Move over pumpkin spice … there’s a new fall flavor in town!
Major coffee chains everywhere are embracing the authentic taste of the season by giving the humble apple its time to shine.
And I, for one, say that it’s about time!
I love a tasty pumpkin spice latte as much as the next person, but this whole PSL craze has about run its course.
That’s why I’m ecstatic to see the new fall menu featuring a flavor profile reminiscent of a trip to the apple orchard.
And if you’re also eager to embrace that authentic honeycrisp apple flavor this fall, I’ve got you covered!
Today’s post is your ultimate guide to recreating the honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker from Caribou.
Click here to go directly to the recipe if you’re a skip-to-the-good-part kind of person.
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What is the Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Espresso Shaker?
The honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker is part of the new lineup featured this fall at Caribou.
This drink starts with fresh espresso perfectly infused with the iconic flavors of the fall season …. creamy caramel and crisp honeycrisp apples.
As with other espresso shakers featured on the menu, the drink is served over ice and finished with a splash of oatmilk.
The honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker is refreshing, sweet, and one of the best ways to celebrate the fall season!
What’s in the Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Espresso Shaker?
Although you can easily order this new fall menu item on the Caribou coffee app, it’s just as easy to whip one up at home with a few simple ingredients and save yourself a delivery fee!
Espresso
This drink starts with espresso.
Depending on how large your glass (or how much of an afternoon mix-me-up you need!), you can use between 1 and 3 shots of espresso.
For a glass that’s 12 ounces or less, add 1 shot.
If your glass is about 16 ounces, add 2.
And if your glass is 24 ounces, add 3.
If you’re cutting down on caffeine, you can just as easily use decaf espresso without sacrificing any of that rich coffee flavor.
And if you don’t have an espresso machine, no worries!
You can use instant espresso powder or use a French press to make espresso.
If you’re using the French press, combine 4 tablespoons of finely ground espresso and 3.5 cups of hot water.
Let steep for 6 minutes, then depress the plunger, and voila!
It’s not exactly the same as what you would get from an espresso machine, but it’s close enough to work perfectly with this copycat recipe.
And for a honeycrisp apple caramel oatmilk steamer, simply leave out the coffee.
Flavor syrup
Two different types of flavor syrups create the perfect balance of caramel apple flavor in this delectable fall drink.
The first is honeycrisp apple syrup.
And the second comes from the real caramel syrup.
You can find both types of syrup on Amazon.
There are several different apple syrup options, but this brand is always delicious!
But making your own syrup is quick and simple, so if you’d like to give it a try, the instructions are below.
And this is my favorite caramel syrup.
You can alsomake your own caramel syrup by mixing up a simple syrup recipe and adding caramel extract.
This is an excellent option if you’re lactose intolerant because premade caramel sauce often contains dairy.
Milk
If your taste preferences crave an authentic coffee shop flavor, use a splash of creamy oatmilk.
But you can easily substitute almond milk or even soy milk if that’s the type of milk you have in the fridge.
Dairy milks, such as 2% or skim, are also easy swap-ins for this drink.
Although it’s not 100% authentic to the Caribou version, you could choose to finish off the drink with cold foam and a caramel drizzle.
The best cold foam is made with a 3:1 mixture of heavy whipping cream and skim milk.
Add a hint of flavor syrup before frothing, and you’ll quickly agree that it’s one of the most delicious options for topping off your copycat drink!
Copycat Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Espresso Shaker
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2-3 large apples cut into small pieces Honeycrisp apples work best in this recipe
- 2-3 shots espresso depending on the size of your glass
- 1 teaspoon caramel flavor syrup
- 1/2 cup oat milk
- ice
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, water, and apples in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and allow to continue boiling for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 20 minutes until apples are soft and sugar has been completely dissolved.
- Once the apples are soft, pour the mixture through a strainer positioned over a bowl. Use a spoon to crush the apples and remove as much juice as possible. Once you've removed as much juice as possible, pour the syrup into a jar and allow it to cool to room temperature. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The syrup should be at least cooled to room temperature but ideally, ice cold when making this recipe because it will otherwise melt the ice during the "shaken" process.
- Pull 2 shots of espresso. If you don't have an espresso machine, follow the instructions for making the equivalent here.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the espresso shots, 2 teaspoons of the apple syrup, and the caramel flavor syrup. Shake for 2 minutes.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour in the shaken espresso. Finish with a splash of milk and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in a honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker?
A medium size contains around 215 mg of caffeine.
Can you make a honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker without caffeine?
Absolutely! You can use decaf espresso to make a caffeine-free version of the drink.
Is the honeycrisp apple caramel espresso shaker a seasonal drink?
Yes. In fact, by the time this post was published, it was already off the Caribou menu.
What’s the difference between an iced latte and an espresso shaker?
Both drinks are served over ice, but the iced latte contains more milk than the espresso shaker.
Why doesn’t the milk float on top like it does in the Caribou pictures?
Although those promotional pics look super pretty with the trails of milk falling through the espresso, they are not always true to the laws of physics.
Order the drink at Caribou and the milk is not frothed, meaning that it’s denser than the coffee component and will, therefore, sink to the bottom of the drink rather quickly.
If you make this drink at home exactly how it’s served at Caribou, the milk will sink to the bottom.
But if you are looking for a prettier effect, simply froth the milk before adding to the shaken espresso.
Final Thoughts
I hope this simple recipe has inspired you to try your hand at being a home barista!
Making your own coffee shop inspired drinks at home is one of the best ways to save time and money.
And it gives you total control over what’s in the different drinks you whip up at home.
Whipping up a batch of your favorite flavor syrups is simple and allows you to ditch added colors and preservatives.
Check out this iced chai tea latte recipe if you’re looking for more home barista recipes.
Pumpkin lovers will adore this easy pumpkin chai recipe.
Or, if you want to try the infamous PSL, try this recipe for a pumpkin latte.
And if you’re looking for a different honeycrisp apple recipe, check out this iced cream latte recipe.
Here are a few more recipes to spark your coffee creativity:
- How to Make an Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai at Home
- How to Make a Dreamy Caramel Cold Brew with Chocolate Cream
- How to Make a Refreshing Copycat Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
- Best Copycat Recipe for an Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte
- How to Make a Copycat Iced Apple Crisp Shaken Espresso
