No time to make a fancy coffee drink or stop at the coffee shop? Here are 13 easy coffee add-ins to jazz up your morning coffee (or tea) in a hurry!
13 Easy Coffee Add-Ins to Jazz Up Your Morning Coffee (or Tea) in a Hurry
Some mornings are just hectic. There’s just no time to fuss with creating a fancy espresso drink… no time to stop at the coffee shop… some mornings you’ve barely got time to slap on some makeup, brush your hair, and rush out the door. Believe me, I’ve been there. For those mornings, what you need are easy ways to jazz up your morning coffee or tea, so you can get going in a hurry!
These easy coffee add-ins can quickly be stirred into your hot beverage of choice to turn it into something special. Best of all, you probably have many of these items in your kitchen already. And, if you’re on a budget, these ideas will cost you pennies compared to the expensive concoctions you get at the coffee shop. And added bonus- some of them have some pretty significant health benefits, too. Are you ready to take your boring cup of joe and turn things up a notch? Read on for 13 easy ways to jazz up your morning coffee or tea!
1. Warm Milk
It may not seem like making the effort to warm your milk is worth the extra time, but it really can make all the difference. If you warm the milk while your tea or coffee is brewing, it won’t take any extra time, and your drink will stay hot longer. The milk will also add a bit of subtle sweetness. Foamy warmed milk is even more delicious, so grab a handheld milk frother and create a quick homemade latte.
2. Coconut Oil
Here’s an easy coffee or tea add-in that will give your beverage a hint of tropical flavor while boosting your health at the same time. Organic extra virgin coconut oil has many health benefits while adding a delicious, nutty flavor to any hot beverage. Just be sure to stir it in well, so you don’t end up with a mouthful of oil each time you take a sip.
3. Cocoa
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Turn your boring cup of coffee into a mocha by adding a spoonful of high-quality organic cocoa powder. You’ll get a nice dose of healthy polyphenols, too. You may need to add a bit more sweetener or milk because some cocoa powder can be bitter. If you want to make it even more decadent, add a square of dark chocolate to the bottom of your cup and stir it in as it melts. Read all about my favorite cocoa powders for coffee and how I like to use them here.
4. Cream
If you usually drink your tea or coffee with milk, cream will be a decadent surprise in comparison. Whipped cream is even more delicious because it leaves a foamy richness as it melts. You could also try using condensed milk or half-and-half instead.
5. Chai Spices
Honestly, sickeningly sweet chai lattes aren’t my favorite. However, an authentic masala chai tea is warming, cozy, and delicious. It’s made with star anise, cinnamon, green cardamom, and a bit of ginger (freshly grated is best if you have it). To make this delicious beverage at home, simply boil the spices in water, then add black tea leaves along with milk to taste and simmer for another minute or so. My favorite sweeteners with this recipe are maple syrup or honey, but you can use sugar if you prefer.
6. Cardamom
Cardamom is a signature flavor in Turkish coffee. This easy coffee add-in adds a rich, floral taste that goes great with other spices like nutmeg or cloves. Ground cardamom can easily be stirred right into a hot beverage, or you can place the crushed pods right in your coffee maker or teapot. Ayurvedic medicine also teaches that cardamom can neutralize some of the stimulating effects of caffeine.
7. Maple Syrup or Maple Sugar
Maple sugar is becoming more readily available these days, but if you can’t find it, a quality maple syrup works just as well. Stir it into your hot drink as your sweetener and add a little milk.
8. Cinnamon
Break up an organic cinnamon stick and add it to your coffee filter while your coffee is brewing. Or, simmer it in the water you use to make your tea. Cinnamon is also good for regulating your blood sugar and might even boost your immune system. And, when you use a fresh cinnamon stick, the flavor and aroma are super indulgent and delicious!
9. Salt
Salt can be added to a cup of coffee to soften some of the bitterness. Of course, if you’re using quality coffee beans, you won’t need to worry about bitterness. Still, salt is great for adding to cold brew coffee or for maximizing the flavors in cold coffee drinks. I love the flavor of Himalayan pink salt in coffee, especially with caramel syrup.
10. Butter
I’m not talking about just any butter here, I’m talking about full fat, grass-fed organic butter. Many wellness experts swear by its health benefits. It’s also recommended for giving a boost of energy in your morning beverage.
11. Vanilla Extract
An organic, pure vanilla extract can add a bit of sweetness to your coffee without the need for sugar or extra calories. Almond extract can also be delicious.
12. Cacao Nibs
I recently discovered cacao nibs when I was looking for a healthy smoothie recipe, and I just love them. They do, of course, taste very much like chocolate, but they’re not processed to death, and they’re so much better for you. They have a slightly chewier texture, but they taste much like dark chocolate with a hint of nuttiness. They are delicious when added to a good cup of coffee. I grind about a ½ teaspoon of them right in my grinder along with the coffee beans. Fair warning! Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be addicted.
13. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint coffee is a delicious holiday treat, but you don’t have to hit the local coffee shop to get it, and it’s really a great pick me up any time of year. To make peppermint coffee at home, add just a few drops of peppermint oil to your coffee pot when you brew your coffee. Don’t add too much because it can be overpowering… you might have to experiment a little to get it just right. If you love peppermint, check out this post: How to Make a Peppermint Mocha (Hot, Iced, or Frappuccino).
Share your easy coffee add-ins with us!
These are only 13 easy ways to jazz up your morning coffee or tea, but there are so many options I couldn’t possibly list them all here. I encourage you to experiment with different tea or coffee add-ins to see what you enjoy the most. When you find something you love, share it below for all of us to enjoy!
