Coffee Alternatives to make with your Home Coffee Equipment
Make More than Just Coffee
So, you’ve got a repertoire of coffee tools at your disposal and you want to try to make something new without using any coffee. Perhaps, you have a friend coming over who doesn’t like coffee, or you are just trying to consume less caffeine. Well, no worries! Your coffee tools can still come in handy even if you decide to make delicious coffee alternatives!
Let’s take a look at three awesome coffee alternatives that are easy to make and still allow you to utilize your coffee tools!
1. Matcha Latte
This coffee alternative has its roots in Japan and is actually super easy to make at home yourself! Given that green tea (which is what matcha is traditionally consumed) has a small amount of caffeine in it, you can still enjoy a mild kick from this drink. Best of all, instead of spending loads to get a fancy matcha latte from a coffee shop, you can use your coffee tools at home to brew your own for a fraction of the price!
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 7oz of milk (of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon of matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon of simple syrup
- Whipped cream (as topping if desired)
Method
- First, you’ll need to pour 7oz of milk into a milk frothing jug.
- You’ll then need to use a coffee scoop to measure out one level scoop of matcha tea powder. It should be the equivalent of about 1 tablespoon.
- Add in a teaspoon of simple syrup into the mix.
- Use the wand of your espresso machine to start frothing the mixture. Alternatively, you can use a battery-operated frother for this process.
- Pour the foamy mixture into a double-walled glass and add a bit of whipped cream to the top, if desired.
2. Chai Tea
This flavorful drink is a staple of places like India and has a rich, aromatic profile that’s both exotic and comforting. Given its creamy and exciting taste, this coffee alternative is an excellent substitute for your morning cuppa because it’s equally satisfying to drink and can be made to pack quite a punch!
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 2 cardamom seeds
- 2 cloves
- 1 black peppercorn
- Half a cinnamon stick
- A quarter-inch piece of sliced ginger
- Half a cup of whole milk (or any other milk of your choice)
- Half a cup of water
- 1 black tea teabag
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
Method:
- Use a burr grinder to grind down the cardamom, cloves, and peppercorn into a fine powder.
- Place your powder along with the cinnamon, ginger milk, and water into a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stir gently and then turn off the heat.
- Add in your teabag and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain into double-walled cups and enjoy!
3. Chicory Root Coffee
Chicory root is quickly growing into one of the most popular coffee alternatives because it tastes so much like coffee but has far less caffeine. Another interesting thing about making chicory root coffee is that you can brew this awesome coffee alternative using traditional coffee tools and methods. For example, you can use a teapot, drip coffee method, filter coffee method, French Press, Moka Pot or even an espresso machine. The possibilities are endless! Below is a simple recipe to brew your own chicory root coffee.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 1 tablespoon roasted chicory granules
- Half a cup of water
- A quarter cup of milk
- Half a teaspoon of honey (or any sweetener of your choice)
- Quarter teaspoon of cinnamon
Method
- Heat up your milk until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Brew your chicory root granules and one cup of water in a teapot or French press.
- Pour in your chicory coffee substitute into an insulated mug before adding in the milk and sweetener and stir.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top.
Coffee Alternatives Have Never Looked or Tasted So Good!
No matter what the reason for your venture into the world of exciting coffee alternatives, these three recipes should give you a great starting point to launch from. While brewing your own matcha latte will give you more of a delicate, creamy green tea sensation, it’s super healthy, packed with antioxidants, and is a very satisfying alternative to your typical cup of coffee. A chai latte packs a little more punch and is an exotic pick-me-up that’s sure to start your day off with a flavorful bang! Utilizing ingredients from the sub-continent, this is the perfect coffee alternative for someone with an adventurous palate.
Finally, chicory root coffee is unbeatable for those who are craving a coffee alternative that doesn’t stray too far from that traditional coffee formula. Brew it almost in the same way as if you were making a standard cup of coffee! Each of these coffee alternatives can be created with tools that you’d use when making a traditional cup of coffee. So, head to the kitchen, get your coffee tools ready, and start crafting some creative coffee alternatives that will sate your cravings!
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