Copycat Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso Recipe

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As a coffee enthusiast constantly exploring ways to elevate my morning brew, the Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso quickly became one of my favorite indulgences. With its luxurious swirl of creamy espresso, buttery sweetness, and the unexpected pop of raisin flavor, this recipe feels like a hug in a cup, perfect for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.

What Is Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso?

Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso is a brand-new specialty beverage introduced in summer 2025 in the Asia‑Pacific region, particularly by Starbucks Philippines.

Ingredients:

• Espresso: 1–2 shots of your favorite espresso (bold and rich blends work best).

Raisin Syrup:

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.

• Milk or Cream: 1/4 cup steamed milk or heavy cream.
• Ground Cinnamon (Optional): A pinch for sprinkling on top.
• Ice (Optional): For those who prefer iced espresso versions.

Instructions:

Make The Raisin Syrup:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the raisins, water, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. The raisins will plump up, and the syrup will thicken slightly.
3. Blend: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend it until smooth using a hand blender or regular blender.
4. Strain: For the best consistency, strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove any leftover raisin bits. Stir in the vanilla extract and set aside to cool.

Brew Your Espresso:

1. Prepare Espresso: Brew 1–2 shots of espresso using your coffee machine, moka pot, or preferred method. If using strong coffee, ensure it’s as concentrated as possible.
2. Sweeten: Stir 1–2 teaspoons of the raisin syrup into your espresso while it’s still hot, adjusting to taste.

Create The Crema Layer:

1. Steam the Milk/Cream: Using a milk frother or steaming wand, heat and froth your milk or cream until it’s velvety and foamy. If a frother isn’t available, you can warm the milk and whisk it vigorously.
2. Layer the Drink: Gently pour the frothy milk or cream over the espresso, allowing it to create a layered crema effect.

Garnish And Serve:

1. Sprinkle a touch of ground cinnamon over the top for added aroma and flavor.
2. If you’re serving it iced, pour the espresso and milk over a glass filled with ice and garnish as usual.
3. Sip and relish this indulgent, café-quality beverage.

Tips:

• Adjust Sweetness: The amount of raisin syrup can be adjusted based on how sweet you like your coffee. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
• Experiment with Dairy Options: This recipe works beautifully with heavy cream for a decadent drink, but you can substitute whole milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk for a lighter version.
• Use Fresh Raisins: Opt for high-quality raisins for the syrup. Golden raisins can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Store the Syrup: The raisin syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, making it a convenient option for quick morning drinks.
• Get Creative: Add a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of nutmeg for a flavorful twist on the original recipe.

What To Serve Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso With

Classic Pastry Pairings:

• Croissants: A warm, flaky croissant, almond-filled, or chocolate-drizzled is an excellent partner for this Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso drink. The buttery pastry enhances the espresso’s boldness while providing a satisfying contrast.
• Cinnamon Rolls: The spice of the cinnamon echoes the optional cinnamon garnish on the coffee, while the gooey center plays well with the Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso drink’s sweetness.
• Danish Pastries: Fruit-filled Danishes mirror the light fruitiness of the espresso, while the delicate dough creates a balance.

Sweet Treats:

• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: These cookies are a no-brainer if you want to lean into the raisin theme. Their chewy texture and cinnamon-spiced flavor are a stellar complement to the Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso drink.
• Sticky Toffee Pudding: This rich, caramel-filled dessert is similar to a raisin-inspired treat and adds to the indulgence factor.
• Shortbread Cookies: The buttery simplicity of shortbread cookies softens the espresso’s boldness, creating a smooth balance.

Breakfast & Brunch Pairings:

• French Toast: Drizzle your French toast with maple syrup and sprinkle it with cinnamon or raisins to mimic the drink’s flavor profile. Add fresh whipped cream for extra decadence!
• Granola and Yogurt Parfait: A layered parfait with raisins, nuts, and honeyed yogurt mirrors the fruity sweetness and creaminess of the espresso.
• Buttered Toast with Jam: Raisin or fig jam on a buttered piece of sourdough toast offers a simple but satisfying pairing that ties perfectly with the sweet flavors in the drink.

Savory Pairings:

• Quiche or Savory Tarts: A spinach and mushroom quiche or a caramelized onion tart creates a delicious contrast with the sweetness of the coffee.
• Aged Cheese: Pair the drink with slices of a sharp aged cheese, like cheddar or gouda, to balance the sweetness with savory richness. Serve with crackers or some fresh fruit for an elegant twist.
• Egg Sandwiches: A simple egg-and-avocado breakfast sandwich provides a satisfying savory option, balancing the drink’s bold espresso notes.

Seasonal Treats:

• Spiced Gingerbread: The molasses and warming spices in gingerbread will complement the Starbucks drink beautifully, especially with a cinnamon garnish on the coffee.
• Pumpkin Bread: Soft, spiced pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins offer wonderful autumnal pairing options.
• Panettone: This Italian Christmas bread, filled with raisins, candied fruit, and citrus zest, is an ideal companion for the drink’s sweet and creamy profile.

Other Pairing Ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh-cut fruits like apples, pears, or figs complements the drink’s fruity raisin syrup.
• Dark Chocolate Squares: A small square of dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) adds a bitter balance to the sweetness of the espresso without being overly heavy.
• Rice Cakes with Almond Butter: Spread almond butter over a rice cake and drizzle with a bit of honey for a light snack that pairs well with coffee.

Health Benefits

Antioxidant Powerhouse: Espresso:

• Fight Free Radicals: Antioxidants in coffee help neutralize free radicals that contribute to cell aging and chronic disease.
• Boost Brain Health: Regular coffee consumption is linked with a decreased risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
• Support Metabolism: Caffeine can increase metabolic rate, enhance fat burning, and improve physical and mental performance in the short term.

Natural Sweetness & Nutrients: Raisin Syrup:

• Rich in Natural Sugars: Raisins offer a wholesome, natural sweetness compared to refined sugars.
• Fiber Content: Raisins are a source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels when consumed in moderation.
• Packed with Potassium: Raisins provide potassium, a mineral important for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and muscle function.
• Polyphenols & Iron: Like espresso, raisins contain plant polyphenols as well as trace minerals, most notably iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells.

Dairy Or Plant Milk:

• Bone Health: Dairy milks are famous for their calcium and vitamin D content, supporting strong bones and teeth.
• Healthy Fats: Using a splash of cream or whole milk adds healthy fats for satiety and flavor balance. Those choosing plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk gain benefits from plant nutrients and, often, additional vitamins.
• Protein: Milk adds a little protein to the drink, which can help keep you full and satisfied.

Cinnamon:

• Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Cinnamon contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects, supporting overall cellular health.
• May Help with Blood Sugar: Some studies show cinnamon can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar spikes after meals.

Slow Release Of Energy:

• Sustained Energy: While caffeine delivers an immediate perk, the other ingredients help avoid sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes, offering a steadier energy release.
• Satiety: The heady mix of fiber, fat, and protein in the drink (and a healthy pairing on the side) can help stave off hunger longer than plain black coffee.

Mood And Social Benefits:

• Pleasure and Mindfulness: Taking the time to make a delicious drink just for yourself can be an act of self-care, lowering stress and increasing your sense of wellbeing.
• Social Connection: Sharing a unique homemade espresso recipe with friends or family fosters connection and happiness, which are vital to overall health.

Final Thoughts

The Starbucks Raisin Con Crema Espresso isn’t just a twist on traditional espresso, it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that draws together the boldness of coffee, the natural sweetness of raisins, and the luxurious embrace of steamed cream. Whether you savor it as your morning pick-me-up, an afternoon reward, or a sweet ending to a meal, this drink delivers both flavor and a sense of occasion.

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