Copycat Starbucks Caffè Misto Recipe

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I’ve found myself deeply enamored with the heartwarming simplicity of the Caffè Misto. It’s a drink that stitches the seams of my mornings, holding together the promise of sunrise with the vigor needed to tackle the day. And in those quiet evenings, when the world outside seems to whisper tales of silence, my cup of Starbucks Caffè Misto offers solace, a reminder of the day’s gentle closure.

How to make Starbucks Caffè Misto

Starbucks Caffè Misto is a popular beverage that combines equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. It’s similar to a latte but made with drip coffee instead of espresso, giving it a slightly different flavor profile. The drink is typically served hot, but you can also order it iced. It’s a great option if you enjoy a milky coffee drink without the stronger espresso flavor!

Ingredients:

• Freshly Brewed Coffee: Choose a high-quality coffee; you can select Starbucks beans like Pike Place Roast for an authentic flavor.
• Milk: Using whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but for dietary preferences or health considerations, any alternative milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) will do.
• Optional: Sugar, sweetener, flavored syrups, or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added taste.

Equipment:

• Coffee Maker: Any type will work, whether a drip brewer, French press, pour-over, or even instant coffee in a pinch.
• Milk Frother or Steamer: To steam milk. If you don’t have a steamer, you can warm and froth the milk using a microwave and a jar or a small whisk.

Instructions:

Step 1: Brew Your Coffee

1. Brew your favorite coffee to your desired strength. A medium roast is typically recommended to balance flavor and acidity.
2. Aim for a stronger brew than a regular cup of coffee since it will be diluted with milk.

Step 2: Steam or Froth the Milk

1. Heat your milk on the stove or microwave until about 150°F to 160°F. Be careful not to scorch the milk. The ideal temperature is when the milk is steamed but not yet boiling.
2. Froth the milk until it’s airy and has doubled in volume. You can use a frother, shake it in a jar with a lid, or whisk it by hand until it’s frothy.

Step 3: Combine Coffee and Milk

1. Pour the frothy milk into your coffee in a 1:1 ratio.
2. If you’re aiming for the Starbucks experience, you may want to serve it in a tall, clear mug.

Step 4: Personalize (optional)

1. Add sugar, sweeteners, or syrups if you prefer a sweetened beverage.
2. Sprinkle the top with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic touch.

Step 5: Enjoy!

1. Stir your creation gently to blend the flavors.
2. Savor your homemade Caffe Misto immediately for the best experience.

Tips:

• Coffee Choice: The taste of a Caffè Misto relies heavily on the type of coffee used. Try using Starbucks roasts, or ask for a recommendation in-store based on your preferences.
• Milk Steaming: If you don’t have a milk frother, heating the milk and then vigorously whisking can incorporate air to create foam.
• Syrups and Flavors: For those who enjoy flavored lattes, adding a pump of vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrup will sweeten and infuse your Misto with a delightful taste.
• Cleaning: Always clean your equipment right after use to maintain the quality of your beverages.

What to serve with

Pairing your homemade Starbucks Caffè Misto with the perfect accompaniment can elevate your coffee experience, making those quiet mornings or cozy afternoons even more delightful.

For a Sweet Indulgence:

• Classic Coffee Cake: The cinnamon and sugar crumble topping off a classic coffee cake pairs wonderfully with the smooth, creamy texture of a Caffè Misto. Each bite offers a comforting sweetness that complements the coffee’s richness.
• Croissants or Chocolate Croissants: A buttery, flaky croissant or its chocolate-filled counterpart offers a luxurious texture and taste that harmoniously blends with your coffee, adding a French touch to your coffee break.

Healthy & Wholesome Choices:

• Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with your favorite fruits and a drizzle of honey is not only heartwarming, but when enjoyed with a Caffè Misto, it creates a balanced, nutritious start to your day.
• Avocado Toast: For a more savory complement, avocado toast on whole-grain bread offers a creamy texture and a rich, satisfying flavor profile that pairs well with milk-infused coffee.

Quick On-the-Go Snacks:

• Granola Bars or Energy Bars: When you’re short on time, a granola or energy bar can be a quick, satisfying snack to go with your Caffè Misto. Choose bars with nuts and oats for a textural contrast to your smooth Caffè Misto.
• Fruit & Nut Mix: A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits offers a healthy, crunchy, sweet option that energizes you alongside your caffeine fix.

Decadent Desserts:

• Chocolate Truffles: The rich, velvety texture of chocolate truffles, when taken with a sip of Caffè Misto, creates an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for those special moments.
• Tiramisu: A slice of tiramisu with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream is the ultimate coffee dessert to accompany your Starbucks Caffè Misto. It doubles the coffee flavor for a truly decadent pairing.

Gourmet Experiences:

• Cheese Pairings: Believe it or not, pairing coffee with cheese can be a delightful experience. Opt for creamy, mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert that will complement its warmth and richness and won’t overpower the coffee.

Seasonal Pairings:

• Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: For a fall-inspired treat, pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins offer a spicy-sweet flavor that complements the earthy tones of the coffee, making each sip of Caffè Misto taste like autumn.
• Gingerbread Cookies: In the winter, gingerbread cookies with their warm spices mirror the cozy vibe of your Caffè Misto, making it a festive holiday pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Starbucks Caffè Misto (also known as café au lait) at home is a simple process that involves equal parts of brewed coffee and steamed milk. Here are some substitutions you can consider if you don’t have the standard ingredients on hand or want to customize the drink to your dietary preferences or try new flavors.

Coffee Substitutes:

• Decaf Coffee: If you’re avoiding caffeine but still want the flavor of coffee, use decaffeinated coffee beans for your brew.
• Other Coffee Roasts: You can substitute the Starbucks blend typically used for a Caffè Misto with any coffee beans you prefer, whether it’s a dark, medium, or light roast, depending on your taste preference.
• Coffee Alternatives: For those avoiding coffee altogether, chicory root coffee or barley coffee can serve as a caffeine-free alternative, although the taste will differ significantly.

Milk Substitutes:

• Lactose-Free Milk: If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use any lactose-free cow’s milk, giving you a similar taste and texture to regular milk.
• Non-Dairy Milk: For a vegan or dairy-free version, there are several options you can use. The experience will differ slightly in taste and texture:
• Almond Milk: A popular non-dairy substitute with a nutty flavor and lighter texture. Almond milk steams fairly well for non-dairy milk.
• Soy Milk: Soy milk is a good source of protein and typically steams quite similarly to cow’s milk, making it a good option for a Caffè Misto.
• Coconut Milk: This will give your coffee a tropical flavor and is somewhat creamy, though it might not froth as well as cow’s milk.
• Oat Milk: Known for its creaminess and ability to froth well, oat milk is a great option that also adds a slight sweetness.
• Rice Milk: This milk is quite thin and less creamy but can be a suitable alternative for those allergic to nuts or soy.
• Cashew Milk: Another nut milk option, cashew milk is creamier than almond milk but has a milder flavor.
• Macadamia Milk: Fairly new to the scene, macadamia milk offers a rich, creamy texture that can complement the boldness of coffee.
• Pea Protein Milk: A more recent alternative, it’s rich in protein and offers a creamier consistency than other plant-based milk.

Sweetener Substitutes (Optional):

• Sugar Alternatives: If you want to sweeten your Caffè Misto but don’t want to use white sugar, there are several substitutes like honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, or stevia.
• Flavored Syrups: For a hint of flavor, you can add a pump of vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, or any other flavored syrup instead of regular sugar.

Final Thoughts

By following these simple steps and tailoring the ingredients to your liking, you’ll have a Starbucks Caffè Misto without leaving the comfort of your home.

More Coffee Recipes:

• Copycat Dutch Bros Flapjack Mocha Recipe
• Café Bustelo Iced Coffee Recipe