The Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte is one of the many holiday classics that symbolizes the changing seasons, leading people to line up waiting for their favorite winter brews (and of course, the infamous annual Red Cups!).
Walking down the city streets looking at the holiday lights and watching the snowfall might evoke fond memories of Christmas past. But for many of us, the holiday season doesn’t officially start until Starbucks releases its signature holiday beverage menu and kicks off its Starbucks for Life game.

There are many different signature drinks including that the coffee chain is known for during the holiday season, but the Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte has developed a cult following due to its unique, rich flavor that is reminiscent of winter in a cup!
But who really has the money to go to Starbucks every day and spend $4 or $5 for just one of these seasonal favorites, when you can replicate the recipe easily right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price! It’s easier than you might think.
Holiday Cheer in a Cup
When you order a Caramel Brulée Latte at Starbucks, your barista starts by adding pumps of flavored syrup to the cup, then steaming the milk of your choice. While the milk is steaming, the espresso is being brewed for your beverage of choice.

Unlike the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, all of the elements are combined and blended in one cup, and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of a special holiday topping.
When duplicating this recipe in your kitchen, there are a few obvious differences. You won’t have access to the specialty Starbucks Caramel Brulée syrup or holiday topping, but there are some simple ways you can duplicate the flavors of these ingredients and create an equally delicious drink that tastes barista-made!
Making a healthy twist on the Caramel Brulée Latte is simple too. You can easily cut calories by choosing sugar-free syrups and low-fat milks.
Ready to try making your own Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte at home?
DIY Copycat Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte
This is as close as it gets to the Starbucks recipe, without having access to the Starbucks syrups, mixes, and machines. Practice swapping out different milks and sweeteners until you come up with the perfect drink to suit your tastes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of brewed espresso or dark blend coffee (leftover brewed coffee from the morning works great!)
- 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk
- 1 tbsp. French vanilla syrup (can be purchased at most grocery stores or online here)
- 1 tbsp. caramel sauce (can be purchased at most grocery stores or online here)
- 2 packets sweetener of your choice (sugar, Splenda, Stevia, etc.)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Heat the milk in a pan over medium heat. Once warm, whisk for about 30 seconds until frothy.
Step 2: Pour vanilla syrup and caramel sauce into mug.
Step 3: Pour espresso or coffee into mug.
Step 4: Pour steamed milk into mug. Stir to combine. Top with whipped cream and brulee topping, if desired.
Copycat Starbucks Skinny Caramel Brulée Latte
Simple swaps like low-fat milk and sugar-free syrup make this delicious holiday drink delectable, and guilt-free!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup of brewed espresso or dark blend coffee (leftover brewed coffee from the morning works great!)
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk, oat milk or almond milk
- 1 tbsp. sugar-free French vanilla syrup (can be purchased at most grocery stores or online here)
- 1 tbsp. sugar-free caramel sauce (can be purchased at most grocery stores or online here)
- 2 packets sweetener of your choice (Splenda, Stevia, etc.)
- Fat-Free or Dairy Free Whipped cream (optional)
Step 1: Heat the milk in a pan over medium heat. Once warm, whisk for about 30 seconds until frothy.
Step 2: Pour vanilla syrup and caramel sauce into mug.
Step 3: Pour espresso or coffee into mug.
Step 4: Pour steamed milk into mug. Stir to combine. Top with whipped cream and brulee topping, if desired.
Bonus Recipe: Starbucks’ Caramel Brulée Holiday Sprinkle Topping
Sure, you can buy a pre-made sugar topping, but this one is about as close as you can get to the Starbucks topping without bribing a barista to sell you a bottle of it!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Step 2: Mix sugar and salt. Line a cookie tray with parchment paper.
Step 3: Spread sugar mixture evenly onto parchment paper. Bake at 450 for a few minutes until it begins to caramelize. Remove from the oven when it is golden brown in color.
Step 4: Allow to cool completely. Break into tiny pieces, and top your coffee with your homemade sprinkle topping!
You Might Also Enjoy these other Starbucks Drink Recipes
- DIY Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher
- Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
- Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade
Pin for Later: The Best DIY Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte
Leave a Reply