‘Tis the Season to Enjoy “Secret” Butterbeer Recipes
Ahh, butterbeer. The drink of choice for young witches and wizards spending an autumn afternoon at the Three Broomsticks. Considering my participation in MuggleNet’s Butterbeer Bonanza, I am basically an expert on this magical beverage.
Okay, not exactly. But I have pretty good taste, believe me.
For years, people have wondered about the contents of Starbucks’s “Secret Menu” (not a thing, by the way, but call it what you will). One frappuccino recipe, in particular, has Stupefied the wizard following and delighted their taste buds.
Behold!
- Crème Frappuccino base, made with whole milk (the recipe recommends not using an alternative, but I have had it with 2% and enjoyed it just as well – just do you, man)
- Three pumps of caramel syrup
- Three pumps toffee nut syrup
- Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle
I, personally, have had this magnificent concoction multiple times. On a traditional OWL scale, I certainly give the Starbucks butterbeer frappe an Exceeds Expectations. It is a tasty coffee-based butterbeer that isn’t too heavy.
Now, keep in mind, my dear Muggle friends. As I mentioned before, the “Secret Menu” does not exist. Thus, the baristas at your local Starbucks are not trained to make this drink by name. You must kindly ask your barista if they can make the drink to your specifications. My barista was quite intrigued by the request and was excited to try it herself!
The aforementioned article also lists a warm recipe.
“Real” Butterbeer
- Whole milk steamer
- Caramel syrup (two pumps for a tall, three pumps for a grande, four for a venti)
- Toffee nut syrup (two pumps for a tall, three pumps for a grande, four for a venti)
- Cinnamon Dolce syrup (two pumps for a tall, three pumps for a grande, four for a venti)
- Top with whipped cream and salted caramel bits
- *Optional* One shot of espresso, two for a grande or venti
Well, I very much enjoy my caffeine, so I added the “optional” espresso. And I must say, I prefer the frappe, but I’ll give the steamer an Exceeds Expectations. It’s definitely got a butterbeer flavor, but it is sweeter than the frappe and almost too rich. However, as the weather grows colder, I can certainly see myself adding this warm butterbeer recipe to my weekly rotation.
Have you tried these coffee-inspired butterbeer recipes? What do you think of them? Has your barista learned your order yet? No? Just me? That’s cool.
(Big shout-out to my local Starbucks for going through this project with me!)
