There is just something about a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop. Whether it's the paper cup or the frothy milk, take out coffee just tastes better.
Did you know you can make take out level right coffee at home? Whether you are trying to save some $$ or just elevate your daily cup, these 3 tips will help you make your daily home brew as good (or better) than that coffee shop cup.
1. It's all about the beans.
This might sound obvious, but you aren't going to get specialty coffee flavor from grocery store beans. Not only were they mass roasted probably months ago, commercial beans are roasted for consistency, not flavor. Which means they often lack the depth and richness of specialty coffee. Yes, even the fancy grocery store brands.
The beans are really the foundation of a great cup of coffee, even if you add your favorite milks and flavorings. A great tasting base coffee is key to getting that "coffee shop" flavor.
Prefer a lighter coffee flavor? We recommend our Light Side Roast! You'll get that depth of flavor and richness without the bolder taste. This roast is great for those flavored drinks, or even black if you prefer a lighter tasting cup!
Are you more of a bold coffee flavor fan? Our Dark Side Roast will give you the warm coffee flavor you love, even if you add your favorite milks and flavored syrups!
Either way, the beans you start with are key to creating a great cup of coffee.
2. Warm and froth your milks.
At home, most people add ice cold milk (or dairy free alternative) right into their freshly brewed coffee. Not only does this cool it down significantly, it also can overpower the ideal coffee/milk ratio.
By warming your milk first, you can keep your coffee hotter for longer, without using one of those warming cups that just burn your coffee anyway, or sticking it in the microwave 100 times (which doesn't help the flavor either).
You can take your cup to the next level with a milk frother, which whips up the milk with a little whisk, making it more like your coffee shop cup right at home.
Or if you're fancy, there are a few warmer/ frother combos on the market that will warm your milk AND froth it up at the same time. A little more of an investment, but can make a big difference in your daily coffee experience.
3. Exchange flavored creamers for syrups.
While flavored coffee creamer is convenient, exchanging your commercial creamer for a milk & flavored syrup combo will get you that coffee shop taste. Most coffee shops use Torani syrups, which can be purchased at most grocery stores (at least a few flavors) or on their website for less than you might think.
These bottles are commercial sized, so they last a LONG time and can go a long way to making your coffee just the way you like it. Plus, when you pump the syrup at home, you can discover exactly how much flavor you prefer, and make it exactly your way!
Some common coffee shop combinations are:
Caramel Machiatto:
- Vanilla Syrup
- Caramel Drizzle
Sugar Cookie Latte:
- Vanilla Syrup
- White Chocolate Syrup
- Almond Roca Syrup
S'Mores Latte:
- Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle
With these simple steps, you can get coffee shop flavor at home so you can enjoy your daily cup!