Gingerbread and gingerbread flavors are popular food options during the holidays and winter months due to their warm, comforting spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices evoke a sense of coziness and tradition. The rich, aromatic profile of gingerbread pairs perfectly with the cold weather (whenever it decides to make an appearance), providing a nostalgic, festive atmosphere for all. Ginger’s soothing properties and its sweet yet spicy flavor are strongly tied to holiday baking and decorations. Additionally, gingerbread’s association with seasonal celebrations, like Christmas and gingerbread houses, reinforces its role as a beloved holiday flavor that brings people together during the winter season.

The flavor is so quintessential to the holiday season that gingerbread has made its way into our winter beverages. Popular gingerbread beverages mix traditional drinks with modern pairings for a festive flavor. There is another reason to turn to gingerbread drinks this holiday season. Ginger is a common home remedy for an upset stomach and may be combined with lactose-free milk to ease lactose intolerance symptoms experienced during the decadent season. Together, these ingredients create a tasty treat that may help you enjoy all your holiday favorites without the fear of discomfort. Some of the top gingerbread drinks include:

Gingerbread Latte – Caffeine is required year-round, so of course we need a holiday version of the always-necessary latte. Enjoy the flavors of the holiday season all year long with this homemade gingerbread latte. The holiday classic combines espresso, steamed milk, and gingerbread syrup and is often topped with whipped cream and cinnamon or nutmeg.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate – Hot chocolate is a hit among all ages, so bring a twist to your mug of cocoa. Combine rich, indulgent hot chocolate with gingerbread spices or a homemade syrup. Use this Festively Lactose-Free Hot Chocolate recipe as a guide to creating your own hot chocolate. This lactose-free spin on hot chocolate is blended with warm fudge sauce for a chocolaty treat.

Why choose a lactose-free base? Lactose-free milk is real milk, just without lactose. Choosing lactose-free milk allows for indulgent hot chocolate and other dairy-based drinks without discomfort.

Once ready to serve, top with marshmallows and whipped cream. It is the holidays, a celebratory and decadent time of the year! Add a freshly made gingerbread cookie for garnish. Once you dip your gingerbread cookie into your gingerbread hot chocolate, you will wonder how you have gone for so long without this perfect treat.

Gingerbread Iced Coffee – Some days feel more like summer than the early days of winter. Whatever the weather, you don your ugly sweater and you insist on turning on the fire for the aesthetic of it all. You need a holiday beverage that will keep you cool. Gingerbread iced coffee is a refreshing twist on the traditional gingerbread latte. Served cold with gingerbread-flavored syrup and ice, it is perfect for those who enjoy flavors of holiday cheer year-round.

This Creamy Vanilla Coffee Smoothie base is a great option for those looking for a cold caffeine option that can be made at home. This smoothie uses yogurt, another dairy food that those with lactose intolerance should try. Many yogurts contain probiotics, live and active cultures that help your body break down lactose.

Gingerbread Eggnog – Adding gingerbread to another holiday must-have makes this festive version of the classic eggnog the perfect creamy, spiced holiday treat. This Homemade Eggnog uses similar spices to gingerbread, making the alteration easy. There is no need for the store-bought seasonal treat when you can make this simple homemade batch. This eggnog is not too thick but perfectly creamy! In addition to your gingerbread flavoring, add your choice of brandy, bourbon, or rum for an adult version.

These drinks offer a blend of warmth, spice, and sweetness, making them perfect for the winter season. By choosing lactose-free milk, everyone can enjoy these treats over the holiday season. For more milk-based drinks you can easily make low-lactose or lactose-free, browse our dairy recipes.

Every dairy farm looks a little different, but one priority remains the same: keeping cows healthy, comfortable and well cared for. Dairy farmers put careful thought into the housing they provide, creating spaces that give cows a comfortable place to rest, access to fresh food and water, and protection from changing weather conditions. From barn design to bedding and ventilation, meet the dairy farmers who are putting cow comfort at the center of their everyday care.