Apple Crisp Macchiato

This apple crisp macchiato is the PERFECT Starbucks copycat drink! Made with homemade apple molasses brown sugar coffee syrup, milk, and a shot (or two!) of espresso. Made iced or hot it’s delicious either way!

I think you all know at this point I’m super excited for fall.

I mean, I already posted my ultra-delicious pumpkin cream cold brew coffee so you knew it wasn’t going to be long before I finally got around to posting this copycat Starbucks apple crips macchiato.

It’s made with homemade apple molasses brown sugar syrup (drool-worthy!) and then combined with lots of ice, milk, and a shot of espresso.

Don’t worry – if you don’t like iced coffee I give you directions on how to make it hot too.

As much as I love iced coffee I know not everyone is a fan.

This drink has the PERFECT fall flavor with a hint of apple and natural fall flavor sweetness.

It’s very similar to my homemade cinnamon dolce syrup and my Copycat Starbucks Brown Sugar Syrup BUT with a heavier emphasis on the flavors of apple pie.

Craving a comforting Starbucks copycat tea drink? You gotta try this Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea recipe!

What is a Starbucks apple crisp macchiato?

Just a few weeks ago Starbucks came out with its lineup of new fall drinks.

I immediately went out and tried the apple crisp macchiato because I love all things apple crisp.

The hot version is made with steamed milk, apple syrup, brown sugar syrup, and espresso. The iced version is made with ice, milk, apple syrup, brown sugar syrup, and espresso.

Both are topped with a spiced caramel drizzle.

The drink was good but I knew I needed to make my own spin on this drink.

I wanted to deepen the flavors of the apple crisp syrup so I got home and started writing down my recipe ideas.

How do I make apple brown sugar syrup?

For my apple brown sugar syrup, I knew I really wanted to tap into the deep fall flavors of apple crisp.

Here is what I used:

• Dark brown sugar – you can use light brown in a pinch but I love the molasses flavor you get from dark brown.
• Unsulphured molasses – this really deepens the flavor and gives it a big-time fall flavor.
• Saigon cinnamon – this has a strong cinnamon flavor that really pumps up that apple crisp flavor.
• Tart apple peel – I opted to use apple peel as it holds a lot of flavor and does not break down like apple slices while cooking. That way I’m left with apple flavor without the need for a lot of straining.

Just add all the ingredients to a small pot, pour in some water, and let simmer until cooked down by about half.

It’s so incredibly easy to make your own coffee syrups and they taste so fresh and delicious.

After it has cooled I like to store it in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How do I store homemade coffee syrup?

You’ll want to make sure you store any homemade coffee syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator.

I usually use a mason jar as they are easy to find and I have a ton laying around my house.

How to make a Starbucks apple crisp macchiato

You can make the homemade version of the Starbucks apple crisp macchiato either hot or iced.

Obviously, for these photos, I made it iced. That is my go-to way of drinking coffee so for photo purposes iced won the battle.

Making an iced apple crisp macchiato:

• Homemade apple brown sugar molasses syrup
• Milk or half and half
• Espresso
• Cinnamon sugar, for topping, optional
• Caramel sauce, for topping, optional

You’ll add ice to your glass (I really love to use crushed ice for my homemade iced coffee drinks), add in 2 tablespoons of your homemade syrup, pour in your milk or half and half, top with espresso, and if desired sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

It’s so easy to make and tastes like fall in an ice-filled cup.

Making a hot apple crisp macchiato:

• Homemade apple brown sugar molasses syrup
• Steamed milk
• Espresso
• Cinnamon sugar, for topping, optional
• Caramel sauce, for topping, optional

Add 2 tablespoons of your homemade syrup, pour in steamed milk, top with espresso, and if desired sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

What is the best milk to use for a macchiato?

What type of milk you like to use in your coffee is going to change from person to person.

However, here is my personal favorite options.

For an iced macchiato, I like to use whole milk or half and half. Half and half is a bit rich but I LOVE the way it tastes in iced drinks. It’s my ultimate favorite.

For a hot macchiato, I like to use whole milk. It steams up nicely and really rounds out the drink.

Half and half is still a great option for hot but for some reason, it feels so much less necessary when it’s a warm drink.

Can I use non-dairy milk for a macchiato?

Of course!

My personal favorite for this drink is oat milk.

Other options are macadamia nut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk.

What if my coffee drink is too sweet?

You can always adjust the flavors of your drink by adding less homemade syrup.

However, the less syrup you use the less “apple crisp” flavor will be in the drink.

You can also skip the cinnamon sugar and the caramel drizzle as that will add a hint of sweetness as well.

Love this homemade Starbucks apple crisp macchiato?

Why not try a few of my other delicious coffee house drinks?

• Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Coffee
• Homemade Starbucks Pink Drink
• Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee
• S’mores Iced Coffee
• Vanilla Bean Horchata Iced Coffee