Double tall breve, grande vanilla latte…what’s the drink that gets you out of bed every morning? Most any local coffee shop you frequent is going to have enough milks, types of coffee, flavorings and add-ins to make for thousands of possibilities. Add in preferences on shots, sweeteners, regular versus decaf and temperature and the options are literally endless. If you’re serious about coffee you could even make your own by using an espresso machine. If you’re not sure which one to buy this Comparison of the Best Espresso Machines may help you out!
So why not experiment? Here are three ways to dress up your coffee drink that most people don’t think to try.
1) Try Cuban shots. Developed on the island when espresso machines first arrived from Italy, a Cuban espresso shot results when raw cane sugar is added to a jura espresso machines portafilter along with the ground espresso before the shot is pulled. The 200-degree water liquifies, caramelizes, and draws the sugar into the shot. The sweetly singed final product can be taken straight or used as a base for anything from lattes to Americanos.
2) Steam with spices. The milk your barista steams doesn’t have to be plain. Ask for a shake of cinnamon in the pitcher-the resultant horchata-like beverage works as a base for a Mexican mocha or hot chocolate. Nutmeg is also delicious in cocoa or a London Fog. Café Fonté in Seattle offers a popular sage latte. And coffee shops carrying chocolate chips can steam them into a pitcher of milk, melting the chocolate and creating a luxurious base for a mocha, especially a dark chocolate one.
3) Mess with milk and sugar. Milk and sugar are the two most basic things we add to our coffee, but we don’t often think to steer clear of the norm unless we have to. But alternatives to dairy milk and plain sugar can complement espresso just as well, and often better, than the originals. When matched with a rich, caramelly espresso (say, from Seattle’s Espresso Vivace sidewalk bar), hemp milk adds a perfect amount of nuttiness. Almond, soy and rice milk are also common offerings. Taxi Café in Vancouver, BC carries naturally sweet coconut milk; you can find creamy sunflower milk in Yachats, Ore. at The Green Salmon Coffee Shop. As sweeteners go, honey, agave and maple syrup add more flavor components to your coffee than plain sugar or Splenda. If your coffee shop doesn’t carry something you want to try, buy your own-most baristas are happy to steam or add something they don’t carry if you bring it in. Alternatively, you could play with milk options at home with your own freedom by buying a coffee machine. This will give you the ability to play with many different milk options that some coffee shops may not offer. Remember to look at reviews before buying a machine, such as the Kitchensurfing – Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine review, to ensure you can make a coffee that’s just as delicious as one that’s made by a professional barista. Having a coffee machine will ultimately save you money in the long run- it’s a no brainer!
