If your mornings start with throwbacks to Bill Withers and a trip to Starbucks, you are not alone. But, what if we told you that you could get your Starbucks fix right in your kitchen instead? All natural, without pumps of artificial flavours and colouring. Going natural means you pay for it less -- both your wallet and your waistline. Stock up your pantry with a few basics, and stay tuned for our secret hacks for the rest.

Mocha Frappuccino

Ingredients:

* 2 shots cold espresso

* 1 cup milk

* 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 teaspoon brown sugar, not packed


For the mocha sugar rim:

* 1 tablespoon sugar

* ½ teaspoon instant coffee powder

* 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Method:

For your extra special Starbucks-style mocha frap, combine everything in a blender and serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Make it extra special (don’t worry, coffee calories aren’t real) by glazing the damp rim of your glass in a mixture of ground coffee, powdered sugar and cocoa! 


Tip: Make sure the coffee you use is cold. Avoid using ice cubes, if possible. This way you get lesser coffee dilution, and a fuller-bodied drink.

Classic Cappuccino

Ingredients:

* 1 shot of espresso

* ¼ cup cold milk

* Ground cinnamon or cocoa optional

Method:

The delight of a great cappuccino is in how foamy it is. Use a hand-held frother and steam the milk until it doubles in size. Gently pour the milk over your espresso, in a steady stream. Garnish with cinnamon or cocoa if required. 

Tip: The quality of foam depends on the milk you use. Whole-milk delivers the creamy cups of dreams, while skim milk ensures a silky texture, which dissolves easily. Use an electric egg beater if you don’t have a frother at-hand!

Iced Chai Tea Latte

 

Ingredients:

* 4 tea bags of chai

* 1/4 cup water

* Milk 

* Cinnamon, star anise, cardamom and nutmeg 

 

Making:

In a small saucepan, bring water with cardamoms and star anise to boil. Add in tea bags and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Add in the milk, reducing the heat to medium. Transfer to cups, and garnish with the spice of your choosing - we love ours with cinnamon and nutmeg.

We love:

Working from home on a Friday evening calls for this recipe with a shot of spiced rum!


Vanilla Bean Frappuccino


Ingredients:

* ⅔ cup milk

* 2 tablespoons vanilla bean syrup (homemade or store-bought)

* 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

* ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 teaspoon of instant coffee

* 1½ tablespoons sugar

* 1¼ cup ice


Method:

Blitz all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 to 30 seconds until the ice is crushed. Pour in a glass and serve immediately. Add whipped cream to garnish! 


We love:

While blending in different flavours, you could add your choice of seasonal fruit to it - think mango or even strawberries!

Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Ingredients: