Let’s be trustworthy: Starbucks is a deal with, however these deal with provides up quick. That $6 iced drink? Multiply it by 3 instances per week and instantly you’re over $900 a 12 months. However what when you may make your favourite Starbucks drinks at residence—for a buck or two every—with components you in all probability have already got? That’s the magic of copycat recipes. I’m spilling the tea on 15 Starbucks-inspired drinks you can also make in your personal kitchen.
Observe: The costs I’m utilizing are for a Grande dimension in my city in northern California, and are correct as of April 2025.
1. Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Why we like it: It’s cinnamon and oatmilk and someway it tastes like a hug and a hoodie. I don’t know, it simply works.
Elements: 2 photographs espresso, 1 Tbsp brown sugar syrup, 3/4 cup oat milk, ice, cinnamon
At-House Price: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Financial savings: $4.70
Concern After I Made It: The primary time I made this, I didn’t shake it sufficient and it got here out flat and kinda unhappy. Don’t be afraid to shake the hell out of it, it was a lot better the subsequent time I made it.
PRO TIP: SANS SHAKER?
Don’t have a cocktail shaker? Who cares. Seize a mason jar or actually any jar with a lid that received’t leak. Throw your components and ice in there, screw it shut, and shake such as you’re making an attempt to get up your final mind cell.
It’s not fancy, but it surely works—and it makes you are feeling such as you’re doing one thing spectacular. Pour it out by means of the lid or pressure it when you’re feeling stylish. No want for bar gear if you’ve acquired a jar.
See Additionally: Starbucks Menu Hacks That’ll Save You Bigly
2. Mocha Frappuccino
Why we like it: It’s principally only a cold-ass chocolate milkshake that somebody dumped a shot of espresso into and charged me six bucks for. I needs to be mad however truthfully it slaps.
Elements: 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup robust espresso, 1.5 Tbsp chocolate syrup, 1.5 cups ice, whipped cream
At-House Price: ~$0.95 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Financial savings: $4.80
Points The First Time I Made It: I acquired somewhat heavy-handed with the ice and ended up with a tragic, slushy milk dice scenario.
PRO TIP: MAKE IT CREAMY
Making an attempt to get that thick, creamy Starbucks texture at residence? Toss in a pinch—like 1/8 teaspoon—of xanthan gum.
Don’t have that? A spoonful of immediate pudding combine works weirdly nicely. It smooths the whole lot out and provides your drink that fancy, blended vibe with out turning into bizarre, watery soup. No barista abilities required. Simply dump, mix, and sip such as you paid $6 for it.
3. Iced Matcha Latte
Why we like it: Kinda tastes like grime however in a great way. Candy sufficient you are feeling such as you’re being wholesome, even when you’re simply rotting on the sofa in pajamas.
Elements: 1 tsp matcha powder, 2 Tbsp sizzling water, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tsp honey or easy syrup, ice
At-House Price: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Financial savings: $4.65
Not a fan of Matcha so haven’t made this one but, let me know within the feedback when you’ve tried it.
PRO TIP: FROTH IT BABY
Look, when you’re gonna make a matcha, not less than do it proper. Seize that $10 milk frother you impulse-bought and put it to work.
It whips the whole lot right into a silky, no-clump scenario in like 5 seconds. Your matcha deserves higher than a tragic swirl of inexperienced on the backside of the cup. Froth it such as you imply it. Bonus factors when you faux you’re on a cooking present.
4. Pink Drink
Why we like it: Yeah, Instagram made it a factor, however truthfully it simply tastes like coconut and fruit and summer time. Additionally excellent when you suppose espresso is gross.
Elements: 1/2 cup Ardour Tea, 1/2 cup white grape juice, 1/2 cup coconut milk, strawberries, ice
At-House Price: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Financial savings: $4.70
The First Time I Made It: I didn’t trouble chilling the tea first and ended up with an enormous ol’ cup of lukewarm remorse. To make it worse, I grabbed the incorrect coconut milk — the canned stuff — and it separated into this bizarre mess. In case you’re making an attempt this, belief me: use the carton type (the one by the almond milk) and chill your dang tea first.
PRO TIP: PLAN AHEAD
Make the tea if you’re already within the kitchen—simply throw a number of luggage in sizzling water and stick it within the fridge.
That manner you’re not standing round later, irritated that it’s a must to look forward to it to chill. Chilly Ardour Tea = pink drink prepared every time. No considering, no drama, simply pour and go.
5. Vanilla Candy Cream Chilly Brew
Why we like it: Clean, robust espresso with a candy and creamy end. Consider it as your morning espresso “leveled up” and can take you down the street in the direction of diabetes…which is sweet.
Elements: 3/4 cup chilly brew, 2 Tbsp vanilla syrup, 1/4 cup candy cream (half & half + vanilla syrup), ice
At-House Price: ~$0.90 | Starbucks: $5.45 | Financial savings: $4.55
Points After I Made It: I used to be out of half & half and so I used common milk and it was unhappy and skinny.
PRO TIP: CREAM IT YOURSELF
Combine up a jar of candy cream and maintain it within the fridge. It’s actually simply cream, milk, and no matter sweetener you want.
Shake it as soon as and also you’re set for the week. No have to mess with measuring each morning or opening one million tiny containers. Simply seize it, pour it, achieved.
See Additionally: Outdoors the Field Methods to Save Cash at Starbucks
6. Pumpkin Cream Chilly Brew
Why we like it: PSL’s laid-back sibling. Fall flavors, not a sugar bomb, and it nonetheless really tastes like espresso. Loopy.
Elements: 3/4 cup chilly brew, 1 Tbsp vanilla syrup, pumpkin chilly foam (cream + pumpkin purée + spice + syrup), ice
At-House Price: ~$1.50 | Starbucks: $5.95 | Financial savings: $4.45
After I Made It: This one comes from longtime weblog reader Roxanne when she made it. “The pumpkin foam really foamed (shoutout to my milk frother), and it floated on high similar to the true factor. My husband took one sip, raised an eyebrow, and mentioned, “Wait, you made this?” I mentioned “rattling proper I did!”
PRO TIP: FREEZE YOUR OWN PUMPKIN
Bought additional pumpkin purée? Don’t let it die at the back of the fridge. Scoop it into an ice dice tray and freeze it. Come out a dice everytime you wish to make a fall drink with out opening a complete new can.
One dice = one cozy drink. No waste, no bizarre science experiment rising within the Tupperware.
7. Honey Citrus Mint Tea (aka Drugs Ball)
Why we like it: It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and someway all the time hits the spot if you’re feeling like crap.
Elements: Teavana Jade Citrus Mint + Peach Tranquility tea luggage, 3/4 cup sizzling water, 1/4 cup lemonade, 1 Tbsp honey
At-House Price: ~$0.95 | Starbucks: $4.75 | Financial savings: $3.80
After I First Made It: I used no matter random inexperienced tea I had within the pantry—massive mistake. It tasted like sizzling lemon grass clippings.
8. Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino
Why we like it: It’s candy and crunchy and creamy and yeah it’s principally dessert in a cup however no matter, I’m ingesting it anyway.
Elements: 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup espresso, 1.5 Tbsp caramel syrup, 1.5 cups ice, whipped cream, crushed sweet for crunch
At-House Price: ~$1.25 | Starbucks: $6.25 | Financial savings: $5.00
After I First Made It: Be sure you mix simply sufficient to get it thick and frosty, then layer it like Starbucks does—caramel drizzle, whipped cream, extra drizzle, then your sweet crunch on high.
PRO TIP: GET YOUR CRUSH ON
Don’t overpay on the drive-thru. That Teavana tea they’re utilizing? You should purchase the identical stuff on-line or seize it at Goal for manner much less.
Similar model, identical taste—simply with out the $6 price ticket and somebody misspelling your title on a cup. Replenish as soon as, and also you’re set for weeks of DIY drinks.
9. Scorching Chocolate
Why we like it: It’s easy, nostalgic, and kid-approved. Simply don’t order it “youngsters” temperature or your child will chug it and ask for extra (belief me on this!).
Elements: 1 cup milk, 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, 1 Tbsp sugar, splash of vanilla, whipped cream
At-House Price: ~$0.70 | Starbucks: $3.95 | Financial savings: $3.25
PRO TIP: POLAR EXPRESS SPECIAL
Making sizzling cocoa? Toss in a chunk of darkish chocolate whereas it’s heating like your Tim Hanks in The Polar Specific. That’s it.
It melts down and instantly your fundamental combine tastes prefer it got here from some fancy café with jazz music and tiny spoons. Nobody has to comprehend it began with a packet.
10. Chestnut Praline Latte
Why we like it: A vacation favourite with nutty heat and sugary spice. Sure, I mentioned nutty heat. It tastes like December, minus the excessive bank card invoice and piles of toys your youngsters won’t ever really play with.
Elements: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp brown sugar syrup, sprint hazelnut extract, candied nuts
At-House Price: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Financial savings: $4.65
After I First Made It: I couldn’t discover hazelnut extract, so I attempted to pretend it with almond… which was a daring and really incorrect alternative. I’ve since been in a position to monitor down the appropriate extract and it’s a game-changer.
PRO TIP: FIRE UP YOUR OVEN
Bought some pecans mendacity round? Throw ’em on a pan with a little bit of sugar and cinnamon, then toast them. That’s it.
Crunchy, candy, and manner fancier than it has any proper to be. Sprinkle in your latte or simply eat them by the handful. No have to spend $7 on a seasonal drink if you’ve acquired snacks and a sizzling oven.
See Additionally: Tricks to Get Free Starbucks on the Common
11. Strawberry Açaí Refresher
Why we like it: Tart, fruity, and calmly caffeinated. It’s the afternoon pick-me-up that doesn’t style like crap which inexperienced tea often does.
Elements: 1/2 cup white grape juice, 1/2 cup inexperienced tea, 1 tsp açaí powder (optionally available), strawberries, ice
At-House Price: ~$1.10 | Starbucks: $4.95 | Financial savings: $3.85
After I First Made It: I attempted skipping the açaí powder as a result of I assumed “how a lot may it matter?” — spoiler: loads. With out it, the drink simply tasted like grape tea with floating berries.
PRO TIP: BE SMART WITH THE ICE
In case you toss ice in too early, your drink’s simply gonna sit there getting weak and bizarre.
Make it with out the ice, stick it within the fridge, and pour it over ice if you’re really able to sip. Belief me—nobody likes a watered-down drink. Chilly and robust beats unhappy and slushy each time.
12. London Fog Latte
Why we like it: It’s the tea drink for individuals who need espresso vibes. Clean, creamy, and somewhat fancy, not not like the cool jacket from the 80’s. Sure, I’m proud to say I really owned one.
Elements: 1 Earl Gray tea bag, 1/2 cup sizzling water, 1/2 cup steamed milk, 1 tsp vanilla syrup
At-House Price: ~$0.75 | Starbucks: $4.65 | Financial savings: $3.90
After I First Made It: I steeped the tea WAY too lengthy and it acquired bitter. The repair is to steep the Earl Gray for precisely 3–4 minutes, warmth the milk first, then froth it. And DO NOT skip the vanilla syrup—it’s what takes this bad-boy to a complete new stage.
13. Cookie Butter Latte
Why we like it: A secret menu hit that tastes like a Biscoff cookie melted right into a hug, I imply a mug.
Elements: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp Biscoff unfold, sprint cinnamon & nutmeg
At-House Price: ~$1.15 | Starbucks: $5.75 | Financial savings: $4.60
After I First Made It: Not understanding what the hell I used to be doing, I simply tossed the Biscoff in chilly and tried to stir—massive mistake. It simply clumped on the backside and was kinda gross. See professional tip under…
PRO TIP: USE YOUR MICROWAVE
Don’t simply throw a Biscoff into chilly milk and hope for one of the best.
Nuke that sucker with a splash of milk for like 20 seconds. It melts down clean and creamy—no bizarre chunks floating round. Stir it up, pour it in, and thank your microwave for doing the heavy lifting.
14. Iced Americano with Cream
Why we like it: It’s daring and fundamental (in a great way). The cream takes the sting off and makes it kinda candy, much like my mother-in-law.
Elements: 2 photographs espresso, 3/4 cup chilly water, 2 Tbsp cream, ice
At-House Price: ~$0.60 | Starbucks: $3.75 | Financial savings: $3.15
After I First Made It: That is my go-to drink now. However once I first made it, I poured the new espresso straight over the ice, and it was manner too watered-down. Then I added an excessive amount of cream and it was principally milky water. Now I let the espresso cool, add the chilly water first, then pour it over ice. Perfection!
PRO TIP: ICE CUBE TRAY HACK
Bought leftover espresso? Don’t chuck it — dump it into an ice dice tray and freeze it.
Subsequent time you need iced espresso, pop a number of of these dangerous boys in as a substitute of standard ice, so that you’re not ingesting unhappy, watered-down brown water.
It’s a type of dumb little hacks that someway makes you are feeling like you may have your life collectively… even when the whole lot else is a dumpster hearth.
15. Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Why we like it: It’s only a snickerdoodle with caffeine, I’m not even gonna faux it’s the rest.
Elements: 1 cup milk, 1 shot espresso, 1 Tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup (or brown sugar + cinnamon + vanilla), whipped cream
At-House Price: ~$1.00 | Starbucks: $5.25 | Financial savings: $4.25
After I First Made It: I attempted to shortcut the syrup with simply cinnamon and sugar, seems that’s the way you make gritty milk. Now I make the complete syrup (it’s simple, promise) and don’t skimp on the whipped cream. It’s known as dolce for a purpose—go candy or go residence.
PRO TIP: DIY THE SYRUP
Make your personal syrup: simmer 1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon till dissolved.
That’s your syrup. Pour it in your espresso, your tea, no matter. Smells superb, tastes even higher—and takes like 5 minutes to make.
Last Sip:
In case you made all 15 drinks at Starbucks, you’d spend round $85, which is insane. Make ’em at residence? Beneath $20. That’s a latte financial savings (sorry couldn’t resist).
Decide your favorites and batch your components—your pockets and your style buds will thanks.
Ask the Reader: Let me know what Starbucks copycats I ought to add to my article. Please embrace precisely the way you make it, thanks!
By Kyle James
I began Relatively-Be-Buying.com in 2000 and have turn into a client professional and advocate writing about out-of-the-box methods to avoid wasting at shops like Amazon, Walmart, Goal and Costco to call a number of. I’ve been featured on FOX Information, Good Morning America, and the NY Occasions speaking about my financial savings suggestions. (Be taught extra)