Roll out the Dough
Homemade Starbucks drinks may seem daunting, but with a few recipes and basic instructions, you can enjoy the fruits of your caffeinated labor with ease. To begin, gather your ingredients – preferably all-natural, such as apples and oatmeal, as opposed to artificial flavorings or concentrates. You will also want to select a fine, low-acidity coffee, as this will make all the difference to the taste and quality of the drink. Once all of the components have been gathered, it’s time to roll out the dough.
Mix and Simmer
The next step is to mix the ingredients together, adding hot water or milk depending on the recipe. Start by combining the sugar and hot liquid, stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Then gradually add the coffee, stirring continuously. The mixture should quickly begin to foam, so be sure to take it off the heat for a few minutes to let the bubbles settle. Once you are satisfied with the texture, simmer over moderately low heat for a few minutes. Finally, grab a spoon and scoop out the foam.
Stir it Up
Now, it’s time to give the drink its signature flavor. Start by stirring in the oatmeal, apple or other chosen fruit or flavorings. Make sure to keep stirring the mixture until the desired flavor is achieved. During this stage, you also want to keep an eye on the texture. If it’s too thick, add an extra dash of hot water or milk to thin it out. Once all of the flavors have been combined, it’s time to start transferring the drink to individual cups.
Fill it Up
This is perhaps the trickiest part, as you have to ensure the foam in the center of the cup is not disturbed. Slowly pour the mixture into the center of the cup and allow it to settle for several moments. Once it is settled, you can top up the edges with more hot liquid. If you find that the foam is still being disturbed, take it off the heat for a few more minutes before continuing. Finally, top the drink off with some additional foam and a sprinkling of cinnamon, if desired.
Brew it Up
Now that you have prepped your homemade Starbucks drinks, it’s time to start brewing the coffee. This is where the selection of your coffee comes into play. For an extra bold flavor, opt for a darker roast coffee. In addition, you may want to add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk to add a richness and a creamy finish to the drink. Once the coffee is brewed, allow it to rest for a few moments before serving.
Whisk It All Together
The last step is to whisk the coffee and the homemade Starbucks drinks together. Whisking these two components together energetically for several minutes will help to extract the most flavor from the drink. Take your time and make sure to be gentle, as you don’t want to overwork the liquid. Once the proper frothiness has been achieved, pour the mixture into individual cups and serve.
Decorate and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to decorate your homemade Starbucks drinks. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top, or add a few slices of fresh fruit for a bit of color. Another fun option is to drizzle some caramel or chocolate syrup on top of the drink. Let your imagination go wild and have fun with it. With that, your homemade Starbucks drinks are ready to be enjoyed.
Elevate It with Espresso
For a more substantial drink, a shot of espresso is the perfect addition. To make espresso, you’ll need an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. Grind up your chosen espresso beans and load them into the machine or pot. For an average-sized machine, you’ll need about two tablespoons of grounds. Heat the liquid to about 200 degrees, and wait until it begins to foam. Turn the heat off and let the liquid settle before pouring into the rest of the drink. Your delicious homemade latte is now ready to serve.
Float It with Whipped Cream
Adding a dollop of whipped cream to your homemade Starbucks drinks can be a fun way to switch up the flavor. To make your own whipped cream at home, all you need is a can of chilled cream, some granulated or powdered sugar, a bowl, and a whisk or a hand mixer. Beat the cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the sugar. Add the desired amount of whipped cream to the top of your drink for an extra special treat.
Make it Extra Special with Handcrafted Syrups
Creating your own syrups can add an extra layer of sweetness to your homemade Starbucks drinks. Start by choosing either fresh fruit or pure fruit juice as the base for the syrup. Then mix with some sugar and a teaspoon of water over medium heat, stirring continuously until the liquid thickens. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, pour it into a container and cool thoroughly before using. This syrup can be used to sweeten coffee or tea, or to make indulgent coffee-based drinks.
Finish it off with a Touch of Spice
For an extra kick and an interesting twist, try adding a pinch of spice to your homemade Starbucks drink. Nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, can add a fragrant and nutty flavor, while a pinch of cocoa powder can give an indulgent chocolate flavor. A few tablespoons of coconut flakes or pistachios can bring a bit of crunch, while a pinch of cardamom will give a bright, floral note to the drink. Experiment with different spices until you find the perfect combination, then kick back and enjoy your unique and delicious creation.
