As wonderful as plain black coffee is, admit it—having the same thing every day may grow monotonous. Sometimes, our taste buds need a change of pace. Adding some extra flavor is a great way to spice up your favorite coffee beverage. We’re not talking about those store-bought creamers and sweeteners; We’re talking about natural flavorings. After reading this list, we are confident that you will be rushing home to attempt at least one or two of these coffee concoctions. No matter if you want to give your morning coffee a healthy boost or a spicy seasonal flair, we have you covered.
Some of these flavored coffee pairings are odd, while others aren’t as obvious, but trust us when we say they’ll spice up your monotonous cup of coffee and make you wonder why you never came up with them before.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon in coffee is not a new flavoring, but it has been around for a while and is a favorite among many coffee drinkers. But before you continue reading, we have a tweak on the already well-liked combination. If you want to give your coffee a genuine cinnamon kick, infuse the cinnamon with the coffee beans rather than putting it on top or even stirring it into the brew. Simply grind whole cinnamon sticks with your whole coffee beans; it’s not as difficult as it seems. If you choose not to freshly grind your beans before each brew (and why not? ), you may instead add some cinnamon to your pre-ground coffee before you pour in the water. Coffee will be thoroughly blended and genuinely taste like cinnamon when the cinnamon is added at the beginning of the brewing process, rather than merely having the cinnamon’s aroma.
2. Vanilla
If you enjoy putting sugar and flavored creamers in your coffee but don’t like the extra calories you’re packing into your cup, try some vanilla. Add a vanilla bean to your whole coffee beans right before grinding for the best results in utilizing this natural coffee flavoring. If fresh vanilla is unavailable, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to your coffee or to the portafilter of your espresso machine before pulling a shot. But keep in mind that two drops is all it takes; any more and you’ll be throwing your beverage down the drain.
3. Ginger
This coffee and ginger tea combination might be a hit with those of you who like ginger tea! We advise you to simply add a few thin pieces of ginger to your grounds before brewing because it can be overpowering if used in excessive amounts. The ginger will be dissolved in the hot water before combining with your coffee. One or two tablespoons of ginger powder can be used as a substitute if fresh ginger is unavailable, but fresh ginger is always preferable!
Fun Fact: Did you know that a French press makes it simple to add flavor to coffee? Simply place your freshly brewed coffee and any additional ingredients, such as cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, or anything else, inside of your French press. Let the infused flavors work their magic for a bit, and your coffee will become something quite different.
4. Cardamom
In contrast to its immense popularity in the Middle East, cardamom is comparatively unknown in the west. Cardamom has a flavor that is extremely similar to ginger and is loaded with health benefits. Cardamom has several hidden benefits, like promoting circulation and providing fiber and other necessary minerals. It pairs well with coffee. You can either add entire cardamom seeds to your whole coffee beans before grinding them or add a few pinches of pre-ground cardamom seeds to your freshly brewed cup of coffee.
5. Nutmeg
Try adding a little Nutmeg to your morning coffee brew if you want to bring out the earthiness in it. Your taste senses will be delighted by the additional sweetness and earthy flavor, which are both genuinely distinctive. Your own preference will determine how much nutmeg to add to your coffee, but we find that one shard works well for most cups. Having said that, experiment to discover the ideal infusion that suits your tastes.
6. Star Anise
Not everyone will enjoy this coffee flavor, but you will undoubtedly draw some odd looks. Strong licorice flavor and sweet, flowery undertones are characteristics of star anise. If you enjoy licorice, star anise makes a great coffee infusion when paired with dark roasted coffee. Before grinding your whole coffee beans, add the star anise, and then proceed with the usual brewing procedure. However, if used excessively, it may be really overpowering. We advise using no more than 3/4 of a clove; otherwise, you risk throwing your freshly prepared coffee down the drain.
7. Lavender
Coffee and lavender pair wonderfully, and we’ve discovered that the fruitier roasted coffees are the finest matches. Either add a few drops of lavender oil to your freshly brewed coffee or mix a few lavender sprigs into your ground coffee to infuse when you pour the hot water. This combo is delicious in either case, especially on a lazy spring afternoon.
8. Peppermint Oil
Nothing says “’tis the season” more than a hot cup of peppermint coffee. The ideal peppermint oil to use to successfully impart this delectable Christmas flavor into your freshly brewed coffee is pure peppermint oil, which pairs incredibly well with dark roast, chocolate-flavored coffee beans. If you want to try this flavor, add a few drops of peppermint oil to your coffee during the brewing process; however, use cautiously as peppermint oil, regardless of how rich your coffee beans are, may easily become overbearing when used in concentrated form.
9. Clove
This coffee with a clove flavor is sure to be a hit if you smoke or have in the past. To add sweetness, many well-known cigarette brands use clove in their tobacco blend. Use only a small amount of cloves in coffee because they have a strong flavor. Add a few cloves to your pre-ground coffee and let them infuse when boiling water is poured over the grounds, or grind them with your whole coffee beans before brewing. If the flavor is too strong, experiment with different ratios until you find one that suits your taste buds.
10. Butter
This coffee butter combination, which has become more and more popular in recent years, has become a favorite among many coffee enthusiasts and health enthusiasts. The origin of this peculiar concoction can be traced to south-east Asia, where peculiar coffee infusions are popular. Although it may be difficult to fathom butter, which is typically primarily used in cooking, complementing coffee so nicely, if done properly, it truly is a match made in heaven (if done properly!). Just a teaspoon of organic butter added to a sweet roast coffee will give it a smooth, rich mouthfeel with a very distinctive buttery depth.
11. Raw Egg
Although it may seem absurd, putting a raw egg in your coffee actually tastes amazing! A unique flavor is produced when hot coffee is combined with a raw egg; trust us, you must at least try it once. It may not be a flavor that appeals to everyone, but it’s actually not as horrible as you might think. Raw egg provides coffee a dense, slightly creamy body without taking away from the flavor or scent of the coffee itself.
12. Cocoa Nibs
The unprocessed form of chocolate is known as cocoa nibs, and this is what we all recognize and enjoy as bars of chocolate. These chunks, which are made entirely of cocoa beans, are more black than brown in hue. They give a dark, deep flavor in addition to having a different texture and taste that is much nuttier and slightly chewier. This delicious combination is what makes Cocoa Nibs the ideal complement to your coffee. They taste fantastic, we promise! Every two cups of coffee that go into your coffee grinder, add around 12 a teaspoon of cocoa nibs, mix everything together, and prepare your coffee as usual. If you adore black coffee and dark chocolate, you’re going to fall head over heels with this taste of coffee. YUM!
13. Honey
Honey in coffee is a terrific idea if you want your beverage sweet because it has more benefits than refined sugar, including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Warm honey-sweetened coffee is the ideal cold cure because it is also known to soothe the throat.
14. Coconut Oil
Thanks to health advantages like enhanced cognitive function, weight loss, and antimicrobial characteristics, coconut oil has grown in popularity in recent years. However, coffee made with coconut oil offers benefits beyond increased nutrition. It produces a delectable creamy texture and subtle coconut taste, which you can intensify even more by adding a little coconut milk.
15. Salt
You can effectively get rid of the unpleasant bitterness that some coffees have or make up for faulty brewing water by adding salt to your coffee grinds. In truth, it has long been customary in some coastal areas to make coffee with salty water. In fact, since the salt can replace the sodium you lose when you drink coffee, it might even be a good decision.
16. Cayenne Pepper
You might be surprised to learn that cayenne is a coffee flavoring. It is popular in several Middle Eastern and Central American nations, where it is frequently combined with milk, sugar, or chocolate. It is rich in antioxidants, speeds up metabolism, and is good for blood circulation, just like all spicy peppers. So today, why not try a cayenne cold brew or a Mexican mocha.
17. Maple Syrup
The rich, velvety sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the flavors of coffee. It has minerals and nutrients including calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium that are absent from refined white sugar. Because it doesn’t need to dissolve, it makes a terrific complement to cold coffee beverages. Try adding it to cold brew or make an iced maple latte.
18. Hazelnut Oil
Due to its natural buttery sweetness, hazelnut is one of the most popular coffee flavors. If you don’t want to purchase chemical-laden flavored coffee, grinding your own coffee beans with hazelnuts is a great substitute that will add healthy fats to your diet.
19. Stevia
Stevia is a synthetic sweetener made from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is non-nutritive, which means it has almost no calories, making it, like other artificial sweeteners, a great choice for weight loss. Try substituting it for sugar in your daily coffee or go fancy and make a frozen coffee treat.
20. Rosewater
Rose petals and water are combined to create rosewater, which has a pleasant and fragrant taste. It is popular in the Middle East, where people frequently combine it with other spices like cardamom and saffron to make coffee or tea. It has been used to relieve inflammation, ease anxiety, and aid in digestion because of its tannins and flavonoids.
21. Pumpkin Pie Spice
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in pumpkin pie spice combines astonishingly well with coffee, as Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte has demonstrated. Additionally, it provides your brew with a nutritional boost in the form of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
22. Alcohol
While alcohol may not be the healthiest addition to your coffee, it is unquestionably festive and tasty, ideal for a cozy winter treat. Add some Bailey’s to your morning cup for an extra creamy touch. A sweet liqueur like Frangelico or Amaretto can be added to an after-dinner aperitif, or you can choose the traditional Irish coffee with whiskey as the base.
23. Ice Cream
Ice cream is another item that belongs in the “treat” rather than the “health food” category. The Italian affogato is the most well-known variation and consists of a scoop of thick gelato topped with a shot of robust espresso. However, you shouldn’t feel constrained by convention. Whether it’s butterscotch or mint chip, your favorite ice cream flavor may be melted down into a delectable coffee drink.
24. Orange Juice
In order to counteract the bitterness of the coffee, orange peel is frequently served with espresso in Italy. Orange juice with coffee, on the other hand, is a distinctly American innovation. It is made of chilled orange juice topped with a floater of hot espresso for a cool drink with a recognizable layered appearance. In addition to being attractive, the juice offers calcium, potassium, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
25. Lemon or Lime
Citrus is frequently added to coffee because it helps enhance the flavor and cut through the bitterness. Consider the renowned Caipirinha cocktail from Brazil. Lemons and limes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so adding them to your beverage can strengthen your immune system and fight cancer. Just keep in mind that acidic foods like citrus and coffee can be consumed.
26. Sweetened Condensed Milk
In Southeast Asia and Latin America, where regular dairy can be expensive to buy and store, sweetened condensed milk has a long history. It is famous for being added to Vietnamese coffee, both hot and iced, which makes for a delightful combination that you can easily try at home.
27. Cheese
Kaffeost, a regional specialty popular in northern Scandinavia, is cheese in coffee. The cheese is leipäjuusto, a hard kind that softens in the heated liquid but does not melt. Serving Kaffeost is a tradition to be enjoyed with friends and is something you should try.
These are just some of the creative ways to add extra flavor to your coffee. If you’re tired of waking up to the same cup of coffee every day, it’s time to experiment with some of the options on this list and start your day with a distinctive cup of coffee.