Ok, I’m a far cry from slumming it in the Indian caste system or my favorite new movie protagonist, but I miss my Starbucks nonfat-extra-hot-no-water-chai. A casualty of my new, frugal life, I can no longer give into my sugary, only slightly-caffeinated morning treat. At least every day.
A sure fire way to save a few dollars is to cut out the Starbucks. Even I can’t justify spending $4.50 on something I can make at home. Even though it doesn’t taste as good. Or gets me out of the house.
Since I literally live down the street from Starbucks, it’s hard for me to avoid the cardboard cups with their enticing green logos. What do I say when someone asks me for a coffee date? Sure, but I’ll bring my own tea? That’s just lame.
But I’ve committed myself to no more than 2 Starbucks a week. I’d prefer to only go once, but I know that chai attack will hit me hard one morning and I’ll give in. I really want this, but hello?? it’s not in my budget.
Do you guys have any tip for do-it-yourself Starbucks beverages at home? I’m sick of nuking my milk.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I bought my own Keurig machine when I gave up (cut down, lol) on Starbucks. It doesn’t make lattes, but it gives me a hot steaming fresh cup of coffee every time. I am in love with my coffee machine.
ooo… love it! I wonder if I can justify its expense to my better half?
Okay, so I’m laughing for a few reasons. First, that is the EXACT drink I order at Sbux. Really! Okay, I do ask for only 3 pumps of chai in my venti, but really – 3 pump-nonfat-no-water-extra-hot-chai. Now, I’ve also recently cut out the daily Sbux visit due to the quitting of my job (yup, I FINALLY did it) and therefore the disappearance of my paycheck. Result? Very little Sbux, sadly. However, as your first commenter above, I do have a Keurig and get the chai cups, fill them with a little sugar and halfway with non-fat milk. Okay, I do have to throw it in the microwave for a few and it doesn’t come out the same, but it is sort of close. Sort of. And if you buy the Keurig at Costco, it comes with about 90 (or more) cups of coffee, so it does actually justify the expense.
I also recommend a home latte maker; but I like Tassimo. It does make lattes and cappucinos with steamed milk (made with real dairy). I have the T-discs delivered (order online) and they make Chai Lattes! After amortizing the cost over the life of the machine, the expense is definitely justified. Plus, on these freezing winter days, no need to get out of my jammies and I can go back to bed for a few weekend moments with the newspaper and coffee!
I live in Washington state, therefore Starbucks is just built into the budget and far too readily available. We have blocks (in my rural town) where we have two Starbucks on one block. I can think of three places immediately where that is the case.
However, I will say that when my husband was in school and I was the sole breadwinner I did successfully limit myself to a “Friday latte”. It was painful, but did it.
I bought a giant tub of Chai Latte mix from Smart and Final. It’s in a purple can and made by
Big Train (I think). I also bought loose tea and tea bags. I heat the water and while the
tea steeps heat up some milk. I add the milk and a shot of flavored creamer to the tea. I cave
and have an Egg Nog Latte several times over the holidays though.
Chai is super easy to make. I make it nearly everyday for my Indian MIL.
We do equal parts water and milk, but you could do just milk.
In a small pan on medium heat on the stove. Heat milk and water.
Add a few cloves, a few cardamon pods, and a little hunk of ginger.
Once boiling, throw in black tea bags (I do 1 bag for every 1.5 cups).
Turn off the heat (or to low if you like your chai extra hot) and let seep for 5-7 minutes.
Add a pinch of mint at the last minute.
Pour into mugs (we pour over a little seeve so no one gets a mouth full of cloves).
Add sugar/sweetener as you like.
It’s pennies on the dollar compared to what you are paying for Starbucks.
I am sorry that you are having such difficulty justifying your chai addiction! I feel ya! I love the chai from our local coffee house, but I can not justify spending $3.25! We have an abundance of children and you know how they frown on not feeding minors, so you can feed your addiction and all!