Ingredients
Homemade flavored coffee drinks can be as simple or complex as you would like. The base will always be freshly brewed coffee, but you can use different types of ingredients to create specialty drinks. When preparing flavored coffee drinks from home it is important to make sure you have the right ingredients. The primary ingredients you need for a flavored coffee are light roast coffee beans, gourmet flavored syrups or liquid sweeteners, heavy cream, flavored extracts, ground spices, and any additional optional toppings.
Brewing
The best way to ensure a great flavored coffee drink start by making a strong cup of simple roasted coffee. Brewing this should be done using a french press. Measure out two heaping tablespoons of your ground coffee beans and add them to the French press. Then, pour the right amount of hot, but not boiling, water over the grounds and steep for five minutes. Once the coffee is ready, skim off the top layer of grounds and slowly press down the French press to let out the flavor-rich coffee. This should yield a strong, full-bodied cup of coffee to use as a base for your flavored drink.
Flavoring
Once you have the brewed coffee prepared, it is time to start flavoring it. To start, add the gourmet syrups or the liquid sweetener of your choice for a richer and creamier taste. Depending on your individual preference and the drink you are trying to create, the amount of liquid sweetener or syrup you add to the coffee may differ.
Once the syrup or liquid sweeteners are in, warm up your heavy cream in a microwave or stovetop and begin adding it to the coffee. Gently stir in a full-hearted scoop to start, but if you like your coffee creamier, add more. For an optional extra kick, add a few drops of flavored extracts, or sprinkle a pinch of ground spices.
Whipping
Once the ingredients are in and the coffee is flavored to your liking, you can begin to froth the drink. This can be done using a handheld frother. As you blend the coffee, it should start to expand and become foamy. The longer you mix it, the thicker and fluffier the texture should become. Once the texture feels just right, pour it into your preferred mug and top it off with your desired toppings.
Additional Additions
If simple flavored coffee is not your preference and you would like to create complex-flavored drinks from home, there are plenty of additional ingredients that can be added. Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, can be added for a nuttier flavor. Marshmallows, when melted in with the coffee, can give the drink an extra sweetness. Additional spices may also be added, such as cardamom, nutmeg, and chai spice. Herbal teas, or syrup made from fresh fruit, can be added as a natural way to flavor the coffee.
Refrigerating and Storing
If you want to make a large batch of flavored coffee drinks to store for later, there are some things to keep in mind. The flavored drinks can be refrigerated and stored in an airtight container for up to seven days. When you are ready to drink, stir in a few tablespoons of cream to each cup and add any additional toppings. Prior to microwaving the drink, stir it again to make sure the flavors are even throughout the drink.
Foam Art
If you want to take the presentation of your latte to the next level, consider practicing foam art. With foam art, you can create colorful patterns and designs on the surface of the coffee. To do this, use a handheld frother and stir the creamer into the coffee until it becomes foamy and bubbly. After this, you can use a bamboo skewer or a spoon to drag the foam around to form various shapes or designs.
Specific Coffee Drink Recipes
Once you have an understanding of the base ingredients and processes involved in creating homemade flavored coffee drinks, you can begin experimenting with the various recipes that are available. Popular drinks like the cappuccino, café mocha and the almond cappuccino are easily recreated at home. For example sizzling cinnamon coffee can be made by combining freshly brewed coffee with a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a teaspoon of finely grated dark chocolate. Additionally some classic drinks like the cappuccino or mocha can be made with a dash of either almond extract or a few drops of ‘Baileys’ liqueur.
Flavored Syrup Options
In addition to the traditional liquid sweeteners, there are many gourmet flavored syrups available today. Companies such as Starbucks or Torani, offer a variety of flavored syrups that can be used to create delicious and unique flavored coffee drinks. Popular flavors such as caramel, hazelnut, or white mocha are available, and may be mixed into the coffee in addition to the other ingredients. Some stores may even offer custom syrup flavors such as chili pepper, white coconut, and sea salt caramel.
Using Alternative Milks
When making homemade flavored coffee drinks one should always keep in mind the different types of alternative milks available. almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk all can be used instead of traditional cow’s milk for a different taste. Furthermore, vegan-style dairy-free options such as rice milk, and cashew milk can also be used. All of these alternative milks can be flavored and crafted in unique ways to create delicious coffee beverages with non-traditional ingredients.
Garnishments
Finally, one of the most important parts of creating a homemade flavored coffee drink is the garnishment. Chocolate shavings, ground nutmeg and hazelnut cookies are all tasty and visually pleasing toppings and bring the finished coffee drink presentation to the next level. Regardless of the ingredients used, having a few of these toppings as garnishments can make a great drink even better.
