Holiday Latte Recipes: When You’re Too Cheap for Starbucks

Nicoyle Simmons

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.