How To: Make Take-Away Style Coffee at Home

Nothing beats a coffee shop coffee for your daily caffeine hit. You only have so much time in the mornings so what is not to love about ordering a coffee on the go and with the rise of coffee delivery services it’s easier than ever! But the pennies add up to pounds and before you know it you’ve spent £20 a week on coffee, eek! Every-time you read a money saving article, it seems one of the very first tips offered is to stop buying takeaway coffee. That’s all well, said and done but grabbing just a simple coffee on your daily walk has been many peoples saviour during these unprecedented times. Such a simple pleasure creating so much joy! Why would you give it up! 

But don’t fear, you can learn how to make your favourite fancy coffee at home like a pro barista in your own kitchen and without all the fancy equipment! Making your Saturday brunches and mornings in the garden that little bit extra special. Here is how...

Whipped Coffee

The insta-worthy whipped coffee (dalgona coffee) is all the rage right now, and who knew it is super simply to make. 

All you need is equal parts water, instant coffee, and sugar (brown preferably) and you’re set. Generally, the rule of thumb is two spoons per person of each ingredient. So, if making for 2 you’ll need:

• 4 teaspoons of coffee
• 4 teaspoons of boiling water
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• Milk of your choice

How:

1. Pour equal parts coffee, hot water and sugar into a jug or bowl.
2. Whisk the mixture until light and fluffy. You can use either a hand whisk, electrical whisker or electric milk frother for this.
3. To serve, spoon a dollop over a hot cup of milk and stir in. Add an extra dollop on-top. You can also serve cold, over milk with ice for a cool refreshing caffeine hit in the summer.

Latte

Start your day with a luscious latte, a much-loved classic that you can easily make at home. Start with a basic latte recipe and then let your imagination go wild to flavour up your latte exactly how you like – caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, the possibilities are endless. Plus use any type of milk you like! What you’ll need:

• Expresso or strongly brewed coffee (decaf works just as well)
• Milk of your choice
• Sugar to taste

How:

1. Brew the coffee or expresso of your choice either using a coffee machine or on the stove (you’ll need about 35ml).
2. While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk of your choice for 45 seconds in a microwave safe jug or coffee mug.
3. Once the milk is heated, take a whisk and vigorously whisk until the milk is super frothy.
4. Pour the coffee into  mug, and gently pour the frothed milk on top of the coffee. The foam will rise to the top of the mug giving you a pretty close coffee shop style replica latte!

Iced Coffee

Rich yet refreshing this super simple homemade iced coffee will make you feel like a real barista and impress your friends and family. This recipe makes one glass, but you can easily increase the quantities to serve more. What you’ll need:

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 50ml milk
• 2-3 tablespoons single cream (optional)
• Ice cubes to serve

How:

1. Add the coffee and sugar to a heatproof jug and pour over 200ml just boiled water. Mix well until the coffee and sugar have fully dissolved.
2. Allow to cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge to chill for 1 hour or until ready to serve.
3. Fill a glass with ice and pour over the chilled coffee. Serve black if liked, or for a milky, latte-style coffee add 50ml milk and stir together.

For a rich and creamy indulgent finish (and instead of milk), swirl through 2-3 tablespoons of single cream. Naughty, but oh so nice!

Grab and go! You can always make the coffee the night before and chill in the fridge overnight, ready to grab and go first thing in the morning.

Mocha

Treat yourself to a comforting chocolatey mocha at home that you’ll turn to again and again. What you’ll need:

• Expresso or strongly brewed coffee (around 35ml)
• 200ml milk (of your choice, full fat is preferred)
• 1 tablespoon drinking chocolate or cocoa powder
• Sugar to taste

How:

1. Make the espresso and pour into the base of your cup. Add the drinking chocolate and mix well until smooth.
2. Heat the milk for around 45 seconds and whisk by hand or with an electric whisk until frothy.
3. Gently pour the frothed milk into the coffee and chocolate mixture.
4. Garnish with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa to serve.

For a double chocolate hit, add some chocolate pieces or chocolate chips to the coffee as well as the chocolate powder and stir until combined. Perfect for a weekend treat!

Iced Mocha

This iced mocha recipe is so simple you’ll only need a few minutes to throw it together and pour it over ice to get your caffeine and chocolate fix in one hit. What you’ll need:

• Expresso or strongly brewed coffee (around 35ml, chilled)
• 250ml milk (of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon drinking chocolate or cocoa
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chocolate sauce (optional)
• Sugar to taste

How:

1. First whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and a little milk over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and you get a smooth chocolate syrup. Let it cool down a little.
2. Then mix the remaining milk and cold coffee into the syrup and stir.
3. Add ice to your chosen glass and pour chocolate sauce around the inside. Next pour your milk and coffee mixture over the ice.
4. For richness and utter decadence, top with whipped cream (optional but why not), and garnish with chocolate sauce and a dusting of cocoa. Serve with a straw!

Enjoy! 

For more "how to" inspiration take a look at our How to Upcycle Old Garden Pots blog post packed full of creative ideas to turn your used pots in to new found garden treasures. Or why not cook up a storm with our Tasty Recipes for the BBQ including saucy steak, moreish sides and even a cheeky cocktail recipe.