Apple Crisp Macchiato: Copycat Recipe

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Move over Pumpkin Spice Latte; Apple crisp oatmilk macchiato is here! Made with apple brown sugar syrup, this drink is all about cozy fall flavors. Enjoy it iced or hot; both recipes are included.

The Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato blends crisp apple, caramelized brown sugar, toasty cinnamon, bold espresso, and creamy oat milk. The flavors are warm, cozy, and synonymous with fall.

The drink was modified in 2022 to be made with oat milk. Starbucks has not said the reason for this change. However, the oat milk adds a nutty flavor that works well with the fall vibe.

While the oat milk seems to make this drink vegan, Starbucks does not certify its drinks as vegan due to the proximity of dairy products. By making the apple crisp macchiato at home, you can ensure it is vegan. Or if you prefer it being made with cow's milk, you can also enjoy it that way!

If you truly want to indulge, try dipping homemade chocolate shortbread cookies for an out-of-this-world YUM combination!

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love Making This Drink at Home 
• What Does The Crisp Apple Macchiato Taste Like?
• How is the 2022 Drink Different from the 2021 Drink?
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• How to Customize This Drink
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe

Why You Will Love Making This Drink at Home 

• Save Time: Making drinks at home is much faster than waiting in line.
• Fall Flavor: The delicious apple flavor captures the season's magic.
• Save Money: Why give Starbucks $6 when you can make it for a fraction?

What Does The Crisp Apple Macchiato Taste Like?

The simplest way to describe the taste of a crisp apple macchiato is a perfect combination of the warm flavors of fall and an apple pie in a glass. The flavors include apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, espresso, and creamy oat milk.

This drink can be made hot or cold. While they both taste great, I prefer the hot version. I believe the warmth of the drink inspires the heat of the season!

How is the 2022 Drink Different from the 2021 Drink?

Starbucks has modified the ingredients in 2022 by using blonde espresso and oat milk. The blonde espresso is milder and sweeter than the traditional version used in 2021. The warmth of oat milk gives the drink a richer fall flavor than traditional milk.

Ingredients

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients. As an alternative, you can purchase a similar syrup on Amazon.

Apple Crisp Syrup

The recipe in this post makes enough syrup for 16 grande-sized macchiatos.

• Apple Cider: Apple cider is a critical component in this syrup, providing a rich and authentic apple flavor. It's typically made from freshly pressed apples and may contain a hint of natural sweetness.
  • Alternative - apple juice
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the syrup and adds a deep, caramel-like flavor. Its molasses content gives it a richer taste than white sugar, enhancing the overall sweetness and complexity of the syrup. Brown sugar also complements the apple flavor, creating a flavor balance.
• Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic spice often associated with apple desserts. It adds warmth, sweetness, and a spicy depth to the syrup. Cinnamon is crucial for creating the "apple pie" or "apple crisp" flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg is another spice that pairs perfectly with apples. It has a warm, nutty flavor with hints of earthiness and sweetness. Nutmeg adds complexity and depth to the apple flavor in the syrup, making it taste more like a baked apple dessert.

Apple Crisp Macchiato

• Apple Syrup: Apple syrup is the central element of the Apple Crisp Macchiato. It infuses a warm apple pie-ish flavor.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk serves as the base of the Apple Crisp Macchiato, providing creaminess and a dairy-free option. It blends well with the apple syrup and espresso, contributing a creamy texture.
  • Alternative - use the milk or dairy-free milk of your choice
• Blonde Espresso Roast: Starbucks introduced the blonde espresso roast in 2017. They describe this flavor much better than I could...
  • " Experience the lighter side of espresso—a soft, beautifully balanced flavor profile that pairs perfectly with milk (or your favorite non-dairy alternative). Made up of select Latin American and East African beans, this blend is carefully roasted to coax out sweet, vibrant notes of candied apple and bittersweet chocolate. The result is smooth, well-rounded, and versatile, delicious served hot or over ice." Source

Instructions

Step One: Apple Syrup

Place the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and is reduced by half. Fully cool.

Step Two

Follow your preferred version to make either the hot or iced drink.

- Hot Version

Make two shots of espresso. Heat oat milk to 160f and froth the milk. Layer with oat milk first, followed by espresso and apple syrup. Top with froth and caramel if desired.

- Iced Version

Make two shots of espresso. Fill a glass with ice cubes. Layer with apple syrup poured first, followed by oatmilk and espresso. Drizzle with caramel if desired.

Note: Always pour the espresso last so it does not melt the ice.

How to Customize This Drink

As any Starbucks lover or barista will tell you, the customization options are limitless. Here are a few modifications that are easy to make at home.

• Milk Options: Make this drink with your preferred milk or non-dairy milk
• Drizzle Toppings: Add mocha or caramel drizzle for a twist.
• Toppings: Top your drink with whipped cream, cold foam, or extra milk froth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe