sprinkle with nutmeg.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, then you can make faux lattes by either using instant coffee packs or super concentrated coffee. Enjoy!