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Gift Idea: Starbucks In Your Kitchen

The demise of my favorite coffee maker’s contract with StarBucks was a sad day for me, and when I mentioned it on twitter, apparently it was for many. I was able to make an absolutely delicious cup of cappuccino with it at home that tasted better than any I ever got at a restaurant (and that is high praise, folks). Guests who would come over knew to ask for it, and were upset when we told them it was discontinued. I recall hunting online for any remnants, and when I discovered some left at Bed Bath and Beyond, I bought out their remaining stock. It lasted two fabulous months, and then we sunk into despair.

starbucks verismo review

Then I heard about the Starbucks Verismo, which promised to make Starbucks quality espresso and lattes at home, and I was very hopeful. The Verismo comes in four color options and uses pods with espresso, whole milk or various coffees to make one of its specialty drinks. It makes strong espressos, tasty lattes, cafe Americanas and regular old fashioned house blend brewed coffees in less than a minute. You can also add your favorite syrup for a Starbucks specialty drink. Of course, since I love cappuccinos I use the latte option with a double espresso shot and less milk to recreate them, and top it off with a dash of cinnamon and I’m good to go.

make cappuccino lattes at home verismo

A benefit of the Verismo is that everything is packaged individually, so that you can use the milk option for some steamed milk alone, brew three shots of espresso in a row, or any variation you want…it doesn’t read bar codes that require it to complete step one before it can get to step two, so you can create your own drinks and do things out of “recipe” order. Now when I make myself a hot beverage, I can make little man a “coffee” too, which he loves (a hot milk with a teaspoon of sugar and a dusting of cinnamon, a little man version of a cappuccino). His little brother is already stepping up to the counter too:

starbucks at home verismo

The Verismo is a great gift idea for the coffee lover in your life, and it looks great on your counter top if you want to pick one up for yourself. You don’t have to go out to a coffee house for a good cup of coffee, and you can finally make lattes and espressos in your own home again.

We received the Verismo coffee maker featured in this post for the purpose of review.




  • Jenn

    When I saw these at blogher I almost fainted. They are sooo nice!!

  • It looks so sleek. I love Starbucks!

  • OooooOOoOOOo, that’s really nice!

  • Leilani

    I didn’t know starbucks made a coffee maker. I should totally get this for my husband for Christmas.

  • This looks amazing and would make the perfect gift for Matt, since our maker just broke.

  • Lucky! I saw these the other day in a Starbucks and was DROOLING!

  • I would die! My husband loves their coffee. We can still find Starbucks from the other brand all over the place and actually I bought a box today. Maybe I should stock up though?

  • That looks like one sleek machine!

  • I need one of these in my life.

  • Now that looks really interesting. I think the hubby is going to want one.

  • sometimes I wonder with all of the delicious flavors coming out in coffee why I dont’ drink it more often

  • That’s very nice!

  • Maryann

    first, why did you have to show me this? Secondly my little guys would drink “coffee milk” which was the tiniest bit of coffee in rice milk. They thought it was awesome. We warmed the milk a little and gave them that when we had our coffee. so darn cute.

  • I saw it at BlogHer and was so impressed with it. I like the versatility it offers and the sleek and modern design.

  • ohhh myyy….. I.NEED.THIS! Thanks for the info!

  • I’ve never heard of this machine, but I must have one. Off to find out how much this bad boy is going to cost me.

  • Donna

    I would so love one of these!!!

  • Mellisa

    What an awesome thing to have in your kitchen! I know what I am asking Santa for this year.

  • I absolutely love coffee and the stronger the better. With a Verismo, I would drink espresso each day just as most drink a cup of coffee. LOVE everything about it!!

  • Billie

    Wow, sign me up for one of these. Delicious!

  • Jennifer The Quirky Momma

    I saw that in my local Starbucks the other day. I am intrigued with the milk pods. I must see this machine in action.

  • Oh, that would be nice to have in the kitchen!

  • This looks amazing! Maybe it’ll arrive for Christmas if I add it to my list, since I’m the coffee lover in the home! Hope you are all doing okay Penelope!

  • Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy

    Is the milk powdered or liquid? I’ve seen a few other machines that use powdered milk.

  • Penelope

    It’s powdered whole milk.

  • I would love one of these in my kitchen!

  • This would make such a great gift.

  • I really need a good automatic espresso maker. My old manual one is currently stored in the basement. It pulls a great shot & steams beautifully, but what a PITA … lol.

  • This looks like a great Christmas gift – I’d love to receive one of these to enjoy some quality Starbucks cappuccinos at home!