When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting cup of coffee to warm your soul. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your at-home coffee experience this winter?
From the classic Irish coffee to the festive flavours of peppermint mocha and spiced gingerbread latte, we’ve got you covered. These coffees are not just your average brews; they’re specially crafted to bring you that extra touch of cosiness during the colder months. Whether you’re curled up by the fireplace or watching snowflakes fall outside your window, these five delicious coffee recipes are guaranteed to bring some comfort to your day.
Irish coffee
Irish coffee is a classic winter warmer that combines the richness of coffee with the smoothness of Irish whiskey, topped off with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect drink to cosy up with on a cold evening.
To make this delightful treat at home, start by brewing a strong cup of hot coffee and don’t forget to grab some Irish coffee glasses to make this in – it’s important to use the right glasses for this drink so that you can see the distinct layers. While it’s still piping hot, add a shot (or two!) of your favourite Irish whiskey and stir in some brown sugar until it dissolves completely. Finally, take some fresh heavy cream and whip it until soft peaks form. Gently pour the whipped cream over the backside of a spoon onto your coffee mixture, allowing it to float delicately on top.
Peppermint mocha
For those who crave something sweet and minty, the peppermint mocha is an absolute must-try. A rich blend of espresso, velvety chocolate sauce, steamed milk, and a refreshing hint of peppermint syrup makes this beverage truly irresistible.
To make this delicious treat at home, start with a strong brewed coffee or espresso. Add in some hot milk or your favourite dairy-free alternative, along with a generous amount of chocolate syrup. Stir it all together until well combined.
Now comes the star ingredient – peppermint! Whether you have some candy canes lying around or prefer to use peppermint extract, add a touch of minty goodness to your mocha. Don’t forget to top it off with whipped cream and crushed candy cane for an extra festive touch. You’ll be left with a velvety smooth beverage that tastes like Christmas in a cup.
Hazelnut cappuccino
If you’re a fan of nutty flavours, then look no further than the hazelnut cappuccino. The combination of smooth espresso shots and frothy steamed milk infused with delectable hazelnut syrup creates a heavenly marriage between warmth and indulgence.
To make your own hazelnut cappuccino, start by brewing a strong shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry! You can use instant coffee or even regular brewed coffee as a substitute. Next, heat up some milk on the stove or with a frother until it’s nice and hot, but not boiling.
Once your espresso is ready and your milk is heated, it’s time to assemble your cappuccino. Pour the hot espresso into a mug and add in your desired amount of hazelnut syrup – depending on how sweet you like it. Then carefully pour in the steamed milk using a spoon to hold back any foam until the end.
Top off your hazelnut cappuccino with some velvety foam from the steamed milk. You can get creative here by sprinkling some cocoa powder or crushed hazelnuts on top for an extra touch of decadence.
Spiced gingerbread latte
Spiced gingerbread latte is the quintessential winter coffee beverage, filled with warm and comforting flavours that are sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. This aromatic drink combines the rich and bold taste of espresso with the cosy sweetness of gingerbread spices.
To make a spiced gingerbread latte at home, start by brewing a shot of espresso or strong coffee. While your coffee is brewing, whip up a batch of homemade gingerbread syrup. Simply combine brown sugar, water, molasses, and a blend of warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a saucepan. Let it simmer until thickened and fragrant.
Next, froth some milk using either an electric milk frother or by heating it on the stove and whisking vigorously until foamy. Pour your brewed espresso into a mug along with a generous amount of the homemade gingerbread syrup. Top it off with steamed milk and garnish with whipped cream if desired.
Nutmeg and orange Christmas coffee
Last but certainly not least is the nutmeg and orange Christmas coffee. This unique blend infuses nutmeg into your favourite brewed coffee along with hints of zesty orange peel and cinnamon to create an exquisite flavour profile that screams festive cheer.
Start by adding four tbsp of your favourite ground coffee to a cafetiere before stirring in a pinch of ground nutmeg, a little orange zest, a small cinnamon stick, two cloves and two pitted dates. Pour over 400ml of boiled water, stir and let it infuse for a few minutes before pushing down the plunger and serving into espresso cups.
