The crisp autumn air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and the irresistible aroma of spiced apples – fall is a sensory delight. And nothing quite captures that cozy feeling like the Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. It’s a delightful blend of rich espresso, sweet apple crisp flavors, and creamy oatmilk, all shaken to perfection. But let’s be honest, those daily Starbucks runs can add up! What if I told you that you could enjoy this autumnal masterpiece without breaking the bank? This guide will show you how to make a delectable and budget-friendly homemade Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso right in your own kitchen. Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with every sip!
What is Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso?
At its core, the Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is a symphony of carefully chosen ingredients. It starts with a base of Starbucks Blonde espresso roast, known for its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile. This espresso is then combined with their signature apple crisp syrup, which infuses the drink with the essence of baked apples, warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar. The mixture is vigorously shaken with ice to create a perfectly chilled and slightly frothy texture. Finally, it’s topped off with creamy oatmilk, adding a richness that complements the other flavors beautifully. The result is a drink that perfectly balances the boldness of espresso with the comforting sweetness of apple crisp.
The drink’s popularity isn’t a mystery. The warm, spiced apple flavors evoke memories of cozy fall evenings and comforting desserts. Paired with the energizing kick of espresso and the smoothness of oatmilk, it’s a drink that satisfies both your cravings and your need for a caffeine boost. And, of course, the Starbucks name adds a certain appeal – a promise of quality and a touch of indulgence.
Gathering Your Ingredients (Focus on Quality & Alternatives)
The secret to a truly exceptional homemade Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso lies in the quality of your ingredients. Let’s break down each component and explore your options.
Espresso: The Heart of the Drink
The foundation of any shaken espresso is, well, the espresso! Starbucks uses their Blonde espresso roast for this drink, and it’s a great choice to mimic their flavour. Blonde espresso is lighter and sweeter, with a milder flavour than traditional dark roast espresso. You can also use regular espresso, but you might find the drink tastes better with something that has less of a bitter punch. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry! Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate are excellent substitutes. Just be sure to use a high coffee-to-water ratio to achieve a concentrated brew that will stand up to the other flavors.
For making espresso at home, consider using an espresso machine, a Moka pot, or even an Aeropress. Each method offers a unique way to extract rich, flavorful espresso, so choose the one that best suits your budget and preferences.
Apple Crisp Syrup: The Autumnal Elixir
This is where the magic truly happens! The apple crisp syrup is what gives this drink its signature fall flavor. While you can purchase commercially made apple cider syrups, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels. I’ll share my favorite homemade recipe in the next section.
If you prefer to buy your syrup, look for brands that use real apple cider and natural spices. Avoid syrups with artificial flavors or colors. Another option is to use pure apple cider concentrate, which will provide a concentrated apple flavor without added sweetness. You may need to add a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to achieve the desired sweetness level.
Oatmilk: Creamy Perfection
Oatmilk is the perfect choice for this drink due to its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, which complements the espresso and apple crisp syrup beautifully. Different brands of oatmilk can vary in texture and flavor, so experiment to find one you like. Barista-blend oatmilks tend to froth the best and have a richer mouthfeel. While oatmilk is highly recommended, you can substitute with other plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk, keeping in mind that they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Ice: Chilling Out
The type of ice you use can affect the overall texture of your shaken espresso. Cubed ice is great for a colder drink but also dilutes the drink more. Crushed ice will make a frosty and extremely cold drink with fast dilution. Use whichever you prefer.
Optional Toppings: A Touch of Flair
To elevate your homemade Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, consider adding a few optional toppings. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or brown sugar adds a touch of warmth and sweetness. For a more festive touch, top with a few dried apple pieces.
Homemade Apple Crisp Syrup Recipe (Detailed Step-by-Step)
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe: the homemade apple crisp syrup. This syrup is the key to capturing the authentic flavor of the Starbucks drink, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- Two cups of apple cider
- Half a cup of packed brown sugar
- One teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- A quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional: Two tablespoons of maple syrup (for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the brown sugar. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for thirty to forty minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly and reduced in volume by about half. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup (if using). Let the syrup cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further.
Once cooled, transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This homemade apple crisp syrup is not only perfect for shaken espressos but also delicious in coffee, tea, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles.
Tips for Achieving the Right Consistency
The key to a perfect apple crisp syrup is patience. Don’t rush the simmering process, as this is what allows the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken. If you find that your syrup is too thin after cooling, you can simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
The Recipe: Making Your Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble your homemade Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect drink.
Detailed Instructions
First, pull two shots (about two ounces) of espresso or prepare a strong two ounces of coffee or cold brew. Add two tablespoons of your homemade apple crisp syrup to a shaker. Add the espresso to the shaker. Fill the shaker with about a cup of ice. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for fifteen to twenty seconds, or until the shaker is very cold to the touch.
Fill a glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken espresso mixture into the prepared glass. Top with approximately six to eight ounces of oatmilk, or to your preference. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, brown sugar, or dried apple pieces, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Drink
Want to take your homemade Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve coffee perfection.
Adjusting Sweetness
The amount of syrup you use will determine the sweetness of your drink. Start with two tablespoons and adjust to taste. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of syrup. If you have a sweet tooth, add a little more. Remember that the sweetness of the syrup can also vary depending on the apples and brown sugar used.
Getting the Right Foam
A good shake is essential for creating a frothy shaken espresso. Be sure to shake vigorously for at least fifteen seconds to properly chill and aerate the drink. The quality of your oatmilk will also affect the amount of foam you achieve. If you want even more foam, consider using a milk frother to froth the oatmilk before adding it to the glass.
Experimenting with Flavors
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to customize your Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add a warm and aromatic twist. You can also try using different types of extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, to enhance the flavor profile.
Making it Iced or Hot
While this recipe is for an iced shaken espresso, you can easily adapt it to create a hot version. Simply heat the oatmilk and espresso mixture together in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in the apple crisp syrup. You can skip the shaking part and just stir the components for a comforting warm drink. Be careful when heating oatmilk as it can scald easily.
Conclusion
With this easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you can now enjoy a delicious and affordable Starbucks Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso whenever the craving strikes. Not only is it a budget-friendly alternative to frequent Starbucks visits, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your personal preferences. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your shaker, and get ready to experience the magic of fall in every sip! Now that you have the power to create this Starbucks favorite in your own kitchen, what other Starbucks recipes are you craving? Share your requests, and maybe I’ll tackle them next! Happy shaking, and happy sipping!
