How to Make Fancy Coffee Drinks

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world and with good reason. From a humble everyday cup of drip coffee to the most exotic international variations or boozy alternatives, there are an unbelievable number of drinks that harness the delicious flavors and tantalizing aromas of the coffee bean. But if you’re looking to expand your coffee horizons, sorting through it all can feel a bit daunting. Read on as we break down the basics and explore some of the best coffee drinks to up your game for your next morning eye-opener.

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Drip and Filtered Coffee

Equipment needed: Drip coffeemaker/pourover/French Press, coffee filters

This is the most common and familiar style of coffee. Using a variety of mechanisms, including an electric coffeemaker or a pour-over device, hot water flows through coffee grounds, extracting flavor as it drips through. This method also includes the distinctive French Press, where coffee grounds and hot water soak together before a filter is plunged downward, separating the grounds from the drinkable coffee above. 

There’s no limit to the number of ways traditional coffee can be prepared, including a wide variety of combinations of the traditional sugar and milk or cream additives. These include delicious international versions like café au lait or café con leche, as well as flavored versions like mochas.

Those looking to cool off with their coffee beverage have two similar-sounding but distinct options: iced coffee and cold brew. Iced coffee is much like it sounds, consisting of traditionally brewed coffee cooled down and served over ice. On the other hand, cold brew keeps the entire process cold, using an alternative process for slowly extracting flavor from the coffee in cool water. The latter process can produce subtly different flavors and aromas than the former, which some coffee aficionados prefer.

Top Drip Coffee Drink Recipes

Espresso-based Drinks

Equipment needed: Espresso machine/Moka pot, hand frother, thermometer, espresso cups

Espresso is the heart of what many people think of when they consider “fancy” coffee drinks. It’s created by forcing highly pressurized hot water over finely ground coffee to create a small but intense amount of liquid. In addition to the rich, robust flavor, espresso is also known for its unique mouthfeel compared to traditional coffee.

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to espresso drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites, all created with varying amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam. In addition, there are a variety of international and more specific options, including macchiatos, cortados, espresso con panna, and much more. 

Anyone who’s looked at the price of typical espresso machines has likely felt their eyes bulge, with many models selling for several hundred to several thousand dollars. While spending on a quality machine can be worthwhile for frequent espresso drinkers, others are just as happy with the low-tech, affordable, traditional Moka Pot. 

Moka pots use an innovative design that harnesses any heat source they’re placed atop to force hot water over coffee grounds to produce espresso-style coffee without the need for high pressure or other complex equipment. 

Best Espresso Coffee Drink Recipes

Unusual and Exotic Styles

Special equipment needed: Cezve/Turkish coffee machine, spices, special cups/bowls

True coffee aficionados looking to expand their palate can try out these unique styles of coffee. Some represent age-old techniques for creating a satisfying cup of joe, while others sit at the cutting edge of coffee technology. 

One of the latter group is nitro coffee, in which the coffee is infused with nitrogen gas for a creamier mouthfeel and a unique appearance. Can you make nitro coffee at home? The answer is yes – you will need a whipped cream dispenser and a pressurized nitrous oxide cartridge. Find out how to make nitro coffee.

Unusual Coffee Drink Recipes

Boozy Coffee & Coffee Cocktails

Special Equipment Needed: Jigger/shot glasses, cocktail shaker, Irish coffee mugs, cocktail spoon

Two of the world’s most beloved and widespread drinks are coffee and booze, so it’s no surprise that skilled baristas and bartenders have found ways to combine them. Although drinkers should always be careful when combining caffeine and alcohol, these delicious and memorable choices will give you a boost with your buzz, alongside the incredibly robust flavor and texture. 

As with any cocktail, it’s vital to measure and mix your drinks correctly, meaning it’s worth investing in a jigger with measurements and a long-handled spoon if you’re routinely enjoying these boozy treats at home.  

Coffee Cocktail Recipes

Accessories to Enhance Your Coffee Experience

Coffee Grinder: There’s no doubt pre-ground coffee is convenient, but the best flavor comes from freshly ground beans. Vital flavor and aroma compounds begin degrading as soon as the coffee beans are ground, meaning doing this shortly before brewing (or even days ahead, rather than the weeks typical of store-bought pre-ground coffee) will produce a more vibrant and flavorful cup. Both electric and mechanical grounders are suitable for the task, but the most important factor is the uniformity of the grounds afterward, ensuring even extraction in the brew process. 

Kitchen Scale: Rather than eyeballing it based on spoon scoops or water measured in the carafe, a kitchen scale can ensure coffee lovers are using the ideal ratio of these two fundamental ingredients. Coffee grounds can have different volumes based on their grind and other factors, meaning weight is the only true way to ensure you’re getting the same brew every time. 

Water Filter: The vast majority of coffee is made up of water, yet all too many coffee lovers neglect this vital ingredient. Although typical tap water is usually safe and suitable for basic brews, those who’d like to step up their game should use a filter to remove any off flavors as well as potentially harmful substances. For some, a simple pitcher with an integrated filter will suffice, while others may want to invest in a dedicated filter system that processes all water flowing through a single faucet or your whole home. 

Aeropress: Those looking for consistently high-quality coffee on the go may want to invest in an Aeropress coffee maker, which creates an espresso-style shot (easily transformed into Americano-style coffee) with nothing other than hot water and an ingenious design. It’s perfect for camping, frequent travelers looking to avoid hotel coffee machines, or budget-minded coffee lovers looking for a versatile option. 

So Many Fancy Options to Enjoy for Coffee Lovers of All Kinds

As you can see, the coffee drinks available for skilled home baristas are as diverse as their origins. With some basic equipment, a bit of practice, and this handy list, you’ll never run out of fancy coffee drinks to whip up for yourself and your fellow coffee lovers.