22 Copycat Starbucks Drink Recipes That’ll Save Your Teen (and You) a Bundle

This post: 22 Copycat Starbucks Drink Recipes That’ll Save Your Teen a Bundle

Did you know that kids these days would rather spend their money at Starbucks than on a fancy, schmancy wardrobe to impress their friends? 

According to the “Piper Jaffray Taking Stock With Teens” survey which is conducted twice a year among 6,000 teens who average 16 years of age, the real sizzle with teenagers today isn’t what’s on their feet or on their backs, it’s what’s in their cup or on their plate. And, Starbucks, with its frothy, delectable, hip drinks, tops the list for teens (with Chick-fil-A and Chipotle running neck and neck).

Even though Gen Z kids have more money to burn than they did three years ago, according to the 2021 Bloomberg Report, as a parent, I have a hard time seeing my kids dole out big bucks for coffee… no matter how great it is.

I mean, I get it! It IS good!

Still, one Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino (Grande) will set them back five bucks, which means if they pop on over to Starbucks every day for a year, they’ll be dropping a whopping $1800 bucks on coffee drinks annually. That’s a down payment on a car, books for college, gas money, or a mini vacation!

That’s why I decided to get my kids in the habit of making their own favorite frothy coffee drinks right in the comfort of our own kitchen. And, guess what? They’re not hard to make!

Yep, the Starbucks copycat drink recipes we gathered (all the faves for teens) taste like the real thing, but they won’t break the bank! And, they can be made with or without caffeine. (My kids even put the drinks in Starbucks cups so they look like the real deal.) Check out these 22 Copycat Starbucks drink recipes that’ll save your teen (and you) a bundle. 

Hint: Don’t worry if you don’t have an espresso machine for latte drinks. Barista experts say strong coffee works great, too! And an inexpensive milk frother can give your drink that authentic Starbucks frothiness you love!

Be sure to check out the links at the bottom of this post for cups, flavorings, and more at-home coffee-making supplies you can find on Amazon!

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#1 Better Than Starbucks Caramel Machiatto

With more than 50k shares on Pinterest, this is one of the best copycat Starbucks drink recipes your teen just HAS to try! They make the caramel from scratch in this recipe (which is delicious), but you can cut back on time by using store-bought caramel sauce. Just too good!

Find the recipe at Baking Mischief HERE

#2 Starbucks Copycat Vanilla Latte

This copycat Starbucks Vanilla Latte is a fraction of the price to make and so incredibly easy to whip up with only 3 simple ingredients. They make it look so complicated at Starbucks, but it’s really easy to duplicate their drinks. Oh, and remember, don’t worry if you don’t have an expresso machine – barista experts say strong coffee works great, too! 6K shares on Pinterest!

Find the recipe at Snacks and Dips HERE

#3 Copycat Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade (377K Shares on Pinterest!)

With just 5 simple ingredients, Starbucks Passion Tea is ridiculously easy to make at home. Just mix together TAZO Passion Tea, lemonade, water, sugar, and vanilla – that’s IT! 

Find the recipe at Cincy Shopper HERE

#4 Peppermint Hot Chocolate – Starbucks Style

This is a recipe that tastes just like the Christmas season in a mug! Easily made with ingredients you might even have on hand, this is the perfect drink to sip on when it’s cold outside. 

Find the recipe at Snacks and Dips HERE

#5 Copycat Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino

This Mocha Frappuccino will satisfy your teen’s tastebuds AND their wallet. Why spend tons of money on an expensive drink (you’re paying for the name on the cup, anyway) when you can make it at home?

Find the recipe at Simply Southern Mom HERE

#6 Salted Caramel Cinnamon Roll Latte

Not only is this Salted Caramel Cinnamon Roll Latte an absolute breeze to make, but it’s also to die for! Seriously, a small slice of heaven in a cup! Have this waiting for your teen in the morning and you won’t have any trouble getting them out of bed. 

Find the recipe at An Allie Event HERE

#7 Copycat Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher

This is one of my daughter’s favorite Starbucks drinks! It takes a little more work to make but the cool part is, once you make the base, you can use it for all kinds of other delicious drinks!

Find the recipe at We are Not Martha HERE

#8 Starbucks Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Only 4 simple ingredients are needed to make this amazing Iced White Chocolate Mocha! When you can make it cheaper, it somehow just tastes sweeter!

Find the recipe at The Super Mom Life HERE

#9  Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte

This has a few more ingredients (although a few are optional), but it’s well worth it! Made with an at-home version of Starbucks sugar cookie syrup recipe, this drink is festive and oh, so delish!

Find the recipe at Chinee Today HERE

#10 Caramel Iced Coffee

This simple 4-ingredient (okay, 5 if you count the ice), is so sweet and creamy and it tastes just as good (if not better) than any iced coffee or iced latte you can buy without the price! Plus, it only takes two minutes to make – that’s IT!

Find the recipe at Bright Eyed Baker HERE

#11 Starbucks Green Tea Lemonade

Hands down the easiest drink to make! All you need to do is steep green tea, add lemonade, pour over ice and you’re good to go!

Find the recipe at Spoon University HERE

#12 Copycat Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice Drink

With all the tastes of fall combined, when your teen drinks this they’ll feel like they’re in a cottage on a beautiful fall day overlooking the mountains. It’s drinks like this that take you somewhere else!

Find the recipe at In Katrina’s Kitchen HERE

#13 Copycat Chai Tea Latte

This homemade Starbucks copycat Chai Tea Latte gives you all the amazing flavor of your favorite Starbucks drink at a fraction of the cost. It’s great served warm on a chilly day or equally as good iced!

Find the recipe at Izzy Cooking HERE

#14 Pumpkin Spice Latte

How could we possibly not include Starbucks’ signature coffee drink, Pumpkin Spice Latte? With more than 5K shares on Pinterest, this copycat recipe is as close to the real thing as you’re gonna get! It calls for the pumpkin syrup to be made from scratch, but you can buy Torani’s Pumpkin Spice Syrup which will save you a ton of time! 

Find the recipe at Wheel n’ Deal Mama HERE

#15 Copycat Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher

Perfect on a cool spring or summer day, this Copycat Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher is simply delicious and refreshing! Minus the water and optional garnish, this easy recipe has only 4 ingredients so it comes together in minutes! (7500K shares on Pinterest!)

Find the recipe at Simplistically Living HERE

#16 Copycat Starbucks S’Mores Frappuccino 

This favorite Starbucks drink was only available for a limited time, but with this easy copycat frap recipe, you can make it any time you like at home!  (8500K shares on Pinterest!)

Find the recipe at Thrifty Jinxy HERE

#17 Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte – The Starbucks Way

Perfect for summer, but oh, so good in the fall or winter with its cinnamon taste! Once your teen learns how to make this fab drink on their own, they may never drop another dime at Starbucks.

Find the recipe at Saving Dollars & Sense HERE

#18 The BEST Pink Drink Starbucks Copycat Recipe

I admit, when I saw my daughter walk in the door with a Starbucks “Pink Drink,” I had no idea what it was. But once I tried it, I was hooked! It’s a variation of Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher, but instead of water, you ask for coconut milk. This recipe won’t disappoint!

Find the recipe at Mom Makes Dinner HERE

#19 Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

With more than 173K shares on Pinterest, this recipe might even beat Starbucks. So keep your money in your wallet and whip up this easy drink right in your own kitchen!

Find the recipe at Bright Green Recipes HERE

#20 Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

The only ingredients needed to make Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew is Starbucks Cold Coffee Brew (or strong coffee), vanilla syrup, 2% milk, heavy cream, and ice. That’s IT! Way too easy!

Find the recipe at Totally The Bomb HERE

#21 Easy Starbucks Copycat Java Chip Frappuccino 

This Java Chip Frappuccino is the real deal! Smooth, creamy, and full of chocolate and coffee flavor, this homemade Frappuccino takes less than 5 minutes to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. 

Find the recipe at Izzy Cooking HERE

#22 Gingerbread Latte

Made with freshly brewed espresso (or strong coffee), steamed milk, and whipped cream, your teen will love curling up in a cozy blanket and enjoying a cup of this Christmas-in-a-cup drink. 

Find the recipe at Smells Like Home HERE

Set up your very own barista right in your kitchen!

Check out these at-home coffee-making flavorings, cups, and supplies you can purchase on Amazon!

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