Life has changed so much since Katherine was born.  I work from home now, I don't get out much, and there's no such thing as a quick run to the store/ to get lunch/ to get coffee.  It's hard to make a quick run to Starbucks these days with a 7 month old, but sometimes I still need that pick-me-up that I used to look to Starbucks for.

I started looking online for replica recipes of my favorite coffee shop beverages.  After experimenting with several recipes, these are my favorites. 

I found this recipe for Starbuck's Carmel Apple Spice here.  Who knew that you don't use apple cider, but apple juice? 

What You Need:
Bottle of Apple Juice
1/2 Cup of Water
1/2 Cup of Brown Sugar
About 1/2 to 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
Whipped Cream
Carmel sauce

Make the cinnamon syrup by combining sugar, water, and cinnamon in a pot over medium high heat.  Stir, then let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes over low heat.

While that is cooking, heat up the apple juice.  You can do this in the microwave or on the stove top.




I found the perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe here.  It's super easy and delicious. 
What You Need:
1 cup of strong coffee
2/3 cup of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

What To Do:
Whisk together the milk, vanilla, pumpkin, brown sugar, and spice. 

Heat in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.  (When I'm in a rush, I just use the microwave.) 

Once heated, pour over hot coffee. 

Add whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin spice as garnish.  Enjoy!

And because I try to be an over achiever in the kitchen, I make my own whipped cream.  It's very easy.  You just need powdered sugar and whipping cream.  I use a stand mixer, but you can use a hand held one too.  Just pour the whipping cream in a chilled bowl and beat with a mixer until it's light and fluffy.  I add a little bit of powdered sugar until it's the right sweetness.


I actually like making my own drinks at home better than going out.  I spend a lot less money, and my homemade drinks actually taste better in my opinion.  I may never leave the house again.