Making Speciality Coffee Drinks
Coffee has become a worldwide favourite, with people around the world sipping on their favourite espresso, macchiato or latte. And while the perfect cup of morning coffee is a standard pleasure, experienced coffee drinkers aren’t just settling for standard. Specialty coffee drinks have become increasingly popular as people are broadening their palates and introducing unique combinations and flavors to their morning cups. From drip coffee to cold foam drinks, getting creative with coffee can be great fun and rewarding when the results knock our socks off.
It isn’t difficult to make your own specialty coffee drink at home. In fact, you can learn to make delicious and unusual coffee drinks without having any formal knowledge or advanced coffee-making equipment. Making espresso is the basis for so many delicious coffee drinks and can be achieved by using stovetop appliances.
Making Espresso At Home
Stovetop espresso makers are low price and equipment which allow you to get that crema-y espresso top right at home. With one of these brewers, you can turn your home into a gourmet coffee bar. All you will need is a stovetop espresso maker, some coffee beans or grind your own, and water. Once you have all the supplies, you’re ready to start making espresso.
To make espresso using a stovetop espresso maker, start by filling the bottom chamber with water and place it on the stove. Place the filter into the bottom chamber and fill with grounds. Make sure your grounds are tamped lightly using a tamper. Put the top of the maker on the bottom chamber, making sure it fits securely. Now the fun part, turn on the heat and wait for the espresso to being to come up through the valve. When the espresso is finished running, remove the pot from the heat and let cool.
Making Different Coffee Drinks
Once you have the basis of espresso, you can branch out and start to make more speciality drinks. Start with a cappuccino – espresso, steamed milk, and foam. Another fun drink is the Americano, which is a great option for anyone looking to lessen the jolt of extra caffeine. To make an Americano, simply combine one ounce of espresso with two to three ounces of hot water.
If you’re looking for a little something extra, you can add syrups, spices, and flavourings. Some great syrups to add for sweetness and flavor are vanilla, chocolate, or caramel. You can also add spices or whisk in cocoa or pumpkin pie spice for a delicious twist.
Smoothies and Tea Lattes
Smoothies can be an energising and delicious way to enjoy coffee. To make a smoothie, start with half a cup of iced espresso. Then, add some milk of choice, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, a frozen banana, and any other optional mixins like vanilla extract and honey to create a super delicious smoothie.
We can also take favourite teas, milk, and espresso and combine to create a delicious tea latte. Select any tea variety such as oolong or chamomile. Steep it in one cup of boiling water and strain into a second cup. Then, combine the tea with 1/2 cup of steamed milk and 1/2 cup of espresso – and there you have it!
Cold Foam and Nitro Coffee
Cold foam coffee and nitro coffee are two of the hottest trendy drinks that offer an innovative and surprising way to serve cold beverages. To make cold foam, use a handheld frother or milk steamer to quickly break up the milk’s proteins and fat. This will turn the milk into a thick, creamy foam without the need for condensed milk and sugar. Then, add the milk foam to your cup of iced espresso for a refreshing and creamy treat.
With nitro coffee, all you have to do is fill a container with cold, filtered water. Then, add your ground coffee and omit the boiling of the water. Next, pour the mix into a pitcher and use a nitrogen gas canister to add nitrogen while you are pouring. The nitrogen gas gives the beverage a creamy texture and a foamy top.
Crafting Espresso-Infused Drinks
Coffee-infused liquors and cocktails have quickly become the highlight of recent parties. From espresso martinis to white chocolate mochas, these drinks can be a decadent surprise. Before diving into creating espresso-infused drinks, consider a few Liqueurs options. Feedbacks from experts suggest that whiskey, spiced rum or brandy work best for this recipe.
Start off by adding equal parts of espresso and liquor. Then, add a teaspoon or two of honey or agave nectar for sweetness. Next, shake the mixture in a shaker with ice and pour it into an iced martini glass. Add a splash of cream to the soda water and stir then top off the drink with cream. If preferred, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or orange zest for a zingy flavour.
Creating Boozy Coffee Drinks
These coffee-inspired concoctions are perfect for those special occasions whether you want to make something special for friends or to kick off a special celebration. Start with a simple Irish coffee, by adding one ounce of whiskey and two teaspoons of sugar in a mug. Next, add your freshly brewed espresso and stir. Finally, top the drink with some whipped cream and there you have it!
To take up the coffee game a notch, try a chocolate coffee cocktail by combining one ounce of chocolate liqueur, one ounce of vodka, and one ounce of espresso in a shaker with ice. Shake the mixture to combine and then strain into an iced martini glass. Finally, top off the drink with a shot of cream and a dash of chocolate syrup.
Creating Espresso Floats
Who said coffee had to be served hot? For those hot days, a fun way to cool off is with frozen espresso floats. To make this speciality frozen beverage start with a scoop of your favourite ice cream and a shot of espresso. Pour the hot espresso onto the ice cream and top off with ice cream, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Your guests will be sure to love this spin on the classic soda float.
Brewing Coffee Around the WorlD
Around the world, coffee drinking customs differ greatly from place to place. In Turkey, the traditional coffee is an unsweetened strong brew served in tiny servings known as fincan. In Ethiopia, the traditional capsules of coffee, called buna, are such a communal and social activity that, for centuries, it has been at the heart of their culture. In England, on the other hand, tea has long been the popular choice to drink in the afternoon, but over the past few years, coffee has begun to take over – particularly among the younger crowd.
Brewing With the Right Equipment
Making specialty coffee drinks at home can be both gratifying and delightful. Like any true craft, the results are greatly determined by the quality of your brewing equipment. A barista can’t craft the perfect cup without the right tools. To make sure you are achieving the best flavour and texture, consider investing in a quality espresso maker and high-end filters. We recommend having an electric espresso maker and quality grinder to minimize the extra brewing steps.
Experiment and Enjoy
The world of specialty coffee drinks is one that is constantly shifting and evolving as new cultures, flavors, and technology keep offering us increasingly inventive ways to enjoy coffee. So, go forth and explore! Try different beans, different brewing methods, and flavourings. Most of all, have fun testing and experimenting with different ideas, flavors, and add-ins — you might just land on an amazing mix that you won’t be able to find in any café. Happy brewing!
