How to make coffee drinks?

How do I make gourmet coffee drinks like Starbucks?

• I usually don't drink coffee. However, when the holidays are round around the corner, I HAVE to have gourmet coffee. I would appreciate it if you can provide recipes for cappucinos, lattes, espressos, etc. Also, which gourmet coffee makers and steamers are good? Mr. Coffee? Thank you.

• Answer:

  buy a $2,000 machine. Seriously. There are decent machines out there. However they will cost you at least $300+. Check out consumer reviews for different machines in your price range. You need to pay attention to the type of espresso it uses (stay clear of 'pods'). Look at the steam wand comments. If you have a wand with poor pressure, which MANY of the home machines do, it's pointless to do a cappuccino or latte on one, as you'll never have decent foam. Recipes: Each shot is 1 ounce 12 oz Latte: 1 shot espresso, milk, and a few Tbsp foam. (1 shot flavoring syrup optional) 12oz Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 frothed milk (learn to do this on youtube, it's hard to explain), and 1/3 foam (all foam and no milk for a dry cappuccino) Mocha: Make a latte, and add 1 oz chocolate powder (I prefer Ghirardelli's best), use white chocolate powder for a white mocha. Classic Macchiato: Double Espresso with a spoonful of foam Caramel Macchiato: Make a latte, add 1 shot of vanilla syrup, and a squeeze of fresh caramel sauce over the foam or whipped cream(dont stir the sauce in) Variations: You can substitute half and half or soy for any of the milks. Use eggnog in place of milk for an eggnog latte (add a little milk to the nog before you steam as not to curdle the eggnog) Hot Chocolate: for a 12 oz, use 1 oz chocolate powder. Starbucks also adds a shot of vanilla syrup. Try it with Hazelnut or peppermint syrup too. Also, my personal preference is the Torani or Monin lines of flavoring syrups, they are available in supermarkets, and in better variety in restaurant supply (I get them at Smart and Final if you have those where you are) Buy a grinder separately if you're going to invest in one. Stick with a burr-type grinder. It will be well worth the extra $. Or have your barista grind the espresso for you when you buy your beans.