By Julia Anne Favaro
Ordering a daily coffee from a cafe can get expensive. Nothing can replace the experience of sipping a fresh coffee from your favorite coffee shop– or spending seven dollars on a small iced coffee with oat milk (we’ve all been there). Making your own allows you to tap into your creative side and save money. There are many products to help coffee lovers get their caffeine fix at home. Making your own can seem overwhelming, but with these tips and tricks you can enjoy the perks of being your own part time barista.
Know What You Like
Making coffee starts with knowing your order. Basing your at home coffee on what you enjoy from a coffee shop is the first step to crafting your own. Knowing that you like espresso more than cold brew or only 2 pumps of lavender syrup will guide your coffee creation. If you’re unsure of what you like don’t worry – we will break down the different components of coffee to help you learn what you enjoy!
Coffee Machines
A quality coffee/espresso machine can elevate making coffee at home. There are a wide range of coffee machines from a $100 Keurig coffee maker to a $500 Breville espresso machine. Some of the most popular options for machines include the Keurig K-Iced Plus Single Serve Coffee Maker, Nespresso VertuoPlus, and Stainless Steel French Press.
Pre-prepared Coffee
If you don’t want to buy a machine, store bought cold brew is a great option for at home coffee. There’s a variety of cold brews that include dark and light roasts which can affect the flavor and intensity of a drink. Cold brew also comes in a plethora of flavors:
Milks/Creamers
Photo credit: Julia Anne Favaro
Milks and creamers add a layer of flavor in addition to balancing out the intensity of your coffee. There are endless options available for both dairy and non-dairy drinkers. These add-ons come in classic flavors such as salted caramel along with playful flavors like toasted marshmallow. Some popular brands include Elmherst, Pods, and Chobani. Using creamers to make cold foam is an easy way to elevate a coffee. You can use a simple hand held frother or a countertop frother.
Sweeteners
Sweeteners such as flavor syrups are widely used in coffee shops. There are ways to achieve this at home through store bought or homemade syrups, plain sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Many coffee shops that use pre-made syrups opt for Torani syrups that anyone can purchase. However, you can also easily make homemade flavor syrups at home following recipes such as this lavender simple syrup. Creamers can also be used to add sweetness to a drink.
Coffee Inspiration on Social Media:
Being your own barista means that you have creative liberty. Check out some of these creators for inspiration on your next coffee!
- _gloyoyo_
- chelseajanie
- thenitrobar
baked magazine 