Ginger cappuccino: coffee with an extra kick!

You’re in the mood for something warm with a bit of a kick. A cappuccino that warms you from the inside and is just a little different from usual. You try some ginger tea on the side or a pinch of powder in your coffee, but the flavours don’t quite come together.

It can be better. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to combine ginger with espresso and milk into a spicy cappuccino with character. Easy to make, surprisingly delicious and perfect for autumn or winter.

What is a ginger cappuccino?

A ginger cappuccino is a warm coffee drink where espresso is combined with ginger and creamy frothed milk. The spicy freshness of ginger surprisingly complements the deep flavour of coffee. The result is a spicy cappuccino that warms you up and is just a little different from what you’re used to.

Ginger adds a light kick to the coffee, making this cappuccino a great choice for autumn days or when you fancy something special. You can use fresh ginger or ginger syrup, depending on how strong you want it. By finding the right balance between bitter, creamy and spicy, you get a delicious coffee experience.

More and more coffee lovers are opting for flavour combinations with spices. A ginger cappuccino is a good example: simple to make and surprisingly tasty.

Recipe info & ingredients

Recipe info

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Difficulty: easy
• Number of cups: 1
• Category: Coffee recipe

Ingredients

• 1 shot espresso (or strong coffee)
• 150 ml whole milk or plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger or 1 tablespoon ginger syrup
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation instructions

1. Make a fresh espresso with your espresso machine or use strong filter coffee as an alternative.
2. Put the milk in a small saucepan and add the grated ginger or ginger syrup. Warm gently over low heat and don’t let it boil.
3. If you’re using fresh ginger, strain the warm milk through a fine sieve to remove the bits.
4. Froth the warm milk with a milk frother or whisk until creamy, firm foam forms.
5. Pour the espresso into a cup, add the warm milk and carefully spoon the foam on top. Optionally, sprinkle cinnamon over the foam.

Serving tips and variations

Ginger syrup is ideal if you want to quickly make something warm and spicy without grating or sieving fresh ginger. The flavour is a bit milder and sweeter. Use a tablespoon of syrup and add it to the milk before frothing.

For a true winter classic, add a pinch of cinnamon or a little nutmeg alongside the ginger. Use whole milk or barista milk for a creamy result. Serve in a large mug and garnish with cinnamon.

Which coffee and ginger work best?

For a ginger cappuccino, the base is just as important as the twist. Choose a coffee strong enough to support the spicy flavour of ginger. A espresso made from medium to dark roasted beans works best.

If you prefer filter coffee, make it a bit stronger than usual.

For the ginger, you can choose between fresh or syrup. Fresh ginger gives a fresh, spicy flavour and a lightly warming effect. Ginger syrup is milder, a bit sweeter and handy if you want to be quick.