3 Copycat Recipes for Mega-Popular Fall Drinks

Fall is arguably our favorite time of year - for cozy sweaters, low-key nights snuggling up with our favorite people, and much-awaited seasonal treats popping up on menus everywhere!

It also means one thing we’ve been looking forward to all year: After a long summer of slinging cold brews, the coffeehouse chains really bring their A-game when fall flavors come into season.

Now, we love a good café as much as the next coffee lover... But before you grab your keys and race off to the drive-through window for a cozy fall drink, we’ve got a solution to save your wallet and busy schedule from the perils of constant coffee runs!

Because let’s be honest: Making the schlep to the café every morning and waiting in line for seemingly forever, just to have the barista get your name (or worse, your order) wrong can get old really fast… especially as the days get shorter and temperatures colder.

Luckily, many of your coveted seasonal beverages are shockingly simple to make yourself, saving you time and money while getting into the fall spirit.

Better yet - when you whip up these café concoctions in the comfort of your cozy kitchen in a Greens Steel Stainless Steel Tumbler or Coffee Cup, your hot drinks stay toasty for hours - that’s more than any flimsy café to-go cup can brag about!

Ready to become a “star” home-barista and save some “bucks” this fall? (see what we did there...!) 

Let's get cozy with these 3 copycat recipes for your all-time favorite seasonal coffeehouse specials so you can enjoy them at home for less: 

3. Chai Tea Latte

Although a classic all year round, this coffeehouse favorite features all the warmly-spiced flavors synonymous with fall. Lively flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, cloves, star anise, and vanilla soothe you as you sip - It’ll even warm you up on those brisk fall mornings when you didn’t think it was chilly enough to wear a big coat yet!

What you'll need:

• 3/4 cup Milk of choice
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1 Chai Tea Bag
• 1 tablespoon Honey 
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg (for garnish)
  

How to make it:

1.  In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the chai teabag and steep for 7-10 minutes.
2.  Add in the milk and honey, reducing the heat to medium and warming the milk. (If you have a handheld milk frother, give everything a quick whiz for a foamy consistency!)
3.  Turn off heat and transfer to your Greens Steel BEAST or Coffee Mug.
   
4.  Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, and enjoy!
   

2. Caramel Apple Cider

Nothing seems to scream fall quite like caramel apples, so why not give it a go in drink form?

What you'll need:

• 12 oz Apple Cider or Apple Juice 
• 1 tbsp Homemade Cinnamon Syrup* 
• 1 tbsp Caramel Sauce
• Fresh Whipped Cream
  

How to make it:

1. Bring apple juice or cider to a low simmer in a small pot set over medium heat.
2.  Turn off heat and transfer to your Greens Steel BEAST or Coffee Mug.
   
3.  Stir in 1 tbsp Homemade Cinnamon Syrup*.
   
4. Top with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream and drizzle with 1 tablespoon caramel sauce.
   

How to make it:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup Water with 1 cup Brown Sugar & 1 tsp Cinnamon. Bring to a boil, stirring carefully until sugar is dissolved.
2. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir for 5 minutes, or until syrup thickens.
3.  Turn off heat and stir in 1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract.
4. Transfer syrup to a glass jar and cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
   

1. The Notorious PSL

You didn’t really think we’d wrap up this list without the beloved Pumpkin Spiced Latté, did you? Here’s how to make this famous fall favorite (it’s easier than you think!):

What you'll need:

• 1 cup Milk of your choice
• 1/2 cup strong brewed Coffee
• 2 tbsp Pumpkin Puree
• 1.5 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
  
• Whipped Cream & toppings (optional)
  

How to make it:

1. Brew some coffee using your preferred method.
2. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Turn off heat and transfer to your Greens Steel BEAST or Coffee Mug.
4. Top it with whipped cream and some pumpkin pie spice, a cinnamon stick, or even some fun sprinkles in a seasonal color scheme.