I’m not a coffee fan, never have been. But fancy coffee shop drinks are still a nice treat sometimes. One of my standard cold-weather orders at Starbucks: A Vanilla Steamer, which is simply warm milk with vanilla syrup topped with frothed milk–and sometimes, if I’m throwing caution to the wind, whipped cream. It’s also a drink my kids can get too, since it’s coffee-free and caffeine-free.
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I started making these a few years ago when it occurred to me that I could treat myself (for a lot less money) at home. I could also control what went into my mug, namely nothing artificial.
You can easily adjust the sweetness in this Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer. I add a couple drops of almond extract, which makes everything addictively delicious.
And frothed milk! Lots of frothed milk. Because frothed milk feels extra-super-special even though it’s just milk with a bunch of air in it (don’t tell my kids). I have one of these inexpensive, handheld milk frothers you can use to make the top foamy. For the photos here, I used the Capresso Frother (it’s a splurge–I received a free one a few years ago–but whips up stellar foam). A much more low-tech method: Put your warm Vanilla Steamer in a big, heat-safe glass jar, close it tightly with a lid, wrap it in a kitchen towel, and shake vigorously before pouring it into a mug.
Take it to the next level with a dollop of real whipped cream and some sprinkles. Then high-five yourself for saving a bunch of money.
How to make real whipped cream: Chill a glass or metal mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge until they’re very cold (be sure your heavy whipping cream is well chilled too). Then place 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream in the bowl and beat with a mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until the whipped cream forms stiff peaks. Store any leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge.
Copy Cat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 3 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 drops almond extract
- 2 dollops real whipped cream optional
Instructions
Stovetop directions
- Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a small saucepan and stir until combined.
- Heat over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring constantly (don't allow it to boil!).
- Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
- Top with whipped cream (if using).
Microwave directions:
- Place milk, honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a mug and stir until combined.
- Microwave on HIGH for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
- Create a foamy top by using a frother or by shaking it vigorously in a heat-proof jar.
- Top with whipped cream (if using).
Nutrition
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Elizabeth Shaw says
This looks AMAZING Sally. I love the drool of whip on the side of that mug! I have recently developed an aversion to coffee so this looks like the perfect alternative for me!
Sally says
Thanks Liz! Hope you like it.
Alicia says
Oh em gee THANK YOU!!!! I do not drink coffee so this is what I always order at Starbucks and I love love LOVE it!! I get mine with coconut milk instead of dairy milk and the flavors are to die for!! So excited to have a homemade version just in time for the weekend snowstorm lol. Thanks again!!
Sally says
Alicia–nice to know there’s someone else out there who doesn’t drink coffee! 😉 Stay warm!
Dawn says
I have never had Starbuck’s steamed milk, but my first coffee shop steamed milk was a revelation! I’ve made it for myself and my daughter without the foam (the coffee shop where I first got it didn’t add foam) by just adding about a teaspoon of vanilla to the milk. Adding a little almond flavoring sounds great, but I don’t feel like I need the extra sugar.
Sally says
Dawn–the vanilla and almond extracts definitely add a lot of flavor, so you could definitely skip the sugar!
Rebecca says
I’m dying over the drippy whipped cream! This looks delish!
Sally says
Thanks Rebecca!
Vince says
This looks like a very comforting drink. I’m a coffee fan myself but there’s always at least one person in my circle of friends that isn’t. It’s great to have more options about what to serve, particularly drinks that are more interesting than just hot chocolate for the 100th time.
Beenish says
Sally
I love reading your blogs there is always something positive something new something interesting and healthy.
I am defo going to try this as I have got myself out of caffeine based indulgence. Will let you know how it goes!
sam miller says
This was very bland and bad
IT doesn’t always have to be healthy is my opinion
Sally says
Sorry you didn’t like it. It’s meant to be lightly sweetened, but you could certainly add more sweetener if you like.