As the masses flock to the green mermaid to caffeinate this fall, you can rest assured that both of Starbucks signature fall drinks for 2022 can easily be made at home! We’re starting with a copycat of the Apple Crisp Macchiato.

To accomplish this, we’re making an easy homemade syrup and a caramel-like drizzle, just like the bottled ones they use in the coffee shops. This recipe makes enough for multiple drinks, making it not only healthier than those with preservatives, but also much more affordable.

Once you have followed the instructions to make your syrup and your drizzle, use the drink assembly instructions as more of a guideline than a strict list of steps. Feel free to experiment with your drink preference. Do you want more coffee and less milk? Go for it! Do you like your drink sweeter? Add more syrup/drizzle. This is all about your preferences, so feel free to experiment. Here is a quick glance list of the differences in the most common craft coffee drinks:

Macchiato (espresso + a small amount of milk + syrup)
Latte (espresso + milk + syrup)
Café au lait (drip coffee + milk + syrup)
Cappuccino (equal parts espresso + milk + milk foam + syrup)
Americano (espresso + hot water + syrup)
Mocha (espresso + chocolate + milk + syrup)
Italian Soda (carbonated water + syrup)
French Soda (carbonated water + syrup + cream)

You also don’t have to reserve the drizzle solely for the top; stir it into the coffee with the syrup, if you wish. Or try using these syrups on other favorite food/drink. Drizzle them in your tea or on your pancakes and waffles.

TIP: I prefer to store this syrup and drizzle sauce in Mason jars in my fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks.

OPTIONAL: If you wish to make your drink look extra fancy, drizzle 2 TBSP of Apple Crisp Drizzle on the inner sides of your glass before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Copycat Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato
(Original recipe: Lifestyle of a Foodie)

Spiced Apple Drizzle
2 C apple juice
2 TBSP brown sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Place all drizzle ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the mixture has reduced to 1/3-1/2 cup. This should take approximately 30 minutes.

Let this reduction cool down to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools down, becoming like a caramel sauce.

Apple Crisp Syrup
1 large apple, sliced
1/3 C brown sugar
1/4 C apple juice
3/4 C water
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla

Place all syrup ingredients in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let the syrup cool down fully before straining out the apples.

Assembling your drink
2 TBSP Apple Crisp Syrup
2 TBSP Spiced Apple Drizzle
1 shot of espresso or 1/2 C strong drip coffee
3/4 C milk of your choice
Dollop of whipped cream
Pinch of Apple Pie Spice, Pumpkin Pie Spice, or ground cinnamon for topping

ICED OPTION: To a large glass, add ice, milk, and Apple Crisp Syrup. Top it with the espresso/coffee. Dollop the top with a hearty spoonful of whipped cream. Drizzle the top with Spiced Apple Drizzle. Stir and taste, adding additional Syrup and/or Drizzle as desired.

HOT OPTION: Pour steamed milk in a glass, Apple Crisp Syrup, and hot espresso/coffee. Top with whipped cream, Spiced Apple Drizzle, and pinch of Apple Pie Spice, Pumpkin Pie Spice, or ground cinnamon. Stir and taste, adding additional Syrup and/or Drizzle as desired.