Many people spend a small fortune on store-bought coffee. Unless you're just getting a simple cup of black coffee at Starbucks or another favorite coffee shop, a
fancier brew can cost upwards of $5, $7, or more! In fact, if you buy your coffee out often, make it a point to calculate how much you're actually spending each month.
The average American
who buys coffee out often spends about $100 each month; that comes out to $1,200 a year...money that can help pay bills, be put into savings, or used towards a vacation.
While it's certainly a nice treat to get coffee out now and then, you can create coffee concoctions at home for a fraction of the
cost. Here are some effortless and creative ways to add interest to your daily cup of joe without breaking the bank.
1. Frothy Delights: Shake up some milk in a sealed jar and microwave it for 30 seconds until frothy. Gently pour the frothed milk on top of your coffee, and a
café-style latte is at your fingertips.
2. Spices Galore: Spices can add a delightful twist to your regular cup of coffee. Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into your coffee grounds before brewing. These aromatic spices infuse your coffee with exotic flavors,
transporting you to a coffee-shop experience without the hefty price tag.
3. Ice It Up: Cold brews and iced coffees are all the rage, but you don't need to spend a fortune on store-bought versions. Prepare your coffee as usual, let it cool, and then pour it over ice. Customize your
iced coffee by adding a splash of cocunut milk or a drizzle of your homemade flavored syrup.
4. Whipped Delicacies: Whipped cream is a delightful addition to any coffee, but store-bought versions often contain additives. Make your own healthier whipped cream by whipping up some
heavy cream with a touch of vanilla extract and a sweetener of your choice. Spoon it onto your coffee for an indulgent treat.
5. Cocoa Powder: Add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee for a rich and chocolatey twist. It's a delightful way to create a mocha-like
experience without the added sugar and calories of store-bought mocha syrups.
By the way, here's one of my favorite Starbucks knock-off recipes:
Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with Oat Milk
Prep Time: 5 minutes
2 shots freshly brewed
espresso
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup
ice
1/2 cup oat milk
Instructions
1. Brew a double shot of espresso and place in a mason jar.
2. Add brown sugar syrup, cinnamon, and ice. Secure the lid and vigorously shake the
espresso for about 15-30 seconds. The espresso should be cold and foamy.
3. Pour the mixture, along with the ice, into your desired drinking glass. Top off with oat milk. Stir and enjoy immediately.
If you want to top it with the fancy sweet cream cold foam they use, here's how to do that.
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp vanilla syrup (store-bought)
Mix milk, cream, and vanilla syrup in a mason jar and shake to combine until it's frothy. Pour on top of your coffee.
By getting creative and adding simple touches to your daily brew, you can transform your
coffee
experience without much effort or cost. Embrace these fun and easy techniques to enjoy a healthier and fun coffee journey right at home.