If you have as big of a Starbucks addiction as I do, then quarantine has taught you that not only is it possible to live without it, but you can save a looooot of money.

My go-to drink has always been a caramel macchiato. Whether iced or hot, that drink always seems to be the perfect remedy when I’m craving caffeine. However….it adds up financially. A medium (grande if we’re getting fancy) of that specific drink will cost you upwards of $6, and if you get it with soy milk like I do then the price goes up further. Not to mention for a while at the beginning of this whole COVID madness most Starbucks were closed so I was feeling MAJOR withdrawal.

Considering this lockdown is apparently never going to end, I’ve decided to get creative and feel as though I’ve semi-perfected my own version of the classic Starbucks drink. Plus all the ingredients will cost about 2 of the drinks from Starbucks, and will make you way more than that.

Here’s what I’ve come up with!

1) Start with any caramel syrup. I chose a PC brand ice cream topping that will cost you around $3.50 at No Frills and it works super well.

2) Add in around 1/3 cup of ice to your glass.

3) Add in your coffee – can use pretty much any brand since the taste doesn’t matter too much (even instant works). I chose Starbucks Blonde Roast Keurig pods that I got a box of at the grocery store for around $8. Works best if you put the coffee in the fridge for about half an hour ahead of time – ice won’t melt as quickly and it won’t taste as watered down.

4) Top up with your milk. For me it’s Silk Vanilla Soy milk. I find it easier on my stomach & the vanilla makes up for not adding in vanilla syrup. Super creamy too!

Et voila!!! Hoping that this recipe turns out for you all the same way it did for me. In the meantime, I’ll be experimenting to see what other kinds of creations I can replicate. Let me know if you try it!

– A