Update 8/25/23: We also tried the Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso! Click here to read our review.
What is it?
Last year, Starbucks introduced a new fall drink for all the non-Pumpkin Spice lovers out there, the Apple Crisp Macchiato. (I still question those who don’t like the PSL, but we’ll save that debate for another time.) It got a slight tweak in 2022 as Starbucks continues its focus on offering more non-dairy options. The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, available hot or iced, combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso, oatmilk, Apple Brown Sugar Syrup, and a Spiced Apple Drizzle to top it all off.
How is it?
A little background: Last year, when I tried the Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato, I was not a fan. The flavor distribution just wasn’t there for me, and the Apple Brown Sugar Syrup was way too sweet. I’m happy to report my findings this year – the oatmilk makes a world of difference!
I once again got the drink iced. The oatmilk is a lovely swap for regular milk, as it cuts the sweetness of the syrup. Although the syrup does pool at the bottom of the drink (you’ll see the layers of syrup, oatmilk, and then espresso on top, as macchiatos are made), it seemed to have a much more even flavor distribution thanks to more Spiced Apple Drizzle on top than I received in last year’s version. My sips were smooth and balanced, and there was just enough hint of spice to make me feel like it was already sweatshirt season despite it being 85 degrees when I ordered!
The espresso flavor wasn’t too prominent, which could be a good thing if you want caffeine but find the taste of coffee overpowering. One other thing: There’s 10 grams less sugar with the oatmilk version. A tall felt satisfying to me, although next time, I may add another shot of espresso to it. Keep reading for more on the espresso!
Anything else you need to know?
The espresso used here is the Starbucks Blonde Espresso, which has a little more caffeine than the regular. You can, of course, swap it out for the signature or decaf versions.
Conclusion:
An improvement for me using the oatmilk! Not sure this will have a regular spot on my drink rotation, but I can see myself ordering when I want something cozy and mellow.
Purchased Price: $5.25
Size: Tall
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 230 calories, 6 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 170 milligrams of sodium, 44 grams of total carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber, 26 grams of total sugars, 2 grams of protein and 85 milligrams of caffeine.
I ordered it with whole milk & decaf. I would never order this drink again. The sweetness wasn’t an issue for me. It was just the wrong punch of apple and spices for me. I was reminded of apple juice, Apple Jacks and Christmas flavors all at once; separately those are delicious flavors, but I don’t want them all in the same beverage. (I think I somehow made my drink even worse by requesting a sprinkle of cinnamon on the whipped cream)
Bah, you can never have too much cinnamon, IMHO. Bring on that delicious, delicious tree bark, I say!
Yesss…this has now been added to my must-try list. Sounds totally up my alley, particularly given my recent huge proclivity for all things oat milk!
Blonde espresso has a milder coffee taste than the signature espresso. I have yet to find a Starbucks that is made with Oat milk that I like. Not all Starbucks locations use Oatly Oat Milk the Barista due to supply chain issues. There is only like 10 mg more caffeine for the blonde espresso shots. I like the Apple Brown Sugar Syrup last and this year I’m not a fan of it. I ordered some of it for a Chai Frappuccino.
Completely not a fan of this one, not sure if it was just how my barista made it but it tasted like candles!
Might be better hot, but will stick to my regular rotation of drinks.
I am trying the apple crisp macchiato for the first time this fall. I didn’t really like it last year but I had heard it was better with oat milk. Still not a fan. This tastes nothing like apple crisp. The apple syrup with coffee is just not a good combo. I’m glad I got just the tall. Will not get this again.