Gingerbread Delight: Spiced Christmas Coffee with Cognac Whipped Cream
This festive Gingerbread Delight is the perfect way to warm up during the holiday season! Inspired by my unforgettable first taste of Gingerbread Latte in 2006, I've crafted a sophisticated version that features a luscious ginger syrup and a splash of cognac, creating an indulgent treat that will elevate your coffee experience. The combination of spicy ginger, aromatic cinnamon, and rich vanilla melds beautifully into freshly brewed coffee, while a decadent chantilly cream topping infused with cognac transforms this seasonal beverage into a delightful dessert in a mug. Serve it on Christmas morning, cozy evenings by the fire, or whenever you desire a touch of festive warmth. It's a must-try for gingerbread lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 cups (for syrup)
Granulated Sugar
1.5 cups (for syrup)
Ground Ginger
2.5 teaspoons (for syrup)
Ground Cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon (for syrup)
Vanilla Extract
0.5 teaspoon (for syrup)
Medium Blend Coffee
0.5 scoop per person (freshly ground in coffee filter machine)
Whipping Cream
10 fluid ounces (whipped)
Cognac
2 tablespoons (for whipped cream)
Icing Sugar
2 tablespoons (for whipped cream)
Ground Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (for whipped cream)
Cinnamon Sticks
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by making the gingerbread syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Ensure the pan is large enough to prevent bubbling over.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes, until it becomes thick, glossy, and clear.
3
After thickening, remove the saucepan from heat and cover it. Allow the syrup to cool before transferring it to a bottle or jar. This syrup can be refrigerated for about a month.
4
Brew fresh coffee in your coffee filter machine according to your preference. For each tall mug, I recommend using 1/2 scoop of medium blend coffee.
5
Just before serving, whip the whipping cream using a handheld mixer until it reaches soft peaks. Gradually add the cognac, icing sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon while continuing to whip until the cream is firm and holds its shape.
6
To serve, pour the freshly brewed coffee into tall mugs until they are about two-thirds full. Add one tablespoon of ginger syrup and stir well, tasting and adjusting with more syrup if desired.
7
Spoon or pipe the cognac whipped cream generously on top of the coffee. Sprinkle with an additional dash of ground cinnamon for a festive touch.
8
Finish with a cinnamon stick in each mug as a stirrer, and enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Delight! If there are leftovers, treat yourself to another cup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gingerbread Delight?
Gingerbread Delight is a festive Christmas coffee beverage featuring homemade ginger syrup and cognac-infused whipped cream.
How do I make the homemade gingerbread syrup?
Combine water, granulated sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
What are the ingredients for the cognac whipped cream?
You will need 10 fluid ounces of whipping cream, 2 tablespoons of cognac, 2 tablespoons of icing sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How long can the gingerbread syrup be stored?
The syrup can be refrigerated in a bottle or jar for approximately one month.
What type of coffee is recommended for this recipe?
A medium blend coffee, freshly ground and brewed in a coffee filter machine, is recommended.
How much coffee should I use per person?
It is recommended to use 1/2 scoop of medium blend coffee for each tall mug.
When should I whip the cognac cream?
Whip the cream just before serving until it reaches soft peaks, then add the other ingredients and whip until firm.
How do I know when the syrup is finished cooking?
The syrup is ready when it has simmered for about 15 minutes and becomes thick, glossy, and clear.
How do I assemble the final drink?
Fill a mug two-thirds full with coffee, stir in one tablespoon of syrup, and top with a generous dollop of cognac whipped cream.
What garnishes are suggested for Gingerbread Delight?
You can sprinkle an additional dash of ground cinnamon on top and finish with a cinnamon stick as a stirrer.
Can I adjust the amount of syrup used?
Yes, you can taste the coffee after adding one tablespoon of syrup and adjust with more if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What size pan should be used for the syrup?
Use a medium saucepan that is large enough to prevent the mixture from bubbling over during the boiling process.
Is the syrup simmered covered or uncovered?
The syrup should be simmered uncovered for approximately 15 minutes.
What is the ratio of water to sugar in the syrup?
The recipe uses 2 cups of water and 1.5 cups of granulated sugar for the syrup base.
How much ginger is used in the syrup?
The recipe calls for 2.5 teaspoons of ground ginger to create the spicy ginger flavor.
Can I use a handheld mixer for the whipped cream?
Yes, a handheld mixer is perfect for whipping the cream to the desired firm peaks.
Is there vanilla in this recipe?
Yes, 0.5 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the gingerbread syrup for extra depth of flavor.
What kind of sugar is used in the whipped cream?
Icing sugar (powdered sugar) is used in the whipped cream to provide sweetness and a smooth texture.
Is this drink served hot or cold?
This is a warm beverage, served with freshly brewed hot coffee.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used across the syrup, the coffee, and the whipped cream topping.
What are the primary holiday flavors in this drink?
The main flavors are ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and cognac, creating a warm, festive profile.
Can I make the syrup in advance?
Yes, making the syrup in advance is recommended as it needs time to cool and can be stored for up to a month.
What is the serving suggestion for the mugs?
It is best served in tall mugs to accommodate the coffee, syrup, and a generous amount of cream.
Does the whipped cream have cinnamon?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is whipped directly into the cream along with the cognac and sugar.
Can the syrup be used for other things?
While designed for this coffee, the ginger syrup can be stored and used in other holiday beverages or treats.
What inspired this recipe?
The creator was inspired by their first taste of a Gingerbread Latte in 2006 and wanted to craft a more sophisticated version.
Is this recipe suitable for a dessert?
Yes, with the rich cognac chantilly cream, it is often described as a 'delightful dessert in a mug'.
What should I do with the syrup after it thickens?
Remove it from the heat, cover the pan, and allow it to cool completely before transferring to a storage container.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include gingerbread coffee, christmas beverages, holiday drinks, cognac cream, and spiced coffee.
Can I treat myself to a second cup?
Absolutely! The recipe encourages enjoying leftovers or treating yourself to another delicious mug.