Wake up and smell the coffee! Whether you're a morning person or not, there's nothing like a delicious cup of tea to kickstart your day. But why settle for the same old cup of joe when there are so many delicious and creative options out there? Here are 10 coffee drinks to shake up your morning routine and elevate your coffee game.
Cà phê trung: This traditional Vietnamese drink dates back to the early 1940s, when it was created out of necessity due to a lack of fresh milk. Vietnamese baristas used a foam made from condensed milk and egg yolk to top a drip-style robusta coffee made using a Vietnamese filter. The result is a unique beverage that has a stunning contrast between texture and flavor, with the sweet custard foam and bitter robusta coffee blending perfectly with every sip. What's wrong? Don't you have a Vietnamese filter? Worry not; regular drip coffee will do just as well.
Affogato: Yet another classic beverage, this time from Italy. The word "affogato" literally means "to drown," a nod to the way the beverage is made. Affogato is a concentrated dessert-style coffee made by extracting a double shot of espresso directly into a cup filled with vanilla ice cream or gelato. The combination makes for a concentrated drink that is bursting with flavor in every cup. Make sure to use natural bean vanilla ice cream or gelato and specialty arabica beans in the preparation for the best experience. Playing around with different degrees of roast in the grinder can give you some intriguing and delectable results. A dark, smoky roast will give you a more pronounced "coffee flavor," while a medium roast will produce more fruity notes in the cup, reminiscent of cacao.
Cafe Mocha: Speaking of cacao, this list wouldn't be complete without the mention of the cafe mocha, i.e., the chocolate-flavored cafe latte. Coffee and cacao are a natural combination, so it goes without saying that this beverage can be made in a number of different ways. Just about any form of chocolate, be it cacao, cocoa powder, bars, or even ice cream, can be added to a cafe latte to amp up the palate with the bold flavors of the world's favorite bean.
Hazelnut Cold Coffee: There's nothing like a tall glass of iced coffee to cool you down on a hot summer day, but let's admit it, it does get tiring at some point. It's time to shake things up (literally), and we know just what you need. Adding just a scoop of hazelnut spread to your favorite iced coffee recipe can introduce a new depth of flavor to an already delicious beverage. We recommend using a high-quality hazelnut spread and nutty coffee beans to boot.
Espresso Tonic: This summer cooler is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Start by filling a tall glass with ice and topping it up with your favorite tonic water right after. Pull the espresso shot directly over this mixture. The airy espresso will sit above the tonic water, making for a magical-looking beverage. The options for flavor are truly endless, as you can mix and match several different flavors of tonics with the best beans that are in season for something different every day. Add a shot of vodka for the perfect poolside drink.
Pourover: It's impossible not to give the humble pourover its due; after all, most of us started our specialty coffee journey with a plastic V60 (that we still use). The pourover brewer is truly a gift that keeps on giving; there is a pourover brewer for every palate, whether it's the distinctively clear and light cup made from a V60 or a bold and decadent one from a Kalita Wave. We recommend switching things up for the summer and brewing iced pourover drinks, plain or with a dash of orange bitters for that extra spark.
Spiced coffee:
Be it adrak or cinnamon, we all have those days where we want to revisit those familiar childhood flavors. You'll be surprised to know that your favorite masala chai blend works just as well with a cup of joe (hold the chai, though).
Filter coffee slurpee: You'll be surprised to know that your favorite filter coffee decoction makes for the perfect flavoring for a slushie to help beat the heat. Blend the decoction with ice, sugar, milk, condensed milk, and a pinch of salt to make the perfect summertime cooler that is also sure to wake you up just the same.
Dalgona coffee: This traditional Korean coffee drink made with a water-based foam that features instant coffee, sugar, and hot water can be taken to the next level with specialty espresso. To start, add a heaping spoonful of sugar to freshly extracted espresso and blend with an electric hand whisk till aerated and emulsified. Spoon the foam over a hot cup of milk to make a great alternative to your boring old instant coffee with milk.
Cold-Fashioned: This innovative take on the iced Americano is perfect for those wanting a dose of caffeine after a quick morning run. To start, make your favorite iced Americano or iced pourover, followed by a twist of orange and a dash of angostura bitters. The citrus and the caffeine are sure to jolt you awake with energy for the day ahead while delighting the senses at the same time.
These are just a few of the delicious coffee-based beverages you can enjoy to shake up your morning routine. Whether you're in the mood for something strong, sweet, or spicy, there's a cup of joe out there for you. So next time you're at your local coffee shop, try something new and elevate your coffee game!