Skip the Starbucks: 11 DIY Specialty Coffee Drinks

By Brittany Loeffler on August 29, 2017

Coffee is a food group for most college students. Whether it is to wake them up in the morning to start their day, to keep them up for long nights of studying, or to bring them together with a friend at a café, college students consume copious amounts of coffee.

What coffee vendor do most college campuses have? Starbucks. As a college student on a college budget, it can be painful to spend $5 on a drink you’ll finish within the next half hour.

You know you have to have coffee, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to buy specialty coffees. Take a little extra time out of your day to make and perfect specialty coffee drinks from home!

cincyshopper.com

1. Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Oh, the PSL — it’s one of Starbucks’ most famous drinks (besides their frappes) and people go crazy for it the minute September hits. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes all year round instead of waiting on Starbucks.

All you’ll need are the same ingredients to make a pumpkin pie (minus the crust) and some coffee and you’re good to go! Find the recipe here.

DontWasteTheCrumbs.com

2. Peppermint Mocha

This is another famous seasonal drink Starbucks lovers wait all year for that you can make in the comfort of your own home. Using just five simple ingredients that can easily be found in the supermarket, you’ll be enjoying your Peppermint Mocha in no time! Make your friends jealous, or make them one too, with this recipe.

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3. Caramel Macchiato

This recipe is a little more complicated to follow. You’ll need an espresso maker and a milk steamer if you want an authentic tasting macchiato. In just 15 minutes you will have your warm caramel macchiato ready to drink. Follow the recipe here.

TheFoodieTeen.com

4. Almond Milk Chai Latte

It may not be coffee, but the tea still has some caffeine in it to keep you going. You will be using a stove and a pan to make this Starbucks copycat drink. The best thing about making this drink at home is adding or substituting ingredients to fit your taste buds. Find the recipe here.

HowSweetEats.com

5. Coconut Latte

If you love the taste of the tropics, the coconut latte is the coffee drink for you! This recipe involves an espresso machine and a milk steamer along with coconut sugar, milk, and syrup. You can also top it off by sprinkling toasted coconut over the drink. Find this delicious drink recipe here.

NewBlooming.com

6. Cold Brew

Plan ahead by at least 12 hours and you can be enjoying a popular cup of cold brew in the morning on your way to class. This is different from iced coffee because the coffee grounds are submerged in the water instead of drip brewed and sit in the water over night. Make it your own by adding some cream or flavored syrups. Click here for more details.

CookingCurries.com

7. Irish Cream Cold Coffee

This one is for those of you who are over 21. This blended drink contains espresso, Bailey’s Irish Cream, sugar, and milk. Throw it all in a blender with ice and sip on your drink with a little kick! If you are underage, you can find Irish Cream flavored coffee creamers and still enjoy this delicious drink during the rest of the summer months. Find the recipe here.

FantasticalSharing.com

8. Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappe

For those coffee lovers with a sweet tooth, this is the perfect specialty coffee drink for you! Loaded with chocolate, Oreo cookies, and strong coffee, you can top it off with whipped cream for an even sweeter treat. Forget about spending $6 on a frappe at Starbucks, you can make this in your own home! Find the chocolatey recipe here.

HouseofYumm.com

9. Snickerdoodle Latte

This sweet latte takes only a whopping two minutes to prep and make before you can enjoy it. It only uses four ingredients that most people already have in their kitchen, so you don’t have to make a special trip to the grocery store during your busy semester. When coffee just isn’t cutting it for you, add some cinnamon and brown sugar. Follow the recipe here.

FoxesLovesLemons.com

10. Caramel Brulée Coffee

Similar to the Snickerdoodle Latte, this Caramel Brulée will satisfy both your coffee craving and your sweet tooth. With just three necessary ingredients and a stove top, you’ll be enjoying this specialty coffee drink in no time. Learn the process here.

MostlyHomemadeMom.com

11. Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee

This super simple recipe will impress your friends when you have in-home coffee dates in your sweats. Just add some cinnamon, maple extract, and vanilla iced coffee from International Delight to make this delicious specialty coffee. Find the recipe and measurements here.

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