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5 Tips to Create a Coffee Shop-Worthy Brew at Home

  • Written on February 22, 2021

Whether you’re a coffee fanatic or someone who just likes a cup of joe to start off the day, how your coffee turns out can either make or break your day. The occasional visit to your local coffee shop is a great splurge that doesn’t break the bank, but multiple trips can result in some serious spending! Ditch the daily stops at your coffee shop and learn how to make an amazing cup of coffee right in the comfort of your own home. Here are some tips to make your next latte or iced coffee just as good as your baristas!

  1. Say ‘goodbye’ to instant coffee. We know the whipped coffee trend was big and we fully support using instant coffee for those beverages or even for baking. But if you’re looking for a plain cup of joe, java technology has come a long way. You don’t need to splurge on Starbucks-level machinery, but a proper coffee maker can save you big in the long run. Well-known brands like Nespresso, Keurig and more have various options ranging from single-serve coffee makers to tools that can even froth your beverage for you.
  2. Spice up your normal coffee grinds. Amazing for any type of coffee from French press to Keurig cups, adding spices to your coffee before or after brewing is a simple way to add dimension. Not only are you reducing the amount of sugar (meaning you can save the calories for a croissant) but you’re also able to customize your coffee to your exact preferences. Try freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom – they add warmth and depth to the flavor of coffee and also have some awesome benefits like helping your heart health!
  3. Cubes, cubes, cubes! If you’re like us and sick of iced coffee tasting too watery, grab your ice cube tray and put it to work. Instead of using regular ice cubes, fill your tray with espresso or freshly brewed coffee. Let them sit in the freezer for a couple of hours then when you’re ready for a cold drink, just pop them into coffee that’s been cooled a bit or drop them into your blender for a blended drink. You can even freeze milk or sweeteners for a quicker way to make your regular coffee in the mornings.
  4. Simple frothed milk. Don’t be daunted by frothed milk – it’s actually pretty easy to make and can be done using various items in your house. If you already have a milk froth tool, you’re all set – if you’d rather not have another tool in your kitchen, you can use a small or medium-sized mason jar. Just full it up halfway with milk, secure the lid tightly and shake for 20-30 seconds. Then take the lid off and microwave for 30 seconds. Use a spoon to scoop on top of your coffee from there!
  5. Flavor your coffee at home. Pumpkin spice lattes, caramel macchiatos and peppermint mocha drinks all have something in common that makes them delectable – they all use flavored syrups to pack a punch. If you’re craving one but not the price tag, opt for buying your own syrups for an at-home coffee bar. They come in a range of flavors from pumpkin spice, white chocolate, almond and many more and you can have them handy for longer than seasonal varieties are available at coffee shops. For those who prefer to DIY, most recipes start with a base of sugar, water and either an extract, spice or puree and take just a bit of heat to combine.

Now you’re all set to become your own barista at home. Make sure to put your creation in a solid non-spill mug to keep it and your computer or phone safe while you sip and work!