Looking for a smaller, perfectly portioned Starbucks-style coffee? This guide offers keto-friendly and traditional recipes for popular Starbucks hot drinks in a half-size (6 oz) serving, ideal for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, or anyone who prefers a lighter coffee option. Whether you’re craving a keto latte or a traditional mocha, these recipes deliver the taste you love in a smaller size. If you prefer a full-size drink, simply double the ingredients to make a 12 oz version.
Why Choose Keto Coffee?
Keto coffee is a great alternative for those looking to reduce their carb intake while still enjoying their favorite coffee drinks. By swapping traditional milk with almond milk and sugar with erythritol, you can significantly reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor. The keto versions of these drinks offer the same creamy texture and delicious taste but with fewer calories and carbs, making them perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
Ingredients for Half-Size Serving (6 oz)
For those who prefer a smaller drink size, here are the base quantities for a 6 oz serving:
- 1/2 tsp instant coffee or 25-30 ml brewed coffee (see brewing methods below)
- 25 ml hot water (for dissolving instant coffee)
- 1 drop vanilla extract (optional)
Milk and Cream Options
- Traditional: 100 ml whole milk, 25 ml heavy cream
- Keto: 80 ml almond beverage, 25 ml heavy whipping cream
Sweetener Options
- Traditional: 1/2-1 tbsp sugar
- Keto: 1/2-1 tsp erythritol
Cocoa (for Mocha and Hot Chocolate)
1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Nutritional Comparison: Keto vs. Traditional
Keto versions of these drinks are significantly lower in carbs, thanks to the use of almond milk and sugar substitutes like erythritol. For example, a keto latte contains just 1.5g of net carbs, compared to 13g in the traditional version. This makes the keto options a fantastic choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Traditional versions still offer the classic creamy taste but come with higher calories and carbs. If you’re not on a keto diet, these traditional recipes are still a treat, but keep in mind the higher sugar and carb content.
Drink-Specific Adjustments and Nutrition Info (6 oz Serving)
- Latte
Traditional: 125 kcal | Net Carbs: 13g
100 ml steamed whole milk, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 90 kcal | Net Carbs: 1.5g
80 ml steamed almond beverage, 25 ml heavy whipping cream - Cappuccino
Traditional: 90 kcal | Net Carbs: 9g
50 ml steamed whole milk, 50 ml foam, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 75 kcal | Net Carbs: 1g
40 ml steamed almond beverage, 40 ml foam, 25 ml heavy whipping cream - Macchiato
Traditional: 70 kcal | Net Carbs: 5g
25 ml steamed whole milk or foam, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 60 kcal | Net Carbs: 0.5g
20 ml steamed almond beverage or foam, 25 ml heavy whipping cream - Flat White
Traditional: 130 kcal | Net Carbs: 13g
100 ml steamed whole milk, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 93 kcal | Net Carbs: 1.5g
80 ml steamed almond beverage, 25 ml heavy whipping cream - Mocha
Traditional: 140 kcal | Net Carbs: 15g
1/2 tsp cocoa powder, 100 ml steamed whole milk, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 100 kcal | Net Carbs: 2g
1/2 tsp cocoa powder, 80 ml almond beverage, 25 ml heavy whipping cream - Hot Chocolate
Traditional: 150 kcal | Net Carbs: 16g
1/2 tbsp cocoa powder, 100 ml steamed whole milk, 25 ml heavy cream
Keto: 110 kcal | Net Carbs: 2.5g
1/2 tbsp cocoa powder, 80 ml almond beverage, 25 ml heavy whipping cream
Fun Fact
Did you know? The macchiato gets its name from the Italian word for “stained,” referring to how the espresso “stains” the milk in this popular drink.
Unified Instructions (Half-Size)
Now that all the ingredients are prepped and ready, let’s brew up some deliciousness!
- Brew the Coffee
Instant Coffee Method: Dissolve 1/2 tsp of instant coffee in 25 ml hot water.
Espresso: Brew a single shot of espresso (about 25-30 ml) using an espresso machine or stovetop espresso maker.
French Press: Use 1 tbsp of coarsely ground coffee with 50 ml of hot water. Let it steep for 4 minutes, then press down the plunger and use 25-30 ml of the brewed coffee.
Pour Over: Brew 25-30 ml of coffee using a pour-over method like a Chemex or V60.
Drip Coffee: Brew a small amount of drip coffee and measure out 25-30 ml of strong coffee.
For mocha or hot chocolate, dissolve 1/2 tsp cocoa powder with the coffee, regardless of the brewing method. - Prepare the Milk or Almond Beverage
For traditional versions, heat 100 ml whole milk until warm, and froth if needed.
For keto versions, heat 80 ml almond beverage and froth for drinks requiring foam.
Add 25 ml heavy cream for both versions for extra richness. - Sweeten
For traditional drinks, add 1/2-1 tbsp sugar.
For keto drinks, add 1/2-1 tsp erythritol to taste. - Combine and Serve
Use the same drink-specific instructions as in the 12 oz version (e.g., latte, cappuccino, macchiato, etc.), but scaled to the smaller quantities.
Notes
- Foam Tip: Use a milk frother to create foam for cappuccinos and macchiatos. Whisking warm milk or almond beverage vigorously can also create a nice froth.
- Acidity Fix: If you notice sourness from unsweetened cocoa powder, add a pinch of baking soda (1/8 tsp) to balance the flavor. Unsweetened cocoa is naturally more acidic because it has not undergone the alkalization process that “Dutch-processed” cocoa goes through. This natural acidity can create a slightly sour taste, especially in hot beverages. Baking soda helps neutralize the acidity, creating a smoother flavor profile.
- Cocoa Powder Dissolving Tip: To dissolve cocoa powder smoothly, pour hot water directly over the powder while stirring continuously. This prevents clumps and ensures even mixing. Alternatively, you can mix the powder with a small amount of hot water to create a paste for easier incorporation.
Coffee: the liquid wisdom we all need. Whether it’s keto or classic, it powers our minds—and sometimes, fixing the mocha acidity is just part of the journey to brilliance. ~ @tonimaxx