It was 30 March 1971, when Starbucks opened its first physical location in the humble cobblestone pathways of Pike Place Market. Today, it is an American favorite – the largest coffee chain in the world. Starbucks has a loyal consumer base, spread over 80 countries.
Let’s be honest – there is nothing better than a Starbucks fix in the morning. The heavenly smell of freshly roasted coffee on the way to work – ah heavenly! And trust me, you aren’t the only person who thinks that way. Starbucks is no longer just a coffee franchise, it is an emotion. It is a meticulously crafted experience, from the moment you walk through those doors to the time you take the first sip.
But how about being your own barista? Where you can re-create Starbucks at home? You can make it sugar-free, or dairy-free, or add as much whipping cream as you want. And the best part is that you save almost $6 a day, or, $360 a month. If that’s not a killer deal, I don’t know what is!
This article has a few tips on how to make Starbucks like coffee at home.
What Makes Coffee At Starbucks So Special?
Starbucks is a whole new experience. Most city dwellers recognize the green and white 2-tailed mermaid at every corner. As you open the glass doors to coffee heaven, the smell of freshly brewed coffee engulfs you. Have you ever had a bad cup of coffee at Starbucks? I don’t think so. From curating the perfect cup sizes to procuring the finest coffee beans from farmers, Starbucks has intricately articulated every coffee.
Can You Make Starbucks at Home?
Of course, you can enjoy the sensational aroma of freshly brewed coffee right from the comforts of your home. When you combine a few simple supplies, and tools, and use a little imagination, you’ll be amazed at how close you can get to your favorite Starbucks drink.
How To Make Starbucks Like Coffee At Home? – Ingredients
Don’t worry, making your own Starbucks-like coffee is not some chemical science. It’s just the perfect ratio of a few simple ingredients. Here are some basic supplies and tools, you will need to brew Starbucks-quality coffee at home. These consist of:
Coffee Beans
It should go without saying but good coffee beans will make or break your coffee. Starbucks mostly uses a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans. But don’t let this restrict you. The coffee world is your oyster. Try new blends and see which one you like the best.
Coffee Maker
There are a lot of coffee makers out there. From a traditional French press to world-class coffee makers with a hundred different settings. It all depends on your budget, need, and skill level. Espresso machines, French presses, and drip coffee makers are some good choices for beginners. A simple addition to start your at-home coffee station.
Coffee Grinder
When you purchase whole coffee beans, you’ll require a coffee grinder. It is a crucial tool to extract the full potential of your coffee beans while infusing that universally adored natural aroma. But if you prefer to skip the hassle of grinding, go for pre-ground coffee.
Milk
Starbucks also has different options for milk, and it is up to the customer to decide which one they opt for. Just like your coffee beans, each variety of milk has its unique texture. Lactose-free options like soy and almond milk will make the coffee thinner, giving it a slight texture. Dairy milk of course adds a layer of creaminess to your coffee
Syrups And Flavors
Starbucks has so many syrups to choose from – so many that just having one of each might fill up an entire cupboard. You don’t need all of, as long as you have the basics. Some of the common syrups you may need are chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, depending on the kind of drink you make.
Toppings
Let your inner child free! Toppings can range anywhere from a mountain of chocolate shaving on top of whipping cream to some bright pink freeze-dried strawberries. So go out there, explore, and bring back what you like!
3 Starbucks-Inspired Recipes You Can Make At Home
Here are a few of our favorite Starbucks recipes that you can make at home:
1. Starbucks Caramel Macchiato
As fancy as caramel macchiato sounds, it is pretty simple to make. The secret is to add some vanilla syrup to your milk before steaming it. Be generous with the caramel syrup in the end; just make sure to heat it for a few seconds in the microwave before giving it a whirl.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of your favorite espresso
- 1 ounce of your preferred steamed milk
- 1 pump of vanilla syrup
- 1 pump of any caramel syrup
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Brew your perfect shot of espresso
- Steam your milk of choice in a pan.
- Coat the inside of the glass with a few swirls of caramel syrup
- Pour in the espresso, followed by the milk
- Add your caramel syrup in a cross-hatching fashion.
- Top it with whipped cream.
2. Starbucks Frappuccino
This one’s for all the Frappucino in the house. While most recipes will call for the trinity of coffee, ice, and favors. There is one secret ingredient that gives a Frapp its thick texture. That is Xantham gum. Don’t be intimated by the name, you will find it in the bakery section of your local store.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of strong espresso
- 2 cups of ice, crushed ice works best
- 1 cup of milk, preferably low-fat milk
- ⅓ cup of caramel syrup
- White sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Brew a favorite shot of espresso.
- Blend the ice, milk, and espresso at a high speed until you have a smooth texture. Blending the ingredients will aerate the concoction.
- Top it off with as much caramel syrup and whipping cream as you want
3. Starbucks Mocha
Mochas are simply lattes with an addition of chocolate syrup. The secret here to get an exact match to Starbucks is in the ratios. Follow a ratio of 1:2:2 for espresso shots and a 3:4:5 ratio for your flavored syrup. So, if you want to make a 12-ounce tall drink at home, you require 1 shot of espresso with 3 pumps of vanilla syrup, to get the perfect taste.
Ingredients:
- shots of your favorite espresso
- 1 ounce of your preferred milk
- A few pumps of your favorite syrup
- 1 pump of chocolate syrup
Instructions:
- Brew your perfect shot of espresso
- Steam the milk on the stove. Whisk the milk on a low heat to froth it
- Layer the espresso and milk, in a glass
- Mix in some chocolate syrup
So, here’s how to make Starbucks like coffee at home. Experiment with various flavor combos and brewing methods to find your personal favorites. Remember the key to a good drink is using premium ingredients, and perfecting your brewing methods. Afterall, Starbucks like coffee is just more fun when its made at home and with love.
