Description

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 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or unsweetened soy milk for a creamier texture) (240 ml)
½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon Ground ginger
½–1 teaspoon Sugar-free sweetener (or 5–10 drops liquid monk fruit/stevia) (adjust to taste)
1 pinch Salt (optional, to balance the spice profile)
¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract (optional, for depth)

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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

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.