Every fall, Starbucks fans eagerly anticipate the return of cozy seasonal drinks. One of the newest and most loved is the Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato—a sweet, spiced, caramel-apple delight layered beautifully over ice. With hints of cinnamon, apple, and espresso, it’s the perfect seasonal treat for crisp autumn afternoons.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to wait in line or pay $6 every time you crave one. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make The Best Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato Copycat Recipe right at home. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and tastes just like the real thing—if not better!
Why This Recipe Works
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Authentic Flavor – Replicates Starbucks’ apple-brown sugar syrup and creamy layers.
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Budget-Friendly – One homemade version costs less than half of the café price.
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Customizable – Adjust sweetness, milk, or espresso strength.
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Perfect for Fall – A blend of apple pie flavors and bold espresso, ideal for the season.
What is the Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato?
Starbucks describes it as espresso combined with apple-brown sugar syrup, layered with milk and ice, then finished with spiced apple drizzle. The drink has:
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Layered Espresso Shot – Strong espresso poured over milk for contrast.
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Apple Brown Sugar Syrup – Adds that warm, autumnal apple pie sweetness.
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Spiced Drizzle – A caramel-like topping with apple and cinnamon notes.
It’s a drink that looks beautiful and tastes like apple pie in a cup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make The Best Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato Copycat Recipe, you’ll need three parts: espresso base, apple brown sugar syrup, and spiced drizzle.
Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
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½ cup brown sugar
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½ cup apple juice (or apple cider)
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½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Macchiato Base
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2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee)
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1 cup milk (whole, oat, or almond milk works best)
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Ice cubes
Apple Crisp Drizzle
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tbsp apple juice
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½ tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
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¼ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Apple Brown Sugar Syrup
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In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, apple juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Simmer until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly (5–7 minutes).
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Stir in vanilla extract and let cool.
Step 2: Brew Espresso
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Pull two shots of espresso (or brew strong coffee).
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Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the ice too fast.
Step 3: Prepare Apple Crisp Drizzle
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Combine brown sugar, apple juice, butter, and cinnamon in a small pan.
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Simmer until syrupy (about 3 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Iced Macchiato
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Add 3–4 tbsp of apple brown sugar syrup.
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Pour in cold milk until the glass is almost full.
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Gently pour espresso shots over the milk for that layered look.
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Drizzle the apple crisp topping over the foam and sides of the glass.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Sip and enjoy layers of apple, espresso, and creamy milk in every sip.
Customization Ideas
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Sweeter: Add extra drizzle on top.
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Lighter: Use almond milk for fewer calories.
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Stronger Coffee Kick: Use 3 shots of espresso instead of 2.
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Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil in the drizzle.
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Hot Version: Skip the ice and steam the milk for a warm fall treat.
Tips for Success
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Use cold milk to keep layers clean and distinct.
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For stronger apple flavor, use apple cider instead of juice.
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Chill espresso shots briefly before pouring over ice.
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Make syrup and drizzle ahead of time—they last up to a week in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 220
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Carbs: 32 g
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Protein: 4 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Sugar: 28 g
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Caffeine: ~150 mg
Why Make It at Home?
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Save Money: Starbucks version costs ~$6. Homemade: ~$1.50.
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Healthier Control: Adjust sugar or use sugar substitutes.
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Fun Seasonal Drink: Perfect for holiday brunches or cozy evenings.
Variations
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Iced Caramel Apple Macchiato – Add caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
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Apple Crisp Cold Brew – Use cold brew coffee instead of espresso.
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Pumpkin Apple Twist – Mix in pumpkin spice syrup with the apple syrup.
Storage & Make-Ahead
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Apple brown sugar syrup: Refrigerate up to 7 days.
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Apple crisp drizzle: Store in airtight container, reheat gently before use.
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Espresso: Brew fresh for best taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought apple syrup?
A: Yes, but making your own ensures freshness and authentic flavor.
Q: Can I skip the drizzle?
A: Yes, but the drizzle adds that Starbucks touch.
Q: Can this be made caffeine-free?
A: Use decaf espresso or strong decaf coffee.
Conclusion
There you have it—The Best Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato Copycat Recipe. It’s sweet, creamy, refreshing, and packed with apple pie flavors, layered beautifully over ice. By making it at home, you save money, adjust sweetness, and enjoy Starbucks-level indulgence in your own kitchen.