How to Make Your Favourite Café Concoctions at Home

you'll thank me later...

On your morning commute, you decide to treat yourself to a latte, so you line up at the nearest café. As the person ahead of you rattles off an order longer than the average grocery list, you can't help but wonder if there’s really a difference between a cappuccino and a flat white.

Still, nobody makes your oat milk chai latte quite like the barista at your favourite coffee shop… or can you?

It’s easy to question whether the wait at the café counter is really worth your time and money - And it's even easier to start conspiracizing that baristas all share a pact to keep their coffee-making secrets safe from the world!

When it comes down to it, many of these trendy bevs are simply variations of a few core ingredients. Turns out, you can easily make DIY versions yourself that may even fool the famous green mermaid herself...

Get ready to save your schedule & wallet with these 4 favourite café concoctions you can make at home:


4. PUMPKIN SPICED LATTE

The Secret Sauce:

  • 1 cup milk of your choice
  • 1/2 cup brewed coffee
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
  • 1.5 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

The Process:

Brew some coffee using your preferred method. Next, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, turn off the heat and transfer to a mug.

Option to top it with whipped cream and any other toppings you think of - pumpkin pie spice, a cinnamon stick, even sprinkles. The possibilities are limitless!

3. ICED CARAMEL MACCHIATO

The Secret Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup milk of your choice
  • 1 shot of espresso
  • 2 tbsp vanilla syrup
  • 2 tsp caramel sauce 
  • 1 cup ice

The Process:

Use your espresso maker to brew a double shot of espresso. Froth your milk (or non-dairy alternative - almond pairs well with this one!) using a milk frother. If you don’t have an electric frother, a whisk will do the trick on short notice.

Fill a large glass with ice. Add the vanilla syrup and milk to the glass and stir. Pour in the coffee, and be sure to have your phone handy to capture the Instagram money shot as the deliciousness swirls in your glass. Top it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and enjoy!

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2. CAFÉ MOCHA

The Secret Sauce:

  • 1 cup milk of your choice
  • 1 shot of espresso
  • 2 tbsp chocolate sauce
  • 1 tbsp whipped cream

The Process:

Brew a single shot of espresso. Pour your espresso and chocolate sauce into a mug, allowing the chocolate to melt. Froth your milk or non-dairy alternative using either your frother or a whisk.

Gently pour the milk into the mug, allowing room to top it off with whipped cream and extra goodies (we recommend chocolate shavings, but chocolate sprinkles will fit the bill as well)!

1. TROPICAL TEA LEMONADE

The Secret Sauce:

  • 2 tropical herbal tea bags
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups lemonade

The Process:

Brew the tea in a large pitcher by pouring boiling water over the tea bags. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then remove the tea bags and allow to cool completely.

Next, top up your pitcher with the lemonade and stir, watching the fruity flavors and vibrant colors work their magic right before your eyes. Serve over ice in a tall glass with sliced seasonal fruit to garnish.

So there you have it! Next time you can think twice before dropping $7 on your morning pick-me-up.

With the help of these handy recipes and some nifty coffee-making gadgets, you’re well on your way to becoming your own personal barista.

Who needs to wait in line when brewing your own specialty drink can be this easy, fun, and delicious?

Maggie Johnson | Greens Steel Lifestyle Contributor

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