11 Copycat Starbucks Drinks to Make at Home

Love your favorite café drink but not the daily price tag? You can make Starbucks drinks at home that taste remarkably close to the originals, using ingredients from your kitchen and a few simple tricks. A homemade version costs a fraction of the price, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and you never have to stand in a queue.

This guide gives you 11 copycat Starbucks drinks to make at home, from layered iced caramel macchiatos and creamy white chocolate mochas to blended frappes, a spiced chai latte and bright fruity refreshers. Each recipe includes exact ingredients, easy step-by-step directions, a pro tip and a simple variation. You do not need a professional espresso machine, because strong brewed coffee, a moka pot or an AeroPress will do the job nicely. These are homemade copycat recipes inspired by popular café drinks, and while they will not be identical to the originals, they come impressively close.

Before You Start: Copycat Café Drink Basics

A few habits make the difference between a good homemade café drink and a great one. Keep these five in mind as you work through the recipes.

1. Make your syrups ahead of time. Most café drinks get their flavor from syrups and sauces. Simmer equal parts sugar and water for three minutes to make simple syrup, then add vanilla extract for vanilla syrup or swap in brown sugar for brown sugar syrup. Cooled and stored in a clean jar, they keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
2. Brew strong coffee or espresso. Cold milk and ice dilute coffee fast. Use espresso if you have it, or brew coffee at about one and a half times normal strength. A moka pot or AeroPress makes a rich, concentrated cup without a big machine.
3. Chill everything that goes over ice. Hot espresso melts ice immediately. For shaken and blended drinks, let your coffee cool first, or freeze leftover coffee into ice cubes so your drink stays bold from the first sip to the last.
4. Blend frappes with plenty of ice. Blended drinks need a lot of ice to turn thick and slushy. Add the liquid first, then the ice, and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth. Serve them right away, because they melt quickly.
5. Choose your milk wisely. Whole milk gives the richest result and oat milk is the creamiest dairy-free option. Almond milk is lighter, and coconut milk adds a tropical note. Always use cold milk so your drink stays properly chilled.

1. Iced Caramel Macchiato

The caramel macchiato is one of the most popular café drinks for a reason. Vanilla-sweetened milk forms the base, espresso is poured over the top to create layers, and a crisscross of caramel finishes it off. At home it takes only a few minutes, and the layered look makes it feel like a real treat.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 2 shots espresso, or 1/3 cup very strong coffee
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce, plus extra for the cup

Instructions

1. Drizzle a little caramel sauce around the inside of a tall cup if you like the dripping look.
2. Pour the vanilla syrup into the bottom of the cup.
3. Fill the cup with ice, then add the cold milk until it is about three quarters full.
4. Pour the espresso slowly over the top, using the back of a spoon so it floats in a separate layer.
5. Finish with a crisscross pattern of caramel sauce. Stir before drinking.

Variation: Use oat milk for a dairy-free version, or sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top.

2. Iced White Chocolate Mocha

This is the dessert lover's coffee: smooth espresso blended with a silky white chocolate sauce, poured over ice and milk, then topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It is sweeter and creamier than a regular mocha, and the homemade white chocolate sauce is surprisingly easy.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (90 g) white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 2 shots espresso, or 1/3 cup very strong coffee
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream, to top

Instructions

1. Warm the heavy cream in a small pan over low heat until steaming, but not boiling.
2. Remove from the heat, add the white chocolate chips and stir until completely smooth. This makes enough sauce for about 4 drinks.
3. Stir 2 tablespoons of the warm sauce into the hot espresso until dissolved.
4. Fill a tall cup with ice and pour in the cold milk.
5. Add the white chocolate espresso, stir, and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Variation: Add a tiny pinch of salt to the sauce to balance the sweetness, or swap the whipped cream for white chocolate shavings.

3. Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso

Shaking espresso with ice and syrup chills it instantly and whips it into a light, bubbly foam. Brown sugar and cinnamon add a warm molasses sweetness, and oat milk makes it creamy without any dairy. It is also one of the quickest drinks on this list.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso, or 1/3 cup very strong coffee
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup (see tip)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for dusting
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) oat milk

Instructions

1. Stir the brown sugar syrup and cinnamon into the hot espresso.
2. Add the sweet espresso and half of the ice to a jar with a tight lid.
3. Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the jar is cold and the coffee is foamy.
4. Fill a tall cup with the remaining ice and pour in the shaken espresso, foam and all.
5. Top with cold oat milk and dust with a little cinnamon.

Variation: Try almond or coconut milk instead of oat milk, or add a drop of vanilla to the syrup.

4. Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Cold brew is naturally smooth and less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, which makes it ideal for iced drinks. A pourable vanilla sweet cream on top slowly melts into the coffee as you sip, turning each mouthful a little creamier than the last.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) cold brew coffee, chilled
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Fill a tall cup with ice and pour in the cold brew.
2. In a small jar, combine the cream, milk and vanilla syrup.
3. Froth with a handheld frother for 15 to 20 seconds, until slightly thickened but still pourable.
4. Slowly pour the sweet cream over the cold brew so it forms a thick layer on top.
5. Serve with a straw and let the cream swirl in as you drink.

Variation: Use brown sugar syrup in the cream for a caramel flavor, or add a pinch of cocoa powder on top.

5. Caramel Frappe

A blended caramel frappe is the answer to the hottest days. It is icy, creamy and sweet, with caramel running through the middle and more drizzled on top. Once you have the ratio right, the texture comes out thick and spoonable, just like the café version.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong coffee, chilled
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold milk
• 3 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus extra to drizzle
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum, optional, for extra thickness
• Whipped cream, to top

Instructions

1. Pour the coffee and milk into a blender first.
2. Add the caramel sauce, sugar and xanthan gum if using.
3. Add the ice on top and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until smooth and thick.
4. Drizzle caramel sauce around the inside of a tall cup.
5. Pour in the frappe, top with whipped cream and finish with more caramel.

Variation: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee for a stronger coffee flavor, or leave out the coffee entirely for a caramel cream version kids will love.

6. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe

Think of this as a milkshake that happens to contain coffee. Chocolate, espresso and crunchy cookie pieces are blended into a thick, icy drink and finished with whipped cream and more crumbs. It is a fun one for parties and a favorite with chocolate fans.

Ingredients

• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) strong coffee, chilled
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold milk
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, plus extra to drizzle
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
• Whipped cream, to top

Instructions

1. Pour the coffee, milk and chocolate syrup into a blender.
2. Add the sugar, ice and two of the crushed cookies.
3. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until thick and smooth.
4. Drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of a tall cup.
5. Pour in the frappe, top with whipped cream and sprinkle the remaining cookie crumbs over it.

Variation: Use a splash of peppermint extract for a minty version, or replace the coffee with milk for a chocolate cookie shake.

7. Strawberry Coconut Refresher (Pink Drink Copycat)

This pastel pink drink has no coffee at all. It combines sweet strawberry with creamy coconut milk and a bright fruity base, and it is incredibly refreshing. It also looks beautiful, so it is great for serving at brunches and summer get-togethers.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) white grape juice
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon strawberry syrup, or 3 mashed strawberries mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Stir the strawberry syrup into the white grape juice until fully combined.
2. Add the sliced strawberries to a tall cup and fill it with ice.
3. Pour in the strawberry grape juice.
4. Slowly add the coconut milk and watch it swirl through the pink juice.
5. Stir gently and sip right away.

Variation: Add a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist, or use freeze-dried strawberries to get the classic floating fruit look.

8. Iced Matcha Latte

A good iced matcha latte is earthy, mellow and lightly sweet, with a beautiful green color. The key is whisking the matcha into a smooth paste first, so it blends into the milk without any lumps. Once you learn that, it is one of the simplest drinks you will ever make.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon (2 g) matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water, about 80°C (175°F)
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup or honey
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Sift the matcha powder into a small bowl so there are no lumps.
2. Add the hot water and whisk quickly in a zigzag motion until smooth and frothy.
3. Stir in the simple syrup or honey.
4. Fill a tall cup with ice and pour in the cold milk.
5. Pour the matcha over the milk and stir before drinking.

Variation: Swap the milk for oat or coconut milk, or add a few drops of vanilla to the matcha.

9. Iced Chai Tea Latte

Chai is a blend of black tea with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Served over ice with creamy milk, it is cozy and refreshing at the same time. Making a quick homemade concentrate means you can enjoy it in under a minute whenever you like.

Ingredients

• 2 chai tea bags
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• Pinch of ground cinnamon and cardamom
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Place the chai tea bags in a heatproof cup and pour the boiling water over them.
2. Steep for 6 minutes, then squeeze the bags and remove them.
3. Stir in the honey, cinnamon and cardamom while the tea is still hot.
4. Let the chai cool for a few minutes, then chill it in the fridge.
5. Fill a tall cup with ice, add the cold milk and pour the chai concentrate over the top.

Variation: Add a slice of fresh ginger while steeping for extra warmth, or top with a little whipped cream.

10. Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin spice is the flavor of autumn, and you can enjoy it iced any time of year. Real pumpkin puree gives the drink body and a gentle sweetness, while cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger bring the familiar spiced aroma. Top it with whipped cream and a dusting of spice for the full effect.

Ingredients

• 2 shots espresso, or 1/3 cup very strong coffee
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) cold milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream, to top

Instructions

1. Whisk the pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla into the hot espresso until completely smooth.
2. Fill a tall cup with ice.
3. Pour in the cold milk.
4. Add the pumpkin espresso and stir well.
5. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Variation: No pumpkin pie spice? Mix 1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger with a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.

11. Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

This fruity finish is a showstopper. A golden mango layer sits at the bottom and a vivid magenta dragonfruit layer sits on top, and the two colors slowly blend as you stir. It is light, tropical and completely caffeine-free, perfect for hot days.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) mango juice
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) white grape juice or lemonade
• 1/4 cup diced red dragon fruit (or 2 tablespoons dragonfruit puree)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Fresh mango cubes, to garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the dragon fruit, water and honey until smooth to make a bright magenta puree.
2. Mix the mango juice and white grape juice together in a tall cup.
3. Fill the cup with ice and add a few mango cubes.
4. Slowly pour the dragonfruit puree over the ice so it settles in a vivid layer on top.
5. Serve with a straw and stir to blend the colors.

Variation: Use sparkling water instead of white grape juice for a fizzy version, or add a squeeze of lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Sip

Making café-style drinks at home is easier than most people expect. Once you have a jar of vanilla syrup, a batch of cold brew and some strong coffee in the fridge, most of these recipes come together in under ten minutes, and you will save a lot of money along the way.

Start with the iced caramel macchiato or the brown sugar shaken espresso, then try the frappes and fruity refreshers when you want something different. Which of these 11 copycat Starbucks drinks will you make first? Save this list so you can come back to it, and happy sipping.

Disclaimer: This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Starbucks. These are homemade copycat recipes inspired by popular café drinks. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.