This trending matcha falooda costs a fraction of the café version to make at home

Helen Salter

Published: April 14, 2026 at 12:11 PM

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Craving a café-style drink but not the hefty price tag? Try out one of these easy and affordable drinks to make at home

Looking for ways to enjoy a café-quality drink without breaking the bank? Making your own artisanal drinks at home is a budget-friendly way to enjoy all the flavour and satisfaction of your favourite coffee shop orders, without leaving your kitchen. These recipes are not only cost-effective, but also deliver on taste and style – from fruity, sweet iced matcha to the creamy comfort of a Spanish latte. Scroll down to discover which drinks are making waves right now, and find out why they couldn’t be easier to recreate at home.

We have plenty more exciting drinks for you try, including our refreshing iced drinks and fruity slushie recipes. For more budget inspiration, check out our collection of budget recipes, budget spring recipes and budget entertaining recipes.

1. Matcha falooda

Two matcha falooda

Matcha falooda is a playful twist on the classic dessert-drink that is popular in southeast Asia, combining the earthy notes of matcha with rose syrup, vermicelli and fruit. This colourful creation is layered with exciting textures – from silky noodles to chewy seeds and juicy strawberries – making each sip a new experience. It’s a fun, sweet and milky treat that looks impressive and is ideal for special occasions.

Check out more fun matcha recipes.

More artisanal drinks recipes

2. Caramel frappé

Two frappés topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce

This indulgent caramel frappé is incredibly easy to make and only needs a handful of ingredients – espresso, milk, caramel sauce, ice and a swirl of whipped cream if you fancy. The result is a smooth, frothy drink with a sweet caramel hit and a refreshing chill, perfect for cooling down in style. Blitz everything in a blender and you’ll have a creamy, café-worthy treat in no more than five minutes.

If you like the look of this, check out our classic frappé recipe.

3. Spanish latte (café con leche)

Three different glasses of Spanish latte (café con leche) with straws on coasters

With just two main ingredients – strong espresso and hot milk – the Spanish latte is all about balance and simplicity. The drink is creamy yet robust, with a 1:1 ratio of coffee to milk, and can be sweetened to taste. It makes a warming, comforting option that brings a taste of Spanish café culture to your morning routine.

Discover more of our tried-and-tested coffee recipes.

4. Thai tea

A pitcher with glasses serving Thai tea

Thai tea is a sweet, aromatic drink that blends a Thai tea blend with condensed and evaporated milk, served over ice for a refreshing finish. The result is a sweet, slightly spiced drink with a distinctive orange hue and a moreish quality. Despite its exotic flavour, it only requires a few ingredients and a bit of chilling time, making it easy to prepare ahead and enjoy whenever you fancy something different.

Check out more Thai-inspired recipes.

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