Calling all coffee lovers! If you find yourself frequenting your local coffee shop for your daily caffeine fix — this is for you! While starting your morning with a delicious, indulgent coffee beverage can be a non-negotiable for many (maybe even the highlight of your day), it often comes at a price — both for your wallet and your health. Store-bought coffee shop orders cost a pretty penny, not to mention, they are often full of sneaky sugars and refined ingredients. The good news is that you can recreate all your favorite coffee beverages at home, with ease! Ahead, how to make a healthier homemade version of your favorite coffee shop order. Low in sugar, free from dairy, and made with wholesome ingredients, these copycat coffee shop orders will satisfy all your cravings and then some.
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The Benefits of Making Your Favorite Coffee Drinks at Home
Before we brew up the recipes, here’s why you should consider making your own coffee shop-style drinks at home:
#1 Cost-Effective
If you’re lucky, you can score a store-bought coffee beverage for $5. However, barista blends can easily cost you $10 (sometimes even more), especially if you’re buying a larger size or modifying your order with additional add-ins. The takeaway? Buying coffee shop drinks on a daily basis can add up quickly — making them at home is a much more sustainable choice.
#2 Homemade is Healthier
Coffee shop drinks often contain refined sugars and oils, sneaky additives, and artificial flavorings. By making your own beverage at home, you have control over the ingredients and can opt for healthier swaps (without sacrificing taste).
#3 Recipe Customization
By making your own recipes at home, you can tailor your homemade coffee shop drinks to your dietary or taste needs. This includes making healthy ingredient swaps for artificial sugars, refined oils, and even the type of milk used. Plus, you have the option to boost your beverage with superfood ins!
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Healthier Homemade Coffee Beverages for All Your Favorite Barista-Style Coffee Drinks
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Arguably the most popular seasonal coffee beverage, this cozy fall-inspired latte is a staple on most fall and winter coffee shop menus. However, while it may taste sweet, the sugar content can be scary. By making your own, you’ll not only save sugar and calories, but you’ll also get real pumpkin flavor (instead of artificial additives).
Ingredients:
- ½ – 1 cup brewed black coffee (depending on flavor and caffeine preference)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)
- 1-2 tbsp unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1-3 tsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Step #1: Add all the above ingredients aside from vanilla to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until heated (but not boiling), whisking until well blended. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step #2: Option to add to a blender and blend until frothy and creamy.
Step #3: Pour into a mug and top with any toppings of choice, such as coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
RELATED: 8 Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipes You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet
DIY Starbucks Pink Drink
The viral Starbucks “Pink Drink” is fruity, refreshing, and even aesthetic. Made by combining coconut milk with the Starbucks Strawberry Acai refresher, it’s a simple and delicious recipe that seems healthy. However, always read the ingredient label! This drink contains plenty of added sugar. Instead, try making your own low-sugar blend at home, made with real antioxidant-rich strawberries, unsweetened passion fruit tea, and a hint of natural sweetener.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz unsweetened passion herbal tea, cooled and chilled (or fruity herbal tea of choice)
- ½ cup coconut milk, unsweetened
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1-2 tsp raw honey, optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Freeze-dried strawberries, to serve (optional)
Directions:
Step #1: In a high-speed blender, combine chilled passion tea, coconut milk, strawberries, honey, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step #2: Fill a glass halfway with ice and add a handful of freeze-dried strawberries. Pour strawberry coconut mixture over the top of the ice. Let steep for a few minutes. Then stir, serve, and enjoy!
Iced or Hot Cafe Mocha
Making your own hot or iced cafe mocha is as simple as blending brewed coffee with cocoa powder, creamy non-dairy milk, and an optional hint of sweetener. Not only will you avoid artificial chocolate syrups (found in most store-bought cafe mocha blends), but by making your own at home, you’ll get all of the antioxidant benefits of raw cacao or cocoa.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee, (hot or chilled)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
- ½ – 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 cup creamy non-dairy milk, unsweetened (such as oat, cashew, or almond milk)
- pinch of sea salt, optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract, optional
Directions:
Step #1: If making a hot cafe mocha, add the non-dairy milk to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add to a high-speed blender. If making an iced cafe mocha, add a cup of chilled non-dairy milk to the blender.
Step #2: Meanwhile, brew a cup of hot coffee (if making an iced version, use chilled coffee). Add the coffee to the blender along with the cacao or cocoa, vanilla, sweetener, and sea salt. Blend until smooth, creamy, and slightly frothy.
Step #3: Pour into a mug and enjoy. If making iced, serve over ice.
Creamy Oat Milk Matcha Latte
If coffee gives you the jitters, give this matcha latte a try! It will still give you the same pick-me-up, but unlike coffee, you’ll get a steady stream of energy throughout the day, (which is better for your cortisol and anxiety). Plus, matcha green tea is packed with antioxidants and calming properties like EGCG and L-theanine. And by making it at home, you can save yourself the sugar and calories found in cafe blends by opting for natural sweeteners and dairy-free milk.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy oat milk, unsweetened (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- 1 tsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder
- 2-3 tsp pure maple syrup or raw honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup filtered water, heated
- Sprinkle of cinnamon, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Add the oat milk to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.
Step #2: Meanwhile, add the matcha powder to a small bowl with ¼ cup heated (but not boiling) water. Using a matcha whisk or frother, whisk until the matcha mixture is smooth and frothy.
Step #3: Pour the heated oat milk into a cup with vanilla and sweetener of choice. Using a frother, blend until well mixed.
Step #4: Add the matcha mixture over the top of the oat milk and stir to combine. Option to serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
RELATED: I Swapped Coffee With Matcha For a Week & Here’s What Happened to My Energy
Iced Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
This popular coffee shop order (courtesy of Starbucks) is classically made with blonde roast espresso, brown sugar syrup pumps, and oat milk. While we love to see dairy-free menu items, the added sugar can add up quickly, with some coffee shop orders containing more sugar than the recommended daily intake. For reference, it’s recommended that women have no more than 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day and men no more than 9 teaspoons.
Instead, minimize sugar by making your own DIY version at home. Made with mineral-rich date sugar (a natural sweetener that contains half the amount of sugar as table sugar), this healthier 5-ingredient recipe is lower in sugar and just as tasty.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- ½ tbsp date sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Dash of cinnamon cinnamon
- ½ cup oat milk
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Brew the espresso as desired into a mason jar or sealable glass jar. Add the date sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, and a small handful of ice.
Step #2: Secure the lid, ensuring it is on tight. Shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds until the date sugar is completely dissolved.
Step #3: In a separate glass, add oat milk and fill halfway with ice. Pour the espresso mixture over the top, and stir to combine. Option to add additional cinnamon. Serve and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Caramel Macchiato
Caramel Macchiatos are a classic coffee shop order. However, in addition to being high in sugar, the caramel sauce is often made with refined and inflammatory ingredients like corn syrup.
The good news is that by making your own at home, you can enjoy next-level taste while controlling the sugar and other sneaky ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso (or ½ cup of strong brewed coffee)
- ¾ cup of creamy almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice (Note: full-fat or barista-style milk is best for frothing)
- Drizzle of homemade dairy-free caramel date sauce (see below)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, optional
- Sprinkle of cinnamon, optional
Directions:
Step #1: In a small saucepan, heat the almond milk (or your choice of milk) and vanilla extract over medium-low heat until it’s warm but not boiling. Pour into a mug and froth until creamy and foamy.
Step #2: In a shot glass, brew the espresso shot. Then, pour over the frothed milk.
Step #3: Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce, and an optional sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
Iced Cold Brew Oat Milk Latte
Cold Brew + Creamy Oat Milk = a match made in heaven — especially when served over ice. While this seems like a healthier coffee shop order, many barista dairy and dairy-free milks are made with inflammatory oils and added sugar. So, why not make your own at home? Equally as creamy and satisfying as your favorite coffee shop oat milk cold brew, but without any sugar or refined ingredients. Love a warm latte? Skip the ice and heat up this recipe!
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy oat milk, unsweetened (we love brands such as Malk)
- 1 cup cold brew coffee (or 2 oz cold brew concentrate or 2 shots espresso), chilled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-3 tsp raw honey or maple syrup, optional
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Add the oat milk, cold brew, vanilla, and sweetener to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step #2: Pour into a glass filled with ice. Serve and enjoy!
RELATED: How to Make The Perfect Iced Coffee (Plus 8 Refreshing Recipes)
Dairy-Free Dirty Chai Latte (Hot or Iced)
This homemade chai latte is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions that often contain (far too many) added sugars and artificial flavors. It’s made with a blend of warming, anti-inflammatory spices and energy-boosting black tea — perfect for cozy mornings or when you need a jitter-free pick-me-up. Option to add a shot for a Dirty Chai or enjoy as is!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred dairy-free milk)
- 1 black tea bag (option to use a chai tea bag)
- ½ – 1 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1-2 whole cloves
- 1-2 cardamom pods, optional
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- 1-2 shots espresso, optional
Directions:
Step #1: In a small saucepan, heat the almond or non-dairy milk over medium-low heat. Bring to a slight boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Step #2: If you’re using whole spices (such as cloves, cardamom pods, or fresh ginger), add now and simmer for 5-10 minutes. If you’re using ground spices, skip this step.
Step #3: Remove from heat and add the black tea bag to the heated milk. Steep for 3-5 minutes.
Step #4: Remove the tea bag and strain any whole spices, if used.
Step #5: Add the heated mixture to a high-speed blender along with the sweetener of choice, vanilla extract, and any ground spices. Blend until smooth and creamy. Then pour into a mug.
Step #6: If adding espresso, brew espresso shot and pour over the chai latte mix. Serve and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Coffee Frappuccino
Coffee Coolatta… frozen coffee latte… coffee frappuccino, it goes by many names. No matter what you call it, it’s a popular coffee shop order when you’re craving something sweet and dessert-like. However, it’s one of the most high-sugar orders, which can wreak havoc on your blood sugar and fitness goals if consumed on the regular. Instead, try this homemade coffee frap made with better-for-you ingredients.
Serves: 1-2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy non-dairy milk
- 1 cup non-dairy milk ice cubes
- ½ – 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled (or 2-3 tsp instant coffee powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp sweetener of choice (such as maple syrup or raw honey)
- Dairy-free coconut whip, to serve, optional (see recipe below)
Directions:
Step #1: Make dairy-free ice cubes by freezing non-dairy milk of choice in an ice cube tray. Freeze overnight.
Step #2: Add all the above ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, adjusting ingredients as desired. Pour into a glass and serve with optional coconut whipped cream.
Honey Almond Milk Flat White
Stronger than a latte (due to its coffee-to-milk ratio), a flat white is a small, concentrated drink that’s typically enjoyed warm. Made with espresso and steamed milk, it’s bold and creamy with a light layer of foam, (but less milk than a latte). This healthier take on the Starbucks Honey Almond Milk Flat White is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup fresh brewed coffee)
- 1 cup vanilla or plain almond milk, unsweetened
- 2-3 tsp raw honey
- Pinch of cinnamon, optional
Directions:
Step #1: Heat the almond milk (or dairy-free milk of choice) on the stove until warm but not boiling. Meanwhile, brew your coffee or espresso.
Step #2: Add the heated almond milk to a mug along with the raw honey and vanilla. Using a frother, blend until smooth and slightly frothy. Pour the espresso shots or brewed coffee over the top and serve with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon.
Granola Butter Cookie Latte
The viral Whole Foods Brown Butter Cookie latte sounds delicious, but according to consumers, there’s actually no “brown butter” or “cookie” ingredients! Instead, it’s simply made with pumpkin spice syrup, caramel syrup, cold milk, and espresso. So, we’re making our own homemade version of this cookie butter latte that’s not only lower and sugar and healthier, but also has more of that cookie-flavored taste you’re craving (thanks to granola butter!).
Ingredients:
- ½ tbsp granola butter such as Oat Haus brand (or sub creamy cashew butter)
- 1-2 shots espresso
- ½ – 1 cup creamy oat milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tsp sweetener (such as homemade vanilla syrup or maple syrup), optional
- Handful of Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Add granola butter to the bottom of a glass, then brew 1-2 shots of espresso over the top.
Step #2: Meanwhile, mix the oat milk, vanilla, and optional sweetener in a glass. Then, add a handful of ice.
Step #3: Once the espresso is done brewing, stir until granola butter melts into the mixture. Then, pour the espresso mixture over the iced oat milk and serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Bonus: Homemade Healthy Sweeteners & Add-Ins
DIY Dairy-Free Date Caramel Sauce
This homemade caramel sauce is naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and coconut milk, making it a healthier alternative to traditional caramel sauces. Add a drizzle to your favorite recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Medjool dates (~10-12 dates), pitted and soaked
- ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk, unsweetened
- 2-4 tbsp date water (as needed to thin)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt, optional
Directions:
Step #1: First, remove the pits from the Medjool dates. Then, soak the pitted dates in hot water for 15-20 minutes until soft.
Step #2: Once soft, drain the dates, reserving the date water. Add the dates to a food processor or high-speed blender with the coconut milk, vanilla, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding 1 tbsp of date water at a time as needed to blend or thin.
Step #3: Taste test, adjusting any ingredients as necessary. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Homemade Vanilla Syrup (Naturally Sweetened)
Simply made with honey, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt, this naturally sweetened vanilla syrup is a healthier alternative to store-bought simple syrups (full of refined and processed sugar).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup raw honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 vanilla beans (or 2 tbsp vanilla extract)
- Pinch of sea salt, optional
Directions:
Step #1: If using vanilla beans, split the pod lengthwise using a sharp knife and scrape out the seeds. Then, add the seeds to a small saucepan, along with the water and honey (or sweetener of choice). If using vanilla extract, do not add it yet.
Step #2: Simmer over medium heat, constantly stirring until the sweetener is dissolved and a liquid mixture is formed. Then, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step #3: Remove from heat, and cool slightly to thicken the mixture into a syrup. If using vanilla extract, stir in now. If using vanilla beans, once cooled, strain through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.
Step #4: Transfer syrup to an airtight container or jar and store in the fridge.
Homemade Coconut Whip (Dairy-Free)
Made with dairy-free coconut milk and a hint of all-natural sweetener. Serve on top of your coffee concoction of choice!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight
- ½ – 1 tbsp maple syrup or raw honey
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Step #1: Chill the coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours (preferably overnight). This allows the coconut cream to harden and separate from the liquid coconut milk.
Step #2: Once chilled, carefully open the can without shaking it (this will prevent the thick coconut cream from mixing with the coconut milk). Then, scoop out the thick coconut cream from the top of the can and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step #3: Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, whip the coconut cream until it becomes light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. If adding sweetener, gradually add 1 tsp at a time while whipping. Taste test and adjust sweetener as desired.
Step #4: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
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Homemade Coffee Shop Drinks: Better For You And Your Wallet!
Easy to prep and delicious to enjoy, these homemade, healthier versions of your favorite cafe drinks are a cost-effective way to satisfy your coffee cravings without the added sugar. So, if you’re craving a creamy coffee beverage, you no longer need to break the bank or sacrifice your health and fitness goals! Plus, with a few healthy swaps, you can customize them to your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, next time you’re tempted to visit your local coffee shop, consider making one of these trending coffee recipes at home instead!
