Starbucks holds a special place in my heart. It was where my husband and I often met for our dates, spending hours talking over coffee. It became a cherished spot for us, and one of his all-time favorites was the Starbucks smoked butterscotch latte.
So, for our 10th anniversary, I decided to surprise him by recreating a special date set up at home. That’s when the idea struck me: why not recreate our favorite Starbucks experience? It was the perfect way to bring back those cherished memories.
Of course, no Starbucks setup would be complete without his favorite drink the; Smoked Butterscotch Latte. I knew I had to make it part of the evening, so I decided to replicate the recipe at home and surprisingly found recreating it easier than I expected. The process itself became a heartfelt part of the surprise.
It hardly took me 8 to 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients to prepare this copycat recipe of Starbucks delicious drink. This latte has a smoky flavor, which comes from the liquid smoke.
Moreover, this signature Starbucks latte is prepared by combining butterscotch syrup with espresso and steamed milk, all easy-to-find ingredients. So, my anniversary surprise surely took his breath away. If you, too, wish to enjoy this comforting and flavorful drink at home, follow my lead!!
Equipment Required
- Small Bowls: I assemble all the ingredients in small bowls to prepare this latte hassle-free.
- Espresso Maker: I use an espresso maker to make a nice, tasteful Italian coffee. However, you can also use other methods, like a moka pot or an Aeropress, for a flavorful alternative.
- Milk Frother: While I use a frother to froth the milk, you can also use a whisk or a blender for the same.
- Metal Spoon: I use a metal spoon to top the latte with foam and whipped cream.
- Coffee Mug: You will need a coffee mug to prepare and serve this latte.
Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make a single serving. However, you can adjust the quantities of the ingredients as per your requirements.
- 4 Ounces Espresso: You can also use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso to prepare this latte.
- 2 Tablespoons Butterscotch Syrup: I have also tried this drink using caramel syrup instead of butterscotch syrup, and it tastes delicious, too.
- 1 or 2 Drops Liquid Smoke: Liquid smoke generally comes in a variety of flavors. While I prefer using pecan flavor, you can experiment with other options, like hickory or mesquite, for different flavor profiles.
- 4 Ounces Milk (warmed and frothed): I sometimes use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk to make this drink. It doesn’t froth as well as full-fat dairy milk, but it can still be substituted.
- 2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream
Preparation And Cooking Time
Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
3 Minutes | 5 Minutes | 8 Minutes |
How To Make Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte At Home
Step 1
In a coffee mug, pour 4 ounces of espresso.
Step 2
Then add butterscotch syrup as per the sweetness you desire or prefer.
Step 3
Then add liquid smoke and pour warm milk into the coffee mug.
Step 4
Gently top it with a spoonful of milk foam or whipped cream for a smooth, creamy finish.
Step 5
Serve immediately.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I make a rich, homemade butterscotch syrup instead of buying one at the store. I start by melting butter and brown sugar together, then adding cream and a pinch of sea salt. This extra step gives my latte a deep, buttery sweetness.
- Always ensure you use a strong shot of espresso using freshly ground coffee beans. It creates a bold base to complement the sweetness of the butterscotch.
- I froth the milk when it is hot using a milk frother as it gives my latte a nice velvety texture.
- You can also add a light sprinkle of smoked salt or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and aroma to your latte.
- If the latte is too sweet, you can balance it with a pinch of salt. If you’d prefer a sweeter latte, feel free to add sugar or additional butterscotch syrup to suit your taste.
- Lastly, I also drizzle a hot caramel sauce and butterscotch chips on the whipped cream of my latte to make it more flavorful.
FAQs About Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte makes for a healthy drink. You can have it guilt-free as it isn’t too rich in calories or fat.
For your reference, I have mentioned the nutritional value of this recipe for your reference in the table below:
Calories | 185 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 33 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 4 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Cholesterol | 13 mg |
Sodium | 204 mg |
Potassium | 280 mg |
Sugar | 5 g |
Vitamin A | 185 IU |
Calcium | 149 mg |
This recipe is suitable for people following a vegetarian, sodium-free, and gluten-free diet.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: To make this recipe suitable for vegans, regular milk can be substituted with almond or oat milk. Also, instead of whipped cream, silken tofu pureed with soy milk can be used.
- Dairy-Free Diet: I substitute dairy-based milk with almond or soy milk and prefer not to use whipped cream.
- Keto-Friendly Diet: For the keto diet, this latte can be made using almond, soy, or oat milk and sugar-free butterscotch syrup.
- Sugar-Free Diet: I made this recipe suitable for a sugar-free diet by adding sugar-free butterscotch syrup to the latte.
Storing and Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- Refrigerator: I transfer the leftovers of my butterscotch smoked latte to an airtight container or jar and store them in the refrigerator. This way, they can last for 2 to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can also store this drink for a longer time by freezing it. All you have to do is store it in an airtight container with the label mentioning the date of storing and freeze it for a few weeks.
Reheating
- Stovetop: I transfer the butterscotch latte into a milk pan and stir constantly while heating it over low heat. It takes me 2 to 3 minutes to heat this latte to my liking.
- Microwave: When I microwave this drink, I use a microwave-safe cup. I then reheat it on medium power for 15 seconds, stirring in between the intervals to ensure that it is warm enough to my liking and not overheated.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte tastes the best with buttermilk biscuits. It is my favorite combination. You can also serve this latte alongside pastries, croissants, Burgers, and Sandwiches.
You can also experiment with different toppings to make this latte more interesting and one that suits the preferences of your loved ones.
Printable Version
Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Ounces Espresso
- 2 Tablespoons Butterscotch Syrup
- 1 or 2 Drops Liquid Smoke
- 4 Ounces Milk warmed and frothed
- 2 Tablespoons Whipped Cream
Equipment
- Small Bowls
- Espresso Maker
- Milk Frother
- Metal Spoon
- Coffee Mug
Instructions
Video
Notes
- I make a rich, homemade butterscotch syrup instead of buying one at the store. I start by melting butter and brown sugar together, then adding cream and a pinch of sea salt. This extra step gives my latte a deep, buttery sweetness.
- Always ensure you use a strong shot of espresso using freshly ground coffee beans. It creates a bold base to complement the sweetness of the butterscotch.
- I froth the milk when it is hot using a milk frother as it gives my latte a nice velvety texture.
- You can also add a light sprinkle of smoked salt or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and aroma to your latte.
- If the latte is too sweet, you can balance it with a pinch of salt. If you’d prefer a sweeter latte, feel free to add sugar or additional butterscotch syrup to suit your taste.
- Lastly, I also drizzle a hot caramel sauce and butterscotch chips on the whipped cream of my latte to make it more flavorful.
Nutrition
More Starbucks Recipe That You Can Try
Conclusion
This Starbucks Smoked Butterscotch Latte is packed with smooth, buttery flavors that will delight your taste buds with every sip. It combines rich butterscotch syrup with bold espresso shots, topped with frothed milk for a creamy, indulgent experience. It’s the perfect treat for those who enjoy a sweet, smoky twist in their coffee.
While this drink may no longer be available on the Starbucks menu, you’re in luck with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. So, give this 10-minute recipe a try, and let us know in the comments how you enjoyed savoring this delightful beverage!