Copycat Drinks That Let You Skip the Drive-Thru And Save Cash

Craving your favorite drive-thru drinks but don’t want to leave the house? You can whip up those tasty beverages right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a refreshing iced coffee or a sweet smoothie, making them at home is easier than you think.

Skip the line and save some money with these homemade versions of popular drinks. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate your favorites using just a few basic ingredients you probably already have.

Enjoy the comfort of a custom-made drink that matches your taste exactly. From creamy frappes to fruity iced teas, these recipes will have you sipping on something special anytime you want.

Amazing Copycat Frosty

This recipe lets you recreate the creamy and rich texture of a Frosty right at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a cool, chocolatey treat without the drive-thru. It’s perfect for those times when you’re craving a fast food favorite but want to skip the wait.
Get the Recipe: Amazing Copycat Frosty

Tibetan Butter Tea

Tibetan Butter Tea is a warm, savory drink made with tea, butter, and salt, commonly enjoyed in high-altitude regions. It’s traditionally made with yak butter, but you can use regular butter for a similar taste. This comforting tea is great for warming up and energizing during cold weather.
Get the Recipe: Tibetan Butter Tea

Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

This smoothie combines tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, and banana for a refreshing drink. It’s perfect for a hot day or whenever you want a taste of the tropics. Blend it up for a quick, easy, and healthy drink option that feels like a vacation in a cup.
Get the Recipe: Bahama Mama Tropical Smoothie

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: A Tale of Two Cold Drinks

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12–24 hours, resulting in a smooth, less acidic flavor profile. Unlike iced coffee, which is brewed hot and then cooled down, cold brew is never exposed to heat, which keeps it mellow and naturally sweet. The extended brewing process allows the coffee to develop a rich, bold taste that’s easy to drink.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: A Tale of Two Cold Drinks

Copycat Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

With this recipe, you can recreate the vibrant Mango Dragonfruit Refresher from Starbucks in your own kitchen. The mix of mango and dragonfruit creates a refreshing, fruity drink that’s perfect for a hot day. It’s a fun way to enjoy a colorful and energizing beverage without leaving home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

Vanilla Cold Foam

Vanilla cold foam is a creamy, frothy topping that can be added to any iced coffee or drink for extra flavor and texture. It’s made by frothing milk with vanilla syrup, creating a light and smooth topping. This is an easy way to elevate any iced coffee or espresso drink for a café-like experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Cold Foam

How To Make Infused Cold Brew Tea

Infused cold brew tea is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy iced tea. By steeping your favorite tea with fruits or herbs, you can create a customized drink with minimal effort. This method offers a smoother, less bitter tea that’s perfect for sipping throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Infused Cold Brew Tea

Copycat Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte

The Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte is a seasonal favorite, and you can make your own at home with just a few ingredients. This cozy drink combines espresso, steamed milk, and caramel sauce for a deliciously sweet and creamy treat. You can top it off with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for that authentic touch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte

Homemade Gatorade

Making homemade Gatorade allows you to control the sweetness and flavor while staying hydrated. This recipe uses natural ingredients like fruit juice and a pinch of salt to replace store-bought versions. It’s a great alternative to commercial sports drinks, especially for active days or post-workout recovery.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gatorade

Easy Copycat Starbucks Dragon Drink Recipe

The Dragon Drink is a tropical favorite, and you can easily recreate it with this simple recipe. It combines mango, dragonfruit, and coconut milk for a smooth, sweet, and colorful drink. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or when you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Copycat Starbucks Dragon Drink Recipe

Azalea Cocktail

The Azalea Cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink made with gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh citrus. It’s a great cocktail for warm evenings or outdoor gatherings with friends. This easy-to-make drink has a light, floral flavor that’s both sophisticated and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Azalea Cocktail

Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher Recipe

This refreshing drink from Starbucks is made with kiwi, starfruit, and a splash of coconut milk, resulting in a fruity and tropical flavor. You can make your own version at home with this simple recipe, perfect for a refreshing summer beverage. It’s colorful, delicious, and full of tropical goodness.
Get the Recipe: Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher Recipe

Iced Americano

An Iced Americano is a simple yet bold coffee drink that combines espresso and cold water over ice. It’s a great choice for coffee lovers who want a strong, refreshing beverage without the cream or sugar. You can easily adjust the strength by adding more or less espresso to suit your taste.
Get the Recipe: Iced Americano

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

A Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte combines the warm, spiced flavors of chai tea with the sweetness of pumpkin. It’s the perfect drink for autumn, offering a cozy and comforting taste that’s hard to beat. This homemade version lets you enjoy the seasonal flavors without needing to visit your favorite coffee shop.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

Ocean Water

Ocean Water is a fun, colorful drink that combines coconut flavor with lime and a touch of blue. This refreshing beverage is perfect for a pool party or a sunny afternoon. It’s a simple and sweet way to enjoy a tropical-inspired drink with a bit of a twist.
Get the Recipe: Ocean Water

Cold Brew – A Starbucks Rival

Cold brew coffee is a smooth, less acidic way to enjoy coffee, and you can easily make your own version at home. It’s brewed slowly for hours to create a rich and bold flavor. With just a little prep time, you’ll have a refreshing iced coffee drink that rivals your favorite café’s cold brew.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew – A Starbucks Rival

Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a classic and simple drink that’s perfect for hot days or when you need an energy boost. Whether you brew your coffee at home or use store-bought cold brew, it’s easy to make and customize. Add milk or sweetener to suit your taste for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Iced Coffee

Strawberry Mint Smoothie

A strawberry mint smoothie combines the sweetness of strawberries with the refreshing flavor of mint. It’s a perfect drink for hot days or whenever you want a cool, fruity treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this smoothie in no time for a healthy, flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mint Smoothie