Homemade Holiday Spice Flat White Recipe

This is my take on the Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White. The holidays may be over, but my craving for seasonal Starbucks flavors lives on.

Why You’ll Love This

The Holiday Spice Flat White hooked me from the first sip. It’s not overly sweet, nicely spiced, and brightened with a hint of tangerine. I make it at home regularly because it tastes great, is customizable, and saves money compared to buying the coffee shop version.

• Not too sweet, balanced spiced flavor with citrus notes
• Easy to make at home any time of year
• Adjust sweetness and spice to your preference

How to Make Starbucks Holiday Spice Flat White

Here’s the setup I use. Holiday mugs are optional but add to the fun.

I make a simple tangerine sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon finely grated tangerine zest. For a single flat white, use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of that tangerine sugar (I use 1 1/2 teaspoons) combined with a pinch each of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Place the spice mixture in the bottom of your mug.

Starbucks uses ristretto shots for their Holiday Spice Flat White—shorter, more concentrated pulls of espresso that produce a bolder flavor. If your machine can pull ristrettos, try that; if not, a standard espresso shot works well.

I pull one shot directly into the mug for small servings and swirl to dissolve the spice mixture. For larger travel cups, I pull two shots. After the espresso, steam your milk to create a smooth microfoam. Starbucks traditionally uses whole milk for a rich texture, but use whatever milk you prefer—skim, almond, oat, or coconut. Be aware that plant milks steam differently and may not produce the same microfoam.

Enjoy this flat white with a pumpkin muffin or spiced cookie for a cozy pairing.

Pour the steamed milk over the espresso and, as the mug nears full, stream the foam down the center to create a small dot—the flat white signature. I tend to use a touch more foam than a traditional flat white, but adjust to your preference.

Wrap your hands around the warm mug, inhale the citrus and spice aroma, and enjoy a smooth espresso drink with festive flavors. I’ve occasionally added a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg; it’s tasty but slightly different from Starbucks’ exact profile.

Tips and Variations

• Try different milks (whole, skim, almond, oat, or coconut). Each steams differently and affects microfoam.
• Any citrus works for the citrus sugar—orange or clementine will substitute for tangerine.
• Tangerine sugar is usable right away, but the citrus flavor intensifies if it sits for a few hours or days.
• If you prefer a sugar substitute, granulated monk fruit (such as Lakanto Golden) can be used.
• Use your favorite espresso roast; it doesn’t have to be Starbucks Christmas Blend.
• Whipped cream is optional—flat whites traditionally don’t include it, but feel free to indulge.

FAQs

More Starbucks Copycat Recipes

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Best Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

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Copycat Holiday Spice Flat White Recipe

Christmas in a cup—make this seasonal flat white at home anytime.

Course: Coffee, Drinks

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Servings: 1

Calories: 49 kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

• 1–2 teaspoons tangerine sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare tangerine sugar: mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon finely grated tangerine zest.
2. Combine 1–2 teaspoons tangerine sugar (I use 1 1/2 teaspoons) with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Place the spice blend in the bottom of a mug. Pull one or two shots of espresso (ristretto if possible) over the spice mixture and swirl to dissolve.
3. Steam milk to create microfoam and pour over the espresso. Finish by streaming the foam down the center for the signature dot.

Notes

— Any citrus can replace tangerine, such as orange or clementine.

— Use the milk you prefer; plant-based milks steam differently and may not create microfoam.

— Sugar substitutes like granulated monk fruit can work; I’ve tested Lakanto Golden.

— I sometimes make mine with two espresso shots, about 5–6 ounces of milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons tangerine sugar, and a pinch of spices.

Storing – Tangerine sugar keeps about one month in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 49 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 13 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 1 g |
Sugar: 12 g