Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes - A Couple Cooks

Strawberry Slushie

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Craving a frosty drink? Try this easy strawberry slushie: the best frozen treat for summer! Sip on this fruit-filled drink all summer long.

Some people love ice cream, but here’s what I love even more: slushies! Maybe it’s an unpopular opinion, but I’d personally choose a real fruit slushie any day over ice cream. (Even my favorite, mint chocolate chip ice cream.)

Why we love this recipe: Using just fresh fruit, sweetener, and ice, you can make a delicious summery drink that’s so light and refreshing! Alex and I love making these in the summer for parties. The berry flavor is sweet and bright, accentuated by a pop of citrus. It’s a spin on our watermelon slushie that we’ll never get tired of! Come try it out and tell us if you’re obsessed, too.

Ingredients in a strawberry slushie

This strawberry slushie has just a few ingredients that make sweet, frosty goodness! It’s the perfect summer drink to serve at a patio party or for a treat for kids. We even love to whip them up and slurp on a summer walk in the evening. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh strawberries: Fresh berries have the best flavor here. If you want to use frozen berries, go to our Strawberry Smoothie.
Sugar, maple syrup or honey: Use your favorite sweetener! We like using pure maple syrup.
Orange juice or lime juice: You can make this one of two ways! Orange juice is a nice mild version, or use lime juice and water if you prefer for an even tangier version.

How to make a strawberry slushie

There’s really nothing to making a slushie! Here are the basic steps, or jump down to the recipe below:

Step 1: Clean the strawberries.

Step 2: Add the strawberries to a blender with sweetener, lime or orange juice, and half the ice. Blend.

Step 3: Add the remaining ice and blend until smooth.

Slushie variations

There are so many ways to vary a strawberry slushie! You can add fruits in combination with strawberries, or make other fruity variations. Here are some ideas:

Strawberry watermelon slushie: Substitute 2 cups watermelon and 1 tablespoon lime juice for the orange juice. You can remove the water, since watermelon creates its own liquid when blended.
Strawberry banana slushie: Add a banana to the ingredients in the recipe below.
Strawberry blueberry, strawberry mango, strawberry peach, or strawberry pineapple slushie: Substitute half of the strawberries with half of these fruits to make a combination slushie.
Other fruit slushies: Substitute all of the strawberries with fresh blueberries, chopped mango, chopped pineapple, or chopped peaches.

More strawberry drinks

Love this slushie recipe? Here are a few more strawberry drinks to try:

Make our Perfect Strawberry Smoothie, or go for a Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie, Strawberry Peach Smoothie, or Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
Mix up our summer favorite, the Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
Try a Strawberry Daiquiri or Strawberry Margarita
Go for tangy Strawberry Lemonade

Perfect Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Dietary notes

This strawberry slushie recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

We recommend fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but you can try with frozen strawberries. Use slightly less ice and more sweetener (since frozen berries generally taste more tart).

Can I make this slushie ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy this slushie right away for optimal freshness and texture. However, you can prepare the strawberries, sweetener and liquid mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to blend it with ice.

Strawberry Slushie

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Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3 small or 2 large

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Description

Craving a frosty drink? Try this easy strawberry slushie: the best frozen treat for summer! Sip on this fruit-filled drink all summer long.

Ingredients

3 cups halved fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar, maple syrup or honey, plus more to taste
¼ cup orange juice OR 1 tablespoon lime juice and ¼ cup water
2 to 2 1/2 cups ice

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Instructions

Add all ingredients and 1 cup ice to the blender and blend. Then add the remaining ice and blend again. Serve immediately.

Notes

Strawberry watermelon slushie: Substitute 2 cups watermelon and 1 tablespoon lime juice for the orange juice.

Other fruit slushies: Substitute fresh blueberries, chopped mango, chopped pineapple, or chopped peaches for the strawberries.

Category: Slushie
Method: Blended
Cuisine: Drink
Diet: Vegan

Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee

Alex Overhiser — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:40:00 +0000

Looking for a coffee to feed your pumpkin spice addiction? Look no further than this pumpkin spice iced coffee: it’s refreshing and cozy all at once. This recipe is perfect for early fall days.

Maybe you are one of those forever summer sort of folks, who desperately want to hold on to warm weather (that’s me). But for Alex, any hint of fall is his jam. Sunny days and 60-degree nights, a bike ride without breaking a sweat? Give it to him.

And what would early fall (nay, late summer) be without Starbucks #PSL ads, or Pinterest boards full of pumpkin delights? We’re here for all your cravings with this quick and easy recipe for pumpkin spice iced coffee. With all the fall flavor, you’ll never notice the missing pumpkin: it’s all spices!

How to make pumpkin spice iced coffee

We couldn’t resist adding another fall drink to our repertoire. Most of our favorite pumpkin recipes use actual pumpkin: like pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bars, and pumpkin ice cream. But we had a realization: for iced coffee, drop the pumpkin. All we really want is the spices!

You can use our Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe for this iced coffee. Or you can use the separate spices: cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Here are the basic steps:

Mix the spices into the coffee grounds. The ratio is ½ tablespoon pumpkin spices to 6 tablespoons ground coffee.
Brew the coffee using your favorite method: we used How to Make Coffee in a Chemex. Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
To serve, place ice cubes in a glass. For each of 4 servings, pour in ½ cup coffee, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk (or double for 2 large servings).

More coffee methods

We’ve got all sorts of other resources for coffee recipes! Here are some of our top resources:

More pumpkin recipes

Outside of this pumpkin spice iced coffee recipe, here are a few of our favorite pumpkin recipes we’ve made:

Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pumpkin Ice Cream

30 Tasty Pumpkin Desserts

Pumpkin Bread (1 Bowl!)

Dietary notes

This pumpkin spice iced coffee recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.

Frequently asked questions

What is iced pumpkin spice coffee?

Iced pumpkin spice coffee is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic pumpkin spice latte. It combines chilled coffee with pumpkin spice flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and is often sweetened with sugar or a syrup. It’s a popular fall beverage that can be enjoyed year-round.

What kind of milk should I use for iced pumpkin spice coffee?

You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk. The choice depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Can I make iced pumpkin spice coffee ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare a large batch of iced pumpkin spice coffee and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy grab-and-go option. Just be sure to add the ice right before serving to prevent it from melting and diluting the flavors.

Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee

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Author: Sonja & Alex Overhiser
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 small or 2 large

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Description

Looking for a coffee to feed your pumpkin spice addiction? Look no further than this pumpkin spice iced coffee: refreshing and cozy all at once.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons ground coffee
½ teaspoon cinnamon*
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
4 teaspoons maple syrup, or more to taste
½ cup milk or almond milk
Ice, for serving.

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Instructions

Mix all of the spices into the coffee grounds. Then brew the coffee using your favorite method: we used How to Make Coffee in a Chemex.
Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
To serve, place ice cubes in a glass. For each of 4 servings, pour in ½ cup coffee, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk (or double to make 2 large servings).

Notes

*Or substitute all the spices for ½ tablespoon of our Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe.

Category: Drinks
Method: Coffee
Cuisine: American

How to Use a Chemex to Make Coffee

Sonja Overhiser — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

What makes the best cup of coffee? In our opinion, it’s the Chemex! Here’s how to use a Chemex to make pour over coffee.

Our mornings start exactly the same over here, whether it’s weekend or weekday, rain or shine, winter or summer. It’s a pot of coffee made in our Chemex, that odd-looking glass pour over coffee pot.

Alex and I have had coffee every morning for our entire marriage. A few years in, we started making Chemex coffee and it took our coffee game to a new level. We think, in fact, that the Chemex makes the perfect cup of pour over coffee. So, here are all our secrets!

Video: How to use a Chemex

What you need to make Chemex coffee

Before you learn how to use a Chemex, you’ll need a few pieces of coffee gear. It might seem like a lot of gear, but homemade Chemex coffee does end up being cheaper than a coffee shop in the long run! Also, you can use the kettle and food scale for things like boiling water and making bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

Coffee beans: For Chemex coffee, we like a light roast or medium roast coffee, since the flavors really shine in this method.
Chemex 8 cup coffeemaker: Here’s the Chemex we use: it can make up to 4 cups of coffee at once.
Chemex coffee filters: The Chemex uses special filters.
Bodum electric burr grinder: Grinding the beans with a burr grinder is one of the best things you can do for a great cup of coffee. We’ve used this grinder for years and love it. A affordable option is handheld coffee mill—it just takes much longer.
Electric gooseneck kettle: This kettle is perfect for heating water for coffee and tea; we’ve used ours for 6 years. A gooseneck kettle provides an advantage for Chemex coffee: you can slowly pour the water onto the coffee beans, allowing it to extract maximum flavor. Or, try this more affordable pour over coffee kettle.
Digital food scale: This is the food scale we use. It’s reliable and we use it for many things outside of coffee too, like weighing ingredients for baking sourdough bread or Dutch oven bread.

How to use a Chemex

Using a Chemex takes a little practice, but once you learn it will become second nature! The extra 5 minutes that are needed to make Chemex pour over coffee are absolutely worth it. Our ratio is for every 1 gram of coffee, use 15 to 16 grams of water. Here are a few things to know about how to use a Chemex — then reference the recipe below. The major steps are:

Step 1: Heat filtered water to 200 to 205°F in an electric pour over coffee kettle. Then use a food scale to weigh out the amount of coffee. For 2 cups of coffee, we use 34 g. Grind it out to a medium coarse grind.

Step 2: Wet the Chemex coffee filter, then add the coffee and let the it bloom for 1 minute by wetting the grounds and letting it sit. The bloom releases CO2 from the coffee and causes the grinds to rise.

Step 3: Gradually pour in the remaining water. For 34 grams of coffee, use 520 g of water.

And that’s how to use a Chemex! Once you’ve practiced a few times, it will feel like second nature. When we first started making Chemex coffee, Alex always made the coffee. I was intimidated to learn, but after he showed me a few times, I can now do it while barely awake! It is 100% worth the few extra minutes, because it is truly our perfect cup of coffee.

Variation: Chemex iced coffee

Another fun way to use the Chemex is to make Chemex Iced Coffee! This method is quick and takes only 10 minutes! You don’t have to chill overnight or for hours: you make it right when you’re craving it. Honestly, one fact makes us make this Chemex iced coffee all the time.

More coffee methods

Outside of how to use a Chemex, we’ve got a series on how to make coffee using all sorts of gadgets!

Frequently asked questions

What is a Chemex coffee maker?

The Chemex is an elegant, pour-over style coffee maker known for its hourglass shape and ability to produce clean, flavorful coffee. It uses a thicker filter than other pour-over methods, resulting in a smoother cup with less sediment.

What kind of coffee filter do I need for a Chemex?

Chemex coffee makers require special Chemex-branded filters, which are thicker than standard filters and designed to fit the unique shape of the brewer.

What grind size should I use for Chemex brewing?

A medium-coarse grind is ideal for Chemex brewing. It should resemble coarse sand. If the grind is too fine, the coffee may be over-extracted and bitter; if it’s too coarse, it may be under-extracted and weak.

How long does it take to brew coffee in a Chemex?

The brewing process in a Chemex typically takes about 4-5 minutes. The time can vary depending on the grind size and the amount of coffee you’re making.

How do I clean my Chemex?

The Chemex is easy to clean. After brewing, simply discard the filter and coffee grounds. Wash the Chemex with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch the glass.

How to use a Chemex to make coffee

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Author: Sonja and Alex Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 cups

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The best cup of coffee? To us, it’s pour over coffee made in a Chemex. Here’s how to use a Chemex to make a perfect cup of coffee.

Ingredients

34 grams light or medium roast coffee beans*
520 grams filtered water (the flavor is best with filtered water)

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Instructions

Heat a pot of filtered water to 200 to 205F. We use an electric kettle that shows us the exact temperature. You could also use a teapot on the stove — just heat to boiling, then let the water cool down for a few minutes.
Use a food scale to weigh out 34 grams of coffee, then grind it to a medium coarse grind (about the size of kosher or sea salt). We use an electric burr grinder to get a consistent grind.
When the water is heated, place the filter in your Chemex (see the video below for exact instructions). Pour in just a bit of water to wet the filter, then pour out the water into the sink. Place the ground coffee into the Chemex and shake it to level it out.
Place the Chemex on the food scale and tare it so the scale reads 0. Slowly pour in 70 grams of water in a circular motion. Then stop and wait for 1 minute: this allows the coffee to bloom (you may have to tap your scale once so that it doesn’t time out!).
Then slowly add the remaining water in two batches, pouring very slowly in concentric circles, pouring right onto the coffee and not touching the coffee filter. Fill to about ½ inch from the top (it will likely be around 400 grams water), wait for the water level to go down a bit, and then fill the remaining water up to 520 grams.
After a few minutes, all of the water will filter through the coffee grounds into the pot below. Remove the filter and discard it (we compost ours). Enjoy!

Notes

*In our large Chemex, the most you can make at one time is 50 grams of coffee and 800 grams water, which makes about 3 to 4 cups of coffee. To scale up or down, just use our magic ratio: 15-16 grams water to 1 gram of coffee.

Category: Drink
Method: Pour Over
Cuisine: American

How to Make a Latte

Sonja Overhiser — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 22:04:00 +0000

Here’s how to make a latte at home! This cafe latte has the best creamy body and frothy milk, and tastes better than a coffee shop. As home barista experts, this is our tried and true method.

Why we love this recipe

Coffee lovers! Did you know you can make a barista-quality cafe latte in the comfort of your own home? All you need is a few key tools and you can make drinks that rival your favorite coffeeshop.

This espresso drink is a staple in our Home Barista Series, where we teach you how to make all your favorite coffee drinks in your own home. This latte comes out perfectly creamy and topped with frothy foam. How to make a latte at home? We’ve tested this recipe repeatedly so it comes out perfect every time.

What is a latte?

A latte is a coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top. The difference between a latte and a cappuccino? A cappuccino has equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam (⅓ each). A latte has ⅓ espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top. A macchiato is just espresso with a thicker layer of foam on top. (Here’s a handy chart that breaks it down.)

One special thing to note about a latte is the type of foam you want to get. You want the milk to get to an almost “wet-paint” like texture, which baristas call microfoam. It can be tricky to get to that texture without a steamer, so we’ll show you how to approximate it with some various tools you might have on hand.

First, let’s talk espresso

Espresso is required for a latte: simply strong coffee will not do! This means you’ll need the following two things:

Espresso roast coffee: The roast is important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Make sure to use a fine grind on the espresso when you make it.
Espresso machine, manual espresso maker, or Aeropress: There are several ways to make espresso. We use this espresso machine, which sits on a countertop. Or you can use a small manual espresso maker: it’s cheaper and portable! For the cheapest option, you can use an Aeropress, but it doesn’t have these same sweet, rich flavor (see this Aeropress Espresso recipe).

Milk to use for cafe latte

The best milk to use for a cafe latte is whole milk. Whole milk froths the best because it has the highest milk fat. You can also use 2% milk and it works fairly well, but it loses a bit of the richness. The most important part about the milk: make sure it’s as fresh as possible! Milk that’s getting closer to its expiration date does not foam as well.

Can you make a vegan latte? Yes! The best non-dairy milk for a latte is oat milk: it froths up the best and has great flavor. Go to How to Froth Milk for some notes on the particulars of working with non-dairy milk.

How to steam milk with an espresso machine

The tool you need to steam milk? An espresso machine with a steamer! This makes the most perfect micro-foam with the creamy “wet-paint” like texture that you need for a latte. Steaming the milk also adds a sweet creaminess to the flavor.

The downside? Espresso machines can be pricey. Here’s the espresso machine we use: it’s middle of the road price-wise and works great. If you want to make a perfect latte, this is the best way to do it. (Don’t have one? Keep reading.) Here’s how to steam milk for a latte with an espresso machine:

Hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size. This makes foamy froth.
Move the wand lower near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex. This makes the silky smooth microfoam bubbles and wet-paint texture that’s characteristic of a latte.
Steam until the milk reaches 150°F: Use a thermometer or judge by when your hand can’t hold the pitcher for more than a few seconds. Go to How to Steam Milk for more details.

Alternative: how to froth milk

Now, you don’t need an espresso maker with steamer to make a great latte at home! You can simply heat and froth the milk, which makes it nearly as good. There are a few different handheld tools you can use to froth milk for a latte. We cover these in detail in the post How to Froth Milk, which we recommend reading before you start. Here are a few great tools for the home barista for frothing milk:

Handheld milk frother. Don’t want to spring for an espresso machine? A handheld milk frother is cheaper and works well. It gets the milk extremely frothy, so it’s easy to make a macchiato or cappuccino. A perfect latte is a little trickier, but you can follow the tips below to get a great drink.
French press. If you have a French press for making coffee, it’s also great for making foam! It makes a nice frothy foam with bubbles a little larger than the frother.
Whisk. A whisk works too! This handy tool whips up the milk pretty well. However, it is a bit looser foam with larger bubbles, and this method generates a little less foam than the frother or French press.

A latte cup is helpful!

A latte cup is nice for making lattes at home. Why? This cup is designed to hold exactly the right volume of espresso and foam! Here’s the 6 ounce latte cup that we have. (It’s also very cute and can be used for treats like mug cakes, which is a plus!).

How to make a latte at home

Once you’ve got your espresso and your tools, you can get to the good stuff! The most important skill to learn is frothing the milk: outside of that, it’s a breeze. Again, we highly recommend reading How to Froth Milk before you start. Here’s how to make a latte at home:

Make the espresso using an espresso machine, espresso maker, or Aeropress.
Steam the milk (espresso machine method): Use the notes in the section above to steam the milk and create microfoam.
OR, heat the milk on the stovetop then froth it. A temperature of 150°F is perfect: that’s where the milk is hot to the touch but not simmering. Then froth using your desired method until the milk is frothed into small, even bubbles. Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the foam to incorporate a bit into the milk so that the drink is creamy enough.
Experiment to find the method that’s right for you. Everyone has different equipment and different desires for their latte. Play with the method until you find what’s right for you!

Latte art basics

Want to make latte art? You can actually learn how to make some simple designs on the top of your lattes at home. Note that it does require an espresso machine. Here’s our tutorial on Latte Art Basics!

Latte flavors

You can also add flavorings and use different milks to make variations on the latte! Here are a few options:

Use lavender syrup for a Lavender Latte.
Use vanilla syrup for a Vanilla Latte.
Add spices for a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Gingerbread Latte.
Add ice for a Iced Latte.
Use non-dairy milk for an Oat Milk Latte or Almond Milk Latte.
Add chai tea for a Dirty Chai Latte.

Lavender Latte Vanilla Latte Pumpkin Spice Latte Iced Latte Oat Milk Latte

Variation: the tea latte

Want to change it up? A tea latte is a fun variation on a cafe latte made with tea instead of espresso. Tea lattes are perfect for the afternoon because they have less caffeine. Here are a few variations you can also make with your milk frothing skills:

The classic Tea Latte uses black tea and frothed milk make a warming drink.
A cozy Chai Latte or Vegan Chai Latte bring in the flavors of Indian milk tea, masala chai.
This Vanilla Chai Latte is a favorite.

And that’s it! Everything you need to know about how to make a latte at home. Let us know what questions you have in the comments below…and let’s get brewing!

Dietary notes

This latte recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

How to Make a Latte (Cafe Latte)

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Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Here’s how to make a latte at home! This cafe latte has the best creamy body and frothy milk, and tastes better than a coffee shop.

Ingredients

2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
4 ounces (½ cup) fresh whole milk*

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Instructions

Make the espresso: Use an espresso machine or manual espresso maker to make two shots of espresso and pour it into a mug (or try our Aeropress Espresso).
Steaming method (espresso machine): Place the milk in a pitcher. Hold the steaming wand just below the surface of the milk until it doubles in size. This makes foamy froth. Then, move the steaming wand lower and near the side of the pitcher to create a spiral vortex. This makes the silky smooth microfoam bubbles and wet-paint texture that’s characteristic of a latte. Steam until the milk reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit (use a thermometer or judge by when your hand can’t hold the pitcher for more than a few seconds).
OR, heat the milk to scalding and foam it (without espresso machine): Heat the milk to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot to the touch but not simmering. Measure with a food thermometer, or you can approximate by testing with your finger. Use a milk frother, French press or whisk to froth milk into small, even bubbles. For a latte you’ll want small bubbles and lightly thickened milk (if you’re using a milk frother, don’t go too far: you want the milk to mix in with the coffee so you don’t need too much froth). For the French press method, note that it’s useful to have at least 1 cup to have more milk to work with: this makes enough for 2 drinks. We highly recommend reading How to Froth Milk if this is your first time frothing. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute to get the foam to incorporate into the milk and separate slightly (exact timing depends on your foaming method).
Serve: Tap the milk container on counter and swirl it to break down any large bubbles. Pour milk into center of the espresso, ending with light foam.

Notes

*Whole milk works best; milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte. The milk frother works well; for the French press pump vigorously until frothy, about 25 times. Do not overwhip, as the foam will deflate!

Category: Drink
Method: Espresso
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegetarian

Pour Over Coffee

French Press Coffee

Cold Brew Coffee

Americano Cocktail

Frozen Lemonade

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 22 May 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Beat the heat with this refreshing and easy frozen lemonade recipe! This zingy homemade treat is made three simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking.

When the weather starts to get warmer, we’re all about one thing: summer drinks! Alex and I have realized over the years that we have a major passion for a signature drink, be it cocktails, coffee, tea, or lemonade. Every moment is better with a drink in hand!

Why we love this recipe: This frozen lemonade is the ultimate tangy and refreshing drink! The burst of icy, citrusy flavor will make you melt. Even better, you don’t have to wait hours for anything to freeze: just whip it up with 3 ingredients on demand in a blender! Our kids cannot get enough of these.

Featured reader comment

“The frozen lemonade is a hit! My kids love it. They say it’s perfect, and I think it’s great too. I added a sprig of mint to mine and it’s very refreshing.” -Tanvee

Ingredients in frozen lemonade

There are just three ingredients in frozen lemonade: and two if you don’t count ice! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

Fresh lemon juice: Make sure to use real, fresh squeezed citrus juice for this recipe. Bottled juice doesn’t have the freshness in flavor. No substitutions here!
Sugar: We like granulated sugar here for its ability to balance the acidity of the lemon without watering down the drink. You can substitute an equal amount of agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup if desired.

Tips for juicing lemons

What’s the best way to juice lemons? We like using a press juicer, which helps to easily extract juice while saving out the pulp and seeds. It also helps to save your hands from the effort of squeezing!

You can also use any type of juicer you have on hand (and a little elbow grease). It takes a while to squeeze out the juice especially if you’re doubling the recipe, but it’s worth it!

A note on serving size

The serving size for this frozen lemonade recipe is 2 small servings. The photograph shows two servings in one mug, so we’d recommend serving it in a smaller glass or cup! Double the ingredients as necessary to make more servings!

Make ahead tip

This frozen lemonade is best right after blending it, to keep that frosty, slushie texture (it becomes very hard if frozen overnight). To make frozen lemonade in advance, juice the lemons and stir in the sugar: store it in a refrigerated container for up to 1 day. The day of serving, blend up the lemonade with ice.

Variations on lemonade recipes

Frozen lemonade is the perfect summer drink! There are so many fun ways to riff on the concept: we love this frozen version, but you can mix up so many fun variations. Here are a few of our top lemonade recipes:

Try our Best Homemade Lemonade
Go for fruity variations like Pink Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Watermelon Lemonade, or Blueberry Lemonade
Mix up floral Lavender Lemonade or bubbly Sparkling Lemonade
Try herbaceous Mint Lemonade, Cucumber Lemonade, Ginger Lemonade, or Basil Lemonade

Homemade Lemonade Pink Lemonade Strawberry Lemonade Lavender Lemonade Watermelon Lemonade Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Lemonade Mint Lemonade Basil Lemonade Cucumber Lemonade

Dietary notes

This frozen lemonade recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use store-bought lemonade?

Yes, but for the best flavor, we recommend making your own lemonade base. It’s easy and you can control the sweetness level.

Can I add alcohol to frozen lemonade?

Absolutely! Vodka, rum, or tequila, all pair well. Add your spirit of choice once the lemonade is blended.

How long can I store frozen lemonade?

To make frozen lemonade in advance, juice the lemons and stir in the sugar: store it in a refrigerated container for up to 1 day. The day of serving, blend up the lemonade with ice.

What are some fun ways to serve frozen lemonade?

Get creative! Try garnishing with fresh fruit or herbs (like mint or basil).

Is frozen lemonade a healthy treat?

While it does contain natural fruit juice, it can be high in sugar. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frozen Lemonade

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5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 small servings

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Description

Beat the heat with this refreshing and easy frozen lemonade recipe! This zingy homemade treat is made three simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients

⅓ cup granulated sugar*
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 medium lemons)
2 cups ice cubes

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Instructions

In a blender, combine the sugar and the fresh lemon juice. Blend on low speed until the sugar is dissolved, about 10 to 15 seconds.
Add the ice cubes to the blender with the lemon juice and sugar mixture.
Blend on low to medium speed until the ice is completely crushed and the mixture is smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds. If needed, stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, then continue blending until the desired consistency is reached. If necessary, add a few tablespoons cold water to get it to blend.
Pour the frozen lemonade into a glass and serve immediately, garnished with a lemon slice or mint sprig, if desired.**

Notes

*The serving size is 2 small servings. The photograph shows two servings in one mug. Double the ingredients as necessary.

**To make frozen lemonade in advance, juice the lemons and stir in the sugar: store it in a refrigerated container for up to 1 day. The day of serving, blend up the lemonade with ice.

Category: Drink
Method: Frozen
Cuisine: Drink
Diet: Vegetarian

How to Make Cold Foam

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Here’s how to make cold foam at home with just a few ingredients! This Starbucks recipe makes a frothy topping perfect for elevating your favorite iced coffees and cold beverages.

What’s the deal with cold foam? Cold foam is the Starbucks answer to a whipped topping for iced coffee drinks. While we’re generally wary of food trends, we can confirm: this one is delicious. The creamy topping adds just the right frothy charm, without loads of extra calories.

Even better: you can make it at home! Here’s how to make cold foam: a DIY Starbucks recipe so you can enjoy this treat at home.

What is cold foam?

Cold foam is frothed nonfat milk used for topping for cold coffee drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, iced cappuccinos, and nitro coffee. It simulates the frothy topping of the steamed milk in a latte or cappuccino, but at a cold temperature so it doesn’t melt when hitting an iced drink.

The foam has a thick, frothy texture, and gradually settles in as you sip it. Because it’s made with nonfat milk, it adds only a handful of calories to the drink. But the lightly sweet crema topping has a major pay-off in texture! If you’ve had this one at Starbucks, you know: cold foam makes any iced coffee that much better!

The best milk for cold foam

You might think that a full fat milk would make the creamiest, richest cold foam. Some homemade recipes even call for whole milk or heavy cream. But guess what? Skim milk makes the thickest, sturdiest cold foam. That’s because it has a larger percentage of protein when compared to whole milk or 2%.

On the flip side, whole milk makes the best steamed milk for a latte. The lipids in the milk keep the bubbles small, making the best microfoam texture for latte art.

All about Starbucks cold foam

Starbucks launched cold foam in 2014 with the opening of its Reserve Roastery in Seattle. It was first served atop the Americano Con Crema drink, which had a thick dollop of coffee-spiced foam. Today, Starbucks offers cold foam as a topping that you can add to many drinks for an extra 50 cents. Starbucks cold foam drinks include the following:

Cold brews
Nitro cold brews
Iced lattes
Iced mochas
Iced cappuccinos
Iced espresso
Iced London Fog tea latte, Iced matcha tea latte, or Iced chai tea latte
Violet drink, pink drink, or dragon drink

How to make cold foam: DIY Starbucks recipe

How to make cold foam at home? It’s very simple to make this treat to top all your homemade iced coffees and cold brews: and an incredibly impressive! Here’s what you’ll need to do (or jump to the recipe below):

Step 1: Grab a milk frother (or French press). The best way to make Starbucks cold foam at home is using a handheld milk frother. At only $8.00, it’s the best tool for making thick, fluffy foam and is worth the purchase. (Hey, that’s just 16 Starbucks orders of the stuff!). A French press is your next best bet, if you have one. We don’t recommend a whisk for cold foam: it makes foam with large bubbles and a loose texture.
Step 2: Froth for 15 to 20 seconds. Add skim milk and simple syrup to a tall cup and froth until very fluffy. It takes only about 15 seconds to whip up into a thick foam. (For the French press instructions, how to How to Froth Milk.)

Variation: add vanilla

Want to step up your cold foam? You can add a hint of vanilla extract to add a delicious nuance to the flavor. At first we wondered whether this would turn the topping a light brown color. But after testing it, it doesn’t make a perceptible difference in whiteness versus the original. Add a very small dash and you’re in business!

Drinks that use cold foam

You can use cold foam on any type of chilled tea or coffee drink! Try a dollop of thick, lightly sweet foam on a glass of:

Iced coffee
Cold brew coffee
Iced cappuccino
Coffee soda (tastes like nitro coffee)
Iced latte or Iced vanilla latte
Iced white chocolate mocha or iced mocha
Iced chai latte
Iced espresso
Iced matcha latte

Cold Brew Coffee

Iced Coffee

Perfect Iced Latte

Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Dietary notes

This cold foam recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

What milk is best for cold foam?

Skim or low-fat milk (1% or 2%) froths best due to the higher milk protein content. Non-dairy milks like oat milk can also be used, but experiment to find a brand that froths well.

Why won’t my cold foam froth?

The milk might be too warm. Use cold milk straight from the fridge for optimal frothing. Or, you might not be using enough milk protein: opt for skim or low-fat milk.

Can I flavor my cold foam?

Absolutely! Add a dash of vanilla, vanilla syrup, or a pinch of cinnamon before frothing.

How long does cold foam stay good?

Cold foam is best enjoyed fresh. It will start to lose its texture after about 30 minutes.

How to Make Cold Foam (DIY Starbucks Recipe)

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5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

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Description

Here’s how to make cold foam: the Starbucks recipe for a frothy topping fit for iced coffee and cold brew!

Ingredients

¼ cup nonfat (skim) milk
1 teaspoon simple syrup
1 dash vanilla extract (optional)
Equipment: Milk frother or French press

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Instructions

Add milk and simple syrup (and vanilla extract, if using) to a pitcher or narrow jar. Fully submerge the milk frother.
Turn on the frother and froth until the milk starts to thicken, slowly pulling the wand towards the top of the milk. Froth about 15 to 20 seconds total, until the foam is thick and stabilized. Add to the top of cold brew, iced coffee, or an iced latte.

Category: Drink
Method: Frothed
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegetarian

Hot drinks that use frothed milk

There are so many coffee and tea drinks that use frothed milk! Once you’ve mastered this method, you can play barista with these drinks:

Latte The classic espresso drink! Try this perfect cafe latte.
Cappuccino Creamy with just the right touch of foamed milk and bitter espresso.
Mocha or Mocha Cappuccino Rich and chocolaty, with a topping of fluffy milk foam.
Macchiato A shot of espresso topped with a layer of frothy foam: the perfect drink!
Perfect Tea Latte A tea latte just like your favorite coffee shop…in 5 minutes.
Chai Latte or Vegan Chai Latte Everyone’s favorite, using masala chai spices.
Vanilla Chai Latte A cozy drink flavored with vanilla and perfectly frothy.
Dirty Chai Latte A tea latte spiked with a shot of espresso.

20 Zesty Lemonade Recipes

Sonja Overhiser — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 19:43:00 +0000

Quench your thirst with these refreshing lemonade recipes! From classic homemade lemonade to unique fruit and herb flavor combinations, these recipes make the perfect signature drink for any occasion.

Sure, you can buy a jug of lemonade or a can of concentrate. But here’s a secret. The absolute best ever lemonade is homemade…using real lemons! It’s easy to whip up and the flavor is unreal. Each sip is a burst of pure, sweet tart sunny citrus.

Here’s our best lemonade recipe: quick and easy to whip up a pitcher! Then we’ve got the top lemonade recipe variations: pink lemonade, sparkling, raspberry, and more. (Oh, and some spiked variations…because we couldn’t resist!)

And now, our top lemonade recipes!

Fresh Lemonade

The classic lemonade recipe! Here’s how to make the absolute best lemonade recipe from freshly squeezed lemons! Using real citrus makes extraordinary sweet tart flavor.

Pink Lemonade

The best variation on a lemonade recipe? Pink lemonade! No, it's not the concentrate variety…you can make it with real lemons! What’s makes it pink? This lemonade recipe has the secrets to the bright color and fresh flavor.

Sparkling Lemonade

This sparkling lemonade recipe is easy to make at home and so refreshing! Adding bubbles to your lemonade to makes it even tastier. Make this summer drink with real lemon and soda water.

Strawberry Lemonade

Got fresh strawberries? Here’s one of the best ways to use them…a pitcher of homemade Strawberry Lemonade! This drink is bright and beautiful, citrusy with a hit of berry on the finish. It tastes infinitely better made at home: the flavors are brilliantly fresh.

Frozen Lemonade

This frozen lemonade is the ultimate tangy and refreshing drink! The burst of icy, citrusy flavor will make you melt. Even better, you don’t have to wait hours for anything to freeze: just whip it up with 3 ingredients on demand in a blender!

Raspberry Lemonade

This raspberry lemonade recipe is easy to make and bursting with fresh flavor! It’s loads better than anything you can buy from the store.

Watermelon Lemonade

Here’s summery lemonade recipe that takes it up a notch: Watermelon Lemonade! Grab a ripe, juicy melon and it’s absolute perfection paired with citrus. It’s one of our top watermelon drink ideas for the season.

Mint Lemonade

Here’s a lemonade recipe that’s ideal for summer sipping: Mint Lemonade! This recipe is ideal for when you have loads of this fresh herb on hand. The cooling, herbaceous notes of the mint are a perfect pair with the acidic pop of the lemon.

Cucumber Lemonade

Here’s a lemonade recipe that's absolutely perfect for summer: Cucumber Lemonade! The vegetable adds a cooling, vegetal finish to any drink that’s reminiscent of spa water. Combine that with the zing of the lemon, and it’s the ideal drink for sipping on the patio for a summer barbecue.

Basil Lemonade

Here’s a fun way to use this fresh herb: basil lemonade! It has a sweet tart, refreshing flavor with a pungent finish of basil to each sip. It’s simple to whip up at home with a quick infused basil syrup that brings that signature herbaceous pop.

Blueberry Lemonade

What’s more refreshing than a glass of sweet tart homemade lemonade? Here’s a fun variation on the theme: Blueberry Lemonade! Adding the popular berry to this sweet tart drink balances it with a berry nuance and gives it a brilliant purple color.

Ginger Lemonade

Got a load of ginger on hand? Let’s make Ginger Lemonade! Adding fresh ginger root to this popular beverage makes it even more irresistible: the spicy ginger is just the right pair with the acidic pop of the lemon!

Lavender Lemonade

This lavender lemonade has a tangy sweet flavor and is a lovely shade of light purple! It’s got just the right floral finish. Mix up this easy homemade lavender syrup.

Bourbon Lemonade

Bourbon lemonade is a perfect summer drink! Make fresh squeezed lemonade and swirl it with whiskey for a spicy finish.

Vodka Lemonade

Homemade vodka lemonade is sweet tart and ultra refreshing! It’s a tasty summer cocktail that works any time of year.

Spiked Lemonade

Spiked lemonade is the best sweet tart summer drink! Beat the heat with this fresh and boozy homemade lemonade.

Whiskey Lemonade

Whiskey Lemonade is a zippy cocktail is perfect for any season, and it’s as easy as two ingredients: whiskey and lemonade! Make it with homemade lemonade for best citrusy zing.

Gin and Lemonade

Try this Gin and Lemonade! Gin and lemon are a natural cocktail pairing featured in many classic drinks. Stir them together for a zingy, zippy easy cocktail.

Rum and Lemonade

Try Rum and Lemonade! It makes a deliciously refreshing cocktail you can make in just 2 minutes. It tastes much greater than the sum of its parts! The citrusy lemonade is the perfect foil for fruity rum.

Tequila Lemonade

Tequila and lemonade are the perfect pairing: the zippy citrus goes hand in hand with the zing of the spirit’s finish It comes together in a flash and even better: it makes a stellar easy version of a margarita!

Best citrus juicer for lemonade

The only hard part about making lemonade? Juicing those lemons! Promise us: don’t use your hands for this one. You’ll end up with a hand cramp!

The best choice is a press citrus juicer! This type is efficient and gets out even more juice than other types. Here’s the press juicer we recommend. It’s held up the best of any method, even after making 300+ cocktails.

Frequently asked questions

How long does homemade lemonade last?

Homemade lemonade is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor may change slightly over time, and the lemonade may become less vibrant. To keep it as fresh as possible, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use other citrus fruits besides lemons for lemonade?

Absolutely! While traditional lemonade is made with lemons, you can experiment by adding other citrus fruits like limes, oranges, or grapefruits to create unique and flavorful lemonade variations. Combine different citrus fruits for a more complex flavor profile.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemon juice is always preferred for the best flavor and aroma. Do not substitute bottled juice.

Homemade Lemonade (& More Recipes!)

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5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8

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Description

Here’s how to make the best lemonade recipe you’ll taste from real lemons! Using real citrus gives the best flavor. See above for variations like pink lemonade, sparkling, and more!

Ingredients

1 ½ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (7 to 8 large lemons)*
1 cup granulated sugar
7 cups water, divided
Ice
Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Juice the lemons.
Add the sugar and 1 cup warm water to a large pitcher and stir until it is dissolved.
Add 6 cups cold water and lemon juice. Add ice and serve.

Notes

*To make it by the glass: Squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice into a glass (1 large lemon, or two small). Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons warm water and stir until it dissolves. Add 1 cup cold water and a handful of ice.

Category: Drink
Method: Squeezed
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Watermelon Slushie

Sonja Overhiser — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

The watermelon slushie is an ultra refreshing summer drink! Made with just three ingredients, it’s a frosty flavor-popping treat that’s ready in minutes.

Why we love this recipe

Here’s an icy treat that’s absolutely ideal for summer. Who needs ice cream when you can have a Watermelon Slushie? Blend ripe melon, lime juice, and a little sweetener and you’ve got one deliciously refreshing sweet puree to sip.

This drink is ultra refreshing for summer, and a hit with adults and kids alike! Our kids go crazy over it, and we love that it’s a healthy-ish treat to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Featured reader comment

“I made this amazing recipe on a hot spring day and it was so refreshing and easy!”

Ingredients for a watermelon slushie

This watermelon slushie is the perfect summer treat because it’s laid-back and no-frills. All you need is 3 ingredients, plus ice! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:

Ripe watermelon: Use only ripe, in season watermelon for this recipe.
Lime juice: Fresh squeezed lime juice brings a welcome tang and brings out the sweet, tropical flavor of the melon.
Sugar: Just a hint of sugar heightens the flavors in this drink.

All you’ll do is blend these ingredients until they form watermelon juice, then add ice until a slushie texture forms. Here are a few things to note about the texture!

Achieving the perfect slushie texture

The texture of this watermelon slushie is icy yet loose. It’s not a watermelon smoothie, which has a thicker, creamier texture. Here are a few things to note:

Want it frostier? You can add a few more ice cubes. But the more ice you add, the more diluted the flavor becomes. Don’t add too much ice! When we tested with 4 cups of ice instead of 3, the flavor was too mild.
Enjoy right away! The slushie texture is perfect right out of the blender. It does melt quickly, so make sure to enjoy it right after you make it. It doesn’t store well!

How to find a ripe watermelon

The most important thing for a watermelon slushie? Find a ripe watermelon! Don’t even attempt to try this with an unripe melon: no amount of sugar can make up for the lack of flavor. Here’s what to know about finding a good melon:

Shop in watermelon season. It’s the best way to find a sweet, juicy melon.
Look for the field spot. Most watermelons should have a patch on the bottom, which is where they were resting on the ground before being picked. If the patch is yellow, the watermelon is ripe (if it’s white, it’s unripe).

Why to drink a watermelon slushie

Why make a watermelon slushie? You might not need convincing, but here’s what we think:

Watermelon is high in lycopene, an antioxidant, which studies show could help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s also got loads of vitamins. (Source WebMD: Health Benefits of Watermelon)
It’s very hydrating. Watermelon is 92% water, so it’s super hydrating!
It’s frosty and delicious. The best reason? It tastes incredible.

Variation: strawberry slushie

Got strawberries? Try our Strawberry Slushie!

More healthy watermelon drinks

There are so many ways to drink watermelon! Here are our top healthy watermelon drink ideas:

This Watermelon Water is incredibly refreshing
Blend up some Easy Watermelon Juice or Watermelon Cucumber Juice
Enjoy a frosty and sweet Watermelon Smoothie or Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon Water

Easy Watermelon Juice

Watermelon Cucumber Juice

Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Dietary notes

This watermelon slushie recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to seed the watermelon before blending?

No need for a seed-picking marathon! Use seedless watermelon for this recipe. Most watermelon slushie recipes blend the entire fruit, seeds and all. The seeds are tiny and don’t affect the texture.

My watermelon isn’t very sweet. Will the slushie still be tasty?

Use only ripe, sweet watermelon for a watermelon slushie. You can adjust the sweetness of your slushie by adding extra sweetener.

Is this slushie healthy?

Watermelon is a naturally hydrating fruit packed with vitamins and antioxidants. As long as you don’t add excessive sugar or processed ingredients, it’s a healthy and refreshing summer treat.

Watermelon Slushie (3 Ingredients!)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 6 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 small or 2 large

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Description

The watermelon slushie is an ultra refreshing summer drink! Made with just three ingredients, it’s a frosty flavor-popping treat that’s ready in minutes.

Ingredients

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 cups ice

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Instructions

Chop the watermelon into cubes. Blend the melon, sugar and lime juice until it becomes liquid.
Add the ice and blend until a slushie consistency forms (resist the urge over-blend). Split between 4 small or 2 large glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh mint and a watermelon wedge. Enjoy immediately: it does not save well.

Category: Drink
Method: Blended
Cuisine: Drinks
Diet: Vegan

Vanilla Iced Coffee

Sonja Overhiser — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:30:00 +0000

What’s better than a milky sweet vanilla iced coffee? It’s so simple to make this Starbucks classic at home, and it tastes even better.

Love a good iced coffee? Welcome to a drink that’s one step better: vanilla iced coffee! The bitter, dark notes of coffee shine with a hint of milk and deliciously sweet homemade vanilla syrup. The best part: it’s so simple to whip up this Starbucks special in your home kitchen! All you need are a handful of ingredients and just a few minutes. This drink is built on cold brew, which we always have a jar of in our refrigerator. It’s perfect in summer but honestly, we drink it year round and I adore it in the winter, dreaming of summer afternoons to come.

Ingredients in vanilla iced coffee

Vanilla iced coffee is simple to make at home, so there’s no need to even leave the comfort of your own home for the coffee shop! Even better, in the long run it’s less expensive than a daily Starbucks run (especially if you make your own cold brew at home). Here’s what you need for vanilla iced coffee:

Cold brew concentrate, strong coffee, or Moka Pot coffee
Milk of choice: 2%, whole, oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.
Vanilla syrup (vanilla extract and granulated sugar)
Ice

Best coffee methods for iced coffee

There are lots of options for coffee when it comes to iced coffee. Our favorite is cold brew, because it has the best strong coffee flavor and it’s easy to find at your local grocery store. You can also make it at home, which saves loads of money. Here are the best coffee methods to try:

Buy or make cold brew. Purchased cold brew is of course the easiest, but it can get pricey. You can also make your own cold brew, which takes just 24 hours. All you need are 1 ½ cups ground dark roast coffee and water, and it will brew in your refrigerator. Go to How to Make Cold Brew.
Make a double strength pot of coffee using your favorite method and double the grounds. Dark roast coffee beans work best for iced coffee.
Make regular strength Moka Pot coffee. The Bialetti makes a nice bold, strong flavor for iced coffee.

How to make vanilla iced coffee: basic steps

Iced coffee is much simpler to make than espresso drinks, since you don’t have to worry about making espresso or frothing milk! Instead, you can just pour cold milk into coffee with ice. Here is an overview of the steps to make vanilla iced coffee (or jump to the recipe below):

Step 1: Make the vanilla syrup.
Step 2: Fill a glass with ice.
Step 3: Add ½ cup strong coffee or cold brew, ¼ cup milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup to the glass. Stir and enjoy! You can adjust the level of sweetness to taste by adding another teaspoon of vanilla syrup.

Making vanilla syrup at home

It’s not worth going out to find a store-bought vanilla syrup for your vanilla iced latte (unless of course you already grabbed one at Starbucks!). It takes just minutes to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s how to make vanilla syrup:

Combine sugar and water: Place ½ cup each granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.
Heat until dissolved: Heat over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved. Do not simmer!
Stir in vanilla: Remove from the heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.

Store homemade vanilla syrup refrigerated for up to 1 month, though the flavor is best in the first few weeks.

More iced coffee drinks

We hope you think this vanilla iced coffee tastes just as good as Starbucks: or better! You can control the sweetness and milk level to taste, making it endlessly customizable.

Go for straight Iced Coffee or French Press Iced Coffee
Try an Iced Latte, Iced Vanilla Latte, or Iced Cappuccino
Go for Iced Espresso, Iced Americano, or Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso
Make an Iced Mocha or Iced White Chocolate Mocha

Iced Coffee

Iced Vanilla Latte

Iced Cappuccino

Iced White Chocolate Mocha

This vanilla iced coffee recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Vanilla Iced Coffee

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

What’s better than a milky sweet vanilla iced coffee? It’s so simple to make this Starbucks classic at home, and it tastes even better.

Ingredients

½ cup cold brew coffee concentrate (or purchased cold brew), strong coffee, or Moka Pot coffee
¼ cup milk of choice
2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla syrup
Ice

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Instructions

Make the strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature, or purchase or make cold brew coffee.
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the cold brew coffee concentrate (not diluted), milk, and vanilla syrup. Mix and taste; adjust milk and vanilla syrup as desired.

Category: Drink
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegan

Green Juice

Sonja Overhiser — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:20:00 +0000

This green juice recipe is easy to make in a blender and packs in the nutrients! The simple mix blends leafy greens, cucumber, citrus, and ginger for a delicious drink that’s refreshing and satisfying.

Why we love this recipe

Here’s a beautifully bright juice that’s packed full of nutrients: green juice, a blend of green veggies that come together into a healthy drink! It’s become quite the wellness trend, but keep in mind: green juice can’t cure diseases or make you skinnier. However, it is a great alternative to sugary soda that packs in all the nutrients of the blended vegetables.

This green juice recipe is delicious, lightly sweet and nuanced in flavor: not bitter at all! Even better, you can whip up it up right in your blender—no juicer required.

Green juice benefits: why drink it?

Why drink veggies in juice form? Well, many of the green juice benefits you may have heard of are over-hyped. Green juice does not make you skinnier or cure diseases. Much like celery juice, green juices have inflated health claims. Here’s what we do know:

Drinking green juice gives you all the benefits of the vegetables (except fiber). In fact, it’s even better to eat the whole vegetables. Consider munching on celery and cucumber with a healthy yogurt dip instead. Or, blend up some green smoothies!
Avoid juice cleanses. Research associates juice cleanses with disordered eating and a negative relationship with food (read more here).
Spinach, celery, and cucumbers are low in calories but high in nutrients. Drinking the juice gives you all the vitamins in these veggies.
Green juice is a good alternative to soda or sugary drinks. Instead the empty calories and sugar in a soda, this juice is hands down a better choice!

Head to Healthline to read more about Green Juice Risks and Benefits.

Ingredients in green juice

There’s no “standard” way to make green juice: every cook, restaurant, and juice bar has their own recipe! Often leafy greens like spinach, kale, or chard are used, along with celery, cucumber, and fresh herbs. What’s in our green juice? Here are the veggies we found essential to the mix:

Spinach: We like using baby spinach; you could also use baby kale or chopped kale.
Celery: Celery adds a nuance in flavor.
Cucumber: Cucumber gives hydrating, herbaceous notes to the flavor.
Apples: Apples round out the flavor, helping to offset any bitterness from the greens.
Ginger: Griner is optional, but it adds a nice spicy nuance.
Lemon juice: Citrus adds a brightness to the finish of each sip.

How to make green juice (in a blender)

You can make this green juice in a blender: it’s easy to make and comes together quickly. Here are the main steps to the blender version:

Blend all ingredients on high until pureed and smooth. It will look like a thick smoothie at this point. You’ll use a little water to help it blend.
Add ice and blend again! Add just 1 cup ice, and it will cool the green juice so you can drink it right away. This is a fun feature because most juices you’ll have to wait a few hours for it to chill.
Strain. Strain the juice through a medium or fine mesh strainer or using a nut milk bag. Using a medium mesh strainer results in juice with more pulp, which will give you more fiber. A fine mesh sieve makes it perfectly clear.

Variation: use a juicer

You can also make this green juice recipe with a standard juicer! Simply pass all the produce through the juicer, and omit the ice and water in the recipe below. Then chill the juice until it’s fully cold before serving.

What to do with green juice pulp

Do you save your juice pulp? Honestly, we typically throw it away. It can feel wasteful to dump all that fiber, but unfortunately there aren’t many genius things to do with it! Here’s what we might use it for:

Add to smoothies. Save the pulp and add it to smoothies. You can even freeze it to get an icy texture! Try it in any of our green smoothie recipes.
Put it in the compost! Really, this organic matter is best in your compost pile. Here’s more about Composting 101.

More green drinks

Is it better to drink green smoothies than green juice? Well, in a way: you get more of the fiber in these tasty veggies! Plus, they’re more filling and work as a breakfast or snack. Here are a few of our top green drinks:

Try a Green Smoothie or Detox Smoothie.
Opt for leafy greens with a Spinach Smoothie or Kale Smoothie.
Go big on veggies with a Celery Smoothie, Cucumber Smoothie, Avocado Smoothie, or Broccoli Smoothie.

Glowing Green Smoothie

Best Spinach Smoothie

Best Kale Smoothie

Perfect Avocado Smoothie

Dietary notes

This green juice recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions

Does this green juice taste too “green”?

Surprisingly, green juice doesn’t have to taste like grass! By combining the right mix of leafy greens, fruits, and even herbs, you can create delicious and refreshing green juice blends.

Can I just eat more vegetables instead?

Yes, you can do that too! Eating whole vegetables is essential. Green juice simply offers a concentrated dose of nutrients.

Is green juice a meal replacement?

Green juice is a healthy supplement but not a complete meal replacement. It’s best enjoyed alongside balanced meals to ensure you get a variety of nutrients, fiber, and protein.

What’s the best juicer to use?

There are many types of juicers available. For beginners, a masticating juicer is a good option as it extracts the most juice while preserving nutrients. You can also make this green juice recipe with a blender.

Can I make green juice ahead of time?

Freshly made green juice is best, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Green Juice Recipe (Easy & Delicious!)

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4 from 4 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 3 cups

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Description

This green juice recipe is easy to make in a blender and packs in the nutrients! The simple mix blends leafy greens, cucumber, citrus, and ginger for a delicious drink that’s refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 cup water
2 medium apples, cut into chunks
3 cups baby spinach leaves (or chopped spinach or baby kale)
2 celery ribs, roughly chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
½ tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
Optional: 1/2-inch piece ginger, peeled
1 cup ice

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Instructions

Wash the produce.
Add the water, apples, spinach, celery, cucumber, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Add 1 cup ice and blend again. Pass the mixture through a medium or fine mesh strainer / sieve or nut milk bag into a bowl (medium mesh contains some of the fiber in the juice; fine mesh makes it completely clear). Pour into a glass and serve, or refrigerate until serving (or up to 24 hours).
Juicer variation: To make this in a juicer, simply pass all the produce through a juicer, then refrigerate and chill until cold (omit the water and ice).

Category: Drink
Method: Blended
Cuisine: Juice
Diet: Vegan

Iced Vanilla Latte

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:05:00 +0000

Indulge with a creamy and refreshing iced vanilla latte! This Starbucks special is the perfect pick-me-up, made with rich espresso, smooth vanilla syrup, and cold milk.

Love a great iced vanilla latte at Starbucks? This creamy, dreamy beverage is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day, or anytime you need a little boost. Even better, it’s so easy to whip up at home! Made with just a few simple ingredients—espresso, vanilla syrup, cold milk, and ice—it’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed plain or customized to your liking. You’ll just need to make a delicious vanilla syrup, which takes just a few minutes to simmer on the stovetop.

What’s in an iced vanilla latte?

The iced vanilla latte is a Starbucks drink that combines espresso, vanilla syrup, ice, and cold milk. It’s a spin on the iced latte, a drink that’s the cold version of a latte (espresso plus steamed milk). An iced latte at Starbucks usually uses straight milk, but to simulate the steamed milk in a latte you can lightly froth it before adding it to the drink. Here’s what you’ll need to make an iced vanilla latte at home:

1 double shot espresso
¼ cup whole milk or oat milk
2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla syrup, homemade or purchased
Ice

How to make a vanilla iced latte: basic steps

A vanilla iced latte is simpler to make at home than the hot vanilla latte, since you don’t have to steam or froth milk. Instead, you can shake the milk in a jar to add a bit of froth, or simply use cold milk. Here is an overview of the steps to make an iced latte (or jump to the recipe below):

Step 1: Make the vanilla syrup.
Step 2: Make a double shot of espresso.
Step 3: Froth ¼ cup whole milk by shaking it in a covered jar or whisking until frothy.
Step 4: Pour the espresso and 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla syrup over ice. Add milk and serve.

How to make the espresso

The trickiest part of making an iced vanilla latte at home? Finding the best espresso method. The optimal method is an espresso machine, but they’re expensive and not accessible for most home baristas. There are several different methods for how to make espresso without a machine, which we’ve listed below.

Before you start, make sure to use espresso roast coffee beans. It’s important to get the right dark, bitter flavor. Use a fine grind on the espresso beans. Some brands we recommend: Illy, Starbucks or Intelligentsia. The best methods for making espresso at home are:

Espresso machine: An espresso machine is the best option: it makes incredible espresso but it’s pricy.
Portable espresso maker: A manual espresso maker is a great affordable option that makes very good espresso.
French press: French press espresso works well if you have this coffee tool on hand.
Moka Pot: Or, make very strong espresso-like coffee in a Moka Pot (Bialetti). It works impressively well!

Making vanilla syrup at home

Combine sugar and water: Place ½ cup each granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.
Heat until dissolved: Heat over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved. Do not simmer!
Stir in vanilla: Remove from the heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.

That’s it! You can store it refrigerated for up to 1 month, though the flavor is best in the first few weeks.

More iced coffee and tea drinks

That’s all you need to know to make an iced vanilla latte at home: we hope you find it tastes as good as Starbucks! Let us know any questions in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more iced coffees and tea lattes, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few more Starbucks specials you can make at home:

Grab a Perfect Iced Latte or Iced Cappuccino
Go for an Iced Matcha Latte, Almond Milk Latte or Oat Milk Latte
Try Iced Espresso, Iced Americano, or Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso
Go cozy with an Iced Chai Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Opt for simple with Iced Coffee or Vanilla Iced Coffee

Perfect Iced Latte

Iced Matcha Latte

Iced Espresso

Vanilla Iced Coffee

Iced Vanilla Latte

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Indulge with a creamy and refreshing iced vanilla latte! This Starbucks special is the perfect pick-me-up, made with rich espresso, smooth vanilla syrup, and cold milk.

Ingredients

2 shots espresso (2 ounces or ¼ cup)
2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla syrup
¼ cup whole milk (or oat milk for vegan)
Ice

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Instructions

Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot.
Froth the milk: Place the milk in a covered jar and shake until foamy.
Serve: Add the espresso to ice-filled glass. Stir in the vanilla syrup and top with the frothed milk. Enjoy immediately.

Category: Drink
Method: Espresso
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegan

Iced Matcha Latte

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 02:06:00 +0000

Here’s how to make an iced matcha latte! This recipe tastes just like a coffeeshop, except it’s homemade in minutes. Creamy and frothy, it’s the perfect way to start your day or as an afternoon pick me up.

A matcha latte is one thing, but the iced matcha latte is like a whole new category of drink. It’s perfectly chilled, lusciously creamy, with just the right hint of sweetness. If you love a good Starbucks iced matcha latte, guess what? You can recreate it in the comfort of your own home. It’s even faster and easier than a matcha latte! This is the ideal afternoon drink for us

Ingredients in an iced matcha latte

An iced matcha latte is an iced spin on the matcha latte, a drink made of green tea and frothed milk. An iced latte takes only a few minutes to mix up in the comfort of your own home. It’s easier than the heated version because you don’t have to steam or froth the milk. There’s something about the iced version that’s uniquely refreshing: the bitterness of the matcha melds more seamlessly into the chilled milk. The ingredients for an iced matcha latte are:

Matcha (green tea powder), latte grade
Honey (or maple syrup or agave syrup)
Water
Milk: Skim milk, oat milk or almond milk

Grades of matcha: Ceremonial grade, latte grade, and cooking grade

Grades of matcha

Matcha is a fine powder made of ground green tea leaves that originated in East Asia. It’s consumed as part of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and an integral part of Japanese culture. There are three grades of matcha that correspond to quality:

Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest grade and fit for tea ceremonies; it has the brightest green color and smoothest flavor (find it here).
Latte grade matcha is slightly less bright green and has more bitter flavor (find it here).
Cooking grade matcha is greenish brown in color and fairly bitter in flavor.

For this iced matcha latte, we prefer either Ceremonial grade or Latte grade matcha for the brightest color and the best smooth flavor. We used the Ceremonial grade here, and it was fantastic! It’s worth the difference in price, and you only use a teaspoon at a time.

Best milk for an iced latte

The best milk for an iced matcha latte is different from the hot latte. For a hot latte, whole milk is key for getting the best frothy texture to the steamed or frothed milk. However, it’s the opposite for an iced latte!

The best dairy milk for an iced latte is skim milk. For some reason, the cold matcha just doesn’t work with whole milk. The skim milk has just the right body to pair with the cold matcha. (Trust us!)
The best non-dairy milk for an iced latte is oat milk, with a second choice of almond milk. Non-dairy milk shines in an iced matcha latte! Something about less milkfat just works here. Our favorite is oat milk, but almond milk is also great.

How to make an iced matcha latte

Once you’ve got your hands on the ingredients, let’s make an iced matcha latte! In fact, you can probably make it quicker than reading this article. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

Make the matcha. Whisk the matcha with water to make a paste, then add more water and whisk until it’s frothy. You can use a classic bamboo whisk that’s used for a cup of matcha or a regular whisk. (Here’s more on how to make matcha.)
Add the sweetener. Honey is a great pair flavor-wise with matcha, or use maple syrup. You could also try Vanilla Syrup for a twist!
Froth the milk. Simply place it in a jar, cover and shake for 30 seconds. You can also skip this step if desired.
Combine and add ice. Add the matcha, frothed milk, and ice. You’re latte ready!

Caffeine in an iced matcha latte

Contrary to what you might think, tea lattes do have caffeine. This iced matcha latte has 1 teaspoon matcha powder, which contains 68 milligrams of caffeine. This is about one third less the amount in a cup of coffee, which has about 100 milligrams.

Compare this to a double shot espresso, the amount typically in coffee lattes, which weighs in at 128 milligrams of caffeine.

Step it up: add cold foam!

Want to step up your iced matcha latte, Starbucks style? Add cold foam! Cold foam is frothed nonfat milk that makes a frothy topping for cold coffee drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, and more. It simulates the frothy topping of the steamed milk in a latte, but at a cold temperature so it doesn’t melt when hitting the drink.

When you order an iced matcha latte at Starbucks, you can order it with a topping of cold foam. So why not try it at home? It’s fast and easy with a milk frother. Here’s How to Make Cold Foam.

And that’s it! Let us know what you think of your latte in the comments below. Or tag us on Instagram when you make it!

More iced coffees and teas

There’s something so refreshing about an iced latte: they’re one of our favorite coffee and tea drinks to splurge on! Here are a few more tasty iced lattes:

Try the classic Perfect Iced Latte or Iced Vanilla Latte with espresso
Opt for an Iced Chai Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Grab an Iced Espresso or Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso
Learn How to Make Iced Coffee or try Vanilla Iced Coffee

Perfect Iced Latte

Iced Chai Latte

Iced Espresso

Iced Coffee

This iced matcha latte is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Iced Matcha Latte

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Ingredients

1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder*
2 ounces (¼ cup) cool filtered water
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup or vanilla syrup)
6 ounces (¾ cup) skim milk, oat milk or almond milk
Step it up: add Cold Foam!

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Instructions

Whisk the matcha: Add the matcha to a spouted bowl or glass liquid measuring cup. Add a drizzle of the cool water and whisk the matcha with a bamboo whisk or regular whisk to form it into a paste. Add the remaining cool water and whisk vigorously back and forth until a thick foamy layer appears, about 20 to 30 seconds. Or, you can simply shake the matcha powder and cool water in a jar until frothy.
Add honey: Add the honey and whisk a few more seconds.
Froth the milk: Froth the milk by placing it in a jar with a lid and shaking vigorously for 30 seconds. (You can skip this step if desired and use plain milk.)
Serve: Pour the matcha into an iced-filled glass. Pour the frothed milk over the matcha, stir, and enjoy. (To step up the drink, stir well then add Cold Foam on top!)

Notes

*For the brightest green color and best flavor, we recommend this Ceremonial Grade Matcha. This Latte Grade Matcha also works, but has a more muted color and bitter flavor. Avoid Cooking Grade Matcha here; the flavor isn’t up to snuff.

Category: Drink
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Tea
Diet: Vegan

Oat Milk Latte

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 00:55:00 +0000

Upgrade your coffee routine with this creamy oat milk latte! Oat milk is the perfect plant-based alternative for coffee lovers, offering a smooth and slightly sweet flavor that complements your favorite beans. It steams and froths like a dream, creating a barista-worthy experience right at home.

There’s one non-dairy milk that outshines them all when it comes to coffee drinks: oat milk! This tasty plant-based milk is extra creamy with a mild, sweet flavor, and it steams up like a charm. So it’s absolutely natural it shines in this oat milk latte! You’ll be amazed by how frothy and creamy oat milk can be. Mix it with espresso, and it’s just as satisfying as a classic latte (we think!).

Why oat milk?

Sure, you can use any non-dairy milk in a latte. But oat milk has become popular in coffee culture because of its similarities to dairy milk, without the dairy. Here are a few advantages of using oat milk in lattes:

Flavor: Oat milk’s creamy texture and mild sweetness complement coffee flavors.
Texture: Oat milk steams and froths well, creating a smooth and frothy latte. This is not the case with other non-dairy milks like almond milk and soy milk, which are more difficult to make frothy.
Health Benefits: Oat milk has a high fiber content, as well as being dairy and lactose free.

What’s in an oat milk latte?

The oat milk latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and oat milk, instead of whole milk like a classic latte. Oat milk is widely known as the best dairy-free milk for coffee. Why? Its flavor and texture are the best at mimicking dairy milk, and it becomes thick and foamy when frothed or steamed. The ingredients you need for an oat milk latte are:

1 double shot espresso
½ /cup oat milk (regular)

There are lots of oat milk brands that are easy to find at your local grocery these days (we like Planet Oat but there are many others). Let us know what brands you find are best for coffee in the comments below.

How to make an oat milk latte: basic steps

To make an oat milk latte, you’ll need to make espresso and froth or steam the oat milk! Here’s an outline of the steps, and a bit more below with details about the methods. Here’s how to make an oat milk latte:

Step 1: Make a double shot of espresso (see the methods below).
Step 2: Steam or froth the oat milk (see the methods below).
Step 3: Pour the steamed milk into the espresso.

Best homemade espresso methods

First up for any latte, you’ve got to have a great homemade espresso method! We have an espresso machine at home, but they are fairly expensive. There are lots of ways to make espresso without a machine, too. Here are our favorite methods:

Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso is with a countertop espresso machine: it makes the best espresso, hands down! Go to How to Make Espresso.
Manual espresso maker, or French press, or Moka Pot (Bialetti): Without a machine, you can use a small manual espresso maker: it’s cheaper and portable! French press espresso is great, or you can also make Moka Pot coffee for a dark, espresso like flavor.

How to froth or steam oat milk

You can use an espresso machine to steam oat milk, or if you don’t have an espresso machine you can froth it! Either way, it is the closest non-dairy milk to dairy milk. It can become very frothy and thick using either method. This makes it our favorite to use for non-dairy lattes! Here are the various methods:

Steam the oat milk (espresso machine): This achieves a latte texture similar to a coffeeshop, with a thick, microfoam-like layer on top. Go to How to Steam Milk.
Froth the oat milk (without a machine): There are several ways to froth oat milk. The best method is a hand frother, but you can also use a French press or whisk. Go to How to Froth Milk.

Pour the frothed milk into the dark, bitter espresso and take a sip. You’ll be blown away by the creaminess of the oat milk! Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Variations on an oat milk latte

You can make flavored oat milk lattes just like with standard lattes! Here are a few ideas:

Vanilla oat milk latte: Add ½ tablespoon vanilla syrup
Lavender oat milk latte: Add 1 tablespoon lavender simple syrup
Pumpkin spice oat milk latte: Make this Pumpkin Spice Latte with oat milk.

More coffee drinks

Love a good latte? Craving a macchiato? Here are all of the top coffee drinks to make at home, with lots of dairy free options using oat milk:

Try an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso, Oat Milk Latte or Almond Milk Coffee
Opt for a Iced Cappuccino, Iced Americano, Iced Espresso, Frozen Coffee or Mocha Frappe
Get a jolt of caffeine with Red Eye Coffee
Go cozy with a Pumpkin Spice Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
Make easy Cowboy Coffee (aka, how to make coffee without a maker)
Try the Perfect Iced Latte
Opt for a Lungo or Ristretto

Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso

Almond Milk Coffee (Hot & Iced)

Red Eye Coffee

Perfect Iced Latte

This oat milk latte recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Oat Milk Latte

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Ingredients

2 espresso shots (2 ounces or ¼ cup, or substitute strong coffee)
4 ounces (½ cup) oat milk (double for two servings when steaming)

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Instructions

Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. Go to How to Make Espresso for instructions.
Steam or froth the milk: Steam the milk with an espresso machine, or heat and then froth the milk using your method of choice (milk frother, French press, whisk or covered jar). It’s easiest to steam or froth 1 cup of milk for 2 drinks. Go to How to Steam Milk or How to Froth Milk for details on each.
Serve: Pour the milk into the center of the espresso, ending with light foam (using half the steamed or frothed milk for 1 drink).

Category: Drink
Method: Espresso
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegan

Iced Coffee

Sonja Overhiser — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:06:00 +0000

Here’s how to make iced coffee at home! This iced coffee recipe makes a bold and creamy drink that’s even better than a coffeeshop.

There’s something about holding a creamy, bold and sweet iced coffee that makes life just a little bit better! The best way to make iced coffee at home is simple, using strong coffee or cold brew concentrate, ice, and milk. It gives the best rich, bold coffee flavor, and it’s cheaper and tastes better than at your local chain coffee shop! Here’s how to make iced coffee at home: plus, variations like iced espresso, iced lattes, iced cappuccinos, and more.

How to make iced coffee

How to make iced coffee at home? It’s so simple! You can use either strong coffee (double strength) or cold brew. Cold brew has a smooth, refreshing flavor and even better: it makes a big pitcher that you can drink off of for days! You can purchase cold brew or make it homemade. The nice part about cold brew is that you can store it in the refrigerator to make up single serving iced coffee all week long! Here’s how to make a classic iced coffee:

Make or purchase the coffee. Make strong coffee using double the amount of grounds as your regular method, make or purchase cold brew concentrate, or make Moka Pot coffee.
Mix up a single serving. To make iced coffee, take ½ cup strong coffee or cold brew concentrate and mix it with 1 cup ice, 2 tablespoons milk or creamer, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or simple syrup.

Best coffee methods for iced coffee

There are lots of options for coffee for your iced coffee. Our favorite is cold brew, because it has the best strong coffee flavor. Also, it’s easy to find at your local grocery store, making the process extremely simple. Here are the best coffee methods for iced coffee:

Make a double strength pot of coffee using your favorite method and double the grounds. Dark roast coffee beans work best for iced coffee.
Buy or make cold brew. To make your own cold brew, grind 1 ½ cups dark roast coffee to a medium coarse grind and measure out 1 ½ cups of grounds. Place 6 cups filtered water in a large jar, add the coffee grounds to the water, then twist on the top of the jar and mix by shaking the jar a few times. Refrigerate and wait 24 hours. Then pour the coffee into a strainer with a towel placed inside.
Make regular strength Moka Pot coffee. The Bialetti make the perfect bold, strong flavor for iced coffee.
Use a French press. Make French Press Iced Coffee. This small pitcher with a plunger is a genius tool for making various types of coffee. You might generally think of it for hot coffee, but the French press is great for cold coffee too! This recipe is ready in 10 minutes.
Use a Chemex. Make Chemex Iced Coffee. This iced coffee recipe is great for Chemex lovers and takes only 10 minutes! You don’t have to chill overnight or for hours: make it right when you’re craving it.

Best milk for iced coffee

You can drink iced coffee black or mix it with dairy for some creamy body. If you order iced coffee at Starbucks, it comes with no milk or creamer (but it does have sweetener). Here are some of the best ways to add richness and body to an iced coffee:

Whole or 2% milk: Dairy milk lends a drinkable, creamy body to iced coffee.
Half and half or heavy cream: These dairy products add luxurious, creamy richness to the coffee.
Creamer: Any type of dairy or non-dairy creamer you have on hand works.
Oat milk or almond milk: Oat milk is our favorite for iced coffee; it has a creamier body than almond milk. But any non-dairy milk works!

Sweeteners

You can use any type of sweetener in iced coffee you like! The traditional sweetener is simple syrup, but there are lots of other options. The best sweeteners for iced coffee are:

Simple syrup: Simple syrup is a common drink sweetener that you can make by dissolving equal parts water and granulated sugar (see How to Make Simple Syrup)
Maple syrup: Maple syrup is our favorite sweetener for drinks as it also adds subtle caramel notes (it doesn’t have a strong maple flavor)
Agave syrup: Agave syrup comes from the agave plant and adds a nice, neutral sweetness to iced coffee
Vanilla syrup: Make vanilla iced coffee by using easy-to-make Vanilla Syrup
Brown sugar syrup: Make Brown Sugar Syrup using brown sugar and water
Lavender syrup: Make a lavender iced coffee with Lavender Simple Syrup

Other types of iced coffee

The recipe below is a basic iced coffee recipe. But there are lots of other ways to make an iced caffeinated beverage: as an iced latte, iced cappuccino, and more! Here are our favorite iced coffee recipes:

Iced latte: The Iced Latte is made with espresso, ice and frothed milk. The dark coffee is balanced by delicate sweetness and creamy milk is an absolute delight.
Iced espresso: An Iced Espresso stars the bold, rich flavor of espresso, with a hint of plain milk and simple syrup to balance out the flavor. Also try an Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso, made with oat milk and brown sugar syrup.
Iced cappuccino: An Iced Cappuccino combines espresso and a splash of milk with ice, then is topped with a layer of fluffy cold foam.
Iced mocha: The Iced Mocha makes a frothy, creamy drink that’s luxuriously sippable, balancing bitter espresso with chocolate chips, simple syrup and frothy milk. Also try an Iced White Chocolate Mocha.
Iced Americano: The Iced Americano is a refreshing, bold and bitter coffee drink, pairing espresso, water and ice.

Perfect Iced Latte

Iced Espresso

Iced Cappuccino

Iced Mocha

This recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For plant-based, dairy-free, and vegan, use oat milk or almond milk.

Iced Coffee

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No reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yield: 1 iced coffee

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Description

Here’s how to make iced coffee at home! Or, try these variations: Chemex Iced Coffee, French Press Iced Coffee, Iced Espresso, Iced Latte, Iced Cappuccino or Iced Americano.

Ingredients

½ cup cold brew coffee concentrate (or purchased cold brew), strong coffee, or Moka Pot coffee
2 tablespoons milk, creamer, oat milk, or almond milk
1 teaspoon maple syrup or simple syrup
1 cup ice

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Instructions

Make the strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature, or purchase or make cold brew coffee.
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the cold brew coffee concentrate (not diluted), milk, and maple syrup. Mix and enjoy!

Category: Drink
Method: Stirred
Cuisine: American

Vanilla Latte

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 21:02:00 +0000

The vanilla latte recipe is warm and cozy, pairing espresso with milk and homemade vanilla syrup! There’s a reason this drink is a coffeeshop staple. Its creamy, sweet flavor and comforting aroma are the perfect pick me up any time of the day!

Love a good latte? Here’s a tasty variation to try: the vanilla latte! This spin on the classic features homemade vanilla syrup with the traditional espresso and milk. This delicious, classic latte is like the ones you can get in a cute European-style café, flavored with a lightly sweet, vanilla-scented essence. It’s outrageously cozy, especially in the fall and winter: though of course you can drink it anytime! Or, make it an Iced Vanilla Latte instead.

What’s in a vanilla latte?

A vanilla latte is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup. It’s easy to make vanilla syrup at home: all you’ll need is a few minutes, some sugar, and vanilla extract. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this drink:

1 double shot espresso
½ cup whole milk, or oat milk for vegan
½ tablespoon vanilla simple syrup, made with granulated sugar and vanilla extract

Vanilla syrup is quick to make at home!

How to make a vanilla latte: basic steps

This vanilla latte recipe is similar to a basic cafe latte, the only difference is that you’ll add vanilla syrup when steaming or frothing the milk. Otherwise, it’s the same basic concept! You’ll need to find a great espresso method and a great steaming or frothing method. Here’s the overview of what to do:

Step 1: Make 1 double shot of espresso (see the methods below).
Step 2: Steam or froth the milk with the vanilla syrup (see the methods below).
Step 3: Pour the steamed vanilla milk into the espresso.

Making espresso at home

The key to a latte is a great method for homemade espresso. You don’t need a countertop espresso machine, but this tool does make the highest quality espresso! However, you can make a great espresso shot in a manual espresso maker or French press. Here are some methods we recommend:

Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso is with a countertop espresso machine: it makes the best espresso, hands down! Go to How to Make Espresso.
Manual espresso maker: Without a machine, you can use a small manual espresso maker: it’s cheaper and portable!
French press: French press espresso is delicious and a good substitute for a machine.
Moka Pot (Bialetti): Try Moka Pot coffee for a dark, espresso like flavor.

Steaming milk vs frothing

The other thing you need for this vanilla latte recipe? Steamed or frothed milk! If you’ve got an espresso machine you can steam it. Otherwise use one of the frothing methods below. Whole milk makes the best vanilla latte: is has the richest flavor and best frothy foam topping. If you’d like, you can use oat milk for a vegan latte; it’s the best non-dairy milk for frothing. Here’s what to know:

Steam the milk with an espresso machine: If you’ve got an espresso machine, this is the way to go! The process requires a little technique, but the result is rich, creamy microfoam. Go to How to Steam Milk.
Froth the milk by hand: There are several ways to froth milk. The best method is a hand frother, but you can also use a French press or whisk. Go to How to Froth Milk.

For the vanilla syrup

This vanilla syrup is a variation on a simple syrup: a liquid sweetener made with equal parts sugar and water. It’s popular for its use in Starbucks drinks: you can buy it bottled but it’s also easy to make at home. While vanilla beans make for great flavor, they can be pricey. Save those beans for baking: turns out, you can make a delicious syrup using extract! Here’s how to make vanilla syrup:

Combine sugar and water: Place ½ cup each granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan on the stove.
Heat until dissolved: Heat over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved. Do not simmer!
Stir in vanilla extract: Remove from the heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Cool to room temperature before using.

Variation: iced vanilla latte

A popular variation on this drink? The Iced Vanilla Latte! This drink is even easier because you don’t need to steam or froth the milk. We like to give it a little shake in a ball jar to get it foamy before adding to the espresso and vanilla syrup. It’s ultra delicious: head over to this Iced Vanilla Latte recipe.

More latte recipes

There seems to be a latte recipe for every moment and season! Here are a few of our favorite lattes featuring both coffee and tea:

Try a classic Latte
Go seasonal with Pumpkin Spice Latte or Lavender Latte
Try alternative milk with an Oat Milk Latte
Go for tea with a Tea Latte, Chai Latte, Vanilla Chai Latte or Matcha Latte
Add ice with an Iced Latte, Iced Vanilla Latte, Iced Matcha Latte, or Iced Chai Latte

How to Make a Latte

Perfect Iced Latte

Chai Latte

Lavender Latte

Vanilla Latte

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5 from 2 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Ingredients

2 espresso shots (2 ounces)
4 ounces (½ cup) fresh whole milk or oat milk* (double for two servings when steaming)
½ tablespoon vanilla syrup

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Instructions

If not made already, make the vanilla syrup.
Make the espresso: Make the espresso using an espresso machine, manual espresso maker, French press, or Moka Pot. Go to How to Make Espresso for instructions.
Steam or froth the milk and vanilla syrup (double batch): Add the vanilla syrup to the milk. Steam the milk with an espresso machine, or heat and then froth the milk using your method of choice (milk frother, French press, whisk or covered jar). It’s easiest to steam or froth 1 cup of milk for 2 drinks, so use 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup. Go to How to Steam Milk or How to Froth Milk for details on each.
Serve: Pour the milk into the center of the espresso, ending with light foam (using half the steamed or frothed milk for 1 drink).

Notes

*Whole milk works best; milk that is a few weeks old may not froth. You can also use oat milk for a vegan latte.

Category: Drink
Method: Espresso
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegetarian

Butterbeer

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:30:00 +0000

This butterbeer recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime.

Want to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Try this Butterbeer recipe! Our son has become obsessed with Hogwarts and this recipe is an easy way to recreate the series drink. It’s so tasty, bubbly with a butterscotch flavor and a frothy top! Many recipes are extremely sugary but our take is toned back so it lets all the flavors shine through (and you or the children you’re making it for won’t be bouncing off the walls). It’s perfect for parties, Halloween, and any occasion where you need a little magic!

What is butterbeer?

Butterbeer is a fictional drink in the Harry Potter series that’s beloved by wizards. It is first mentioned in the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and has a level of alcohol that doesn’t affect witches and wizards. The concept is based on an actual drink called buttered beer that originated in England in the 1500’s. That drink was made with beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter (similar to something like buttered rum).

Author J.K. Rowling reportedly told Bon Appetit magazine that the taste of butterbeer should be like a “less sickly butterscotch.” In April 2010 Universal Studios announced a non-alcoholic butterbeer drink sold at their Harry Potter World, which was tasted and approved by Rowling herself!

Ingredients in butterbeer

No one knows the exact ingredients in the official Universal Studios butterbeer recipe (except this guy). However, the flavor of butterbeer is reminiscent of cream soda. Most copycat recipes include cream soda, butterscotch syrup and cream or ice cream for a frothy topping.

This butterbeer recipe is unique because it’s got all those classic flavors but a little less sugar to let them all shine! It’s built like an Italian soda, with soda water, flavored syrup, and cream. Here’s what you’ll need:

Butterscotch syrup, like Torani
Vanilla extract
Yellow and brown food coloring
Soda water
Heavy cream

Tips for making butterbeer

This butterbeer recipe is like a butterscotch-flavored Italian soda, a drink made of club soda and flavored syrup, often served with cream on top. The concept was invented by an Italian American couple who introduced Italian soda in San Francisco in 1925. It took off and has been popular ever since! Here are a few tips for making and serving butterbeer:

Whisk 2 tablespoons heavy cream until slightly thickened. Reserve this for the topping.
Mix a splash of soda water with 2 tablespoons butterscotch syrup in a small beer mug or glass. Add 3 drops yellow and 1 small drop brown food coloring to simulates the beer coloring (which is the main coloring agent in cream soda).
Add 1 cup soda water. Do this right before serving to preserve the bubbles.
Top with the cream to simulate the frothy top of a beer. Enjoy!

Harry Potter themed mugs and glasses

The best way to serve butterbeer is in a small beer mug! We like these small glass beer mugs. You can also serve it in Harry Potter themed glasses. We like this set of Hogwarts crest glasses that have the crest of each of the houses, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Our son especially loves drinking anything out of these!

Of course if you’re serving butterbeer for a party, you can use disposable glasses or cups of your choice. Keep in mind the finished drink has about 1 ¼ cups volume with about 1-inch extra room needed for the foam.

Spiked variation

Want to make a spiked butterbeer? This butterbeer recipe works beautifully with rum. Add 1 oz añejo rum to each serving of butterbeer, which adds notes of vanilla and oak. We think it’s best with rum, but you could also try something like vanilla vodka if desired.

More fun homemade drinks

This butterbeer drink is a fun and easy homemade drink that kids and adults alike love! It’s fun for parties, as a Halloween drink, or anytime you need a fun cooking project with kids. Here are a few more homemade drinks to add to your arsenal:

Make Best Homemade Lemonade
Go for a Homemade Hot Chocolate or Chai Latte
Make Frozen Coffee or Frozen Hot Chocolate
Go for an Italian Soda or Orange Cream Soda

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Frozen Coffee

Italian Soda

Orange Cream Soda

This butterbeer recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free.

Butterbeer

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Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

This butterbeer recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate the classic Harry Potter drink! Perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (1 oz) flavored butterscotch syrup, like Torani
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
3 drops yellow food coloring
1 small drop brown food coloring
1 cup (8 oz) soda water
2 tablespoons (1 oz) heavy cream, whisked until slightly thick

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Instructions

In a mug or glass, stir together the butterscotch syrup, vanilla extract, food colorings, and a splash of soda water. (Spiked variation: Add 1 oz añejo rum.)
Top with the remaining soda water. Carefully pour cream across top and serve.

Category: Drink
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

How to Make Espresso Without a Machine (4 Ways!)

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:19:00 +0000

Don’t have a fancy espresso maker? No problem. Here are all the best ways for how to make espresso without a machine!

Want espresso but don’t have a fancy espresso machine? You don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for great espresso at home! An espresso machine makes top quality espresso with the best smooth flavor and foamy crema on top. But there are several inexpensive tools you can make to try to approximate the flavor. Here’s what to know about how to make espresso without a machine!

Method 1: Portable espresso maker

The best way to make espresso without a machine? A portable espresso maker. This small device lets you manually push the water through the coffee into the cup. It’s small, portable, and easy to use for traveling or to take to an office!

The flavor isn’t quite as tasty as espresso with a machine, and the crema is not as rich and abundant. But the flavor is surprisingly decent and at $65, it’s a steal! It’s also small and easy to hide away in cabinets or take traveling.

To make espresso with a portable espresso maker, follow the instructions that come with the espresso maker you buy. Here’s the maker we use.

Method 2: French press espresso

The next best way to make espresso without a machine? A French press. The French press is a great way to make espresso, and it’s perfect if you have one on hand to make coffee. This is our top choice for how to make espresso without an espresso-specific tool, because the flavor is pretty comparable to the real thing.

The French press can’t achieve a foamy crema like the first two espresso making methods and you will end up with some sediment in your cup. But for a brewed coffee method, it gets pretty close to the flavor of a true espresso. It’s great for making espresso for coffee drinks or an affogato.

How to make espresso with a French press

Grind the coffee: Grind ½ cup dark roast coffee beans to a medium fine grind.
Heat the water: Heat ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons water to hot but not boiling (200 to 205°F).
Add coffee and wait 4 minutes: Add the medium fine ground espresso coffee to the French press. Top with the hot water and stir. Set a timer and wait 4 minutes.
Plunge: Place the lid on the French press and slowly press on the plunger all the way down.

For more details and the full method, go to French Press Espresso.

Method 3: Moka pot espresso

The Moka Pot is a great way to achieve a dark, rich flavored coffee. It’s not exactly espresso, but it tastes so similar you can use it as a stand-in for espresso drinks. It’s more like an Americano than espresso. The Moka Pot is also known as a Bialetti, which is the brand name. It’s stovetop method for making strong coffee by forcing steam through coffee grounds. It makes a deliciously rich pot of coffee, and is popular in Europe and the US.

The flavor you can achieve with a Moka Pot is fantastic. It’s more like a strong dark roast coffee: it doesn’t achieve a crema and lacks some of the richness in flavor. It makes a cup that is 5 ounces, whereas a single espresso shot is 1 ounce and a double shot is 2 ounces. But it works well as an option for espresso drinks! At a price of about $35, the Moka Pot is a steal.

How to make espresso-like coffee in a Moka Pot

Grind the coffee: Grind 20 grams (¼ cup) dark roast coffee to a fine grind: espresso grind or just slightly larger.
Add water: Add 330 grams (1 ⅜ cups) cold filtered water to the bottom half of the pot until it reaches the valve.
Add the coffee and assemble: Fill the funnel with coffee grounds level with the top, but don’t tamp the grinds down. Insert the funnel into the bottom portion of the pot. Screw the top onto the base until it is just finger tight.
Place over medium heat: Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. For a gas stove, make sure the gas flame is smaller than the width of the pot.
Wait while the coffee brews (about 5 to 7 minutes): The water will boil up through the coffee and fill the top of the pot. You’ll hear coffee start to bubble at around 3 to 5 minutes. About 2 minutes later, you’ll hear it boiling rapidly: then listen as the boiling sound increases in volume and frequency. Once the sound dissipates to air and you hear a loud gurgling sound, the coffee is done. Turn off the heat.
Check the coffee: Once you turn off the heat, lift the top of the pot and peak inside. The chamber should be full of coffee. If it is not, return the pot to the heat and continue heating until the coffee is done.

For more details and the full method, go to Moka Pot Coffee.

Method 4: Aeropress espresso

You can make espresso with an Aeropress, but it’s not our top choice for flavor. Only use this if it’s the only option you have on hand! An Aeropress is a plastic cylinder used to make a single cup of coffee. It’s portable, cheap and easy to clean, making it an accessible way to make coffee.

The Aeropress is very cheap at $30. But this method makes major sacrifices on flavor. Aeropress espresso tastes more bitter and flat than other methods, and has no signature crema. Only use this method if it’s your last resort.

How to make Aeropress espresso

Heat the water: In an electric teapot, heat water to 200 to 205°F.
Grind the coffee: Grind 3 tablespoons (18 grams) espresso coffee beans to a fine grind (but not super fine, or it will be too hard to plunge).
Add the filter: Place the circular filter into the basket of the Aeropress and wet it so it is fully damp. Screw the basket onto the end of the Aeropress.
Add the coffee grounds: Pour the coffee grounds into the Aeropress, and tamp the grounds lightly with a cocktail muddler. Place it on top of an empty mug.
Add water and plunge: Pour 85 grams water into the Aeropress (1 and ½ mark). Wait 45 seconds. Insert the plunger into the top of the Aeropress. Gently press down until the plunger is pressed fully to the bottom; you will hear a hiss of air being released (this process takes about 30 seconds or so; it will be slightly harder to plunge than normal Aeropress coffee).
Remove grounds: Remove the Aeropress, unscrew the basket and hold it over a compost bucket or garbage. Press down on the plunger to release the filter and grounds. Rinse the Aeropress so it is ready for future use.

More espresso drinks

Once you’ve got your espresso, there are so many coffee drinks to make! Here are some of our favorite espresso drinks:

Go classic with a Latte, Cappuccino or Flat White
Try an Americano or Macchiato
Grab a Cortado, Gibraltar, Breve, Espresso Con Panna, Ristretto, or Lungo
Go chocolaty with a Mocha or Mocha Cappuccino
Opt for chilled with an Iced Latte, Iced Espresso, Iced Mocha, Iced White Chocolate Mocha or Iced Cappuccino
Add tea for a Dirty Chai Latte
Add vodka for an Espresso Martini

French Press Espresso

Moka Pot Coffee

Aeropress Espresso

How to Make Espresso

How to Make Espresso Without a Machine (4 Ways!)

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5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Varies

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Description

Don’t have a fancy espresso maker? No problem. Here are all the best ways for how to make espresso without a machine!

Ingredients

Dark roast coffee
Water

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Instructions

Portable espresso maker: Use this portable espresso maker and follow the provided instructions.
French press: Go to French Press Espresso.
Moka pot: Go to Moka Pot Coffee.
Aeropress: Go to Aeropress Espresso (use only as a last resort; the flavor is more bitter than the other methods).

Category: Drink
Method: Coffee
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegan

Christmas Coffee

Sonja Overhiser — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Enjoy cozy Christmas coffee in the morning, or spiked with Baileys on Christmas Eve! Add gingerbread syrup and top with whipped cream.

Need a cozy drink for the holidays? Try this cozy-spiced Christmas coffee! Start with a batch of gingerbread syrup with brown sugar and whole spices, infused with bold cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Drizzle it in coffee, then top with whipped cream (and festive sprinkles, if you like.) This irresistible mug of joy works at Christmas breakfast or brunch, or even spike it with Baileys for a Christmas Eve treat!

Ingredients in Christmas coffee

This Christmas coffee recipe pairs hot drip coffee and gingerbread syrup for the perfect holiday drink! It’s similar to a Gingerbread Latte, but it’s easier to make since it uses coffee instead of espresso. Top it with whipped cream and douse with red and green sprinkles for a festive holiday vibe. If you’d like you can add Baileys to spike it, and it comes like a spin on a classic Irish coffee. We like it both ways; it’s customizable so it can work for mornings or evenings. Here’s what you’ll need for Christmas coffee:

Drip coffee
Gingerbread syrup: homemade or purchased (see below)
Whipped cream, for garnish
Baileys Irish Cream or milk, if desired

Coffee brewing methods

Like with any coffee drink, the higher quality the coffee, the better the flavor! Make this with a standard coffee maker and it tastes pretty good. But make it using one of these coffee methods, and the flavor is incredible! Here are our top coffee brewing methods:

Chemex (pour over): This is our top choice for the best cup of coffee. There’s a bit of technique and equipment involved, but we’ve been making daily for years. With a large pot you can make 4 cups at once. Go to Pour Over Coffee.
French press: Another great method is French Press Coffee! It has a great flavor and is a cheaper and easier method.
Moka Pot / Bialetti: For very strong coffee that’s almost like espresso, you can use a Moka Pot! It’s a combination between drip coffee and espresso, and has a robust flavor.

Make or purchase gingerbread syrup

For the best flavor in Christmas coffee, make up a batch of homemade gingerbread syrup. It’s a brown sugar syrup that’s infused with fresh ginger, allspice berries, and cinnamon sticks. Simmer it for 20 minutes and give it a taste: the flavor pops with an intensely spiced kick! But if you’re low on top, you can purchase it as well.

Homemade gingerbread syrup has the best flavor in just 20 minutes! Go to this Gingerbread Syrup Recipe.
Purchased gingerbread syrup also works, though every brand has a different flavor and level of sweetness. Here’s a link to buy gingerbread syrup online.

Spike it for boozy Christmas coffee

Dress up this drink with a hint of booze for an adult Christmas coffee! It’s a similar idea to an Irish coffee, but dressed up for Christmas! It’s great with Baileys Irish Cream, but there are lots of other options. Here are some ideas for spiked Christmas coffee:

More Christmas drinks

Let us know what you think of this Christmas coffee in the comments below! There are so many more drinks to bring cheer at the holidays. Here are some of our favorite holiday drinks and Christmas cocktails:

Grab Homemade Hot Chocolate or Peppermint Hot Chocolate, or even a Peppermint Patty
Try a big batch of Holiday Punch or Mulled Cider
Go for a Hot Toddy, Apple Cider Hot Toddy or Brandy Hot Toddy
Opt for a Vanilla Chai Latte or Masala Chai

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Mulled Cider

Holiday Punch

Hot Toddy

This Christmas coffee recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use vegan whipped cream (or omit).

Christmas Coffee

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

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Description

Enjoy cozy Christmas coffee in the morning, or spiked with Baileys on Christmas Eve! Add gingerbread syrup and top with whipped cream.

Ingredients

8 ounces (1 cup) hot coffee
2 teaspoons Gingerbread Syrup (homemade or purchased)
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Baileys or a splash of milk of choice, optional
Homemade whipped cream, for topping (optional; or vegan whipped cream for vegan)
Sprinkles, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Homemade Gingerbread Syrup in advance (or use purchased syrup).
Make the coffee, using your favorite method (we like Chemex pour over or French press).
Make the homemade whipped cream, making sure to whip to soft peaks.
Add the coffee to a glass or mug, leaving about an inch at the top for the whipped cream if using. Stir in the gingerbread syrup.
Gently float the whipped cream on top using the back of a spoon.

Category: Drink
Method: Coffee
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegetarian

25 Great Coffee Drinks

Sonja Overhiser — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:56:00 +0000

Here are the top coffee drinks to try at home! Hone your barista skills with coffee recipes for pour over, cold brew, cappuccino, and more.

Love a good coffee drink? Or wondering differences between the types? Here’s a list of our top popular coffee drinks that are easy to make at home! We love coffeeshops, but there’s something special about mixing up coffee recipes at home, too. Whether you’re simply trying to understand the difference between a latte vs flat white or ready to whip them up at home…we’ve got you covered! Here are the top popular coffee drinks and recipes for each one.

And now…the top popular coffee drinks (plus recipes)!

Pour Over Coffee

One of the simplest of all coffee drinks? Pour over coffee! The glass Chemex looks like a science beaker, but it makes the perfect cup of black coffee. It will take your coffee game to the next level. Here's the equipment you need to make the perfect cup of pour over.

What's pour over coffee? Pour over coffee is drip coffee made by pouring water over coffee grounds in a filter. Drip coffee is made using a percolator coffee machine, whereas pour over is made by a human. Controlling the pouring over the water helps to bring out the nuances in the flavor of the coffee beans.

French Press Coffee

The French press is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to brew a great cup of coffee. It’s a forgiving method that works for all sorts of coffee beans and roasts, and you don’t need lots of extra equipment. It’s the ideal tool for your morning coffee ritual!

What's French press coffee? The French press is a small pitcher with a plunger that’s used to brew coffee and other drinks. It’s most often used for brewed coffee, but the French press also makes tea, cold brew, espresso, and more.

Espresso

There’s nothing better than a bitter, rich espresso shot with a layer of foamy crema. Even better, once you’ve mastered espresso you can make a whole host of espresso drinks just like your favorite coffeeshop: the latte, cappuccino, flat white, macchiato, and more.

What's espresso? Espresso is an Italian way of making coffee in highly concentrated shots. A single espresso shot is 1 ounce, and a double shot is 2 ounces. Espresso can be sipped in small cups, or used as the base for popular espresso drinks.

Americano

Next up: the Americano. Smooth out your espresso into a Caffe Americano, a type of coffee drink that’s tempered with a bit of hot water! This is our favorite way to drink espresso because it makes the drinking experience last a little longer, and it smooths the bitter flavor into something altogether new.

What's an Americano? An Americano is an espresso drink made with hot water and espresso. The drink can be made with either one or two shots of espresso, and varying ratios of water (usually 2:1).

Cappuccino

The Cappuccino is one of the most famous of all coffee drinks, with that perfect combination of steamed milk, espresso and frothy foam. Guess what? You can make a barista-quality cappuccino at home that tastes like it’s straight out of an Italian café.

What's a cappuccino? A cappuccino is an espresso drink with steamed milk, milk foam and espresso. It has equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foam (⅓ each).

Latte

What's a more iconic coffee drink than the Latte? All you need is a few key tools and you can make a Cafe Latte that rivals your favorite coffeeshop. It comes out perfectly creamy and topped with frothy foam. An espresso machine is preferred, but not required. Want to get fancy? See our How to Make Latte Art.

Also try: Oat Milk Latte, Vanilla Latte, Lavender Latte, Dirty Chai Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, or Gingerbread Latte

What's a latte? A latte is a coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foam on top. It has ⅓ espresso and 2/3 steamed milk, with a thin layer of foam on top.

Flat White

The Flat White is another coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foam on top! It’s similar to a latte and cappuccino, but has a thinner layer of foam on top. Modern coffee shops have very small differences between these three coffee drinks, and often times the lines are blurred.

What's a flat white? A flat white is a coffee drink with espresso, steamed milk and a layer of foam on top. It’s similar to a latte and cappuccino, but has a thinner layer of foam on top.

Macchiato

The Macchiato is another favorite coffee drink of ours, ideal for when you want a jolt of caffeine without all the extra calories. The classic definition of a Macchiato is espresso with a generous spoonful of frothy milk on top. Here we'll show you how to make a macchiato…the classic way.

What's a macchiato? A caffè macchiato or espresso macchiato is a shot of espresso that’s topped with frothed milk.

Cortado

Want an impressive coffee drink? Try the Cortado, aka the Gibraltar! This Spanish coffee drink is intensely smooth, the ideal balance between espresso and milk. It’s rich, robust, and silky, each component bringing out the best in the other.

What is a cortado? The Cortado is an espresso drink of equal parts espresso and steamed milk. It's always the same volume: one doubleshot of espresso and 2 ounces milk.

Breve Coffee

Want a creamy coffee that’s all about decadence? Try Breve coffee! This tiny coffee drink packs a big punch: strong, bold espresso paired with rich half and half. It’s a total treat and absolutely worth ordering up at your local coffeeshop. It’s also easy to make at home, using your favorite espresso and frothing method.

What's Breve coffee? Breve coffee, aka cafe breve or breve latte, is a drink of equal parts espresso and half and half.

Espresso Con Panna

Here’s an espresso drink that almost passes as dessert! Try Espresso Con Panna: a shot of espresso topped with a rich dollop of whipped cream. The two ingredients are the ideal match: the indulgent frothy cream against the bitter, nutty coffee is a true delight. It’s a tiny serving: just the right bite-sized pick me up for a long afternoon or an after dinner treat.

What's an espresso con panna? Espresso con panna (‘espresso with cream’ in Italian) is a coffee drink with a single or double shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Cafe Au Lait

What’s better than a creamy, steaming cup of cafe au lait? This French method of serving coffee is smooth and satisfying, with the perfect ratio of rich milk to bitter coffee.

What is cafe au lait? Café au lait (“coffee with milk” in French) is a coffee drink made of strong coffee and hot or steamed milk.

Cafe con Leche

Love a good cup of café con leche? This Spanish-style drink is popular in Spain and Latin America, and the blend of bittersweet coffee and rich milk true perfection.

What is cafe con leche? Cafe con leche (“coffee with milk” in Spanish) is a coffee drink made of strong coffee or espresso and steamed milk.

Mocha

The Mocha is one of the most famous types of sweet coffee drinks that combines a latte with chocolate! Here's how to make one: the classic way, with no shortcuts like hot chocolate mix or whipped cream. It's to die for!

What's a mocha? A mocha or mocha latte is a drink made with espresso and steamed milk that’s flavored with chocolate syrup.

Iced Mocha

Here’s a coffee drink that’s chocolaty, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible: try the Iced Mocha! This one is so deliciously easy to make at home, you’ll never need to go to a coffeeshop again. Just four ingredients make a frothy, creamy drink that’s luxuriously sippable, balancing bitter espresso with real chocolate and frothy milk.

Try either: Iced White Chocolate Mocha or Iced Mocha

What's an iced mocha? An iced mocha is drink made with espresso, chocolate or chocolate syrup, and milk, served over ice.

Mocha Frappe

You don't need to venture out of the house when you're craving a frappe: try this sweet and frosty homemade Mocha Frappe! It's as easy as 4 ingredients, ice, and a blender. This one comes out fluffy and chocolaty, with a subtle bitter coffee finish. It's irresistibly sippable and takes just 2 minutes to blend up.

Espresso Tonic

This unlikely combination of tonic water and espresso comes from Scandinavia, and it’s the perfect summer drink for coffee lovers. The sweet and bitter notes of tonic water accentuate the rich, bitter coffee, and the effervescent bubbles and hint of citrus add bright, refreshing notes.

Cold Brew Coffee

Let's move to cold coffee drinks, shall we? It’s smooth, it’s refreshing: and it’s easy to make at home! This homemade cold brew coffee recipe requires virtually no special equipment and takes very little hands on time. Want to step it up? Add a dollop of cold foam.

What is cold brew coffee? Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse ground coffee in cold water for 24 hours, instead of making coffee using hot water and a filter.

Iced Coffee

There’s something about holding a creamy, lightly sweet iced coffee that makes life just a little bit better! Iced coffee can be made with regular drip coffee or cold brew. The best part is pouring in the milk and watching it swirl! Also try Chemex Iced Coffee.

What is iced coffee? Iced coffee is hot coffee poured over ice, sometimes with milk or sweetener added. You can also make homemade iced coffee using cold brew, which tastes less acidic and bitter.

Iced Latte

What’s more refreshing than an iced latte? It’s no wonder this espresso drink is massively popular. The combination of bitter coffee balanced by delicate sweetness and creamy, frothed milk is an absolute delight. There’s no need to run to your favorite coffee shop for this one: it’s easy to make homemade!

Also try: Iced Vanilla Latte or Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte

What's an iced latte? An iced latte is a drink with espresso, milk and optional sweetener.

Iced Espresso

Want a cold coffee drink pick me up? Try Iced Espresso! This spin on iced coffee stars the bold, rich flavor of espresso. Drizzle in a little milk and a hint of simple syrup to balance out the flavor. It’s robust and beautifully refreshing: like a heightened take on your favorite iced coffee!

Also try: Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Espresso

What's iced espresso? Iced espresso is espresso served over ice, often with milk. It’s similar to iced coffee, but it uses espresso instead of brewed coffee.

Iced Americano

Are you an espresso lover and want a refreshing spin on the classic hot drinks? Try the Iced Americano! The classic Americano is bold and bitter, and diluting creamy espresso with hot water opens up its flavor and lets you enjoy the cup a little longer. An Iced Americano is ultra refreshing, with the same big, bold flavors you love from a great Americano.

What's in iced Americano? An Iced Americano is a drink made with hot water and espresso, served over ice.

Iced Cappuccino

Here’s a refreshing coffee drink that all espresso lovers should try: Iced Cappuccino! Combine espresso and a splash of milk with ice, then top it off with the Starbucks invention for iced drinks: Cold Foam! This extra fluffy, frothy layer mimics the steamed milk in a cappuccino and infuses an airy, lightly sweet lift to each sip.

What's an iced cappuccino? An iced cappuccino is a coffee drink with espresso, milk, ice, and optional sweetener. It’s very similar to an iced latte, but served with cold foam (a la Starbucks).

Red Eye Coffee

Need a pick me up? Try Red Eye Coffee! When you just can’t pick between drip coffee and espresso, why not combine them? This drink is extra-caffeinated for those days where you need a little more to power through the day. If you need a quick fix: the Red Eye Coffee is where it’s at!

What's red eye coffee? Red eye coffee is a coffee drink that combines drip coffee with one or two shots of espresso.

Coffee Soda

Try this unique way to caffeinate: the Coffee Soda! Blend equal parts soda water and cold brew coffee for this one, served up in a tall glass with ice. The flavor blew us away: it’s bittersweet and bubbly, with a brightness from the carbonation that’s reminiscent of nitro coffee.

What's coffee soda? Coffee soda is a drink of espresso or cold brew topped off with club soda.

Irish Coffee

Last up in our coffee drinks: Irish coffee! There’s nothing more soul warming than that classic combination of bitter coffee, buttery whisky and frothy whipped cream. There are infinite variations on the spiked coffee theme, too. Try Mexican Coffee, Spanish Coffee, Carajillo, Baileys Coffee, or Amaretto Coffee.

What is Irish coffee? Irish coffee is a cocktail of warm coffee with a shot of Irish whiskey, topped with fresh cream or whipped cream. The modern version was invented in the 1950’s in Ireland.

Is an espresso machine required for coffee drinks?

If you love espresso drinks and want to make high quality coffee recipes at home: yes! There’s really nothing better than the creamy, rich flavor that comes from a top quality espresso machine. But if you want a quick and dirty latte: you can do that with minimal equipment! Here are our top recommendations for espresso-making equipment:

Top choice: an espresso machine. An espresso machine makes top quality espresso drinks: hands won. The steamer steams milk to perfection, and you can pull the most beautiful creamy, espresso. Here’s the one we use: Countertop Espresso Machine.
Cheaper option: manual espresso maker. It’s portable and it makes good espresso, just not as good as the machine. You’ll need to use it in combination with a milk frothing tool. Here’s the one we use: Manual espresso maker
Cheapest option: Aeropress. The Aeropress is not nearly as good for espresso, but it works. It’s actually very good for black coffee, though! You’ll also need to get a milk frothing tool for lattes and cappuccinos. Here’s our recipe: Aeropress Espresso
Milk frothing tools: milk frother, French press or whisk. For the frothing: a handheld milk frother is just $10 and works well. If you already have a French press, it’s great for frothing. Or you can go simple and just use a whisk (not as effective but does the trick).

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups

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Description

What’s better than a creamy, steaming cup of cafe au lait? Here’s how to make it at home…the French way. For the other coffee drink recipes: scroll up!

Ingredients

4 ounces (½ cup) strong dark roast coffee (like Moka Pot)
4 ounces (½ cup) steamed whole milk (or oat milk for dairy free)

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Instructions

Make coffee using a Moka Pot, or strong dark roast coffee using your method of choice (French press, Chemex, Aeropress, or other).
Steam the milk with an espresso machine (stretching the milk to 20 to 25% in height), or froth the milk with a frother, French press or whisk.
Pour the coffee in a cup. Add the steamed milk and serve immediately.

Category: Drinks
Method: Coffee
Cuisine: Coffee
Diet: Vegetarian

Espresso Tonic

Sonja Overhiser — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:30:00 +0000

Try the espresso tonic! This refreshing bubbly drink stars the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee.

We’re avid followers of drink trends as two expert home mixologists and baristas, and this one recently caught our eye: the Espresso Tonic! This unlikely combination of tonic water and espresso comes from Scandinavia, and it’s the perfect drink for coffee lovers. The sweet and bitter notes of tonic water accentuate the rich, bitter coffee, and the effervescent bubbles and hint of citrus add bright, refreshing notes. It’s a must-try for any coffee lover!

What is an espresso tonic?

The Espresso Tonic is a drink that pairs tonic water and a double shot of espresso. It was invented in 2007 in Oslo, then spread to Sweden and became popular in the mid-2010s in the US in barista competitions. The drink is simple and you’ll need only a few ingredients to whip it up at home.

It’s a true marriage of the two liquids: rich, bitter coffee that’s diluted by the sweet and bubbly notes of tonic (versus the coffee soda, which tastes like bubbly coffee). Here’s what you’ll need:

1 doubleshot espresso
4 ounces (½ cup) tonic water
Lemon or orange wedge, to garnish

Ways to make espresso

The most important part of an espresso tonic? A great espresso! There are several methods for homemade espresso: our favorite is using a high-quality espresso machine. But there are a few other ways to make an espresso shot at home. Here are the top methods:

Espresso machine: The best way to make espresso at home is with an espresso machine (follow the steps for How to Make Espresso).
Portable espresso maker: A portable espresso maker is a cheaper way to make great espresso at home.
Moka Pot (aka Bialetti): Coffee made in a Moka Pot is technically not espresso; it’s very strong coffee. However, the dark flavor works well in an espresso tonic.
French press: This French Press espresso is very good, and a nice tool for espresso if you have one.

More about tonic water

Tonic water is a carbonated water that contains quinine and is lightly sweetened. Its flavor is bubbly, bitter, sweet and sour, making it an excellent mixer for drinks. Quinine was historically prescribed as a medicine to fight malaria, and mixing it with carbonated water and sugar helped to mask its bitter flavor. It first sold commercially in 1858.

Today the level of quinine is much lower than historical tonic water, so it’s safe to consume. It’s used in many classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic and Vodka Tonic.

How to make an espresso tonic

An espresso tonic is as simple as pouring together two ingredients! Grab a highball glass and do the following:

Add the tonic water first, then pour the espresso on top. This avoids the foam that occurs if they’re added to the glass in the reverse order.
Run a lemon or orange slice around the rim of the glass. The citrus adds another dimension to the rich, bitter coffee.

And that’s it! The espresso tonic is primed to be the perfect drink for summer, but it truly works in any season as an afternoon pick me up or non-alcoholic cocktail. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

More coffee drinks

Are you a coffee lover like we are? Our Barista Series shows you how to make every type of coffee drink. Here are a few favorites to try:

Go for a bubbly Coffee Soda instead
Try the perfect Pour Over or French Press
Opt for frozen with Frozen Coffee or Mocha Frappe
Try Spanish Cafe con leche or French Cafe au lait
Grab an espresso drink like a Latte, Americano, Macchiato, Cappuccino, Flat White, Mocha Cappuccino, Iced Latte, Iced Espresso, or Iced Vanilla Latte

This espresso tonic recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Espresso Tonic

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

Save Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Try the espresso tonic! This refreshing bubbly drink stars the unlikely combination of tonic water and coffee.

Ingredients

2 ounces expresso (double shot), cooled slightly
4 ounces (½ cup) tonic water
Lemon or orange wedge, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the espresso, using your favorite method.
Add ice to an 8-ounce glass. Add the tonic water and gently pour the espresso on the top.
Run the lemon slice around the edge of the glass, then add it to the glass as a garnish.

Notes

We personally use this espresso machine.

Category: Drink
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Coffee Drink
Diet: Vegan

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