Cravings for creamy lattes usually mean sugar overload. Not this time. This Sugar free cinnamon ginger steamer is whisked and strained to remove all grit, leaving you with frothy, velvet-textured spiced milk that rivals your favorite barista’s best creation.
Why This “Hug in a Mug” Works
Silkiness Guaranteed: The secret straining step removes any gritty spice residue, meaning every sip is perfectly smooth and luxurious.
Flavor That Pops: A tiny pinch of salt acts as a flavor elevator, smoothing out the sharp “bite” of the ginger so you just get the warming, aromatic goodness.
Customizable Creaminess: Whether you use almond milk for a light treat or soy for a richer mouthfeel, this base adapts to your pantry creating a custom drink that hits the spot every time.
The Simple “Steaming” Technique
Making this drink is incredibly straightforward, but a few small details make all the difference. I always start by vigorously whisking the spices into the cold milk. This ensures the cinnamon doesn’t just float on top in a clump.
Heat it gently on the stove. You want it steaming hot—look for those little wisps of steam rising—but never let it come to a rolling boil. Boiling can make delicate plant milks separate, and we want to keep that texture creamy and dreamy.
For the absolute best experience, I recommend pouring the hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. It catches the larger bits of ginger and cinnamon, leaving you with a drink that feels like velvet. It transforms a rustic homemade drink into a barista-level experience.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Cup
Froth It Up: If you have a handheld frother, give the milk a 15-second blitz right before serving. That foam layer makes it feel incredibly indulgent.
Ginger Lovers: If you really love that spicy kick, you can grate a tiny bit of fresh ginger during the heating step (just make sure to strain it out!). For more ginger ideas, check out these 12 Ginger Tea Variations.
Nighttime Ritual: This is caffeine-free, making it perfect for evenings. Pair it with ideas from my 5 Herbal Tea Blends article if you are building a sleep routine.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the milk and spices ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It actually lets the flavors meld even more. Just heat and strain when you are ready to enjoy.
Is this suitable for a Keto diet?
Yes! With unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free sweetener, this comes in at just 2g net carbs. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself while staying on track.
What if I don’t have a sweetener?
You can drink it unsweetened for a more earthy, spicy flavor. However, a drop or two of stevia really helps highlight the natural sweetness of the cinnamon.
This warm, aromatic beverage is the perfect cozy companion for a chilly evening or a relaxing morning start. By swapping traditional sweeteners for a sugar-free alternative and focusing on warming spices, this version offers all the comfort of the original without the sugar. To ensure the smoothest texture, this recipe includes a straining step to remove any graininess from the spices, resulting in a velvety, coffee-house style drink.
Ingredients
Scale
1 cupUnsweetened almond milk (or unsweetened soy milk for a creamier texture) (240 ml)
1 pinch Salt (optional, to balance the spice profile)
¼ teaspoonVanilla extract (optional, for depth)
Instructions
Whisk base ingredients: In a small saucepan, vigorously whisk together the unsweetened almond milk, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and the optional pinch of salt while the milk is still cold. This helps disperse the spices before heating.
Warm the mixture: Place the saucepan over low heat. Heat gently for 3–4 minutes until the liquid reaches 150°F–165°F (65°C–75°C). It should be steaming hot and fragrant, but do not let it boil, as boiling can cause plant-based milks to separate or scald.
Refine texture (optional but recommended): For a completely smooth drink without “sandy” spice sediment, pour the hot mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into your mug, or blitz it briefly in a blender (vented safely).
Sweeten and serve: Stir in the sugar-free sweetener and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. For a frothy finish, use a handheld frother for 15 seconds before sipping.
Notes
Allergy Alert: This recipe uses almond milk (tree nuts). Use unsweetened soy milk for a nut-free option with a richer mouthfeel.
Why it works: The pinch of salt acts as a flavor enhancer, smoothing out the sharp “bite” of the ginger. Straining or blending ensures you get the flavor of the spices without the gritty texture at the bottom of the cup.
Texture Tip: Unsweetened almond milk is light. For a richer, more satisfying consistency closer to dairy, use unsweetened soy milk or add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream (or coconut cream) during the heating step.
Oat Milk Note: While oat milk provides a creamy texture, it is significantly higher in carbohydrates. If strictly following a Keto or low-carb diet, stick to almond or soy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Cup | Calories: 42 kcal | Net Carbs: 2g | Fat: 3g (Sat: 0g) | Protein: 1g | Total Carbs: 4g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 0g) | Potassium: 180mg | Sodium: 320mg (includes pinch of salt)
Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.
I hope this steamer adds a little cozy spark to your day! Remember, these are just my kitchen adventures—chat with your doctor for personalized tips!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. After a PCOS diagnosis, she focused her research on managing insulin resistance through evidence-based nutrition. Her work translates the science of DASH, Mediterranean, and Low-Carb eating into easy, family-tested recipes.
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