10+ Coffee Recipes to Brighten Your Morning Routine
Coffee recipes help you make delicious drinks at home with simple ingredients. You can enjoy a warm cup to start your day or a cold drink for a quick refresh.
There are many easy ways to make coffee that suits your taste. With a few basics, you can try new flavors and find your favorite blend.
This article shares simple steps and ideas to make tasty coffee drinks for any mood or time.
Ingredients
- Coffee (ground or instant)
- Water
- Milk or milk alternatives
- Sugar or sweetener
- Optional: spices, flavors, syrups
Cooking Instructions
- Brew your coffee using your preferred method.
- Heat milk if the recipe calls for it (about 150°F / 65°C).
- Add sweeteners or flavorings as desired.
- Mix well and enjoy your homemade coffee drink.
1) Classic Espresso Shot
A classic espresso shot is the base for many coffee drinks. It’s a small, strong coffee made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans.
Use fresh, quality beans and grind them to a fine, even texture. Set the water temperature to about 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C) for the best flavor.
Tamp the grounds evenly in the portafilter to help the water flow properly. Brew a single shot for around 25-30 seconds.
Ingredients
- 9 grams of finely ground coffee beans
- 1 shot of hot water (about 30 ml)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your espresso machine to 195°F–205°F (90°C–96°C).
- Measure and grind 9 grams of coffee beans finely.
- Tamp the grounds evenly in the portafilter.
- Lock the portafilter into the machine.
- Start the shot and extract for 25-30 seconds.
- Serve immediately.
2) Vanilla Latte
A vanilla latte blends espresso with steamed milk and sweet vanilla syrup. You can use milk or any milk alternative you like.
Brew your espresso or strong coffee, then add vanilla syrup to your cup. Pour the hot espresso over the syrup and stir.
Steam your milk to about 150°F (65°C). Hold back the foam with a spoon as you pour the milk into the espresso.
Spoon the foam on top for a creamy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- 6 ounces whole milk or milk alternative
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
Cooking Instructions
- Brew espresso or strong coffee.
- Add vanilla syrup to a large mug.
- Pour espresso over syrup and stir.
- Steam milk to 150°F (65°C).
- Pour steamed milk into mug, holding back foam.
- Spoon foam on top and enjoy.
3) Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is smooth and easy to make. Mix ground coffee with cold water and let it steep for 12 to 24 hours at room temperature.
This slow brewing makes the coffee less acidic and milder. After steeping, strain the coffee to remove the grounds.
Drink the cold brew as a concentrate or dilute it with water, milk, or ice. Add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon if you want.
Cold brew keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee
- 4 cups cold water
Cooking Instructions
- Combine coffee and water in a large jar or pitcher.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Cover and let sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.
- Strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter.
- Serve over ice or dilute with water or milk.
4) Mocha Frappuccino
A Mocha Frappuccino is a cold, sweet drink that mixes coffee and chocolate. It’s perfect for a warm day or when you want a treat.
Brew strong coffee or espresso and let it cool. Blend coffee with milk, chocolate syrup, and ice until smooth.
Add sugar if you like it sweeter. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Adjust the milk or chocolate amount to make it richer or lighter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee or ¼ cup espresso
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup chocolate syrup
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 1 to 2 cups ice
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Brew coffee or espresso and let it cool.
- Add coffee, milk, chocolate syrup, sugar, and ice into a blender.
- Blend on low, then high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and extra chocolate syrup if you want.
For a detailed recipe, check out this Homemade mocha frappuccino recipe.
5) Iced Caramel Macchiato
This iced caramel macchiato is sweet and creamy. Start with cold milk and vanilla syrup over ice.
Pour in rich espresso slowly so it creates layers. Drizzle caramel sauce on top to finish.
This drink is refreshing and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- ¾ cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
- ¼ tsp vanilla syrup
- 2 shots espresso (about ¼ cup)
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Cooking Instructions
- Fill your glass with ice.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla syrup.
- Brew two espresso shots at about 195°F (90°C).
- Slowly pour espresso over the milk and ice.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top. Enjoy!
6) Cinnamon Spiced Coffee
Cinnamon spiced coffee adds warmth and a little sweetness to your morning cup. The cinnamon gives your coffee a cozy taste without extra syrups or cream.
Mix ground cinnamon with your coffee grounds before brewing. This blends the cinnamon flavor into the coffee as it brews.
Add brown sugar or a splash of vanilla if you like it sweeter.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup ground dark roast coffee
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 6 cups water
Cooking Instructions
- Mix the coffee grounds and cinnamon together.
- Brew the coffee with 6 cups (about 1.4 liters) of water at 200°F (93°C).
- Stir in brown sugar and vanilla extract if you like.
- Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.
Find more ideas at McCormick Cinnamon Spiced Coffee.
7) Mint Green Tea with Lemon and Honey
Mint green tea with lemon and honey offers a bright, sweet flavor. It’s easy to make and good for any time you want a light drink.
Brew your mint green tea in hot water and let it steep for about 3 to 5 minutes. Add fresh lemon juice for a zesty taste.
Stir in honey while the tea is still warm so it blends well. Adjust the honey to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 mint green tea bag
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot water (about 200°F / 93°C)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (or to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat water to about 200°F (93°C).
- Pour hot water over the mint green tea bag in a cup.
- Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and add the lemon juice.
- Stir in honey while the tea is warm.
- Mix well and enjoy your drink.
8) Homemade Cappuccino
Making a cappuccino at home is simple. Brew a strong shot of espresso or dark coffee.
Heat whole milk to about 150°F (65°C). Froth the milk until it becomes creamy foam.
Pour the espresso into your cup and add the steamed milk. Top with the foamed milk for a smooth finish.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor if you like.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dark roast ground coffee or 1 shot of espresso
- ½ cup hot water
- ¾ cup whole milk
- Cinnamon (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Brew 1 ounce of strong coffee or a shot of espresso.
- Heat the milk to 150°F (65°C).
- Froth the heated milk until creamy.
- Pour coffee into your cup.
- Add steamed milk.
- Spoon foamed milk on top.
- Sprinkle cinnamon if you like.
For more tips, see this homemade cappuccino recipe.
9) Pumpkin Spice Latte
A pumpkin spice latte is a cozy coffee drink perfect for cooler days. You mix coffee with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and milk to create a tasty treat.
It’s easy to make at home. You can sweeten it naturally if you like.
The drink has flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that give it a fall feel. You can use any kind of milk, including dairy-free options.
This drink works well for a morning boost or a relaxing afternoon break. Heat the pumpkin mixture, then add brewed coffee.
Froth the milk to make it extra creamy and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener (like sugar or maple syrup)
- 1 cup brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat pumpkin puree, milk, pumpkin pie spice, sweetener, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until hot (about 160°F/71°C).
- Stir the mixture well and remove from heat.
- Brew your coffee.
- Froth the pumpkin milk mixture using a whisk or blender until foamy.
- Pour brewed coffee into a mug.
- Add the frothed pumpkin milk on top.
- Sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice if you like.
10) Affogato with Vanilla Ice Cream
You can make a simple and delicious affogato with just two main ingredients: hot espresso and creamy vanilla ice cream. Pour a shot of fresh espresso over one or two scoops of ice cream.
The hot coffee melts the ice cream slightly and creates a rich mix of flavors. If you want, add a splash of your favorite liqueur for extra taste.
Other ice cream flavors like pistachio or chocolate also work well.
Ingredients
- 1 shot (1 oz) of hot espresso
- 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Optional: splash of liqueur, like amaretto or hazelnut
Cooking Instructions
- Brew one shot of espresso. This should be about 1 oz (30 ml).
- Place 1-2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in a small bowl or glass.
- Pour the hot espresso over the ice cream right before serving.
- Add a splash of liqueur if you like.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!