coffee from home: barista approved

hi! i’m a barista, and here’s what i’ve learned:

coffee is expensive.

most of the drinks you buy from starbucks, shadrachs, are 1. loaded with sugar 2. $5+

so, let me share a few tips i’ve learned to make coffee at home that is just as good, cheap, and easy!

1. espresso - most coffee drinks at these popular franchises are lattes, which are made with espresso. if you do not use espresso - your drinks at home will NOT taste the same. pouring caramel syrup into the drip coffee from your coffee pot will NOT make it taste like a starbucks latte. however, this DOES NOT mean you have to buy an expensive espresso machine. instant espresso is just as good in a latte and all you need is a small scoop with a little hot water. mix it up, pour is over your syrup, add milk and you’re done!

2. flavoring - most of the places around here use the exact same brand of syrups. Torani syrups are available everywhere: Walmart, Amazon, even HomeGoods. Buy a few of your favorite flavors and it will take you forever to get through them all. Most of them even have sugar free options!

3. Milk - most coffee places use whole milk as their base. In hot drinks, we steam the milk and in cold we just add it in directly. It’s not special, it is the basic kind you see at the grocery store. As are all of our special milk alternatives - buy whatever you like. Soy, almond, oat, whatever!

4. Creamer - buy a creamer in the flavor of coffee you like. i personally love the starbucks sugar free caramel macchiato creamer! their sugar free creamers are great!

5. Assembly - the order in which you assemble things matters! Here is a step by step process in how to make an iced white caramel latte:

- grab a cup and a spoon or frother to mix everything together.

- put your white mocha powder/syrup and your caramel syrup in the cup. (a general rule for sizing options: small - 2 of each. medium - 3 of each. large - 4 of each. x-large 5 of each.).

- make your espresso. make sure it is HOT when you put it in your cup so that it dissolves all of the powders and mixes the syrup.

- add your milk. if your espresso wasn’t hot enough to melt the syrups/powders, heat up a little bit of your milk in the microwave and mix everything before you add in the rest of the cold milk.

- in the cup you’ll be drinking from, fill it with ice and then pour your drink over it once it’s mixed well. (if you want drizzle, do this before adding ice to your cup)

- enjoy!

know that hot drinks and iced drinks will have different proportions! hot drinks typically require more flavor to be able to make them as sweet as you want them.

happy coffee making!

#athomebarista #coffeetips #coffeetutorials #baristaideas #barista

2025/6/29 Edited to

... Read moreTo truly harness the art of coffee brewing at home, understanding the basics of espresso is key. Unlike standard drip coffee, espresso forms the foundation for many popular drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. Using instant espresso can yield excellent results without the hefty investment in a machine. Flavorings play a crucial role in achieving that café-style taste. Brands like Torani offer a vast array of syrups, including sugar-free options, making it easy to personalize your coffee without a sugar overload. Mixing in a variety of flavors can transform a simple drink into a gourmet experience. As for milk choices, baristas often use whole milk for its creaminess, but don’t hesitate to use alternatives like oat, almond, or soy to suit your preference. Experimenting with different milks can change the texture and flavor profile of your drink entirely. Don’t forget about creamers! They are the perfect finishing touch to add flavor and richness. Trying out different brands and flavors can make your home coffee moment feel luxurious. Finally, the method of assembly matters. Following precise steps, including the order of ingredients, can make a significant difference in the final taste of your coffee. Remember that hot and iced drinks require different proportions of flavoring, so adjusting based on temperature will enhance your coffee experience. Happy brewing!