Apple Crisp Macchiato Recipe (Starbucks Copycat)

Craving a cozy fall beverage?

The Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato is a perfect blend of apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon, capturing the essence of autumn in every sip.

This drink has quickly become a seasonal favorite, making a splash each fall with its warm, inviting flavors.

Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this macchiato is a delightful way to savor the taste of the season.

Let’s look at how you can recreate this beloved drink at home, ensuring you can enjoy it anytime, all year round.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Apple Brown Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light, packed)
• 2 cups sliced apples (from 1-2 apples)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Apple Crisp Drizzle

• ½ cup apple juice
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Macchiato

• 1 cup milk or dairy/non-dairy alternative (oat milk recommended)
• 1 ½ oz apple brown sugar syrup
• 2 shots (2 oz) brewed espresso or strong coffee
• ¼ cup frothed milk
• Caramel sauce (optional) for drizzling
• Ground cinnamon for topping

Essential Tools

• Espresso machine or strong coffee maker
• Milk frother or alternative frothing methods (French press, whisk, jar)
• Saucepan

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

1. Making the Apple Brown Sugar Syrup

Start by preparing the apple brown sugar syrup.

This will be the base flavor for your macchiato.

Ingredients

• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar (dark or light, packed)
• 2 cups sliced apples (from 1-2 apples)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and sliced apples.
2. Bring to a Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a boil.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Strain and Store: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the syrup into a mason jar, pressing down on the apples to extract as much liquid as possible. Store the syrup in the refrigerator.

2. Preparing the Apple Crisp Drizzle

Next, make the apple crisp drizzle.

This will add a delicious finishing touch to your macchiato.

Ingredients

• ½ cup apple juice
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Reduce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it becomes syrupy. This should take about 25-30 minutes.
3. Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool down to room temperature. Store it in a separate container in the refrigerator.

3. Assembling the Macchiato

Now that you have your syrups ready, it’s time to assemble your Apple Crisp Macchiato.

You can enjoy it either iced or hot.

For Iced Version

1. Add Syrup and Milk: In a glass, add 1 ½ oz of apple brown sugar syrup and oat milk.
2. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add Espresso: Pour two shots of cooled espresso over the ice.
4. Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of apple crisp sauce on top. Stir well before drinking.

For Hot Version

1. Add Syrup: In a mug, add 1 ½ oz of apple brown sugar syrup.
2. Add Steamed Milk: Pour steamed milk into the mug.
3. Add Espresso: Brew two shots of espresso and add them to the mug.
4. Top and Drizzle: Top with frothed milk and drizzle with apple crisp sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here is a breakdown of the calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein per serving:

Calories

• 249 calories per serving

Fat

• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g

Carbohydrates

• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 38g

Protein

• 8g protein per serving

These values are based on using whole milk and the specified amounts of apple brown sugar syrup and apple crisp drizzle.

If you use alternative milk options like oat, almond, or soy milk, the nutritional values may vary slightly.

Adjustments to the amount of syrup can also alter the nutritional content, particularly the sugar and calorie counts.

Tips and Variations

Milk Options

One of the best things about the Apple Crisp Macchiato is its versatility.

You can use any milk that suits your taste and dietary preferences:

• Whole Milk: Provides a rich, creamy texture.
• 2% Milk: Offers a balance between creaminess and lower fat content.
• Oat Milk: A popular non-dairy alternative that adds a slight sweetness and creamy texture.
• Almond Milk: A lighter option with a subtle nutty flavor.
• Soy Milk: Another non-dairy choice that is rich in protein.

Sweetness Adjustment

You can easily adjust the sweetness of your macchiato to match your preference:

• More Syrup: Add more apple brown sugar syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Less Syrup: Use less syrup if you want a less sweet beverage. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

Additional Toppings

Enhance your macchiato with some delicious toppings:

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy finish.
• Ground Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for added warmth and spice.

Low Sugar Option

For a healthier version, consider using sugar substitutes:

• Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake.
• Monk Fruit: Another natural sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels and provides a clean, sweet taste.

How to Froth Milk Without a Frother

If you don’t have a milk frother, you can still achieve a good froth using common kitchen tools.

Here are three effective methods:

French Press Method

The French press method is a simple way to froth milk:

1. Heat the Milk: Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot but not boiling.
2. Pour Milk into French Press: Pour the hot milk into a clean French press.
3. Pump the Plunger: Secure the lid and pump the plunger up and down vigorously. Do this for about 30 seconds until the milk is frothy and has doubled in volume.
4. Pour and Enjoy: Pour the frothed milk into your macchiato.

Whisk Method

The whisk method requires a bit of effort but works well:

1. Heat the Milk: Warm the milk on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Whisk the Milk: Place the hot milk in a large bowl. Using a whisk, beat the milk vigorously. Continue whisking until you see froth forming and the milk has doubled in volume. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
3. Pour and Enjoy: Carefully pour the frothed milk into your drink.

Jar Method

The jar method is the easiest and requires minimal tools:

1. Heat the Milk: Warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling.
2. Shake the Milk: Pour the hot milk into a jar with a lid. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about 30-60 seconds until the milk is frothy.
3. Microwave (Optional): For an even better froth, you can microwave the shaken milk for 30 seconds after shaking.
4. Pour and Enjoy: Pour the frothed milk into your macchiato.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper Storage of Syrups in the Fridge

To keep your apple brown sugar syrup and apple crisp drizzle fresh, proper storage is crucial.

After making the syrups, allow them to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer each syrup to an airtight container, like a mason jar.

Seal the containers tightly to prevent any air from getting in, which could cause the syrups to spoil faster.

Place the sealed containers in the refrigerator.

Storing the syrups in the fridge will help maintain their flavor and freshness.

Make sure to label the containers with the date you made the syrups, so you know how long they’ve been stored.

Shelf Life and Tips for Reheating

Both the apple brown sugar syrup and the apple crisp drizzle have a shelf life of about one month when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Over time, the syrups may thicken.

If this happens, you can easily reheat them to restore their original consistency.

Reheating Tips:

1. Microwave Method: Pour the desired amount of syrup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the syrup reaches the desired consistency.
2. Stovetop Method: Place the syrup in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the syrup is smooth and warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this could alter the flavor.

Conclusion

Making the Apple Crisp Macchiato at home offers many benefits.

You can control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and customize it to your liking.

Plus, it’s more cost-effective than buying it at a coffee shop.

Experiment with different milk options, toppings, and syrups to create your perfect drink.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy, autumn flavors any time of the year.

We’d love to hear how your homemade macchiato turned out.

Share your variations and feedback in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this drink be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the Apple Crisp Macchiato dairy-free by using alternative milks such as oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk.

These alternatives still provide a creamy texture and blend well with the apple and cinnamon flavors.

Is it gluten-free?

Typically, the Apple Crisp Macchiato is gluten-free.

However, if you use oat milk, be sure to check the label for cross-contamination with gluten.

Some oat milks are processed in facilities that handle wheat, which can cause cross-contamination.

Look for certified gluten-free oat milk to ensure it’s safe.

How much caffeine does it contain?

The caffeine content of the Apple Crisp Macchiato depends on the type of espresso used.

Generally, a shot of espresso contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine.

If you use two shots, your macchiato will have around 126 milligrams of caffeine.

Adjust the number of espresso shots according to your caffeine preference.