Coffee is an aromatic, invigorating drink loved by many. It rightfully takes its place as one of the most popular in the world, as all kinds of cocktails are prepared from it. If you are used to drinking exclusively espresso or Americano, you will be interested in learning more original coffee recipes.
Below are relatively simple recipes for drinks that can be found in city coffee shops, but the list also includes exclusive cocktails that you are unlikely to find in the regular establishments you are used to visiting.
Brewing rules
The conditions for brewing good coffee are very simple:
- Coffee beans must be of high quality roasting.
- Coffee beans are stored in glass containers, always tightly closed.
- Be careful when purchasing: coffee that is overly flavored is usually not of high quality.
- The grains are thoroughly crushed immediately before brewing.
- The grinding process should not be long, otherwise the crushed grains will overheat.
- An indispensable condition for obtaining an aromatic drink is high-quality water.
- Brewing temperature is from 93 to 95 degrees Celsius.
- The arsenal for making coffee, like the recipes, is varied and individual.
Let's try to please our family and friends with a drink made by ourselves.
Latte
The fragrant latte came to us from Italy. For one cup you need only nine grains, thirty ml of water, homemade milk 3.5% fat content no more than one hundred and fifty milliliters, a little sugar if desired.
Ground coffee is poured into a pot and filled with cool water. Brew over low heat, watching the foam rise. As soon as it reaches the edge of the Turk, the milk is removed and heated. It should not be boiled. The heated product is whipped until airy foam is obtained. The glass is filled with half the milk, coffee is poured through a strainer, and whipped foam is placed on top.
Cortado
This is one of the few espresso-based drinks that was not invented in Italy. Cortado originated in Spain, most likely in Madrid, where it is served everywhere. Traditionally, the Spaniards brew espresso in larger volumes and a little weaker than the Italians. To prepare a cortado, about 30 ml of espresso is mixed with the same amount of frothed milk. Traditionally it is served in a glass. The drink has spread beyond Spain, and is now prepared in different ways.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino, beloved by many, can be prepared at home (provided you have a coffee machine). There are several recipes for the drink. A classic cappuccino is made from espresso with milk foam. For two servings you will need a glass of chilled milk. Pour the component into the pitcher and use a cappuccino maker to create a fluffy foam. The consistency of the foam should be uniform, but not too thick. Pour the prepared espresso into cups and add milk ingredients, grated chocolate or cocoa.
Espresso
There are many definitions of espresso, some very narrow, others too broad. It would be correct to say that espresso is a coffee drink that is small in volume, strong and prepared from finely ground beans under high water pressure. Also, espresso should have crema (i.e. foam). To be even more precise, we note that the ratio of the weight of ground coffee to the weight of the finished drink should be approximately 1: 2. But it is better to leave the definition of espresso and the methods of its preparation open than to correct others: everyone has the right to have their own opinion on this matter.
Drink with liqueur
With the arrival of autumn cold, the desire to warm up with coffee becomes irresistible. I want to do this not just with a hot drink, but with Baileys coffee, the main component of which is the liqueur of the same name. We offer recipes for drinks with Baileys, prepared at home.
With liqueur is prepared from the following ingredients: strong natural coffee (100 ml), Baileys liqueur (50 ml), cream, chocolate added to taste. The brewed drink is strained immediately before pouring into the glass. Heated liqueur is added, whipped cream is added and sprinkled with grated chocolate.
Glasse
A coffee cocktail with the addition of ice cream, similar in appearance to a latte. However, the glace must be served cold. It's easy to prepare at home. Prepare two servings from the ingredients presented:
- ground coffee to taste;
- up to 70 g of ice cream (seal);
- glass of water;
- a pinch of ground cinnamon and sugar to taste and desire.
Pour coffee beans into a container (who likes what kind of drink - stronger or not), a pinch of cinnamon and sugar (if you want). Pour in water (it should be cold), and as soon as all the dissolved contents begin to rise, remove the Turk from the heat. We repeat the procedure again. Since glace is cold coffee, it is cooled and then filtered into cups and a little ice cream is added. To enhance the aroma of the drink, you can offer cinnamon sticks.
If in the cold we are warmed by a hot aromatic drink, then in the heat it is pleasant to enjoy cold coffee with spicy, cool notes.
Why is milk added to coffee?
The velvety blackness of coffee is diluted with a delicate milky taste for various reasons.
- Soften the natural bitterness of the taste of natural coffee.
- Reduce caffeine content.
- Increase caloric intake.
- Cool the finished coffee.
- Diversify taste sensations.
In every kitchen you can prepare such a drink by combining milk and coffee in any proportion. The recipe does not have a special name; it is named after the main ingredients - “coffee with milk” .
After all, all the recipes that we will talk about below are commercial products that require their own names and even legends. Homemade coffee with milk does not need branding, but it also has a little secret. If you want a truly delicious drink, use only heated milk. The taste and even color will be much better compared to coffee with cold milk added.
Drink with mint
An original drink with mint, prepared at home, will quench your thirst and give you energy. For this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- 350 ml coffee;
- creamy ice cream no more than one hundred grams;
- fifty gram bar of dark chocolate;
- mint drink (this can be liqueur or syrup) - up to four tablespoons;
- ice crumbs.
Dissolve chocolate in freshly brewed coffee. Cool it a little and beat it with a mixer with mint nectar, some ice cream and ice. Before serving, sprinkle the drink with a small amount of ice particles and spread the rest of the ice cream.
A mint leaf and grated chocolate will be a great garnish for a refreshing drink.
Flat White
The different coffee cultures that have emerged around the world have added something of their own to the diversity of coffee drinks. So, the debate is still ongoing about where the flat white was invented - in Australia or New Zealand. But one thing is certain: the drink originated somewhere out there. Then those who went to open their own business in Europe and North America brought his recipe with them. In the UK, for example, the name first became synonymous with quality coffee, and even large chains added flat white to their menu. But most likely, this drink has more humble origins. By the 1990s, almost everywhere except Italy, cappuccino was served with a large head of thick, meringue-like foam. Sometimes the foam rose in a mound over the cup, and it was lightly sprinkled with cocoa powder. Consumers, dissatisfied with the fact that mostly air was sold to them under the guise of coffee, asked for a “flat”, “white” drink. No foam, just coffee and milk. Flat white has taken its place in coffee culture. And when more attention began to be paid to the quality of coffee, as well as the texture of milk and latte art, it again came into fashion as a delicious drink. You could say that a flat white is a small, strong latte. It should have a strong coffee taste and is usually made with a double ristretto or double espresso base and added hot milk to make 150-175 ml of the drink. There is very little foam in the milk, so it’s a little easier to “fit” complex latte art into a flat white.
Coffee scrub
The uses of coffee go beyond being a refreshing, aromatic drink. It's much broader. In cosmetology, such a cosmetic product as a scrub made from the grounds of this drink is well known. In this case, the residue after brewing and dry powder are used. How to use coffee scrub correctly:
- the skin on which the scrub is applied must be moisturized;
- Be sure to warm the skin thoroughly;
- It is recommended to use this coffee product with coffee once or twice a week;
- After completing the procedure, thoroughly rinse off the coffee;
- Apply a nourishing or moisturizing cream; baby oil will also work.
Making a coffee scrub at home is not at all difficult.
Green look
This coffee remedy against cellulite is effective and cheap. Ground coffee beans and shower gel with a softening effect are used. Preference is given to green grains. The dosage is as follows: a teaspoon of coffee is combined with the gel (100 ml). Before application, mix the mixture thoroughly. The finished product is rubbed into the skin for several minutes, no more than ten to fifteen, then the scrub is washed off with warm water in the shower.
Grinding of grains should be moderate (coarse - can damage the skin, fine - will not give the expected result).
Sea salt
Crushed sea salt is a great addition. Add a few drops of olive oil to the mixed ingredients. Before applying this product, you should lie in a hot bath for ten minutes. This will help better open the pores, and the effect after the procedure will be obvious. The scrub is applied to the areas of skin that need it most and rubbed into them with gentle massaging movements for ten minutes. Wash off in the same way as the previous recipe. The body can be lubricated with a special lotion.
After several treatments, your skin will become tightened and fat deposits will be noticeably reduced.
Sour cream
Smooth skin like silk is the pride of the entire female half. It will not be possible to achieve the desired result as quickly as we would like. There are ways to help reduce the time and effort required to care for your skin. The most acceptable is coffee scrub. You can prepare it yourself in a matter of minutes.
After drinking a cup of aromatic coffee, squeeze out the grounds from the drink and dry it. The product requires dry powder. Mix the finished powder in the amount of one tablespoon with full-fat homemade sour cream. Take two tbsp. and mix well. Then apply to the areas of the body that you will treat, massage with light finger movements.
This procedure tones the skin, making it soft. Epilation is completely painless and fairly quick.
Americano
If you dilute classic espresso with hot water, you get an Americano .
How did this type of coffee come about? During World War II, American soldiers looked to Italy for their traditional filter coffee, so Italian baristas decided to dilute the espresso, resulting in a completely new drink.
To prepare an Americano, you must first brew 50-60 ml of classic espresso from 14-16 g of coffee. It is very important not to brew coffee in the machine for more than 20-25 seconds. Then the resulting espresso must be diluted with the same amount of water heated to boiling.
Masks
You need to remember one thing - the scrub is prepared from natural grains to avoid additional problems. Masks made with coffee grounds have no contraindications. Caffeine can cause complications only if there are open wounds and scratches on the body. Masks are prepared using the same method, differing in their fillers.
- A “coffee + honey” mask is a win-win option for any skin type. Mix the mixture of components one tablespoon at a time, apply to the face and neck, leave for twenty minutes, rinse with cool water. We receive life and energy.
- A paste-like mixture of coffee, oatmeal and yogurt, left on your face for half an hour, will make it unusually soft and velvety. This mask is washed off with warm water.
- For older women, a recipe for a mask made from coffee beans and cocoa is offered. Add an equal amount of components with milk, mix thoroughly to obtain a paste-like mixture. The mask should remain on the face for thirty minutes. Wash off with fairly warm water. This mask is not only fragrant, it has a unique rejuvenating effect.
