Starbucks Coffee Syrups

You don't have to be a barista to have your latte taste good. Sure, they have the sophisticated machinery and tools to work with, but you can make an equally impressive beverage right in the comfort of your own home just by following these tried and true coffee making steps:

• Always use cold milk when steaming milk. Whole milk or higher fat milk usually steams better than skim (though it is still possible).


• Never try to steam cream. It doesn't steam well, and creates a salty crust that is not palatable.


• Always follow making the drink in these steps: espresso, flavor, milk, ice (if it's an iced drink), then topping.


• Serve the drink at home with a straw if it is iced. Sipping out of a cup just isn't the same experience, and tastes much different (not to mention it's harder to drink).


• Brew the espresso fresh, don't take shortcuts and make it ahead of time.


• Add plenty of ice to iced drinks, and use an insulated ceramic mug for hot drinks.

During the latte making process, you'll steam your milk as you normally would for a plain latte, but before combining the espresso and steamed milk, you'll add the syrup/flavor shots to the espresso. Usually melting the thick syrups like caramel macchiato will result in a smoother beverage. For the clear flavor shots, there's no need to melt them since they are very fluid. Simply stir into the espresso, add the milk, then top as desired.

For Iced Lattes

Don't steam the milk for iced lattes. Just add the espresso and syrup to cold milk, adding the ice last. Try to fill the cup 2/3 with ice to keep the beverage cold enough.

• Hazelnut - Nutty, refreshing taste perfect for hot and cold drinks


• Vanilla - An all-time classic syrup ideal for those looking for something sweet and fresh


• Toffee - Combine this with mocha for the ultimate mocha latte!


• Almond - This flavor also combines well with mocha, or also with other syrups like vanilla


• Mocha - Mocha syrup is the base for mocha lattes and also as topping for frappuccinos


• Caramel - Just a few pumps is more than enough to sweeten a large (venti) drink.


• Pumpkin Spice - Out for only a limited time, so grab this while you can!


• Gingerbread - Spicy molasses, cinnamon and clove flavored syrup, perfect for the holidays


• Peppermint - Soothing, clean peppermint flavor that blends well with mocha