Classic Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White Recipe

You may have heard of the pumpkin spiced latte or peppermint mocha. These drinks are talked about and recreated throughout the season. However, there is another delicious and popular holiday drinks, the Starbucks holiday Spice flat white.

Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White

To make Starbucks holiday spice flat white, layer the prepared spice mixture into the mug. Pour an espresso shot and flat layer of milk.

To make an iced version of the drink, pour it over a cup of ice and leave it in the fridge for 1-2 hours before consumption. The type of steamed milk can also be changed depending on preference.

This article will discuss about making of Starbucks holiday spice flat white. The necessary information on the ingredients, calories count, and when the drink is available is provided.  

What Is A Starbucks Flat White?

Starbucks is known for its wide range of coffee and other brewed drinks. These range from espresso to iced tea and cold brew to peppermint mocha. One of the more popular new drinks Starbucks serves is the flat white.

The coffee company introduced this drink in its US and Canada locations in 2015.

The company describes the drink as “smooth ristretto shots of espresso get the perfect amount of steamed whole milk to create a not-too-strong, not-too-creamy, just-right flavor.”

Ristretto is a type of espresso made of very finely ground beans and brewed with much less water. This causes it to be much more robust and have a bolder flavor than espresso.

Starbucks uses this brew in several of its drinks, including the flat white. They also offer shots of ristretto that can be added to any beverage.

The flat white appears very similar to a latte but has a crucial difference. A latte has steamed milk and foamed warm milk layers on top of the brew. A flat white has one uniform layer of steamed milk on top of the brew.

The drink is sweet and robust because of the ristretto blend of espresso beans. The texture of the drink is very thick because of the layer of steamed milk.

The customer can customize the drink. Options include hot or iced versions. The type of milk can be changed, such as skim milk or almond milk.

What Is In A Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White?

Starbucks offers several seasonal beverages that are available during the holidays. Famous examples of these drinks include the pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, and eggnog latte.

One other special drink is the holiday spice flat white, a particular version of the standard beverage. It is made by taking a holiday mulling spice blend of espresso and adding a layer of steamed milk.

Two shots of the Christmas blend espresso roast are added in the ristretto technique. The beans are spicy and add even more flavor to the flat white. The holiday mulling spice blend includes clove, cinnamon, sugar, ginger, and tangerine.  

When Is Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White Coming Back?

While the holiday spice flat white is one of Starbucks’ most delicious drinks, it is only available for a limited time during the holidays. Since it is currently summertime, Starbucks is not offering the beverage at the moment.

According to the company, the holiday spice flat white will return to the menu on November 30th. It will be available through the end of the holiday season.

Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White Calories

For a delicious drink, the holiday spice flat white does not contain a high-calorie count. The amount of calories in a holiday spice flat white depends on the size of the drink ordered.

A grande version of the drink with regular milk contains about 240 calories. This number can also vary with what version of the drink is ordered as well. For example, an iced Holiday Spice Flat White in the tall size with almond milk contains about 80 calories.

A grande Flat White with regular milk contains about 120 calories. Substituting skim milk into the drink will bring this count down to about 80 calories. For comparison, a grande cup of regular coffee at Starbucks contains about five calories.

Remember to mark your calendar for November 30th and line up at your nearest Starbucks to get in on the delicious Holiday Spic Flat White. However, if you can’t wait that long, make your own!

What Equipment Will You Need To Make Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White?

  • Kettle – Prepare the beverage by steaming a cup of regular milk in a kettle.
  • Jar – Prepare the espresso in a jar.
  • Bowl – Prepare the spice mixture in a bowl for the beverage.
  • Milk Frother – Use a milk frother to give the beverage a nice foamy texture.
  • Coffee Mug – Pour the espresso and a flat layer of milk in a coffee mug.
  • Spoon – Stir the espresso with the spice mixture using a spoon.

How Much Time Will You Need To Make Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White?

Preparation Time Cooking TimeTotal Time
3 Minutes3 Minutes6 Minutes

What Ingredients Will You Need To Make Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White?

  • Ground Coffee – Use pre-grounded coffee to get an instant espresso shot.
  • Milk – We have used whole milk to give the beverage a smooth foam without being overwhelmingly creamy.
  • Water – Pour water into a jar with coffee to get the taste of the extracted coffee.
  • Tangerine Sugar – Mix tangerine sugar to give the beverage a bright citrus flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon will add a warm and spicy flavor to the beverage.
  • Ground Ginger – Ground ginger will add a warming and subtly spicy flavor to the beverage.
  • Ground Cloves – Ground cloves will add sweetness and warmth to the beverage.
Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White

Steps To Make Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White

1. Let’s Start With Basics

Start by mixing tangerine sugar, ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a bowl. Transfer them into the bottom of a coffee mug.

Make two shots of espresso. To make two shots of espresso, mix ground coffee and water in a jar and stir gently. Steep the coffee for a few minutes.

Drain the coffee and pour the espresso into the mug and stir with the spice mixture.

2. Layer The Milk

The next step is to prepare the milk for the beverage. Steam a cup of regular milk in a kettle. Use a milk frother to create foam in the steamed milk.

Pour the resulting liquid into the mug. Don’t stir the mug in the center. Maintain the flat layer of milk on top of the drink.

Ensure to let the drink sit before consuming it because it may still be hot from the steamed milk.

Nutritional Information

Calories49 kcal
Carbohydrates 13 g
Protein1 g
Fat1 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Sodium1 mg
Sugar12 g

How Will Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White Look And Taste Like?

Starbucks holiday spice flat white is worth a try if you’re looking for something new. It is an espresso beverage made with two ristretto shots, combined with a thin layer of velvety steamed whole milk.

Starbucks baristas perfectly steam milk into creamy micro-foam and carefully free pour to allow the espresso to rise to the top of the beverage for a bold coffee flavor with a sweeter finish.

Wrap your hands around that mug, breathe deep, and sip away on this delicious espresso infused with warm holiday spices and topped with a light foam!

Recipe Card

Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White Recipe

We’re recreating the popular Starbucks holiday spice flat white. Whip up a little orange sugar using tangerine zest and add your favorite spices for a cozy drink with a bright, citrusy twist. You’ll be enjoying a holiday treat before you know it.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Copycat Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 1 person
Calories 49 kcal

Equipment

  • Kettle
  • Jar
  • Bowl
  • Milk Frother
  • Coffee Mug
  • Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Ground Coffee
  • 1 cup Milk
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 2 teaspoon Tangerine Sugar
  • teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • teaspoon Ground Cloves

Instructions
 

  • Start by mixing each spices in a bowl and transfer them into the bottom of a coffee mug.
  • Make two shots of espresso. To make two shots of espresso, mix ground coffee and water in a jar and stir gently. 
  • Steep the coffee for a few minutes. Pour the espresso into the mug and stir with the spice mixture.
  • The next step is to prepare the milk for the beverage. Steam a cup of regular milk in a kettle. Use a microfoam tool to froth the steamed milk.
  • Pour the resulting liquid into the mug. Don't stir the mug in the center. Maintain the flat layer of milk on top of the drink.
  • Ensure to let the drink sit before consuming it because it may still be hot from the steamed milk.  

Video

Flat White at home, without a coffee machine • Home Barista.

Notes

To make an iced version of the drink, pour it over a cup of ice and leave it in the fridge for 1-2 hours before consumption. The type of steamed milk can also be changed depending on preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 12g
Keyword Spiced Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White, Starbucks, Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is in a holiday spice Flat White at Starbucks?

We were inspired by the practice of mulling cider, so we crafted our own holiday mulling spice blend of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, sugar and a touch of tangerine. The spices and velvety milk perfectly complement Starbucks Christmas Blend Espresso Roast.

How do I order a Starbucks holiday flat white?

Start by ordering a Grande Flat White with two raw sugars. Then, ask for cinnamon powder, cinnamon dolce powder, and nutmeg to be steamed in with your milk. And finally, ask for the three powders on top as well.

Is a flat white basically a latte?

Latte is served with steamed milk with an added layer of foamed milk sitting on top. The flat white, in contrast, is topped by a very thin, ‘flat’ (hence the name) layer of steamed milk, and nothing else.

What spices are in Starbucks Holiday Blend?

Notes of Sweet Maple & Herbs Crafted with all celebrations in mind, Starbucks® Holiday Blend offers a balanced, sweet and toasty blend of bright Latin American beans and rich Sumatran coffee. The blend is specially roasted to highlight the complexity of flavors, creating a full-bodied, vibrant cup every time.

Conclusion

I hope I have made the version of holiday spice flat white extremely close to Starbucks. You can also add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. It didn’t quite taste like theirs but still very tasty.

Now that you know, it’s time to bookmark this recipe for this holiday season and beyond. Stay cozy!

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