One of the best parts about fall for many people (myself included) is the abundance of cozy, warm drinks. Many of us look to Starbucks to see when the Pumpkin Spice Latte makes its return, as well as some new fall flavors. This year, Starbucks released the Apple Crisp Macchiato. A sweet, spiced, earthy cousin to the PSL. While I love Starbucks, there’s something special about crafting cozy drinks at home, and thus, the Apple Crisp Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat) was created. For the record, I know this isn’t a traditional macchiato, which consists of espresso with a small amount of steamed milk. But Starbucks’s “macchiato” much more closely resembles a strong latte, which is what I’ve gone for with this recipe – and it’s delicious no matter what you call it.
This recipe makes extra Spiced Apple Drizzle syrup, so you can save it and whip these up all autumn long. Making the syrup is the longest part of the recipe, and it only takes about 15 minutes! Using both apple cider and apple butter reinforce that festive apple orchard flavor in the final drink, while the dark brown sugar and butter form a rich, caramely backdrop. Classic apple pie spices like cinnamon and nutmeg will have your kitchen smelling irresistible in no time.
Also, don’t let the milk steaming and frothing scare you. This drink would taste just as delicious made latte style with hot milk – the foaming and frothing just adds some fun texture and is a nod to the traditional steamed milk of a macchiato. So go ahead and get into the fall spirit with this festive, easy, and downright delicious coffee.
I hope you love this Apple Crisp Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat) as much as I do! If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know what you thought or feel free to ask a question! I’d also love to see what you made! Tag me in your food pics @fortheperfectbite or use #fortheperfectbite on Instagram
Apple Crisp Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat)
Ingredients
Spiced Apple Drizzle
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup apple butter
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Apple Crisp Macchiato
- 2 shots espresso (or ¼ cup very strong coffee)
- ¾ cup 2% milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1 ½ tbsp spiced apple drizzle
Instructions
Spiced Apple Drizzle
- In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, apple butter, dark brown sugar, salted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and whisk to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water. Drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cider, whisking constantly to prevent clumping.
- Simmer the mixture until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- Extra syrup can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Apple Crisp Macchiato
- Brew the espresso. Pour the hot espresso or coffee into a mug, then stir in 1 ½ tablespoons of the Spiced Apple Drizzle (or more if you like it sweeter, less if you like it less sweet).
- If you have a milk steamer, steam the milk until frothed. If not, heat the milk either on the stovetop or in the microwave until just steaming but not boiling. Froth the milk using a whisk, or by shaking the warm milk in a sealed jar for 30-45 seconds.
- Gently pour the steamed milk over the espresso, spooning any extra milk foam over the top. Serve with extra Spiced Apple Drizzle or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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