Starbucks is well loved by many, but four dollar cups of coffee can rack up a large bill that isn’t always worth it in the long run. However, these secret recipes are sure to save money and a coffee trip. Cuddle up by the fire this winter season and delight in these delicious recipe copies.

For warm, winter wishes, whip up a hot Peppermint Mocha Latte.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of water
• 3 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• ½ cup hot espresso
• 1 ½ cups steamed milk

Stir ¼ cup of water and sugar in a saucepan until dissolved and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add ½ of the peppermint extract. Let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes. Add cocoa powder and the warm water until a paste forms. Add the espresso and the rest of the peppermint extract. Immediately add milk and serve hot.

A winter wonderland is one sip away with this copycat Gingerbread Latte.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh espresso
• 8 ounces steamed milk (with foam)
• Ground nutmeg
• Whipped cream

Combine water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan to create a gingerbread syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and be cautious of over boiling. Once boiling, lower to a simmer and leave uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove the syrup from heat and cover it. In a mug, add the heated espresso. Use a microwave to heat the milk and create foam. Combine the espresso mixture with the cooled gingerbread syrup and stir. Then add steamed milk. Top it off with whip cream and nutmeg sprinkles. Serve immediately.

Math teacher Arnold Glapajone and sophomore Katelyn Buerger share their personal favorites when it comes to Starbucks beverages.

“My favorite Starbucks drink would have to be the venti Strawberry Acai because I love the fruit flavor in my ice tea,” Buerger said. As far as locations, Buerger prefers the Starbucks in Gurnee. “It has so much space and the staff is really nice.”

Glapajone prefers coffee over tea.

“My favorite Starbucks drink is a grande Americano with an extra shot of espresso and one pump of toffee nut,” said Glapajone.

Regarding service, Glapajone receives special privileges at the Wilmett Starbucks location on Lake Avenue and Skokie Boulevard. “The guy I see every morning charges me $0.50 for my drink. It’s usually $3.50.”

Lucky for them, there’s an easy alternative to skipping the lines and enjoying a fresh, hot cup of “joe”. This winter just got a whole “latte” better.

For more sweet recipes, check out http://www.thedallassocials.com/blog/starbucks-holiday-drink-recipes/