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Jen of “Cincy Shopper”

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte by Jen of “Cincy Shopper”

If you love your Starbucks but don’t have Starbucks money, this can be a big issue. However, what they don’t tell you is that most Starbucks drinks can be made at home for less cash than you’d expect and thanks to blog sites all over the internet, it’s never been easier to find recipes for your favorite drinks. So, if you are a fan of the simple Salted Caramel Mocha, the famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, and the rich Iced Caramel Macchiato, here are the recipes for these Starbucks favorites.

Salted Caramel Mocha:

The Salted Caramel Mocha is a classic fall drink with a starting price of $3.75. Thankfully, this drink can be made at home in only five minutes. Jocelyn, the writer of “Inside BruCrew Life,” has created a simple recipe for those of us who want this sweet treat without leaving the comfort of our home.

First, mix 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Set these aside. Then add 1 cup fat-free milk,  2 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping, 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix (or chocolate syrup), and pinch sea salt into a pot and heat until the mixture is just below boiling. Pour this into a blender (be careful of hot splashes) and pulse until the brew is frothy and has many small air bubbles.

Pour your mixture into a large cup and break out 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Slowly pour the hot coffee into one side of the frothed milk letting it mix on its own. To make your drink look professional, top it with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel syrup, and sprinkle with the sugar/sea salt mixture. Voilà! All the flavors of Fall in one cup thanks to Jocelyn of “Inside BruCrew Life!”

Pumpkin Spice Latte:

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a favorite among many Starbucks fans, but this favorite will cost you a pretty penny with the average price starting at $4.25. However, Jen of “Cincy Shopper” has created a copycat recipe for those looking to save cash while getting their pumpkin spice fix. But get ready because the process is lengthy.

Let’s begin with the signature syrup. Start out by simmering 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a pan over medium heat. Make sure to stir occasionally. Once all the sugar has dissolved, add a mixture of 1 1/2 tsps of Cinnamon, 1 tsps of Nutmeg, 1/2 tsps of Cloves, 1/2 tsps of Ginger. Then take 1/3 cup of Pumpkin Puree and allow the pan to simmer for 10 minutes, again, stirring often. Remove the pan from heat and strain through a cheesecloth or a strainer. By now your mixture should have a thick consistency. Allow the syrup to cool off in an open area, then refrigerate in an airtight container.

Now on to the latte portion of this recipe! Heat 8 oz of Milk in microwave for 1 minute. Next, break out a blender or a whisk and mix until mixture is frothy with many air bubbles. Now set this aside. Grab a coffee cup and fill the bottom with your desired amount of syrup. Pour in 4 oz of a strong Coffee or Espresso and finish it with your frothed milk. For that Starbuck’s look, top off your drink with whipped cream and a dusting of some pumpkin pie spice.

Iced Caramel Macchiato:

Tania of “Cooktoria” has created a perfect recipe for the oh-so-sweet Iced Caramel Macchiato. With sweetened milk, rich espresso, and warm, gooey caramel sauce all over the top, it’s no wonder this drink is one of Starbucks most popular treats. And the best part is that this drink is one of the simplest to make.

Start by adding vanilla syrup to the bottom of a cup. 2 tsp–12oz cup, 3 tsp–16oz cup, 4 tsp–20oz cup. This will add the sweetness to your macchiato so add as much or as little as you like. Next, cover the vanilla with milk, filling the cup approximately half full. Then, add small ice cubes making sure you leave room for the espresso. Now add your espresso depending on the size of your cup: 1oz–12oz cup, 2oz–16oz cup, 3oz–20oz cup.  Drizzle your caramel sauce on top and enjoy this simple yet ever so pleasing treat!

I hope you enjoy making these Starbucks favorites and if coffee and espresso isn’t your thing, stay tuned for some easy, fruity Starbucks drink recipes in Part 2!