If you’ve been wanting to make more coffee (or tea) at home but don’t know where to start—you’re in the right place.

After sharing my iced Starbucks drinks video for beginners (and seeing so many of you recreate them at home 🥹), I knew I had to make a hot version too. Because let’s be real… sometimes you just want something cozy.

The best part?
You don’t need an espresso machine, fancy equipment, or barista skills to make these.

These are 5 easy, beginner-friendly Starbucks hot drinks you can make with simple grocery store ingredients, while still getting that coffee shop taste at home.

1. Hot White Mocha

Creamy, sweet, and honestly one of the easiest drinks to recreate at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces liquid espresso concentrate (Like Nescafé or Trader Joes)
• 1–2 tablespoons white chocolate sauce, adjust to taste
• 6–8 ounces 2% milk (or milk of choice), steamed
• Whipped cream

Instructions:
Add the espresso concentrate to a mug with the white chocolate sauce and froth using a handheld milk frother until combined. Steam your milk (See the ‘How to Steam Milk at Home‘ section below for details), then pour it into the mug. Top with whipped cream and enjoy.

Note:
You can use any espresso making method of choice, it doesn’t have to be the espresso concentrate. Use any of the options listed in the ‘How to Make Espresso at Home’ section below.

Tip:
If you want that super smooth, café-style texture, an electric milk frother (like my DREO one) makes a big difference—but you can absolutely use the microwave + handheld frother method too.

2. Cappuccino

Simple, classic, and perfect if you want something less sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (my favorite is the Nescafé Gold Blonde)
• 2 ounces hot water
• 5 ounces milk, steamed

Instructions:
Add the espresso powder and hot water to a mug, and the stir until fully dissolved. Steam your milk (See the ‘How to Steam Milk at Home‘ section below for details), then pour it into the mug, and enjoy!

Note:
You can use any espresso making method of choice, it doesn’t have to be the instant espresso powder. Use any of the options listed in the ‘How to Make Espresso at Home’ section below.

3. Caffè Misto

Think of this as the easiest “coffee shop” drink you can make at home.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces brewed coffee
• 2–3 ounces steamed milk (or creamer)

Instructions:
Brew your hot coffee using your preferred method (coffee pot, Keurig, Nespresso, French press, pour-over, etc.). Steam your milk (See the ‘How to Steam Milk at Home‘ section below for details), then pour it over the coffee and enjoy.

4. Hot Matcha Latte

A cozy, slightly sweet option if you’re not in the mood for coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons matcha powder (I like this one)
• 2 ounces hot water
• 1–2 tablespoons vanilla syrup, adjust to taste
• 6–8 ounces milk, steamed

Instructions:
Combine the matcha powder and hot water in a mug and froth with a handheld milk frother until fully dissolved. Add vanilla syrup, then steam your milk (See the ‘How to Steam Milk at Home‘ section below for details), and pour it over the matcha, and enjoy.

5. Hot Chai Latte

Warm, spiced, and SO easy.

Ingredients:

• 4–6 ounces chai concentrate
• 4–6 ounces milk of choice
• Optional: sprinkle of cinnamon, for topping

Instructions:
Add the chai concentrate to a mug and warm in the microwave for 45-60 seconds. Steam your milk (See the ‘How to Steam Milk at Home‘ section below for details), then pour it over the chai. Top with the cinnamon, if using, and enjoy.

Tip:
Another easy option is to combine the chai concentrate and milk in a small saucepan, and heat over medium low heat. Continue whisking until the mixture is warmed through, then pour into a mug, add cinnamon, and enjoy.

How to Make Espresso at Home (No Machine Needed!)

You have options—use whatever works best for you:

☕️ Espresso Options:

• Instant espresso powder (my favorite is the Nescafé Gold Blonde):
  1 teaspoon powder + 1 ounce hot water = 1 shot
• Espresso concentrate (like Nescafé or Trader Joe’s):
  Follow the bottle instructions
• Cometeer coffee capsules:
  Use 1 capsule with 6–8 ounces milk (note: ~180mg caffeine per capsule)
• Nespresso machine:
  Use espresso pods
• Espresso machine:
  Pull a standard double shot

How to Steam Milk at Home

Again—keep it simple:

• Electric milk frother (hot setting)
• Microwave milk + froth with handheld milk frother
• Warm on the stove + froth with handheld milk frother
• Steam wand (if you have a machine with one)

You don’t need perfect latte art—just focus on warming and adding a little texture.

Customize Your Drinks

Make these work for YOU:

• Use any milk you like (oat, almond, soy, dairy)
• Use sugar-free syrups or sweeteners if needed or desired
• Adjust sweetness to your preference – always measure so you know if you need to adjust
• Make everything dairy-free with plant-based swaps

Final Thoughts

Recipes like these are exactly how my at-home coffee journey started. I learned how to make simple drinks in my own kitchen using only grocery store ingredients. Over time, that turned into experimenting, creating my own recipes (helloooo homemade syrups and sauces), and falling in love with the process. And now…it’s all led to my very first cookbook!!

If you’re loving these beginner-friendly recipes, my cookbook Coffee Shop At Home dives even deeper with 60 coffee shop-style drinks you can make at home. You can preorder it now! I can’t wait to see the coffees (and teas) you’ll create at home!