Starbucks Copycat Holiday Spice Flat White: Your Ultimate Year-Round Home Barista Guide
The holiday season might officially be behind us, but for many coffee enthusiasts, the craving for those festive, spiced beverages lingers. This article dives deep into recreating the beloved Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White right in your own kitchen. Forget seasonal limitations and long queues; now you can enjoy this exquisitely balanced coffee creation whenever the mood strikes, any time of the year. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a comprehensive guide to mastering your favorite holiday drink at home, ensuring that warm, comforting spice is always within reach.
Why This Holiday Spice Flat White Copycat Will Be Your New Favorite
The Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White captured hearts with its unique flavor profile, and my homemade version aims to do the same, but with added benefits. From the very first sip, this festive drink delivers a perfectly balanced experience – not overly sweet, beautifully spiced with warming notes, and a distinctive hint of tangerine that truly elevates it. It’s an indulgence that you’ll want to enjoy repeatedly, and now you can, without leaving your home.
Here are several compelling reasons why you’ll fall in love with making this copycat recipe yourself:
- Enjoy It Year-Round: The biggest advantage of a copycat recipe is breaking free from seasonal menus. Craving that holiday spice in July? Go for it! This recipe allows you to bring the festive cheer into your mug whenever you desire.
- Significant Cost Savings: Regular trips to Starbucks for specialty drinks can add up quickly. By crafting your own Holiday Spice Flat White at home, you’ll save a substantial amount of money over time, making your coffee habit much more economical.
- Customization to Your Liking: One of the best aspects of home brewing is the ability to tailor everything to your exact preferences. Want it a little sweeter? Add more tangerine sugar. Prefer a stronger spice kick? Adjust the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. You are in complete control of the flavor balance.
- Freshness and Quality: Preparing your drink with fresh ingredients ensures a vibrant taste experience. You know exactly what goes into your cup, without any hidden additives or preservatives.
- Master Your Barista Skills: Learning to make complex coffee drinks at home is a rewarding experience. This recipe encourages you to explore different techniques, from crafting tangerine sugar to steaming milk to perfection, enhancing your overall home barista capabilities.
To complement this delightful spiced coffee, consider pairing it with some homemade treats. Explore our other recipes like the old fashioned molasses cookies, pumpkin spice latte biscotti, cranberry pistachio biscotti, or a simple gingerbread biscotti recipe for the ultimate cozy experience.
Crafting Your Own Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White: A Step-by-Step Guide
Even though the holidays have passed, there’s no reason to put away those festive mugs! I find joy in using mine all year long – a simple pleasure that keeps the spirit alive. Let’s get started on creating this delightful coffee masterpiece.
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1. Crafting the Signature Tangerine Spice Blend
The secret to this exceptional flat white lies in its unique spice blend, specifically the tangerine sugar. To prepare this, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of finely grated tangerine zest. Use a microplane or a very fine grater to get the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. While you can use this tangerine sugar immediately, allowing it to sit for a few days in an airtight container will deepen and intensify the citrus flavor, making it even more aromatic. Store any leftover tangerine sugar at room temperature for up to a month.
Once your tangerine sugar is ready, measure out 1 to 2 teaspoons (I prefer 1 1/2 teaspoons for a balanced flavor) and combine it with 1/8 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. These classic holiday spices perfectly complement the bright, zesty notes of the tangerine. Place this fragrant spice mixture directly into the bottom of your chosen coffee mug. You can mix it directly in the mug, or for a more consistent blend, combine the spices in a small bowl first before transferring them.
2. The Espresso Foundation: Pulling the Perfect Shot
Starbucks traditionally uses ristretto shots of their Christmas Blend Espresso Roast for this drink. A ristretto is a shorter, more concentrated espresso shot, known for its bolder, richer flavor and less bitterness compared to a standard espresso. While it adds a distinct depth, not all home espresso machines are designed to pull a perfect ristretto without a hitch.
In my experience, attempting the ristretto technique with my previous automatic espresso machine sometimes caused it to lock up, requiring a full reset. If your machine allows for ristretto, definitely go for it! If not, a regular single or double shot of high-quality espresso will still yield a delicious result. Don’t let technical limitations deter you from enjoying this superb copycat holiday spice flat white. For a standard mug, I usually pull one shot of espresso directly over the spice mixture, then give it a gentle swirl to dissolve the sugar and spices. If I’m preparing a larger travel mug, I’ll typically use two shots to maintain a strong coffee flavor.
note
Espresso Machine Update – I previously owned a Saeco Odeo Giro for an impressive 15 years, a machine I truly adored until it began showing its age. Recently, I upgraded to the Philips 1200-Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine. While I’ve been quite satisfied with its performance, I’ve noticed the steaming wand tends to produce a thicker foam than what is ideal for a classic flat white. However, I don’t let this deter me; the resulting coffee is still incredibly delicious and enjoyable. If you’re aiming for that signature microfoam, experimentation with milk type and steaming technique might be necessary for some machines.
Enhance your coffee break by pairing this flat white with one of our Bakery-Style Pumpkin Muffins – a perfect match!
3. Steaming the Milk to Perfection
The key to a true flat white is the perfectly steamed milk, characterized by its velvety texture and minimal foam, often referred to as “microfoam.” Starbucks is known to use steamed whole milk for their Holiday Spice Flat White, which provides a rich, creamy body and steams beautifully to create that ideal microfoam. However, personal preference and dietary needs play a significant role here.
While I often have only skim milk in my fridge, and it works wonderfully, feel free to choose your preferred milk. Whole milk will give you the richest texture, but almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can also be used. Just be aware that non-dairy alternatives and lower-fat milks steam differently and may not produce the same dense, velvety microfoam as whole milk. The goal is to incorporate air into the milk just enough to create a smooth, glossy texture, without large bubbles.
4. Assembling Your Holiday Spice Flat White
With your espresso and spice mixture swirled in the mug and your milk perfectly steamed, it’s time for the final, artful pour. Slowly and steadily pour the steamed milk over the espresso. As the mug fills, tilt it slightly and then bring it back upright. For the signature flat white “dot” – a small, perfectly round circle of foam in the center – you’ll want to stream the foam right down the middle of the mug when it’s almost full. This requires a steady hand and a bit of practice, but even if it’s not a perfect dot, the flavor will be incredible! I find that I typically use a bit more foam than what Starbucks serves, simply because I enjoy that extra creamy texture, but you can adjust to your liking.
Now, wrap your hands around that warm mug, take a deep breath, and savor the moment. This homemade Holiday Spice Flat White is a delightful fusion of robust espresso, comforting holiday spices, and the bright zest of tangerine, all crowned with a delicate, smooth microfoam. I genuinely believe my version comes incredibly close to the original Starbucks experience. On occasion, I’ve experimented with adding a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, which, while not exactly matching the Starbucks profile, added another layer of delicious complexity. Enjoy every sip of this festive, aromatic beverage.
Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Your Holiday Spice Flat White
- Milk Alternatives: While whole milk provides the creamiest texture and best microfoam, feel free to use your milk of choice, such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Be aware that these alternatives steam differently and might not achieve the same dense microfoam, but they will still create a delicious, spiced beverage.
- Citrus Flexibility: If tangerines aren’t readily available, any other citrus fruit can be used for the sugar. A regular orange, satsuma, or even a clementine will work wonderfully, offering a similar bright, zesty note to the spice blend.
- Enhancing Tangerine Flavor: For a more pronounced citrus aroma and taste, prepare the tangerine sugar a day or two in advance and let it sit in an airtight container. This allows the essential oils from the zest to infuse more deeply into the sugar, intensifying the flavor.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce sugar content, you can easily use a granulated sugar substitute. I have personally tested this recipe with Lakanto Golden monk fruit, and it provides a great sweetness without altering the flavor profile significantly.
- Espresso Bean Choice: You don’t necessarily need to use Starbucks Christmas Blend espresso roast beans. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality espresso beans. A dark roast or a blend with nutty and chocolatey notes often pairs exceptionally well with the holiday spices.
- Adding a Touch of Indulgence: Although traditional flat whites are known for their minimalist microfoam topping, there’s no harm in a little extra indulgence. Try adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a decadent treat.
- Pre-mix Your Spices: To save time, prepare a larger batch of the dry spice mix (cinnamon, ginger, cloves) and store it in a small airtight container. This way, you only need to add the tangerine sugar and espresso when you’re ready to brew.
- No Espresso Machine? No Problem!: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee or Moka pot coffee as a substitute. For steaming milk, a French press can create a decent foam by vigorously pumping the plunger, or you can use a handheld frother for a lighter foam.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Holiday Spice Flat White
A flat white is an espresso-based coffee beverage distinguished by its smooth, velvety microfoam. Unlike a latte, which has a thicker layer of foam, a flat white features a thinner, more integrated layer of foam (often described as “flat”) that blends seamlessly with the espresso. It’s typically made with less steamed milk than a latte, resulting in a stronger, more intense coffee flavor.
The original Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White featured ristretto shots of their special Christmas Blend Espresso Roast. These were combined with a unique spice blend that included tangerine sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The drink was then finished with steamed milk topped with a delicate microfoam, often with a signature dot of foam in the center.
Regrettably, Starbucks discontinued the Holiday Spice Flat White from their seasonal menu in 2018. This is precisely why having a reliable copycat recipe, like the one shared here, is so valuable – it allows fans to enjoy this beloved drink any time they wish, bringing back those nostalgic holiday flavors.
The tangerine sugar should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its freshness and aromatic citrus flavor for approximately one month. Over time, the sugar may harden, but it remains perfectly usable. If it becomes too hard, you can simply make a fresh batch for optimal flavor and texture.
While true flat whites require espresso for their distinct intensity, you can certainly adapt this recipe if you don’t have an espresso machine. Brew a very strong cup of coffee using your preferred method (French press, Moka pot, or drip coffee with a higher coffee-to-water ratio) and use that as your coffee base. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious with the spice blend.
Explore More Starbucks Copycat Recipes
Better Than Starbucks Eggnog Latte
Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe
Better Than Starbucks Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Copycat Holiday Spice Flat White Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 – 2 teaspoons tangerine sugar (homemade from 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp tangerine zest)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1-2 shots espresso (ristretto for traditional, or strong regular espresso)
- 5-6 ounces milk (whole milk for best microfoam, or milk of choice)
Instructions
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Prepare Tangerine Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of finely grated tangerine zest. For a deeper flavor, let this mixture sit in an airtight container for a few days before use.
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Combine Spices: In your coffee mug, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of the prepared tangerine sugar (1 1/2 teaspoons is a good starting point) with 1/8 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Ensure the spices are well combined at the bottom of the mug.
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Pull Espresso: Pull 1 to 2 shots of espresso (or ristretto shots if your machine allows for a more traditional flat white taste) directly over the spice mixture in the mug. Swirl gently one or two times to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices into the espresso.
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Steam Milk: Steam 5-6 ounces of your chosen milk until it forms a smooth, velvety microfoam. Aim for a texture that’s integrated with the milk, without large bubbles, and only a thin layer of foam on top.
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Assemble & Serve: Carefully pour the steamed milk over the espresso mixture in your mug. As you near the top, stream the remaining microfoam directly down the middle of the mug to create the signature flat white dot. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Starbucks Copycat Holiday Spice Flat White!
Notes
— Milk Options: Feel free to use your preferred milk (almond, oat, skim, coconut, or whole milk). Keep in mind that different types of milk steam to varying consistencies, so achieving a perfect microfoam might require some experimentation.
— Sweetener Alternatives: If you’re managing sugar intake, you can use a granulated sugar substitute. I’ve successfully tested this recipe using Lakanto Golden monk fruit, which works well.
— My Preferred Ratio: For an optimal balance, I typically make mine with 2 shots of espresso, about 5-6 ounces of steamed milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons of tangerine sugar, and a generous pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
— Storing Tangerine Sugar: The homemade tangerine sugar will last for about one month when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It may become hard over time, but it remains usable. When it loses its fresh aroma or becomes too difficult to use, it’s best to prepare a new batch.