Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato is a delicious and creamy espresso drink with apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon flavors. Homemade apple cinnamon syrup and brown sugar syrup are what make this coffee drink extraordinary.
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Starbucks fall drinks
As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a hot beverage to warm your bones. And when you add a kick of caffeine, like in this Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato, well, so much the better!
This perfect autumn coffee-based drink combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of brown sugar for a treat that might give the seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte, a good run for its money!
Why not decide for yourself and whip up a few of these Apple Crisp Macchiatos to see which you prefer?
What makes the Starbucks Apple Macchiato unique?
When you notice the first few red and orange leaves starting to appear on the trees, you know it won’t be long before the tables at your local farmers’ market are heavy with freshly picked apples and fresh-pressed apple juice. This coffee drink captures all the magic of the season with its one-of-kind apple juice syrup.
Making the apple brown sugar syrup Starbucks uses in this drink isn’t difficult, but it does take time.
Once the mixture comes to a boil, make sure to turn the heat down until it’s barely simmering, and don’t forget to stir often to keep it from burning. Let it cool entirely off the heat before straining to allow all the spices to release their flavors into the syrup.
Don’t be confused when you hear the term macchiato used to describe this beverage. That’s just what the folks at Starbucks call it. While an authentic macchiato has less milk, with only a teaspoon or two of foam to ‘mark’ the espresso, this version has a lot more.
Think of this drink like a latte to get the proportions correct, and everything will turn out fine.
Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need:
- Apple juice
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon sticks
- Ground nutmeg
- Apple
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Water
- 2% milk, or other milk of your choice
- Espresso or strong brewed coffee
How to Make Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato
There are three components to this recipe. You’ll need to make an apple syrup, brown sugar syrup, and then the macchiato. Here are the recipe steps:
Apple Cinnamon Syrup
- In a small saucepan or skillet, combine apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, lemon juice, chopped apple, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Strain and pour the syrup into a glass container. Refrigerate.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Heat water in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Add brown sugar and stir.
- Pour the brown sugar syrup into a glass container. Refrigerate
Apple Crisp Macchiato Assembly
- Place brown sugar syrup in a mug.
- Heat milk and froth it with a milk frother.
- Pour the frothed milk into the mug.
- Spoon froth over the milk.
- Pour espresso over the milk. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the apple crisp syrup on top.
Variations and substitutions for this Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato recipe
Don’t skip this recipe just because you don’t own an espresso maker! Instant espresso powder, Italian-style Moka coffee, or even extra-strong drip coffee are all good alternatives.
For those who don’t want to drink cow’s milk, use your favorite non-dairy milk substitute. Oat milk is delicious in this drink. Get the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato recipe.
You can use apple cider for a more intense apple flavor.
Three different methods for frothing milk without a milk frother
Milk frothers are inexpensive, and they do an excellent job at frothing milk for those without an espresso machine, but there are other ways to prepare the milk with mixed results:
The French press pot method
Pour warm milk into a four-cup or larger French press pot coffee maker. Place the French press pot on the counter and use one hand to keep the French press pot steady.
Pull the plunger up and press down slowly, keeping the metal filter portion submerged in the milk. Repeat until bubbles begin to form in the milk.
It only takes a few seconds to create a decent quality froth with medium bubbles.
The whisk method
If you have the time and the upper body strength, whisking is a good way to create a froth for the Starbucks Apple Macchiato.
Since it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes, try whisking while warming the milk in a small saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat.
Use a small hand whisk to stir vigorously, but make sure never to allow the milk to come to a simmer and watch out for splattering the milk.
The jar method
Although the jar method produces rather large and short-lived foam, it is by far the easiest solution for folks who don’t have a dedicated frother.
Just pour warm milk into a jar (or any large container) with a well-fitting and waterproof lid. Cover and shake until bubbles start to appear.
The Jar Method won’t make your drink pretty, but it won’t affect its flavor.
Can you store this macchiato for later?
While you should try to drink a Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato as soon as possible, you certainly can keep the two syrups in the fridge.
Just store the Starbucks apple cinnamon syrup and the brown sugar syrup in separate covered containers and use them up within a week.
Love Starbucks drinks? Try these copycat recipes!
- Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso
- Cafe Mocha
- Caramel Macchiato
- Flat White Coffee
- London Fog Tea Latte
- Peppermint Mocha
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- White Chocolate Mocha
Favorite apple drinks
Check out more of my easy drink recipes and the best Starbucks drink recipes here on CopyKat!
Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato
Ingredients
Apple Crisp Syrup
- 1 cup apple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup chopped apple
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Apple Crisp Macchiato
- ½ ounce brown sugar syrup
- ½ to 1 ounce apple crisp syrup
- 1 cup 2% milk or other milk of your choice
- 2 ounces espresso (2 shots) or strong brewed coffee
Instructions
Apple Crisp Syrup
- In a small pot, combine apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, lemon juice, chopped apple, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Strain and pour the syrup into a glass container. Refrigerate. This will make about 8 to 10 servings.
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Heat the water in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Add brown sugar and stir.
- Pour the brown sugar syrup into a glass container.
- Store in the refrigerator. This will make about 16 servings.
Apple Crisp Macchiato Assembly
- Place the brown sugar syrup into the bottom of a mug.
- Heat milk and froth it with a milk frother.
- Pour the frothed milk into the mug.
- Spoon froth over the milk.
- Pour two shots of espresso over the milk. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the apple crisp syrup over the foam in a crosshatch pattern.
Constance
I love Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato! It’s my favorite drink!