Advent Calendar Day 7 -Gingerbread Latte for One

A Hug in a Mug With Caffeine Included

Welcome to Day 7, where we lean directly into the personality trait that defines December: “I’m tired, but make it festive.”
Enter the Gingerbread Latte for One—a cosy, spicy, lightly sweet drink that turns even the most chaotic morning into something resembling a Hallmark movie montage.

If you’ve ever wanted your coffee to taste like it’s wearing a tiny Christmas scarf, this is the recipe for you. It’s warm, fragrant, and makes your kitchen smell like a gingerbread bakery—without the commitment of actually baking gingerbread (that’s tomorrow’s problem).🎄

⭐ Why You Need This in Your Life

Tastes like Christmas in liquid form
Cheaper than heading to your local café and battling the December queue
A perfect pick-me-up when you’re buying gifts, wrapping gifts, or recovering from gift-wrapping injuries
Scales up easily for brunch with friends
Can be made dairy-free without ruining its festive magic

☕ Ingredients (Serves 1)

1 cup milk of choice
1 shot espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves (optional but very Christmassy)
Whipped cream for topping (optional, but also… is it really optional?)

🔥 How to Make It

Heat milk in a small pot over medium heat.
Whisk in maple syrup/brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Add the espresso or strong coffee and stir until steaming.
Pour into your favourite mug.
Top with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon because December is not the time to hold back.

To scale it up: Multiply everything by four and simmer gently in a small saucepan. Serve in heatproof mugs for brunch.
To make it iced: Cool the spiced milk and coffee, then pour over ice. It’s incredible on a hot Australian December afternoon.

💬 Christmas Card Message to Write to Your Single Friends

“May your Christmas be warm, your coffee strong, and your joy spiced just right. Here’s to festive fuel and good company—even if today the company is your mug.”