Types of Drinks that Accompany Coffee
Coffee is undoubtedly one of the most popular drinks in the world. From the first weak-kneed chuck to the bold, deep-roasted umami-filled cups of the present day, knowing what to drink with it can improve and perfect the complexity of flavours. Whether you’re a home barista or you’re looking to explore different palettes, here are some of the drink companions that can accompany your coffee.
Water
Adding water to coffee is one of the simplest yet smartest moves for enhancing flavours. The warm smoothness of the water helps bring out the nuances in the drink. Not only does it accentuate the flavour notes, but it can also help balance the overall profile. Adding two table spoons per cup of coffee is usually enough.
Tea
Often overlooked, adding a small cup of tea to your coffee is surprisingly delicious. Whether it’s a black, white, oolong, or a green tea, adding a small amount to your coffee can bring a strong flavour to the mix. Depending on which tea you choose, it can make your coffee taste smoother, more floral, vibrant, and even slightly sweet.
Milk
Milk and coffee have a beautiful synergy; adding a small portion to lighten up the coffee makes a surprisingly dramatic difference. The creamy texture complements the solid punch of the coffee, not to mention adding a soothing sweetness to the brew. While dairy milk gives the coffee a rich texture, plant-based milk can make for a creamy, yet light addition.
Alcohol
While it’s not everyone’s cup of coffee, adding a small amount of alcohol to coffee is an excellent way to unlock additional flavours without overpowering the overall composition. You can choose from whiskey-infused coffee, brandy-spiked coffee, or Irish cream-flavoured coffee, each combination resulting in a truly delectable brew with a strong rush to the head.
Brewing Coffee with Tea
Brewing coffee with tea may appear to be an odd combination, but it can actually make for a delightful experience. By adding a few tea bags to freshly-brewed coffee, you can unlock a whole new flavour profile. Whether you use green tea, herbal tea, or even an Earl Grey variety, the unique blend of pungent coffee and subtle, aromatic tea will take you by surprise.
Adding Honey
Adding a little bit of honey is more than a way to sweeten coffee; it can also serve as a powerful flavour enhancer. Whether you opt for wildflower honey, clover honey, or something a bit more exotic, a teaspoon can help accentuate the coffee’s subtle notes. You can also opt for different varieties depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
Syrups
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to turn simple coffee into something extraordinary. By adding a small quantity of syrup to your coffee, you can give it an intense flavour boost. From classic caramel to more drool-worthy options like Belgian chocolate, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Liqueurs
For those looking to lift their coffee game to the next level, liqueurs can be a great way to do so. Combining the intense flavours of selected liqueurs with the smooth, bitter qualities of the coffee can lead to a sweet and complex beverage. Amaretto, Cointreau, Baileys, and Kahlua are all popular options.
Adding Fruits
Adding fruits to coffee may be something that you have never thought of doing, but it could be something to try. By adding small amounts of seasonal fruits to your coffee, you can create unique and intriguing flavour combinations. You could add freshly-sliced oranges, pomegranates, or even blueberries to allow the fruits’ natural sweetness to counteract the bitterness of the coffee.
Cocoa
Adding cocoa to your coffee drinks is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet, though you can always add a dusting of powdered sugar to sweeten things up. Not only will the cocoa enhance the flavour of the coffee, but it can add a hint of something special to your cup. Whether you opt for hot cocoa or even a sprinkle of white and dark chocolate is up to you.
Spices
Adding a pinch of spices to your coffee can do wonders for the flavour. You can add cinnamon for a balance between sweet and bitter, or cardamom for an intense, slightly spicy punch. You can also opt for ground cloves or even a teaspoon of sea salt to add a deeper note to the coffee.
Pouring Cream
The creamy texture of pour-over cream can add an inviting texture to the coffee. The taste is usually slightly sour, which can contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the coffee. Don’t worry if you’re lactose intolerant; you can always use nut-based creams to achieve a similar effect.
Adding Nuts and Seeds
Adding nuts, seeds, and even crunchy crackers to your coffee can create an intriguing contrast of textures. If you’re the kind of person who likes sweet and savoury, you could try adding some lightly toasted almond slices, pistachios, or even a selection of sunflower and pumpkin seeds to your coffee.
Making Flavoured Syrups
If you want to make your coffee experience a bit more fun, making your own flavoured syrups is a great way to do this. Not only is it easy and fun to do, but you can also use seasonal ingredients and flavour combinations such as cherry or watermelon to make truly unique combinations.
Vanilla Extract
If the flavour of the coffee is still a bit too intense for you, adding a few drops of vanilla extract can help mellow it out. Vanilla can give the coffee a soothing sweetness that can really elevate the overall taste. If you want, you can even mix a few drops of almond extract or other flavourings.
Adding Hot Sauce
Adding a touch of hot sauce to coffee may sound a bit weird but trust us, it works. The heat of the sauce combined with the sweetness of the coffee can be an unexpectedly pleasing combination. Depending on your preferred intensity, you can mix Tabasco, Sriracha, or even your own homemade hot sauce.
Adding Almond Butter and Jelly
Adding almond butter and jelly to coffee may sound a bit strange but it can be a unique and pretty delicious experience. The nutty, sweet flavour of the almond butter and the tartness of the jelly can be a surprisingly pleasurable combination. Swirl a few tablespoons of almond butter into your freshly-brewed coffee and a dollop of jelly on top, and you’ll have a truly unique coffee experience.
Adding Ice Cream
Adding a scoop of ice cream to a cup of coffee may sound like a strange thing to do, but when done correctly, it can turn your coffee into a truly indulgent experience. From classic vanilla to more daring options like coffee ice cream or even salted caramel, having an ice cream float can bring an extra layer of texture that you won’t find with regular coffee.
Nut Milks
For those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, nut milks are an excellent way to add creaminess and sweetness without the dairy. From almond milk to macadamia nut milk, you’ll find a variety of nut milks to choose from. These can add a mild sweetness that contrasts nicely with the bitterness of the coffee.
Adding Coffee to Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, adding a few tablespoons of freshly-brewed coffee to hot chocolate can be a truly unique experience. The combination of rich chocolate and bright coffee can give you an intense yet delightful flavour that you won’t find anywhere else.
Adding Flavoured Oils
Adding a few drops of flavoured oils to your cup of coffee can create an incredible flavour explosion. From sweet and fruity oils like raspberry and strawberry, to more savoury ones like coconut, these can add an extra layer of complexity to your cup of coffee. You can even mix different oils to create even more interesting flavour combinations.
Making Coffee Infusions
For the true coffee aficionados, making coffee infusions can be a great way to add complexity to your brew. Whether it’s vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or even rose petals, you can use all sorts of natural ingredients to create an intense, flavourful cup. Experimenting with different plant-based elements will allow you to discover the most unique and aromatic flavours.
Adding Your Own Twists
Giving your coffee a personal touch is a surefire way to make it a truly enjoyable experience. Whether it’s adding a sprinkle of chocolate or a few drops of essential oils, you can create a truly unique beverage that you won’t find anywhere else. Have fun, be creative, and you’ll soon find the perfect combination that suits your tastes.
