Must Try Coffee Recipes

Exploring new coffee recipes can elevate your home brewing experience, offering a variety of flavors and styles to enjoy. Here's a guide to some must-try recipes, a detailed method for crafting the perfect latte, and insights into the differences between iced coffee and cold brew.

10 Must-Try Coffee Recipes

All of the recipes are based on Double shots since the golden ratio is all Double shot base

1. Espresso

A concentrated shot of coffee with a rich flavor and velvety crema.

Ingredients:

• 18 grams of finely groundcoffee beans

• Fresh, filtered water

Equipment:

• Espresso machine

• Coffee grinder

• Tamper

• Espresso cup

Instructions:

1. Grind the Coffee: Use 18 grams of coffee beans, ground to a fine consistency suitable for espresso.

2. Prepare the Portafilter: Place the ground coffee into the portafilter basket and level it.

3. Tamp the Grounds: Apply even pressure to compress the coffee grounds, ensuring a level surface.

4. Extract the Espresso: Attach the portafilter to the machine and start the extraction. Aim for a 25-30 second extraction time to yield about 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of espresso.

5. Serve: Pour the espresso into a preheated cup and enjoy immediately.

2. Americano

Espresso diluted with hot water, resulting in a smooth, longer coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (1.5 ounces) of espresso

• Hot water

Instructions:

1. Prepare an Espresso: Follow the steps above to extract a shot of espresso.

2. Add Hot Water: Pour hot water into the espresso to achieve your desired strength. A common ratio is 1:2, resulting in a 4.5-ounce 133 (ml) Americano.

3. Serve: Stir gently and enjoy.

3. Cappuccino

Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam, creating a balanced and creamy beverage.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (1.5 ounces, 44 ml) of espresso

• 3 ounces (89 ml) of milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare an Espresso: Extract a shot of espresso into a cup.

2. Steam the Milk: Froth 3 ounces of milk to create a velvety microfoam.

3. Combine: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon. Then, top with the milk foam.

4. Serve: Optionally, sprinkle cocoa powder or cinnamon on top and enjoy.

4. Flat White

Similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam.

Ingredients:

• 1 double shot (3 ounces, 89 ml) of espresso

• 4 ounces, 118 ml of milk 

Instructions:

1. Prepare a Double Espresso: Extract a double shot of espresso into a cup.

2. Steam the Milk: Froth 4 ounces of milk to create a fine microfoam.

3. Combine: Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, allowing the microfoam to integrate smoothly.

4. Serve: Enjoy your flat white immediately.

5. Mocha

A delightful blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, topped with whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (1.5 ounces, 89 ml) of espresso

• 1 ounce of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder

• 4 ounces, 118 ml of milk

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare an Espresso: Extract a shot of espresso into a cup.

2. Add Chocolate: Mix the chocolate syrup or cocoa powder into the espresso until fully dissolved.

3. Steam the Milk: Froth 4 ounces, 118 ml of milk to your preferred texture.

4. Combine: Pour the steamed milk into the chocolate-infused espresso.

5. Top: Add whipped cream on top if desired.

6. Serve: Enjoy your mocha while it's hot.

6. Macchiato

An espresso "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (1.5 ounces, 89 ml) of espresso

• A dollop of steamed milk or foam

Instructions:

1. Prepare an Espresso: Extract a shot of espresso into a cup.

2. Add Milk: Place a small amount of steamed milk or a spoonful of milk foam on top of the espresso.

3. Serve: Enjoy your macchiato immediately.

7. Affogato

A dessert-style coffee featuring a scoop of vanilla ice cream "drowned" with a shot of hot espresso.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (1.5 ounces, 89 ml) of espresso

• 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Scoop Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a serving glass or bowl.

2. Prepare an Espresso: Extract a shot of espresso.

3. Combine: Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream.

4. Serve: Enjoy immediately as the ice cream melts into the espresso

8. Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is a refreshing beverage enjoyed worldwide, offering a chilled alternative to traditional hot coffee. Here's a straightforward guide to crafting your own iced coffee at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

• Ice cubes

• Milk or cream (optional)

• Sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Brew Coffee:Prepare a cup of strong coffee using your preferred method (drip, French press, etc.). For a robust flavor that won't dilute when iced, make the coffee stronger than usual. 

2. Prepare the Glass:Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. 

3. Pour Coffee Over Ice:Pour the coffee over the ice-filled glass. 

4. Add Milk/Cream and Sweetener:Customize your iced coffee by adding milk, cream, or a sweetener to taste. Stir well to combine. 

5. Serve:Enjoy your homemade iced coffee immediately. 

Iced Cof ee vs. Cold Brew 

While both are chilled coffee beverages, iced coffee and cold brew differ in preparation and taste:

• Iced Coffee: Brewed hot and then cooled over ice, resulting in a light, refreshing flavor.

• Cold Brew: Made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, producing a smoother, less acidic drink.

9. Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)

A rich concoction of strong coffee topped with a creamy, sweetened egg yolk foam.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grounddark roast

• 2 egg yolks

• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon sugar

Equipment:

• Phin filter, espresso machine, or French press

• Mixing bowl

• Hand mixer or whisk

• Serving cup

Instructions:

1. Brew Coffee: Prepare about 4 ounces of strong coffee using a phin filter, espresso machine, or French press.

2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar until the mixture becomes light, frothy, and forms soft peaks.

3. Assemble: Pour the hot coffee into your serving cup, then gently spoon the whipped egg mixture on top.

4. Serve: Enjoy immediately, savoring the contrast between the strong coffee and the sweet, creamy topping.

10. Pumpkin Spice Latte

A seasonal favorite combining espresso, steamed milk, pumpkin puree, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup milk of choice

• 1 shot (1 ounce) of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is hot and the sugar dissolves.

2. Add Milk: Whisk in the milk and heat until warm, ensuring it doesn't boil.

3. Froth Milk: Use a whisk or frother to create foam in the milk mixture.

4. Brew Coffee: Prepare the espresso shot or strong brewed coffee and pour it into a mug.

5. Combine: Pour the pumpkin-spiced milk over the coffee, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top.

6. Serve: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice if desired.

Enjoy crafting these unique coffee experiences in your own kitchen! Experimenting with these recipes can enhance your appreciation for coffee and introduce you to new flavors and brewing techniques.