Copycat Starbucks Pecan Cortado Recipe

The Starbucks pecan cortado recipe is a smooth, nutty espresso drink made with rich coffee, warm oatmilk, and sweet pecan flavor. It’s small, strong, and perfectly balanced. If you love Starbucks cortado drinks but don’t want to rely on seasonal menus, this at-home version solves that.

I first tried the pecan oatmilk cortado at Starbucks out of pure curiosity. One sip and I got why people were posting it all over TikTok and Reddit. It was cozy but bold. Not sugary. Not milky. Just right. Still, I wasn’t thrilled about the price or waiting for it to disappear from the menu again. So I started testing a copycat recipe at home. After a few off attempts (one was way too sweet), I landed on a version that honestly tastes just as good.

This guide shows you how to make a Starbucks pecan oatmilk cortado recipe at home, step by step. You’ll also learn about caffeine, nutrition, vegan and gluten-free options, and easy variations like a mocha cortado.

Starbucks Pecan Cortado Recipe Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make one drink.

This recipe is naturally dairy-free. If your pecan syrup is gluten-free, the pecan oatmilk cortado is gluten-free and vegan.

HOW TO MAKE A STARBUCKS PECAN CORTADO (STEP BY STEP)

Step 1: Brew the espresso
Brew two fresh shots of espresso. Cortados are strong, so this matters. Starbucks usually uses ristretto shots, but regular espresso works well at home.

Step 2: Add pecan flavor
Pour the hot espresso into a small cup and stir in the pecan syrup. Start with one tablespoon. You can always add more, but you can’t remove it once it’s in.

Step 3: Heat the oatmilk
Warm the oatmilk until hot but not foamy. A cortado isn’t a latte. You want very little foam and a creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine
Slowly pour the warm oatmilk over the espresso. The ratio should feel close to 1:1 coffee and milk.

Step 5: Finish and serve
Top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed pecans if you like. Serve immediately.

SERVING & VARIATIONS

This drink is best served hot in a small glass or ceramic cup. That keeps the flavor concentrated.

Want to switch it up?
– For a mocha version, add 1 teaspoon of chocolate syrup to make a mocha cortado.
– For a stronger coffee flavor, reduce the oatmilk slightly.
– For iced days, chill the espresso first and pour over cold oatmilk and ice.

FAQS

What is a Starbucks Pecan Cortado Recipe?
A pecan cortado Starbucks-style drink is espresso mixed with warm oatmilk and pecan syrup. It’s smaller and stronger than a latte, with less milk and more coffee flavor.

How to make a cortado at Starbucks style at home?
To make a cortado at Starbucks style, use espresso, lightly heated milk, and keep a near 1:1 ratio. Add flavored syrup, like pecan, for the Starbucks twist.

How much caffeine is in a Starbucks cortado?
Starbucks cortado caffeine usually comes from two espresso shots, which is about 150–160 mg of caffeine. A pecan oatmilk cortado caffeine level is similar.

Is pecan oatmilk cortado vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, a pecan oatmilk cortado can be vegan and gluten-free if you use oatmilk and a syrup without dairy or gluten ingredients.

What are the nutrition facts for a pecan oatmilk cortado?
Pecan oatmilk cortado nutrition facts vary, but most versions range from 120 to 180 calories, depending on the syrup amount. Fat and sugar stay moderate compared to lattes.

CONCLUSION

The Starbucks pecan cortado recipe is one of those drinks that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Once you try this copycat at home, it’s hard to justify the café price. I like that it’s customizable, not overly sweet, and still feels like a treat.

If you enjoy bold coffee with a cozy, nutty edge, this recipe is worth keeping in your rotation. Try it once, tweak it to your taste, and you might never wait for the Starbucks version again.