December Coffee Drinks That Beat the Boring: Gingerbread & Eggnog Lattes

December is no time for boring coffee. It’s the season for bold flavors, warm mugs, and drinks that hit harder than the cold wind outside. Whether you’re running a café or just brewing like a pro at home, this is your month to serve up coffee that actually feels like the holidays—without getting overly sweet or gimmicky.

We’re talking Gingerbread and Eggnog Lattes—two classics that strike the perfect balance between festive and strong. Both are easy to batch, fast to make during rush hour, and guaranteed to turn heads with that rich, spicy, holiday aroma. Smash Pop and Punkstock make good espresso bases for both of these drinks.

Gingerbread Latte

Flavor Profile: Deep, molasses-sweet with a punch of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. Cozy, bold, and built for winter.

For each size:

• Small: 3 pumps (¾ oz) Gingerbread Syrup
• Medium: 4 pumps (1 oz) Gingerbread Syrup
• Large: 5 pumps (1¼ oz) Gingerbread Syrup
• Combine with espresso and steamed milk. Optional: finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Gingerbread Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups boiling water
• 4 cups brown sugar
• 8 Tablespoons molasses
• 5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons ginger
• 1 teaspoon clove

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Whisk in the brown sugar and molasses until fully dissolved.
3. Add spices and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Let cool, strain if needed, and store in a pump bottle.

This syrup brings that rich, holiday-cookie vibe without crossing into “too sweet.” It’s balanced, bold, and pure comfort in a cup.

Eggnog Latte

Flavor Profile: Creamy, smooth, and nostalgic—like a fresh pour of eggnog cut with espresso for a perfect balance of sweet and strong.

For each size:

• Small: 3 pumps (¾ oz) Eggnog Syrup
• Medium: 4 pumps (1 oz) Eggnog Syrup
• Large: 5 pumps (1¼ oz) Eggnog Syrup
• Combine with espresso and steamed milk. Top with nutmeg for that final festive kick.

Eggnog Syrup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw sugar
• 1 ¾ cups boiling water
• 3 teaspoons eggnog extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Combine boiling water and raw sugar; stir until dissolved.
2. Mix in eggnog and vanilla extracts.
3. Cool and store in a pump or squeeze bottle.

This syrup gives all the classic eggnog flavor—without the heavy cream. It’s light enough for daily sipping but still packs that unmistakable holiday taste. The reason we DON'T recommend actually steaming eggnog is it can ruin your espresso boiler. In fact, we have a name for it...clog nog. 

Bring It to Life on Your Menu

Name them like you mean it. “The Gingerbread Grind” or “The Nogganator” sound way more memorable than the standard fare. Position them as limited-time seasonal features, and your customers will come running for their December fix.

Pair with spiced pastries, shortbread cookies, or your go-to bakery partner’s winter lineup. The goal: make every sip and bite feel like a reward for braving the cold.

Final Pour

This time of year, coffee isn’t just fuel—it’s an experience. The Gingerbread Latte brings the spice, and the Eggnog Latte delivers smooth nostalgia. Together, they round out any café’s December menu with flavor, warmth, and just the right amount of edge.

So fire up the espresso machine, get those syrups prepped, and give your customers a reason to come back all winter long.

It’s the season for strong coffee, good company, and drinks that make the cold worth it.