Chicago – A new trend the fall is brewing amongst local coffee enthusiasts. No longer are Chicagoans shelling out for their daily caffeine fixes; instead, they’re embracing the DIY approach to recreate their favorite Starbucks drinks, all while pocketing some extra change.
Leading the charge is the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, a delightful blend of espresso, oat milk, and homemade brown sugar syrup. Then there’s the Chocolate Cream Cold Brew, a simple yet decadent combination of cold brew coffee, rich chocolate syrup, and a dash of cream.
Chai lovers in Chicago are raving about the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, a spicy and sweet concoction that combines chai tea with pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice seasoning.
For those with a penchant for frappuccinos, the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino Blended Beverage is making waves. This cold coffee delight blends caramel syrup with coffee, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle.
The talk of the town is undeniably the Caramel Apple Spice. A delightful mix of apple juice and caramel syrup, this drink has people in Chicago reminiscing about cozy fall evenings.
As winter approaches, Chicagoans are geared up with these recipes, prepared to face the chilly mornings with a warm, homemade beverage in hand. Coffee shop chains better watch out, because the DIY coffee revolution in Chicago is just getting started! For the full range of recipes and more DIY coffee tips, just look below:
1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Oat milk (store-bought or homemade).
- Brown sugar syrup: Dissolve brown sugar in hot water.
- Ice cubes.
- Directions: Shake espresso, oat milk, and brown sugar syrup with ice. Serve chilled.
2. Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
- Cold brew coffee (made at home using coarsely ground coffee beans).
- Chocolate syrup.
- Cream or half-and-half.
- Directions: Mix cold brew with chocolate syrup and top with cream.
3. Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee.
- Milk of choice.
- Cinnamon dolce syrup: Boil water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks until sugar dissolves.
- Ice cubes.
- Directions: Mix espresso, milk, and syrup with ice.
4. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino Blended Beverage
- Cold coffee or espresso.
- Milk of choice.
- Caramel syrup.
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream for topping.
- Caramel drizzle and crunchy caramel bits for garnish.
- Directions: Blend coffee, milk, caramel syrup, and ice until smooth. Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and caramel bits.
5. Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte
- Brewed chai tea (cooled).
- Pumpkin puree.
- Milk of choice.
- Pumpkin spice seasoning.
- Whipped cream for topping.
- Directions: Blend chai tea, pumpkin puree, milk, and pumpkin spice seasoning until smooth. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream.
6. Hot Chocolate
- Milk of choice.
- Cocoa powder.
- Sugar or sweetener to taste.
- Directions: Heat milk in a saucepan. Add cocoa powder and sugar. Stir until well combined and heated through.
7. Caramel Apple Spice
- Apple juice.
- Caramel syrup.
- Whipped cream for topping.
- Directions: Heat apple juice and caramel syrup in a saucepan. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream.
With these Starbucks-inspired recipes, Chicagoans can enjoy their favorite beverages right in the comfort of their home. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the measurements to suit personal preferences. Cheers to cozy, homemade coffee delights!
