Making coffee drinks can be a fun and delicious thing to do, but it can also be a daunting task.It can be tricky to know just how to get the right flavor and texture.Luckily, it’s not as hard as it may seem – there’s no need for fancy equipment or even culinary experience.These days, there are lots of creative recipes out there, giving anyone the satisfaction of making great-tasting drinks. But the best place to start is on the basics. Here’s a guide on how to make basic coffee drinks.
Ingredients
Coffee is the start, and of course, the more complex drinks will require some extra ingredients. Standard espresso-based drinks – such as a latte and cappuccino – will require some type of milk – like dairy, coconut, or oat milk – and some sugar or syrup if desired. Mochas require chocolate syrup or cocoa powder, and frappes can be made with ice cream, yogurt, or juice. You can decorate with sprinkles, whipped cream, and marshmallows, if desired.
Equipment
Drinks that require espresso need an espresso machine, but standard coffees like a black coffee, mocha, or frappe are easy to make without any equipment. Just a mug, a spoon, and a stove-top pot are all that’s needed to make coffee the old-school way. When it comes to finely steaming and frothing milk for espresso-based drinks and cappuccinos, however, some type of frother or steam wand is needed.
Process
Start by grinding the beans, if using whole beans, to a medium coarseness. Fill the pot with water, boil it on the stove top, and add the grinds. Let the grinds sit for around 3 minutes so the flavors have time to steep. When the water boils, use a spoon or filter to remove the grinds. Pour the coffee into a mug and sweeten it, if desired. If making an espresso-based drink, steam and froth the milk first, then add a shot of espresso. To make a frappe, add the ingredients to a blender, blend on low speed until the ice is crushed, and then blend on high speed until it’s frothy and smooth. If adding extra flavors, add the desired ingredients until it’s blended as desired.
Brewing Tips
Careful brewing is key to making great coffee drinks. Make sure the grinds are finely ground for espresso, but not too finely. Boil the water on the stove, don’t scald it, and don’t re-boil the same water. When frothing milk, make sure the milk is steaming, but not too hot. The milk should have nice, creamy foam. To make sure you have the best flavors, always use fresh beans and cold, filtered water.
Serving Tips
When serving the drinks, the final step is critical. Take the time to make the drinks look pleasing and inviting. A latte should be topped with a regal foam design, while a mocha or frappe can be adorned with sprinkles on the top or whipped cream. Take the time to style the drinks, as this can really make a difference in the overall experience.
Tips to Add Flavor
Once the basics are mastered, there are plenty of ways to introduce additional flavors to a coffee. Infused syrups or bitters, spices, different types of milk, coffee-based liqueurs, and various types of extracts can all be added to coffee. Even a small pinch of salt can bring out sweet notes in coffee, and a sprinkle of grated chocolate can add richness. Flavoring extracts such as vanilla, almond, and peppermint can be added for more flavor as well.
Using Coffee Alternatives
There are lots of coffee alternatives available, from Chicory root coffee to matcha latte. These alternatives are typically made with different bases, such as nuts and grains. To make these drinks, the same process is used, but it may require different types of equipment and the ingredients will vary. If a richer and creamier drink is desired, oat and coconut milk can be used in these drinks.
Making Cocktails with Coffee
Making cocktails with coffee can be done easily and quickly. Simply take the ingredients for a classic cocktail and replace the alcohol with coffee. Cold brew can be used for a tasty caffeinated cocktail, and espresso-based cocktails can be made with coffee liqueurs. Try adding coffee to bourbon, brandy, dark rum, or sherry to make an enjoyable coffee cocktail.
Decorations and Garnishes
The decorations and garnishes used in coffee drinks can really add a long way. When making a cappuccino, top it with foam and sprinkle it with cocoa powder or cinnamon. When making a mojito, add a sugar and mint rim to the glass and top it with a sprig of mint. When making a frappe, cover it with whipped cream and add a mix of chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Most coffee drinks can be decorated in any way that suits taste and style.
