How to Make Oleato Coffee at Home (Easy Starbucks Copycat)

You've heard of coffee and chocolate, vanilla and arabica, condensed milk and Vietnamese robusta, but latte and olive oil?

Espresso shot, steamed milk, and olive oil may not sound appealing, but you might want to give it a chance…

The Oleato was made popular by the coffee giant Starbucks. It's made with the brand's blonde roast and Partanna olive oil. It's a brew that you either love or hate — read on to learn how to make it and a few other alternatives if olive oil and coffee isn't for you…

What You Need to Make Oleato Coffee

The Oleato latte isn't particularly complex. However, you will need some specialist equipment and a few high-quality ingredients. 

Here's what you'll need to craft an Oleato latte:

Equipment 

• Espresso Machine — You'll need an espresso machine capable of brewing a double shot to make an Oleato latte. If you don't have an espresso machine, you can use a moka pot or Aeropress brewer to achieve a similar brew. 
• Coffee Grinder — Most espresso machines have a built-in grinder. If yours doesn't or you're using a different brewing system, you'll need a burr grinder capable of producing a fine grind. 
• Tamper — A tamper is needed to pack the grounds into the portafilter for your espresso machine. 
• Weighing Scales — Use scales (1 gram or less) to accurately weigh each dose of coffee.
• Steam Wand — Most espresso machines have a steam wand — you'll need one to create the velvety texture of an Oleato latte. 
• Steaming Pitcher — A steaming pitcher is needed to create the milk foam. 
• Tablespoon — A tablespoon is needed to accurately measure the olive oil. 
• Large Coffee Mug — The Oleato latte isn't best served in a large coffee mug with an 8 oz (240 mL) capacity. 

Ingredients 

• Whole-Bean Coffee — Opt for high-quality whole-bean coffee. Grinding the beans fresh before brewing results in the best flavor. 
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil — Use a high-quality, organic extra virgin olive oil. Starbucks uses Partanna, but other good brands are available. 
• Water — Use fresh, cold, filtered water in your espresso machine. This produces the best quality shot of espresso and protects your machine from mineral buildup.
• Oat Milk — The Oleato is typically made with oat milk. However, you can use whole cow's milk if you prefer. 
• Sugar or Syrup (Optional) — A teaspoon of sugar or a dash of your favorite coffee syrup can be used to sweeten the beverage. 

Coffee Recommendations 

Starbucks uses its “Blonde” roast espresso blend for making its Oleato latte. This arabica-rich blend is roasted to a level somewhere between light and medium.

This results in a floral, sweet, and slightly earthy cup of coffee. If you want to make a “true” Starbucks Oleato, these beans can be purchased from most large Starbucks coffee houses. 

With that said, you can make a great Oleato without Blonde roast beans. You have a few options — 100% arabica coffee, 100% robusta varieties, or a balanced blend of arabica and robusta. 

If you prefer naturally sweet, smooth, mild coffee, opt for a 100% arabica such as Cafely DaLat. 

If you want a super-strong, dark, robust, and slightly bitter coffee, choose a 100% robusta coffee such as Hanoi. 

For a balance of both beans, opt for a well-balanced blend of arabica and robusta such as Saigon OG. 

How to Make Oleato Coffee: Step-by-Step 

Although blending olive oil and coffee may sound complicated to get right, the Oleato latte is relatively simple to make. However, it's important to get the ratios correct and follow a precise set of instructions to produce a well-balanced brew. 

Here's how to make an Oleato latte at home:

1. Prepare the Espresso Machine

Switch on your espresso machine and wait for it to heat up — this can be in as little as five minutes or as much as 30 minutes, depending on the machine you have. 

Fill the reservoir up with clean, cold, filtered water and make sure the portafilter, steam wand, and grouphead are clean. 

2. Grind and Measure the Coffee 

Next, you'll need to grind and measure your coffee beans. We recommend a double shot for Oleato for the perfect balance of flavors, but if you're watching your caffeine intake, a single shot will suffice. 

• For a double shot, weigh out 18 grams of coffee. 
• For a single shot, weigh out nine grams of coffee. 

Once weighed, grind the beans to a fine consistency — similar in texture to powdered sugar. 

3. Prepare the Portafilter 

Take your clean portafilter and gently pour in the ground coffee. Gently tap the portafilter on a surface to spread out the grounds and then — using your tamper — tamp the grounds firmly to create a puck. Make sure to apply firm, even pressure, but don't press too hard — this can lead to over-extraction. 

4. Brew the Espresso Shot

Once you've prepared your portafilter, lock it into the group head of your espresso machine. Place your coffee mug on the drip tray below it and extract the shot — 25 to 30 seconds is optimal. 

Assess the shot. It should look dark with a caramel-colored crema on the surface. It should smell bold yet sweet, not overly acidic or sour. 

5. Prepare the Milk and Olive Oil

In a steaming pitcher, add 7 oz (210 mL) of oat milk (or regular cow's milk) and one level tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. It's important to add the olive oil before steaming to ensure the two ingredients emulsify and combine rather than splitting. 

You can also add syrup or sugar to sweeten if desired. 

6. Steam the Milk

Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, gently steam the milk and olive oil. Gently froth the milk as it steams by moving the pitcher back and forth with the wand submerged. 

Steam the milk until the olive oil is thoroughly combined and a warm, velvety liquid has formed. 

7. Assemble the Oleato 

Take your mug (with the espresso) and gently pour on the milk. Hold the microfoam back in the steam pitcher using your tablespoon and move in a gentle circular motion. 

Once the mug is almost full, release the spoon and gently pour the microfoam on the surface of the latte. 

Serve and enjoy your Oleato coffee while it's warm. 

Five Alternative Starbucks Coffee Recipes to Try

If Oleato isn't to your taste but you want to bring the luxury of Starbucks into your home, try these five alternative recipes:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)

A seasonal favorite, the pumpkin spice latte (PSL) is one of Starbucks’ most popular beverages. People flock to the chain during the Fall to get their lips around with sweet, aromatic brew. It combines coffee, milk, and the flavors of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. 

Here's how to make a PSL at home:

• Measure and Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams of fresh arabica coffee to a fine consistency (similar to powdered sugar).
• Brew a Shot of Espresso — Fill your portafilter with the coffee and tamp it down. Lock it into the grouphead of your espresso machine and brew a shot. 
• Steam the Milk — Add 7 oz (210 mL) of whole cow's milk or a high-protein vegan alternative to a steam pitcher. Using the steam wand on your machine, warm the milk and froth it until velvety and smooth. 
• Assemble the Latte — In a large coffee mug, add one to two tablespoons of pumpkin spice syrup, followed by the shot of espresso. Then, gently pour in the steamed milk, moving in a circular motion. 
• Garnish and Serve the PSL — Add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of pumpkin spice (cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg) and serve. Enjoy it while it's warm. 

2. Crème Brûlée Latte 

The crème brûlée latte is a beverage inspired by the popular French dessert. It combines the creamy flavors of custard and the caramel-like taste of burnt sugar with coffee. This popular Starbucks beverage is indulgent, sweet, and utterly delicious. 

Here's how to make a crème brûlée latte at home:

• Measure and Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams (double) or 9 grams (single) of high-quality arabica coffee to a fine consistency. The grounds should feel like powdered sugar between your fingers. 
• Brew a Shot of Espresso — Add the coffee to your portafilter, tamp the grounds, and lock it into the grouphead of your machine. Extract the shot (25 to 30 seconds). 
• Steam the Milk — Add 7 oz (210 mL) of whole milk to a steam pitcher. Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, warm and froth the milk until velvety. 
• Assemble the Crème Brûlée Latte — To a large cup, add one to two tablespoonsof crème brûlée syrup, followed by the espresso shot. Then, slowly pour in the steamed milk, making sure to hold back the microfoam until the cup is almost full. 
• Garnish and Serve — Dust the surface of your latte with brown sugar (if desired) and serve immediately. This brew is best enjoyed warm as a “dessert” after a meal. 

3. Blonde Vanilla Latte

Starbucks’ Blonde vanilla latte is a simple coffee that combines espresso made with Blonde roast arabica with smooth, velvety steamed milk and vanilla coffee syrup. If you enjoy sweet, creamy beverages, you'll love this one. 

Here's how to make a Blonde vanilla latte at home:

• Grind and Measure the Coffee — Grind 9 grams (single shot) or 18 grams (double shot) of Starbucks Blonde roast coffee. Aim for a fine consistency similar to powdered sugar. 
• Brew a Shot of Espresso — Add the ground coffee to your portafilter, tamp it, and lock it into the group head. Brew the espresso shot, aiming for a 25 to 30-second extraction time. 
• Steam the Milk — Add around 7 oz (210 mL) of whole milk to a steaming pitcher. Lightly steam the milk until warm, light, and velvety. 
• Assemble the Latte — In a large coffee mug, add two tablespoons of vanilla syrup and a shot of espresso. Then, gently pour in the steamed milk, moving in a circular motion until the coffee and milk are thoroughly combined. 
• Serve and Enjoy — Serve your vanilla latte and enjoy it while warm. This drink pairs well with sweetened pastries — a cinnamon bun or Danish are perfect. 

4. Frappuccino 

The coffee Frappuccino is one of Starbucks’ most popular iced coffees. It's a milkshake-like beverage that's blended, giving it a thick, slushy texture. It's sweet, creamy, chilled, and is served with a big dollop of whipped cream. 

Here's how to make a Starbucks Frappuccino at home: 

• Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams of high-quality 100% arabica or a well-balanced blend. Aim for a fine consistency similar to powdered sugar. 
• Brew the Espresso — Fill the portafilter with the ground coffee and tamp. Lock in the portafilter and brew a double shot of espresso. 
• Cool the Shot — Allow the espresso to cool. You can speed up the process by pouring the shot back and forth between two cool coffee cups. 
• Combine the Ingredients — In a blender, add the espresso shot, two cups of ice, one cup of whole milk, and two tablespoons of syrup (optional). 
• Blend the Ingredients — Blend the ingredients until the ice is crushed and each element is thoroughly combined. Aim for a thick, milkshake-like consistency. 
• Pour the Frappuccino — Pour the Frappuccino into a large serving glass. 
• Garnish and Serve — Add a healthy serving of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder or a squirt of syrup. Add a straw and enjoy while it's ice-cold. 

5. Caramel Macchiato 

The caramel macchiato is a latte-like beverage from Starbucks. Unlike the traditional Italian macchiato, which consists of a strong shot of espresso and a small amount of steamed milk, the caramel macchiato is a sweet, milky beverage that's far more diluted. 

If you enjoy sweet, milky brews with light velvety textures and plenty of foam, this is a great option. 

Here's how to make a caramel macchiato:

• Grind the Coffee — Grind 18 grams of 100% arabica coffee. We recommend DaLat. Aim for a fine consistency, similar to powdered sugar. 
• Brew the Espresso — Fill your portafilter, tamp the grounds, and lock it into the group head of your espresso machine. Extract the shot, aiming for a 25 to 30-second pull. 
• Steam the Milk — Add around 7 oz (210 mL) of whole milk or a vegan alternative to a steaming pitcher. Using the steam wand on your espresso machine, warm and froth the milk until velvety with plenty of airy microfoam — this is key in achieving the signature texture of the Macchiato. 
• Assemble the Caramel Macchiato — To a large coffee mug or heat-proof glass, add one tablespoon of vanilla syrup and one tablespoon of caramel sauce. Slowly pour the frothed milk over the syrup to combine. Then, gently pour the espresso shot over the microfoam to create a layered effect. 
• Garnish and Serve — Add whipped cream followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve and enjoy while warm. 

FAQs: How to Make Oleato Coffee

Want to learn more about Oleato and other types of coffee?

Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below:

1. What is Oleato Coffee?

Oleato coffee is a Starbucks creation that combines espresso with steamed oat milk and Partanna extra virgin olive oil. This unique latte has an earthy, oily taste and a silky-smooth texture. 

2. What Does Oleato Coffee Taste Like?

Oleato coffee tastes rich, creamy, and smooth. The exact flavor notes change depending on who you ask — some love the brew while others hate it. It can be described as savory, buttery, nutty, herbal, and earthy. However, these notes change depending on the type of coffee, olive oil, and milk used, as well as the ratios used. 

3. What's Inside a Starbucks Oleato Latte?

The Starbucks Oleato Caffè Latte contains three main ingredients:

• Blonde roast espresso
• Oatly oat milk
• Partanna extra virgin olive oil

The beverage can also be altered by adding syrups, different milk, or different espresso blends. 

4. How Was the Oleato Invented?

The Oleato was invented by Howard Schultz — the founder of Starbucks — in February 2023 in Milano, Italy. Schultz was inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of consuming a spoonful of olive oil in the morning, often alongside a cup of espresso. He wondered what combining the two would taste like and created the Oleato. The drink rolled out in Starbucks across the US by March 2023. 

5. How Much Caffeine in an Oleato?

The amount of caffeine in an Oleato varies depending on whether it contains a single or double espresso. It also varies depending on the type of coffee used. A typical Starbucks Oleato made from a double shot of Blonde roast espresso contains 85 to 90 mg of caffeine per 8-oz (240 mL) serving. 

6. What Oils Pair Well With Coffee?

Surprisingly, olive oil isn't the only oil regularly combined with coffee. A range of organic oils can be combined with coffee to enhance flavor, texture, and potentially provide health benefits. 

These oils work well in coffee:

• MCT oil (medium-chain triglycerides)
• Coconut oil
• Almond oil
• Sesame oil
• Peppermint oil

7. Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Coffee With Olive Oil?

There may be health benefits to combining olive oil with coffee. 

Coffee is the largest source of antioxidants in the Western diet, which may help protect cells from damage. Olive oil is also loaded with antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. 

While the potential health benefits of coffee and olive oil have been studied individually, their combined use has not. So, whether they “enhance” each other is unknown. 

8. Is Oleato Coffee Keto?

No. A typical Oleato coffee contains oat or cow's milk, which is not keto-friendly. However, olive oil and black coffee are both 100% keto-friendly. You can make a keto Oleato by adding olive oil to black coffee and blending with a small amount of grass-fed butter to combine.

9. What's the Best Coffee for Making Oleato?

The best coffee for making Oleato should be high-quality and freshly ground. Always use whole beans when making any coffee for the best results. Whether you choose arabica, robusta, or a blend is up to you, but most agree that 100% arabica or an arabica-rich blend works best. 

10. Can You Add Coffee Syrup to Oleato?

Yes. You can add coffee syrup to Oleato to sweeten it and enhance its flavor. We recommend vanilla syrup or hazelnut syrup — these pair wonderfully with the herbal, earthy flavors of Oleato coffee.