If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been in awe of the complexity that goes into making our favorite drinks at large coffee chains like Starbucks. The machinery involved can look intimidating, and perhaps you think you could never recreate those delicious drinks at home.
Fortunately, there are thousands of homemade, delicious coffee drinks you can make at home. The main benefit of making coffee at home is saving money, closely followed by the health benefits. Coffee made in chains are often filled with heavy creamer and sugar- empty calories that easily impact our waistlines.
Read on for our top seven refreshing, healthy and cost-effective coffee drinks you can make at home!
1. Cold brew
A cold-brew is a refreshing, incredibly simple recipe every coffee-making novice can master in no time. The principle of a cold-brew is to steep the coffee beans in cold water for several hours to create a different flavor profile to hot coffee.
To create this slightly sweet treat, just use a ratio of 8 ounces of ground coffee to 8 cups of water. Leave it overnight, then gently strain all the coffee grounds out, and serve! Keep in mind that the size of the coffee grounds and straining your drink too quickly will make the drink bitter. Look for high quality, slightly large granules from a reputable company such as Lavazza coffee.
2. Cinnamon iced latte
Cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices, with health benefits ranging from lowering blood sugar levels to reduced risk of heart disease. However, the cinnamon flavoring used in corporate coffee chains often has very little actual cinnamon in it, and the drinks are full of whipped cream and refined sugars.
This recipe uses honey, another health food, as a natural sweetener and incorporates real cinnamon! Try it with almond milk for a nutty taste that complements the cinnamon flavor well.
3. Coffee and banana smoothie
Some people love coffee flavor but hate the actual coffee. If your go-to ice cream flavor is mocha, try this healthy but still creamy coffee and banana smoothie!
The bananas counteract the bitterness of the coffee, making a balanced and refreshing drink. In addition to tasting great, this drink is also a great pick-me-up! Bananas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, and the caffeine will give you a burst of energy.
4. Chai latte
Chai flavors exploded onto the scene a few years ago and have proved to be enduringly popular! Although traditionally chai was served as a form of tea, today chai spices are also frequently added to coffee.
This latte includes spices known for their health benefits such as cinnamon, fresh cardamom, ginger and peppercorns. For an especially creamy taste with fewer calories, use coconut milk.
5. High-protein cappuccino
Protein is one of the most important macronutrients we consume daily. The protein we eat is converted into our hormones, our enzymes and other bodily functions that keep us alive.
If you feel as though your protein intake might be too low, try this simple protein-boosted cappuccino!
6. White chocolate latte
If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent as the winter months close in, chocolate is the solution! Sometimes the combination of dark chocolate and coffee can be a bit too rich, so try using white chocolate instead.
The great thing about this recipe is that is requires almost no coffee-related equipment, just a saucepan and some mugs! This recipe would be great to share during a late night with friends.
7. Gingerbread-spiced coffee
As the holidays approach, you might be in the mood for something a bit seasonal. Corporate coffee chains usually cost a lot for seasonal, limited-edition drinks but, luckily, savvy home cooks have figured out how to recreate your holiday favorites right in your own kitchen.
This recipe for gingerbread-spiced coffee will bring that nostalgic, homey feeling to your morning coffee without the exorbitant price! For a healthier version, cut back on the whipped cream and replace it with a vegan alternative.
