Gingerbread Frappe: A Cool, Spiced Holiday Drink

Introduction

The holiday season is filled with warm spices, sweet treats, and cozy flavors, but sometimes you want something refreshing instead of hot drinks. That’s where this Gingerbread Frappe comes in—a cool, creamy, and spiced holiday drink that delivers all the classic gingerbread flavors in an icy, blended treat.

I first discovered the magic of gingerbread-flavored frappes while visiting a holiday market on an unusually warm December day. While everyone else was sipping on hot cocoa and spiced lattes, I was craving something cold but still festive. A café was offering a gingerbread-spiced frozen coffee, and from the first sip, I was obsessed. The blend of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg gave it that cozy holiday feel, while the creamy, frosty texture made it perfectly refreshing.

After recreating this drink at home, it quickly became my go-to festive treat for those moments when I wanted something cool, creamy, and packed with holiday spices. Whether you’re kicking off your morning with a caffeine boost, treating yourself to a midday pick-me-up, or craving a fun, seasonal dessert drink, this Gingerbread Frappe is the ultimate cool holiday indulgence.

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The Perfect Drink for the Holiday Season

This Gingerbread Frappe is sweet, spiced, and icy, making it a fun and refreshing alternative to hot holiday drinks. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Espresso or strong coffee gives it the perfect caffeine boost.
• Molasses and brown sugar create a deep, rich gingerbread flavor.
• Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add warm, festive spice.
• Milk and ice make it creamy and smooth.
• Whipped cream and cookie crumbles take it over the top.
• It’s easily customizable—make it dairy-free, extra strong, or even boozy!

Whether you’re cooling down after holiday shopping, sipping on something festive by the fireplace, or craving a dessert-like coffee drink, this Gingerbread Frappe is a must-try holiday treat.

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Picture Gallery

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Why Gingerbread Spices, Coffee, and Cream Work So Well Together

Molasses: The Deep, Rich Gingerbread Base

Molasses is the key ingredient in gingerbread, giving it a warm, slightly smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with coffee and spices.

Brown Sugar: The Sweet Caramel Touch

Brown sugar enhances the molasses flavor while adding a hint of caramel-like sweetness.

Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg: The Classic Gingerbread Spices

These spices create the signature gingerbread flavor, adding warmth, depth, and a touch of holiday magic.

Espresso or Strong Coffee: The Bold, Roasty Kick

A shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee cuts through the sweetness and balances out the flavors.

Milk and Ice: The Creamy, Frosty Texture

Blending milk and ice together creates a smooth, frappuccino-like consistency that makes this drink feel cool, creamy, and indulgent.

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How to Make a Gingerbread Frappe

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled)
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative: oat, almond, or coconut milk)
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups ice
• Whipped cream & crushed gingerbread cookies (for topping, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

1. Prepare 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup of strong coffee, then let it cool.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1. In a blender, combine coffee, milk, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and ice.
2. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Adjust & Serve

• For a thicker frappe: Add more ice.
• For a thinner consistency: Add a splash of milk.
• For extra sweetness: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Step 4: Garnish & Enjoy

1. Pour into a tall glass and top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and crushed gingerbread cookies.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your cool, spiced holiday treat!

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this frappe without coffee?

Yes! Simply replace the coffee with extra milk or a chai tea concentrate for a caffeine-free, spiced version.

2. Can I make this frappe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free whipped cream.

3. What’s the best coffee to use?

A dark roast coffee or espresso works best, as it balances the sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar.

4. How can I make this drink extra indulgent?

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the blender for a richer taste.
• Use vanilla ice cream instead of ice for a milkshake-like treat.
• Stir in a splash of Baileys or spiced rum for a boozy holiday twist.

5. Can I prepare this drink in advance?

This frappe is best made fresh, but you can brew the coffee ahead of time and chill it until you’re ready to blend.

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Variations

• Chocolate Gingerbread Frappe: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a mocha twist.
• Gingerbread Chai Frappe: Use chilled chai tea instead of coffee for a tea-based version.
• Boozy Gingerbread Frappe: Blend in 1 oz spiced rum, Baileys, or coffee liqueur.
• Salted Caramel Gingerbread Frappe: Drizzle in caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt for extra richness.
• Protein Gingerbread Smoothie: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to turn this into a post-workout treat.

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When to Serve It

Holiday Shopping Pick-Me-Up

A cool and energizing treat to fuel your Christmas shopping sprees.

Afternoon Treat During the Holidays

The perfect midday refresher that tastes like a holiday dessert.

Holiday Brunch & Christmas Morning

Pairs beautifully with pastries, French toast, or cinnamon rolls.

Cozy Nights In (When You Want Something Cold!)

Because sometimes, you want a cold drink with all the festive flavors.

Winter Parties & New Year’s Celebrations

A fun alternative to traditional holiday cocktails and hot drinks.

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Occasions to Serve It

• Christmas Eve & Christmas morning
• Holiday brunches & family breakfasts
• New Year’s Eve celebrations
• Winter weddings & festive events
• Casual nights in with friends & holiday movie nights

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Conclusion

This Gingerbread Frappe is the perfect blend of cool, creamy, and spiced holiday flavors. With its rich molasses sweetness, warm gingerbread spices, and smooth coffee base, it’s a festive alternative to traditional hot holiday drinks. Whether you enjoy it as a morning coffee treat, a midday refresher, or a holiday dessert drink, this frappe is a must-try for the season.

Try it out, customize it to your taste, and let me know how you like it! Cheers to cool, spiced, and delicious holiday moments! 🎄☕❄️