DIY: Starbucks' Seasonal Drinks

(Starbucks)

On average, Americans consume 3.1 cups of coffee a day and if Starbucks is your brewery of choice, that's $33 per work week for a grande-sized pick-me-up.

And now the coffee company is offering their seasonal holiday drinks, but at roughly $5.00 a cup, those sugary lattes will quickly burn a hole in your pocket.

So why not make them at home? With the right recipe you can enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink without putting a dent in your wallet.

Enjoy!

Gingerbread Latte

Starbucks' Price: $4.75 for grande

Recipe:
First prepare the Gingerbread Syrup
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat and allow for syrup to simmer. Leave uncovered for 15 minutes and then remove from fire.

1/2 cup fresh espresso
8 ounces milk, steamed

Prepare a double shot of espresso and steam 8 ounces of milk. Pour 1/2 cup of espresso into mug, add 1/4 cup of gingerbread syrup followed by the milk. Stir and serve hot.

Caramel Brulée Latte

Starbucks' Price: $4.75 for grande

Recipe:
2 oz. espresso or strong coffee
8 oz. steamed milk
1 oz. vanilla bean syrup
2 tbsp. caramel ice cream topping

Brew coffee or espresso. Line mug with caramel topping, add syrup and then espresso. Steam milk and pour into cup.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Starbucks' Price: $4.75 for grande

Recipe:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee)

Combine milk, pumpkin and sugar in a saucepan and stir over medium heat until steamed. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and pumpkin spice. Transfer the mixture into a blender and process for 10 seconds or until foamy. Or you can simply whisk the mixture until foam appears.

Pour into mug, add espresso and enjoy.

Peppermint Mocha Latte

Starbucks' Price: $4.75 for grande

Recipe:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa
3 tablespoons warm water
1/2 cup hot espresso
1 1/2 cups hot milk

Stir the water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add peppermint extract. Allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.

Mix cocoa and water in a mag until paste forms. Add espresso and 1 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint syrup. Finally, add the milk and serve hot.

Eggnog Latte

Starbucks' price: $4.75 for grande

Recipe:
1/2 cup eggnog
1/4 cup whole milk
1-2 shots espresso
Sprinkle of nutmeg for garnish

Combine cold eggnog with cold milk and steam. Add espresso shots to steamed eggnog mixture and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Chai Tea Latte

Starbucks' Price: $4.10 for grande

Recipe:
3 cups water
3 cups milk
6-8 black tea bags
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Bring water and milk to a boil. Add remaining ingredients, return to boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags then filter. Serve hot or iced.