What you need
Before you start mixing up the drinks to make them fancy, you will need to make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and ingredients. You need to start with a basic brewing set up. This means you will need: a coffee grinder or pre-ground coffee, a coffee makers, milk frother and a flavouring device. You also need an array of flavouring ingredients, either pre-prepared or fresh-brewed, such as sugar, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, and chocolate sauce. A French press can also be used as well.
Preparing the Drink
Once you have all of the necessary equipment and ingredients, you will then be ready to start creating fancy coffee drinks. The first step is to make sure the coffee is brewed correctly, as this will lay the foundation for the rest of the drink. The chosen flavourings and milks will also depend on the type of coffee you are making. For espresso, it is best to use espresso grinds and steam milk for a creamy froth. For latte, you will use a pre-ground coffee or espresso grind, or maybe even instant coffee, and add steamed milk for a smooth finish.
When it comes to the flavouring, it’s important to understand that each flavour must be prepared in a particular way and will have an effect on the overall taste of the drink. For example, if you add syrup to your drink, it should be stirred in a circular motion to ensure that all of the ingredients are combined completely.
Creating the Fancy Look and Taste
Once the coffee and flavourings have been added to the drink, it is time to start adding the decoration. This is where things start to get really fancy. Some classic decorations and flavours can really make the drinks stand out, such as crushed biscotti, marshmallows and chocolate sprinkles on the top, or fresh fruit and sweets. You can also top the drink off with bubbles, cream cheese and flowers, while those people feeling a bit more daring can create artistic patterns on the drinks with foam or drizzle chocolate on top.
Once all of the ingredients have been added, many people also like to give their drinks a finishing touch by adding a themed stirrer or topping it off with a sprinkle of grated chocolate or espresso beans for additional flavouring and garnish.
Garnishing the Fancy Coffee Drinks
Garnish is an important part of making your drinks look fancy. Although it may not always add to the flavour of the drinks, the garnish can make a big difference to the aesthetic specifications and should not be overlooked. People who are looking to make their drinks look more interesting can use decorative fruits, flowers, spices and edible decorations. For example, you can use limes and lemons to garnish drinks such as margaritas, or you can use fresh rosemary leaves to adorn more classic coffee drinks such as cappuccinos.
Making it Up in Advance
Making coffee drinks in advance can be a great way to save time and effort. When preparing coffee drinks in advance, it is important to make sure that the ingredients are stored properly. For example, coffee beans should be stored in a cool and dry place, since any moisture or humidity can destroy the beans. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your coffee beans are freshly ground, since pre-ground coffee will become stale and lose its flavour and aroma. Furthermore, when storing milk, it is important to remember to store it in the fridge and make sure it is not frozen, as this will affect the consistency and flavour.
Making Fancy Coffee Drinks for Kids
Making fancy coffee drinks for kids is easier than you think. All you really need to do is to pick out some fun flavours that they like and make a simple syrup of it. If you want to make it more exciting, you can make a simple syrup out of a type of juice they like. You can make a homemade creamer by mixing condensed milk and cream and some flavoring of your choice. Once you have the creamer ready, you are good to go as you can now make the fancy coffee drinks for your kids. You can also add some whipped cream, syrups, chocolate or caramel sauce and top it off with marshmallows or some crushed cookies.
Using Alcoholic Beverages in the Fancy Coffee Drinks
You can also add some alcohol to the mix and make some fancy coffee drinks with a kick. One of the most popular alcoholic coffee drinks is the Irish coffee, which is made by taking strong black coffee and adding some whiskey, cream and a sprinkle of sugar. You can also make other coffee drinks with alcoholic beverages such as vodka, Bailey’s, Kahlua or any other type of liqueur. However, you should be careful when using these alcoholic drinks as they can increase the risk of an adverse reaction. It is also important to remember that these drinks should only be served to those who are of legal drinking age.
Using Plant-Based Milks in the Fancy Coffee Drinks
Hemp, almond, oat and soy are some of the most popular plant-based milks that have become increasingly popular in recent years. These types of milks can be used to make a variety of fancy coffee drinks, as they all have their own unique aroma and flavour. In addition to this, plant-based milks also have the potential to add to the nutritional value of the drinks, as they are often packed with vitamins and minerals. The most popular plant-based milk used in fancy coffee drinks is oat milk, as it is the creamiest and has a light oaty flavour.
Using Specialty Syrups in the Fancy Coffee Drinks
Using specialty syrups can add an extra dose of flavor and complexity to any fancy coffee drink. There are many different types of specialty syrups that you can use, such as almond syrup, chocolate syrup, salted caramel syrup and many more. These syrups can be added to espresso-based drinks, lattes and even cappuccinos to give them an additional depth of flavour and sweetness. You can also buy pre-made syrups, or you can make your own at home with your own recipe.
Using Spices and Herbs in the Fancy Coffee Drinks
Using spices and herbs to make fancy coffee drinks can be a fun and delicious way to add an unexpected complexity to your drinks. One of the most popular spices used in hot beverages is cinnamon, as it provides a warm flavour and aroma. Other spices and herbs that can be used are nutmeg, cardamom, ginger and even lavender. These flavours can be added to espresso-based drinks as well as lattes and tea-based drinks. Each one of these flavours can be used to create a unique and delicious cup of coffee that you can enjoy anytime.
Mixing in Different Teas with the Fancy Coffee Drinks
Mixing in different teas with your fancy coffee drinks can be a great way to add some unexpected depth to the drinks. For example, chai, matcha and turmeric are all very popular flavours that can easily be mixed into your coffee drinks. Additionally, rooibos and white teas can be blended with coffee to give the drinks a more smooth and mellow flavour. When it comes to mixing in teas with coffee, it is important to remember to adjust the amount of teas to ensure that the flavour of the coffee is still the main focus.
