Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

Fall might be knocking at the door with cooler evenings and golden leaves, but let’s be real — iced coffee is a year-round habit for some of us. And this Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato hits that perfect sweet spot: cozy apple pie vibes in a cold, creamy cup.

It’s inspired by the Starbucks version but with a little extra love and balance you can only get at home. That warm brown sugar apple syrup mixed with smooth oat milk and blonde espresso? Tastes like fall just gave you a hug in a cup.

What Even Is an Iced Macchiato?

If you’ve always wondered what exactly makes a macchiato different from a latte — you’re not alone. I had to google it the first time I saw it on a menu.

Traditionally, a macchiato is a shot of espresso “stained” with a touch of milk. But at Starbucks, it’s more like a layered drink — lots of milk on the bottom, espresso poured over the top, creating that pretty ombré effect we all love snapping photos of.

In this version, it’s oat milk at the base, espresso floating on top, and that sweet apple syrup sneaking in between. Not traditional, but incredibly tasty.

What’s New in the Starbucks Version?

The first time I ordered the Apple Crisp Macchiato last year, it was made with 2% milk and regular espresso. This time around, they’ve swapped in oat milk and blonde espresso — and honestly, it’s a smart change.

The oat milk adds that mellow, slightly nutty creaminess that pairs so well with apple desserts. And the blonde espresso? It’s less bitter, letting the warm apple and brown sugar flavors shine through. I tried recreating it with regular espresso at home, and it just didn’t hit the same. So trust me — if you can, go with blonde roast.

Reasons You’ll Want to Make This At Home

• It’s cheaper than grabbing it every morning at the drive-thru.
• You control the sweetness. Want it more syrupy or less? You’re in charge.
• It’s totally customizable. Oat milk, almond milk, regular milk — use whatever you have in the fridge.
• You don’t have to wait in line. Enough said.

And let’s be honest — making your own version gives you major coffee shop-at-home vibes. I love sipping this on my balcony in the morning with a sweater on and my dog curled up next to me. It’s a small ritual, but it makes fall feel special.

What You’ll Need

To make your own iced apple crisp macchiato, gather:

• Apple brown sugar syrup (homemade is easy, but store-bought works too)
• Oat milk
• Blonde espresso (I like Starbucks Veranda Blend)
• Ice
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy touch

If you don’t feel like making the syrup from scratch, you can mix store-bought apple syrup and brown sugar syrup. But if you’ve got 20 minutes, the homemade version tastes amazing.

Homemade Apple Brown Sugar Syrup

This syrup is where the magic happens. It smells like apple pie and gives the whole drink that cozy fall flavor.

All you need is:

• Water
• Brown sugar (I go for dark for deeper flavor)
• Sliced apples (don’t bother peeling)
• Ground cinnamon

Bring everything to a boil, then simmer it down for 15–20 minutes until it’s thick and the apples are soft. I like to mash the apples a bit while straining to squeeze out every last drop of that goodness.

Once it cools, I store it in a mason jar and pop it in the fridge. It thickens as it chills and keeps for about a month — though I usually finish mine in a week.

Putting It All Together: Your Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato

Here’s how I like to layer mine for that signature coffee shop look:

1. Start with syrup — about 1 ½ oz. (3 pumps if you’re fancy).
2. Pour in oat milk — roughly ¾ cup. I use barista blend oat milk for a creamier texture.
3. Add ice — fill it up, but don’t pack it too tight.
4. Slowly pour espresso over top. This keeps the layers separate. I usually go with 2 shots… sometimes 3 if I need a little kick.
5. Drizzle extra syrup on top and sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg for that finishing touch.

Take a moment to admire the layers before giving it a good stir.

A Quick Note on Taste…

Some people say this drink tastes like a candle. And I get it — apple, spice, and sweetness can be a bit much if you’re expecting something bold and coffee-forward.

But I think the balance is what makes it shine. It’s mellow, subtly sweet, and genuinely reminds me of warm apple crisp — especially when you use oat milk. It won’t please hardcore black coffee folks, but if you’re here for cozy fall flavors, this one’s a winner.

Make It Your Own

This drink is super flexible. Here are a few fun ways I tweak it depending on my mood:

• Too sweet? Use less syrup or water it down a bit.
• Not enough coffee? Add an extra shot or two. I’m usually a 3-shot kind of guy.
• Want more dessert vibes? Add a caramel drizzle or cinnamon dolce syrup.
• Missing Starbucks cold foam? Blend some vanilla sweet cream or even pumpkin cream on top.
• Don’t like oat milk? Use almond, soy, dairy — whatever makes you happy.

Let yourself play around. The best part of copycat drinks at home is tweaking them until they’re perfect for you.

Let me know if you try this! I’d love to hear how you like your fall iced coffee — and if you’ve managed to convert any hot coffee lovers in your house. At mine, I’m the only iced coffee drinker, and I proudly sip this while everyone else clutches their hot mugs. Fall in a glass, every time.

Try other Crisp recipes:

• Homemade Starbucks Apple Crisp Macchiato
• Apple Crisp Chai Starbucks
• Apple and Pear Crisp