They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. For me, that was Starbucks.
As a self-proclaimed Starbucks addict, my days revolved around venti americanos, reward stars, and the soft glow of the green mermaid. But everything changed when Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville, leaving me—and the rest of the town—without a single Starbucks for a staggering 62 days.
I held out hope for the first few days, telling myself the universe was just testing my resolve. "Surely they'll be back soon," I thought. But as I watched my rewards app collect dust, I realized this was going to be a months-long caffeine drought, not just a brief inconvenience.
Enter the hero of this story: the Breville Bambino Plus.
A Mermaid-less Life
The first week without Starbucks was, in a word, chaotic. I bounced between questionable gas station coffee and overpriced third-wave spots that didn’t understand my need for consistency. My mornings felt incomplete without that white cup in my hand.
But by week two, desperation turned into action. If I couldn’t have Starbucks, I’d bring Starbucks home. After some research (and a lot of review scrolling), I landed on the Breville Bambino Plus, an espresso machine that promised café-quality drinks without requiring a barista certification. Spoiler alert: it delivered.
Magic Beans
Let’s talk about the secret ingredient to a stellar cup of espresso: the beans. I’ve tried a bunch over the last 90 days, but two have stood the test of time—and taste.
What can I say? Old habits die hard. This rich, full-bodied roast gives me the familiar flavor I love, with caramel notes and that signature Starbucks punch. When I close my eyes, I’m back in line at my favorite café—minus the wait.
If you’ve never tried Illy coffee, you’re missing out. It’s smooth, balanced, and feels like a tiny Italian vacation in every sip. The Classico blend has a subtle sweetness with hints of chocolate and caramel, making it perfect for americanos or lattes.
Both of these options work beautifully with the Breville Bambino Plus, and having them on hand ensures I never feel like I’m settling. It’s the best of both worlds: the Starbucks nostalgia with a touch of European luxury.
Falling in Love with At-Home Espresso
Let’s circle back to my new favorite appliance, the Breville Bambino Plus. Sleek, compact, and incredibly easy to use, this espresso machine turned my kitchen into a café. Plus, if you are a sucker for a blue kitchen they got you covered (don't worry they have plenty of non-blue options available). Within minutes of unboxing, I was pulling shots that tasted like they came straight from a pro barista. I truly thought without a $4,000 machine is was never gonna taste like true espresso but trust me when I say YUM!
My go-to drink? A three-shot americano with a splash of half-and-half and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Here’s how to make it, so you can try it for yourself:
My Go-To Americano Recipe:
Pull three espresso shots using the Bambino Plus.
Add hot water until the cup is ¾ full.
Splash in some half-and-half (just enough to smooth it out).
Top with a dash of cinnamon for a warm, cozy finish.
Sip, smile, and wonder why you didn’t do this sooner.
The Cost Savings Perks...see what I did there?
Let’s be real: Starbucks adds up. At $5 a drink (and sometimes more), I was spending upwards of $150 a month on coffee. In contrast, my Bambino Plus cost about $500 upfront, but in just 90 days, it’s already paid for itself. Here’s the math:
Daily Starbucks Habit: $5 x 30 days = $150/month
At-Home Espresso: ~$0.70 per drink (including beans, water, and half-and-half)
Over the course of a year, that’s $1,200 in savings. Enough to fund a vacation or upgrade other areas of your home.
Beyond the cost savings, there’s something deeply satisfying about mastering your own coffee rituals. No drive-thru lines. No mobile app glitches. Just you, your machine, and the sweet, sweet sound of espresso brewing.
Why You Should Ditch Starbucks Too
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve thought about cutting back on Starbucks—or at least curbing your habit. Let me be your proof that it’s not only possible, but actually fun. With the Breville Bambino Plus, you can recreate your favorite drinks (and maybe discover new ones), all while saving money and skipping the chaos of your local café.
Plus, there’s the joy of creating a little coffee nook in your home. Stock it with your favorite mugs, syrups, and toppings, and it becomes more than just a place to make coffee—it becomes a morning ritual you actually look forward to.
Ready to Start Your At-Home Coffee Bar?
If I can go 90 days without Starbucks and come out on the other side caffeinated, happy, and $300 richer, so can you. The Breville Bambino Plus has been my saving grace, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Want to check it out for yourself? Click here to see the Breville Bambino Plus in action and start your own home coffee bar journey today.
Don’t forget to grab a bag of Starbucks Espresso Roast or Illy Classico to get started—you’ll thank me later.
Quitting Starbucks wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Hurricane Helene may have forced my hand, but the result was a happier, more self-sufficient coffee lover. If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, consider this your sign.
Here’s to fewer Starbucks runs, more homemade americanos, and the joy of a morning well spent. Cheers!
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