Ingredients
Starbucks coffee drinks are mostly served hot, but there are frozen and cold drinks as well. For a basic drink, you will need coffee, milk, and a sweetener of your choice. For a more elaborate coffee drink, you may want to add espresso, flavored syrups, spices, and/or cream. As with any coffee, Starbucks has a variety of coffee beans to choose from, depending on your preference. Additionally, they offer several different milks, including low-fat, non-fat, almond, soy and coconut.
Brewing Coffee
Once you’ve chosen your coffee and milk, it’s time to brew your drink. For basic coffees and latte, select your desired milk-to-coffee ratio and brew accordingly. Depending on the strength of your coffee or espresso machine, you may want to start with a ratio of 1/4 cup of coffee for every 6 ounces of milk, adjusting accordingly. You can also add flavored syrups, creams, and spices to the milk before making your drink. Make sure to mix thoroughly, as the milk can separate when brewed and it’s important to get a consistent flavor.
Adding Sweetener
The next step is to add sweetener, which can be done with granulated sugar, honey, agave nectar, or a flavored syrup. If you’re using granulated sugar, it’s best to dissolve it in your coffee or espresso first before adding the milk. Honey, agave nectar and syrups should be mixed with the milk before adding to the coffee. Once mixed, pour the sweetened milk over the coffee and stir to combine. Adjust the sweetness to your liking before dispensing your drink.
Topping
Topping your drink is the final step, and there are several options to choose from. Starbucks offers whipped cream, foam, and sprinkles, but you can also add your own toppings or syrups to personalize your drink. If you’re adding foam, be sure to pour your drink slowly and gently, as the milk can create a lot of foam if dispensed too quickly. For added flavor, dust your drink with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or nutmeg, or top with a drizzle of caramel or a swirl of whipped cream.
Making Specialties
In addition to the basic coffee drinks, Starbucks also offers specialties such as cafe mocha and cafe latte. These drinks are made with espresso and flavored syrups. The syrup is usually added to the espresso before adding the milk, but you can add it to the milk before adding the espresso if you prefer. Cafe mocha also requires cocoa powder, which is added to the syrup before combining it with the espresso. Once the syrup and espresso are combined, add the milk and stir. For an additional kick, top with a sprinkle of espresso powder or cinnamon.
Adding Alcohol
For those looking to add an extra kick to their coffee drink, some Starbucks locations offer alcoholic mochas and lattes. These beverages are made with espresso, blended with caramel or chocolate syrup, and topped off with a shot of Baileys, Kahlua, or vodka. Make sure to start with a cooler or room temperature espresso as alcoholic beverages have a lower boiling point than regular coffee. Heat the espresso for about 30 seconds then add your chosen spirit and syrup, stirring to combine. Once mixed, pour the espresso over steamed or iced milk and top with your chosen topping.
Recipes To Try At Home
You don’t have to go to Starbucks every time you want to enjoy a coffee drink. With the right ingredients and a few practice runs, you can make delicious coffee drinks at home. Try one of these recipes:
- White Chocolate Mocha: Combine 2 shots espresso with 1 teaspoon white chocolate syrup and 6 ounces of steamed milk. Top with whipped cream and chocolate powder.
- Hot Vanilla Latte: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 6 ounces of cold milk. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute then add 2 shots espresso. Top with foam and an extra sprinkle of sugar.
- Cold Caramel Latte: Blend 2 shots espresso with 1 teaspoon of caramel syrup and 6 ounces of cold milk. Add ice and top with cream and extra caramel syrup.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Frappuccino: Blend 1 cup of ice, 2 tablespoons of chocolate-hazelnut spread, 6 ounces of cold milk, 1 shot of espresso and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and extra chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Health Considerations
While coffee drinks can be a delicious treat, it’s important to keep in mind that they are high in calories, sugar and fat. If you’re watching your weight or making healthier lifestyle choices, opt for low-fat or non-fat milk, use minimal or no sweetener, and limit the amount of cream and syrup you add. If you do choose to add alcohol, opt for clear spirits, such as vodka or whiskey, to keep your calories and sugar content to a minimum.
Variations
You don’t have to stick to the classic coffee drinks; feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Try adding herbs, spices, juices and fruits. You can also use tea instead of coffee and low-fat or non-fat yoghurt instead of cream. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly; it’s easier to add more sweetness than to take it away. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll be able to come up with endless variations of delicious espresso drinks.
Decorating
Finally, don’t forget to decorate your drink. You can use stencils and special tools to create shapes in the foam and drizzle syrups for added flair. You can also make your own stencils with store-bought materials or use stencils in the shape of a heart, a smiley face or a message for your loved ones. Get creative and have fun with it!
