by Grace Doulé

A Nespresso machine is a hot commodity for any college student. Having espresso shots readily available during late-night study hours is basically a dream come true. But if you know how to use it, the machine can go far beyond this. You can easily create popular coffee drinks (especially winter ones!) from the comfort of your own kitchen.

From testing out different Nespresso pods to experimenting with other ingredients to perfect your coffee’s flavor, using a Nespresso can become an outlet for creativity. It’s impossible to not find your perfect homemade coffee blend with your Nespresso. Here are three of our favorite Nespresso recipes:

Cinnamon Oat Milk Latte (our own recipe!)

Ingredients: 

• Bianco Leggero Nespresso Pod
• 1 cup oat milk
• Splash of vanilla creamer
• Cinnamon (for topping)

Start by brewing your Nespresso pod into a cup of your choice (if you want to enjoy this drink cold, add ice). After brewing, pour your oat milk over the Nespresso and stir. Use a milk frother to foam a little creamer. Froth for 20-30 seconds. Pour on top of your oat milk and Nespresso mixture. Sprinkle your drink with cinnamon for taste. 

Peppermint White Chocolate Latte 

Ingredients:

• Nespresso pod of your choice
• 1 oz white chocolate Sauce
• ¾ oz peppermint syrup
• 5 oz milk of your choice
• Whipped cream for topping
• Crushed peppermint candy for topping

Into a cup of your choice, pour white chocolate sauce and peppermint syrup. Brew your Nespresso pod into the same cup. Any neutrally flavored Nespresso pod will work here. After brewing, stir to incorporate the sauces. Froth your milk. Pour over the Nespresso and sauce mixture. Top with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.

Gingerbread Coffee

Ingredients:

• Nespresso pod of your choice
• 2 teaspoons of milk of your choice
• Half a slice of gingerbread
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup 

Start by boiling milk in a saucepan. Remove the crust from the gingerbread and dissolve the slice into the milk. Pour the milk and gingerbread mixture into a cup of your choice. Brew in a Nespresso pod. If desired, add ice to enjoy your drink chilled. Drizzle some maple syrup on top.