Drinks Archives - A Beautiful Mess

Sherbet Punch

Laura Gummerman — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 14:01:00 +0000

Sherbet punch is a sweet and creamy drink that is easy to make and a crowd-pleaser for just about any party or occasion. The sweet and creamy sherbet on top of the fruity and fizzy punch is the perfect combo and it looks so pretty when served in a punch bowl. This recipe is fast to put together, easy to make a large amount, and only has four ingredients.

Sherbet punch is such a nostalgic drink for a lot of people as this was a class go-to for most of our grandmas’ holiday parties, and I know I have very fond memories of drinking this and trying to scoop out the biggest pieces of sherbet into my glass as a kid.

Looking for other punch recipes? Try:

What is sherbet?

While it is a cousin of ice cream, sherbet has a much lower dairy content than ice cream. While ice cream’s main ingredients are milk or cream, sherbet has fruit juice or fruit puree as its base so it’s a lighter and fruitier taste.

Ingredients for sherbet punch

Lemon-lime soda: The soda is what gives your punch the festive fizz! You can use Sprite or 7Up for this punch (or any other type of lemon-lime soda). Some people like to use ginger ale as that gives it a little bit of that ginger kick or you could use specialty flavors like cranberry Sprite as well.
Frozen orange juice: Adding orange juice gives it some sweetness and another layer of fruity goodness.
Pineapple juice (optional): The pineapple juice will add a slight tart note to your punch to help balance out some of the sweetness (but if you aren’t a pineapple fan, you can also leave it out and it’s still delicious).
Rainbow sherbet: While it doesn’t have to be rainbow sherbet, the rainbow variety is the prettiest and it adds several flavors to your punch bowl since each color is its own flavor. Feel free to use just orange, lime, etc., though if that’s what you prefer.

How to make sherbet punch

Pour: Pour your soda, pineapple juice, and thawed orange juice into your punch bowl and gently stir to combine.
Scoop: Scoop your rainbow sherbet into your punch bowl on top of your punch.
Serve: Ladle your punch into your cups and serve! Feel free to add some citrus fruit slices to your bowl as well for some extra color.

Looking for a punch bowl? Check out these options!

Sherbet punch variations:

Valentine’s Day Sherbet Punch: Use Hawaiian Punch and soda and top with raspberry sherbet for a delicious red and pink punch!

Tropical Sherbet Punch: Leave out the orange juice and use tropical fruit punch, pineapple juice, and soda with pineapple or lime sherbet.

Christmas Sherbet Punch: Use Hawaiian Punch and soda and top with lime sherbet for a red and green combo (or use green Hawaiian Punch with strawberry sherbet!).

St. Patrick’s Day Sherbet Punch: Use green Hawaiian Punch, soda, lime sherbet, and some vodka or rum for a boozy St. Patrick’s punch.

Tips for Making

Leave your sherbet out on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping if you want it to be soft enough to scoop more easily.
As the sherbet melts, the punch will get sweeter, so keep some extra punch ingredients on hand if you want to pour in a little more soda and juice later on to keep the balance just right.
Look for seasonal flavors of Sprite and 7Up (like cranberry around the holidays) to add another flavor twist on the classic.
Make sure your soda and juices are chilled before mixing so the punch will be nice and cold.
You can also add fresh fruit like orange or lime slices for additional color to the top of your punch bowl.
Try adding rum or vodka to make an adult sherbet punch!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make sherbet punch?

Eggnog Latte

Emma Chapman — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:02:00 +0000

An eggnog latte is my favorite way to enjoy eggnog during the holiday season. I just think the rich, creamy and lightly sweet and spicy taste of eggnog pairs so well with fresh brewed espresso. Whoever invited the eggnog latte has my deepest gratitude. It’s one of my all-time favorite espresso drinks.

This is also a very easy drink to make at home and since the Starbucks eggnog latte is no longer available on their holiday menu, you will love this recipe. With simple ingredients compared to the complex flavor, an eggnog latte is the perfect seasonal treat when you need a little caffeine pick-me-up.

Related: Love classic espresso-based drinks? Next up, learn to make a proper cortado, macchiato, affogato, espresso martini and cappuccino.

Ingredients

Espresso
Eggnog – homemade or store-bought
Simple syrup – homemade or store-bought

Directions

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to extract a rich, concentrated shot of espresso.

The secret to a luscious latte lies in perfectly frothed milk, or in this case eggnog. If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand, place the wand just below the surface of the milk and turn it on.

Tilt the pitcher slightly to create a swirling motion. Continue steaming until the eggnog has doubled in volume and has a smooth, velvety texture.

If you don’t have a steam wand, you can heat the milk on the stovetop and whisk by hand or use a milk frother vigorously until it becomes frothy.

Pour the espresso into a mug along with the simple syrup, then pour the hot and frothy eggnog on top. A sprinkle of nutmeg is optional.

Tips For Making

Add whipped cream as am optional topping.
Choose a dairy-free eggnog to create a vegan version of this homemade eggnog latte.
If you don’t have a milk frother you can also blend your drink or shake it in a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) to froth the eggnog.
If you don’t have an espresso maker, espresso powder (or even strong coffee) can be substituted to create this recipe.

Best Home Espresso Makers

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since I got it for Christmas last year, love it! It comes in three colors.
Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But this is a classic method that works great when done well.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

More Seasonal Drink Recipes

Eggnog Latte

a rich and creamy latte made with eggnog

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword eggnog, espresso

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 280kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

espresso maker

Ingredients

1 shot espresso
1 cup eggnog
1 tablespoon simple syrup

Instructions

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to extract a rich, concentrated shot of espresso.
The secret to a luscious latte lies in perfectly frothed milk, or in this case eggnog. If you have an espresso machine with a steam wand, place the wand just below the surface of the milk and turn it on.
Tilt the pitcher slightly to create a swirling motion. Continue steaming until the eggnog has doubled in volume and has a smooth, velvety texture.
If you don’t have a steam wand, you can heat the milk on the stovetop and whisk by hand or use a milk frother vigorously until it becomes frothy.
Pour the espresso into a mug along with the simple syrup, then pour the hot and frothy eggnog on top.
Sprinkle on a little nutmeg, optional.

Notes

The simple syrup is optional in this recipe. While I think most eggnog lattes do get sweetened, it’s such a rich and creamy drink that if you want to leave it unsweetened, that’s fine too. Many eggnog recipes already contain some sugar anyway.

Nutrition

Grinch Punch

Laura Gummerman — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:07:00 +0000

The holidays are all about special memories, food, and drinks, and this Grinch Punch is a fast and easy way to make a delicious punch that is sure to delight both kids and adults at your next Christmas party.

The creamy sherbet mixed with the fruity punch and fizzy soda only has three ingredients, takes just minutes to make, and creates a sweet treat that will be remembered all year round.

Looking for other punch recipes? Try:

What is Grinch Punch?

This Christmas punch gets its “Grinch” name from the green color of the character in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and while there are several variations on the flavor, it is usually a fruity green punch base often with sherbet added to the top. Sometimes alcohol is added but is usually non-alcoholic.

Ingredients for Grinch Punch

Green Berry Rush Hawaiian Punch: This green version of the classic red Hawaiian punch is the perfect fruity base for the punch. Look for it in the juice aisle at the grocery store.
Lemon-Lime Soda: Sprite or 7Up-type sodas are the best choices for this punch. You could use ginger ale in a pinch but the more neutral Sprite and 7Up flavors work best.
Lime sherbet: Lime sherbet adds a creamy element to the punch and it’s extra delicious when you get a scoop of it in your glass.
Red sanding sugar (optional): Add a red sugar rim for an extra festive look!

Looking for a punch bowl? Check out these options!

How to Make a Sugar Rim

To make a sugar rim, simply wet the rim of your glass (either with a wet clean finger or dip it in a bowl with a shallow amount of water) and press it into red sanding sugar that you’ve poured onto a plate. Easy and pretty!

How to make Grinch Punch

Pour: Pour half your Hawaiian punch and half of your soda into your punch bowl and gently stir to combine.
Scoop: Scoop your sherbet into your punch bowl on top of your punch.
Serve: Ladle your punch into your cups and serve!

Tips for Making Grinch Punch:

Leave your sherbet out on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping if you want it to be soft enough to scoop more easily.
As the sherbet melts, the punch will get sweeter, so keep some extra punch ingredients on hand if you want to pour in a little more soda and juice later on to keep the balance just right.
Look for seasonal flavors of Sprite and 7Up (like cranberry around the holidays) to add another flavor twist on the classic.
Make sure your soda and juices are chilled before mixing so the punch will be nice and cold.
You can also add fresh fruit like orange or lime slices for additional color to the top of your punch bowl.
Try adding rum or vodka to make an adult Grinch punch!

Try serving your punch with these appetizers:

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make Grinch punch?

Peppermint Mocha

Emma Chapman — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:02:00 +0000

A peppermint mocha is probably the holiday drink I have the most nostalgia for. To me, this is the beverage I sip as I drive around town and finish up my holiday shopping. This annual ritual feels like living in a cozy Nancy Meyers’ movie to me. And while, sure, you could absolutely make this drink daily, I tend to reserve it for special moments, which is probably why my peppermint mocha recipe tends to be more on the decadent side.

While a classic mocha tends to me more espresso-forward (when I make it) and flavored with chocolate, the gloves come off for a peppermint mocha. While yes, this has espresso, it tastes more like a peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream when I make it at home.

Related: Looking for more seasonal drink recipes? Next up, try Gingerbread Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chai Latte or Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew.

Ingredients

Espresso
Milk – or a milk alternative
Chocolate syrup – or a hot chocolate mix
Peppermint extract
Whipped cream – optional

I also like to garnish this with a mini candy cane or crushed candy canes. Peppermint bark would be a nice addition too.

Directions

First, add the chocolate syrup to your mug. I like to add most to the bottom, as it will mix with the hot espresso. But I will also drizzle some up the sides of the mug as well. If you are using a packet of hot chocolate mix instead, you can mix this with the hot milk.

Next, make your espresso. Pour the espresso shot into the prepared mug.

Next, steam the milk. You want the milk hot and to create some foam on top. If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can do this all in one step. If not, you may need to heat the milk then froth by hand or use a milk frother. Add the hot chocolate mix during this step to incorporate well if using.

Pour the hot milk into the espresso; the foam will naturally settle on top. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and other garnishes.

Home Espresso Machines

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. I got this machine for Christmas a year ago and we use it almost every day and love it! It comes in three colors.
Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, this is a classic method that works great when done well.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

Serving Suggestions

Since this drink is so festive why not make some Christmas cookies too?

Peppermint Mocha

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate, espresso, peppermint

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 467kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

espresso maker

Ingredients

1 shot espresso
1 ½ cups milk
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup or a hot chocolate mix
½ cup whipped cream

Instructions

First, add the peppermint extract and chocolate syrup to your mug. I like to add most to the bottom, as it will mix with the hot espresso. But I will also drizzle some up the sides of the mug as well. If you are using a packet of hot chocolate mix instead, you can mix this with the hot milk.
Next, make your espresso. Pour the espresso shot into the prepared mug.
Next, steam the milk. You want the milk hot and to create some foam on top. If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can do this all in one step. If not, you may need to heat the milk then froth by hand or use a milk frother. Add the hot chocolate mix during this step to incorporate well if using.
Pour the hot milk into the espresso; the foam will naturally settle on top.
Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and other garnishes.

Notes

I also like to garnish this with a mini candy cane or crushed candy canes. Peppermint bark would be a nice addition too.

You can use whole milk or any percentage; also, alternative milks will work well here too.

Nutrition

Starbucks Medicine Ball

Emma Chapman — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 14:09:00 +0000

This Starbucks medicine ball recipe is something you can find on their “secret menu.” It’s sometimes referred to as the “cold buster” or honey citrus mint tea, which pretty much sums up the flavor. This is an ultra comforting hot drink for when you’re feeling stuffy from a cold or need something to soothe an off-feeling stomach. Honestly, I also love this drink even when I’m feeling great—it’s delicious!

While it’s great to order this at Starbucks if you’re out and about, I like making it at home even more as you can use fresh herbs and customize the flavor and sweetness level to your liking.

Related: More Starbucks copycat recipes: Pink Drink, Paradise Drink, Mango Dragon Fruit Refresher, Strawberry Acai Refresher, Egg White Bites and homemade Frappuccino.

Ingredients

Water
Lemonade – bottled or made from a mix
Mint tea
Peach tea
Honey
Lemon
Mint

If you want a no-sugar added option for the lemonade, I recommend using water and True Lemon, which is simply crystalized lemon. I like adding this to drinking water, too.

How to make Starbucks Medicine Ball

To a large mug, add the lemonade mix, tea bags, honey, lemon slices, and mint leaves.

Heat the water to around 200°F (93°C) and pour into the mug. This will likely mix the honey and lemonade mix, but if you see any give the mixture a few stirs with a spoon to mix everything together well.

Allow to steep for 3-4 minutes. Sip as soon as it’s cool enough to enjoy. This also smells amazing in addition to being delicious.

Tips for Making

If you are using pre-made (bottled) lemonade instead of water and a mix, you should heat the lemonade along with the water in this recipe.
Honey can be soothing for a sore throat, but if you want to avoid all added sugars you can skip it or use less than this recipe calls for.
While peach tea makes this Medicine Ball recipe more like the Starbucks version, you can use other fruit herbal teas if you prefer, like orange, mango or raspberry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lemons good for you?

Gingerbread Latte

Emma Chapman — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:02:00 +0000

There may be nothing better this time of year than a gingerbread latte. The bold flavors of gingerbread cookies with molasses and spices paired with the creaminess of a latte is such a treat.

In this post, I’m going to share my favorite recipe for a gingerbread latte, which includes a homemade syrup. Bonus points if you add a little gingerbread man when serving.

Related: Want more seasonal coffee drink recipes? Try Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chai Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Starbucks Medicine Ball or an Apple Crisp Macchiato.

Ingredients

Espresso
Gingerbread syrup – recipe below OR use a store-bought option
Milk – or a milk alternative

I like to add whipped cream to this latte recipe, but it’s optional.

Directions

First, make the gingerbread syrup. In a small pan, combine the sugars, water, molasses, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring so the sugar fully dissolves. Before the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and allow to cool. Store the syrup in an airtight container. While the syrup doesn’t have to be refrigerated, I usually do store it in mine just to keep it fresh longer.

Brew the espresso. To a mug add the syrup and espresso.

Steam and froth the milk so it’s hot and foamy. If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can use that, or you can use a milk frother or even do this with a whisk by hand on the stovetop.

Pour the hot milk and foam on top of the espresso and syrup. Add whipped cream if using.

Home Espresso Makers

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it seven months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, this is a classic method that works great when done well.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

Serving Suggestions

I think Christmas cookies go great with this latte. Here are some of our favorites:

Gingerbread Latte

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword gingerbread, latte

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

espresso maker

Ingredients

1 shot espresso
1-2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup
1 cup milk

Gingerbread Syrup

⅓ cup sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 cup water
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

First, make the gingerbread syrup. In a small pan, combine the sugars, water, molasses, ginger, cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring so the sugar fully dissolves. Before the mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and allow to cool. Store the syrup in an airtight container.
Brew the espresso.
To a mug add the syrup and espresso.
Steam and froth the milk so it’s hot and foamy. If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can use that, or you can use a milk frother or even do this with a whisk by hand on the stovetop.
Pour the hot milk and foam on top of the espresso and syrup. Add whipped cream if using.

Notes

You can use any % of milk or a milk alternative for this latte. Keep in mind that some milk alternatives will not foam or froth as much as dairy milk. But it will still be delicious.

While the syrup doesn’t have to be refrigerated, I usually do store it in mine just to keep it fresh longer.

Homemade Eggnog

Emma Chapman — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 14:01:00 +0000

While there is nothing wrong with store-bought eggnog, it might surprise you to know that homemade is VERY easy to make and in my opinion so much better. You can customize the sweetness level as well as make this creamy drink more or less spiced to your preferences.

I am a big fan of custard generally. And eggnog is essentially a spiced custard drink as it is made of mostly milk and egg yolks. It’s decadent and delicious and feels absolutely perfect for the holiday season.

Related: Need more festive drink recipes? Try Butterbeer, Pumpkin Smoothie, Turmeric Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte and Medicine Ball Tea.

Ingredients

Egg yolks
Granulated white sugar
Heavy whipping cream
Milk
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon stick

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, store the egg yolks, separating them from the whites. Set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, add the sugar, cream, milk, nutmeg, vanilla extract and cinnamon stick. Whisk over low/medium heat until very warm and the sugar has fully dissolved.

Slowly add 1/2 cup of the warm milk to the egg yolks at a time, stirring between each addition. The goal is to slowly warm the egg yolks because if they go from cold to hot too quickly they can curdle.

Once the mixing bowl with the milk and yolks feels very warm to the touch (on the outside of the bowl), whisk the mixture back into the pan. Heat until the liquid reaches 160°F (71°C).

Strain to remove any sediments and the cinnamon stick. Store in the refrigerator.

Tips for Making

You can use an instant read thermometer or candy thermometer to check the liquid for reaching its food-safe temperature.
If the egg yolks do curdle a little, it’s OK! While not ideal, the eggnog is not ruined. Once you strain the mixture before chilling, this will remove any curdled pieces.
Feel free to add more nutmeg, cinnamon or other spices to this recipe! Pumpkin pie spice might be a nice addition.

More Great Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eggnog served hot or cold?

Americano

Emma Chapman — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:07:00 +0000

An Americano, or Caffè Americano, is probably one of the most popular espresso-based drinks in the world. With only two ingredients (espresso + hot water), it’s simple but with a complex flavor.

The origin of the Americano is a little unclear. I had always heard it was a drink that originated in Italy during World War II. American soldiers trying to order coffee were given this instead, as espresso was more common than filtered coffee. But some sources suggest the drink actually comes from South America long before World War II and was called Café Americano, which is a negative term for weak coffee. (Which kind of makes me think of the term “gringo” too.) But no matter the origin, if you love the flavor of espresso you will love this drink!

Related: Love espresso? Next, learn to make an Espresso Martini, Affogato, or Cappuccino.

Ingredients

Espresso
Hot water

As this drink is only two ingredients, the quality of these ingredients matters! Be sure to use freshly roasted beans and filtered water if possible.

Directions

Brew a fresh espresso shot and add it to your coffee mug. Then add hot water to the mug. The ratio of espresso to water should be 1:3 or 1:4.

An Americano does not traditionally contain any milk or sweetener.

More Espresso Recipes:

Home Espresso Makers

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it nine months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But this is a classic method that works great when done well.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

Americano

the classic espresso and hot water drink

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword espresso

Prep Time 5

Servings

Calories 3kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Equipment

espresso maker

Ingredients

1 shot espresso
1 cup hot water

Instructions

Brew a fresh espresso shot and add it to your coffee mug.
Then add hot water to the mug.
The ratio of espresso to water should be 1:3 or 1:4.

Notes

As this drink is only two ingredients, the quality of these ingredients matters! Be sure to use freshly roasted beans and filtered water if possible.

An Americano does not traditionally contain any milk or sweetener.

Nutrition

Caramel Macchiato

Emma Chapman — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:06:00 +0000

I love a cozy afternoon pick-me-up and lately I’ve been loving a caramel macchiato. This is a Starbucks copycat-type caramel macchiato recipe. You can to learn to make a traditional macchiato here. This version is more like a latte macchiato flavored with caramel. It’s sweet, caffeinated, and the perfect morning or afternoon treat, IMO.

Related: Next up, try a homemade Frappuccino, Pink Drink, Mocha or Paradise Drink.

Ingredients

Espresso
Milk
Simple syrup – store bought or make your own
Caramel sauce

I like the Torani caramel sauce (and other flavors like chocolate). They are a great consistency for drinks or to drizzle over ice cream and I love the squeeze bottle package.

How to make a Caramel Macchiato

Brew the espresso according to your machine’s instructions.

Heat the milk and froth (create foam). If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can do these at the same time. Or you can use a milk frother, or heat in a pan and use a handheld frothing wand or even a whisk.

Add the simple syrup to your coffee mug. Then pour in the milk and foam. Then pour the fresh espresso through the foam. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top.

Optional: Sometimes I drizzle some of the caramel sauce along the side of the coffee mug in addition to the top. It’s up to you!

Home Espresso Makers

We’ve tried many espresso makers over the years, and here are our favorites at different price points and skill levels:

Cafe Automatic Espresso Machine – My current machine. It uses any whole beans, so if you use high quality beans you’ll get high quality espresso. It makes espresso shots automatically (no barista skills required) and includes a milk frothing wand to heat and froth milk. We’ve used this machine almost every day since we got it nine months ago and we love it! It comes in three colors.
Stovetop Espresso – This is the cheapest way to make espresso at home. It’s more labor intensive and you will also need a way to grind your beans for best results. But, this is a classic method that works great when done well.
Breville Barista Touch – We bought this for a good friend as a wedding gift once and they said they love it. It’s a higher end machine that you will need some barista skills to operate, but it’s an excellent home espresso maker.
Nespresso Vertuo – For those who want an espresso maker that uses pods, this is my favorite. Depending what pod you use, it can make espresso or coffee.

More Caramel Recipes You’ll Love

Caramel Macchiato

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword caramel, espresso

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 249kcal

Author Emma Chapman

Ingredients

2 shots espresso
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 tablespoon caramel syrup

Instructions

Brew the espresso according to your machine's instructions.
Heat the milk and froth (create foam). If your espresso machine has a frothing wand, you can do these at the same time. Or you can use a milk frother, or heat in a pan and use a handheld frothing wand or even a whisk.
Add the simple syrup to your coffee mug.
Then pour in the milk and foam.
Then pour the fresh espresso through the foam. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top.