CONFUSED ABOUT COFFEE? HERE’S 6 COFFEE DRINKS YOU CAN MAKE & ENJOY AT HOME!
If you’re anything like me, you’re a massive coffee lover.
You physically can’t function in the morning until you’ve guzzled down that delicious nectar. Even the smell of it brings a smile to your face.
Yes, coffee is amazing. But what isn’t so amazing is my barista skills set or lack there of. Maybe you can sympathise with me…
Do you really know your Americano from your Macchiato?
Yeah, me neither. I have no clue.
Lets get that sorted now.
We could even save a little money in the process. The price of buying your morning coffee in expensive coffee shops really adds up. So making them yourself just has to be more cost effective. Right?
Ok, so let's take a look at 5 of the most popular coffee drinks out there. What is the milk-to-coffee-to-water ratio and how can make them at home yourself.
But first…
When I was looking in to this I found a catch. If you want to make delicious barista style coffee at home you’ll need some equipment.
You’ll need a French press and a milk frother. You can buy these separately or as a combined machine.
Don’t be put off though. Look at this purchase as an investment. It’s sure to pay itself off in no time when you look at how much you’ll be saving on coffee shop coffee every month.
Still with me?
Great! Here are 6 of the most popular coffee drinks you can try making yourself.
1. The Espresso
The source of all goodness that is coffee - this is the base of every coffee on my list (you’ll need this for later).
Espresso’s are 100% coffee (with a small amount of water) – they are undiluted and, although delicious, they are strong.
You could jog to your work after one of these!
To make:
• 1 Put your coffee ground in the French press.
• 1 Boil some hot water (only a small amount – remember it’s only a shot of coffee!).
• 1 Add the hot water, stir and allow to brew for 3-4 minutes.
• 1 Push the press down until it stops.
• 1 Serve and enjoy!
2. The Americano
An Americano is a simple coffee based drink, consisting of ¼ espresso and ¾ hot water. The perfect drink for any coffee lover who loves the strong taste of coffee.
To make the perfect Americano, apply the espresso recipe but make sure to add extra water!
3. The Latte
The latte is a go to for any coffee drinker who likes it milky – ¼ espresso, 2/3 hot milk and ¼ milk foam.
To make the latte of your dreams simply;
• 1 Add cold milk to the milk frother and microwave for 40-50 seconds.
• 1 Place some of the milk into the frother - pump until the milk becomes foamy.
• 1 Add a shot of espresso (use the above recipe) and a layer of still, warm milk and top with the foamy milk.
• 1 Serve and enjoy!
4. The Cappuccino
A personal favourite of mine, cappuccinos are perfect for anyone who likes a bit of colour their coffee. 1/3 espresso and 2/3 milk, this is perfect for those of us who want a milky drink without going overboard.
• 1 Use the recipe to make a shot of espresso.
• 1 Meanwhile, put your milk into a sauce pan and heat – don’t boil!
• 1 Add your espresso to your mug, give the French press a quick clean and add your warm milk.
• 1 Pump the milk using the frother. Keep pumping until frothy.
• 1 Pour the milk over the coffee. Add a sprinkle of chocolate powder.
• 1 Enjoy!
5. The Mocha
Perfect for anyone who can’t get enough of coffee and chocolate.
Although baristas may make this seem complicated, mochas are easy to make. Follow the cappuccino recipe but when you’re heating the milk add two spoonful’s (or more, depending on taste) of coca powder and stir in. This will give you the perfect chocolatey beverage you need to kick start your day!
6. The Macchiato
I’ve always wondered what this is. Whenever someone walks into a coffee shop and orders this I always stare at them in awe and think you must really know your coffees .
Today that allusion was shattered.
A Macchiato is (I hope you’re sitting down for this) an espresso shot with a layer of foamed milk on top. That’s it. Believe me, I’m as shocked as you are.
Want to spice up your drink?
That’s understandable, it can get boring drinking the same kind of coffee all day every day. It’s always extra yummy when you decide to treat yourself to some flavour in your coffee (the highlight of my day is usually when coffee meets caramel).
Here’s a few quick recipes to make your own syrups from home;
• 1 Cinnamon – 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tbsp of honey or maple syrup.
• 1 Spiced vanilla – ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and 1tbsp vanilla extract.
• 1 Honey almond – 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp almod extract.
Just add these to your homemade coffee to change up your morning coffee.
Cheers!
