23 Coffee Recipes That Let You Be Your Own Barista
Make It a Brew-tiful Day
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Do you love coffee drinks, but not waiting in line to shell out big bucks at the coffee shop? Be your own barista with these coffee recipes that let you make your favorite brewed drinks at home. Whether you crave a classic cappuccino, want to try your hand at flat whites, or are searching for the ultimate pumpkin spice latte copycat, you'll find what you need here.
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French Cafe au Lait
The Spruce/Nita West
A bistro-style cafe au lait is oh-so-French and a fantastic way to greet a chilly morning. Make it with equal parts steamed milk and strong hot coffee, for an easy, elegant breakfast with flaky croissants. Or enjoy it as they do at sidewalk cafes in Paris: as an afternoon treat with a square of dark chocolate.
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Pour-Over Coffee
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Pour-over coffee is a nostalgic brewing method that produces produces a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. While it does require precision of measurements and brewing times, you need nothing but regular coffee grinds and water to achieve the ideal cup.
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Cuban Coffee (Cafecito)
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Cuban coffee is a sweet, rich, delicious hot beverage. Traditionally served after-dinner, it makes a great, dairy-free alternative to ice cream after a meal. You make it by topping potent shots of espresso with a thick layer of foamy crema made with sugar, instead of milk.
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The Perfect Cappuccino
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A light, foamy cappuccino just like they drink in Italy is at your fingertips with this traditional recipe. Make it with home-brewed espresso and steamed milk for a delicious morning pick-you-up. You could use an espresso machine or pick up a handy electric milk frother for a fraction of the cost.
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New Orleans Coffee (Cafe Noir)
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New Orleans is known for plenty of unique and delicious foods, including its famous hot coffee. You make it with basic drip-ground coffee, plus chicory, a dried herb that gives this brew its signature chocolate-caramel flavor, intensely dark color, and thick consistency.
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Cold Brew Coffee
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You need no special equipment to make delicious cold brew coffee. The simple method of steeping ground coffee beans in cold water yields a rich-tasting brew, without any bitter flavor. It makes a great overnight recipe in the summer when you're expecting guests the next day. Serve in tall glasses over ice.
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Affogato
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios Fresh-brewed espresso and vanilla ice cream make a fabulous after-dinner coffee dessert. The Italian affogato is an easy recipe that can be made with a stovetop espresso maker or any strong coffee if you don't have a separate machine. Be sure to freeze the glasses as it's the secret to avoiding melted ice cream.
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Maple Pecan Latte
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Perillo
A coffee shop favorite during fall and winter, it's easy to make a maple pecan latte at home. You'll start by making the sweetener, and the maple pecan syrup is enough for many lattes. When it's time for a drink, simply mix it with fresh-brewed espresso and steamed milk.
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White Chocolate Mocha
The Spruce/Anita Schecter
Does the thought of a sweet, creamy white chocolate latte make you weak in the knees? We can't make the cravings stop—but we can share this dreamy recipe, so you can skip the drive to the coffee shop this winter.
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Homemade Frappuccino
Leah Maroney
Save money at the coffee shop with this foolproof recipe that makes enough creamy, chilled frappuccinos to serve a houseful of holiday guests. Breakfasting solo? Make the recipe ahead and freeze individual portions for an indulgent morning beverage anytime.
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Hong Kong Yuanyang (Coffee With Tea)
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Yuanyang is a popular, tasty, energizing beverage from Hong Kong that you will want to add to your bag of tricks. It's creamy and sweet, thanks to sweetened condensed milk, and has a stimulating caffeine kick—perfect for when you can't decide between hot coffee and tea.
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Cafe Latte
The Spruce
Enjoy an Italian-style cafe latte at home, while you linger in your bathrobe. Typically made with more milk than a cappuccino, this popular coffee drink requires only two simple ingredients, though it's also considered proper to add some flavored simple syrup for sweetness.
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Turkish Coffee
The Spruce
Turkish coffee has a well-deserved reputation for its wonderfully strong flavor. This classic recipe includes ground cardamom, but what makes all the difference is the fine grind of the coffee beans.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte
Anita Schecter
It wouldn't be autumn in America without pumpkin spice lattes, as made famous by a certain coffee shop chain. You could stand in line and fork out a fortune, or brew your own beverage at home with this clever copycat recipe that includes cozy fall spices and real pumpkin puree.
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Keto Pumpkin Spice Latte
The Spruce / Leah Maroney
If you're avoiding carbs but still want that fall-spiced jolt of java, try this keto pumpkin spice latte recipe. It’s made with espresso, pumpkin, and spices along with your favorite milk, and a little artificial sweetener.
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Flat White Espresso
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A flat white is similar to a latte in that it's made with espresso and frothed milk. But to make this trendy Australian beverage, you fold the milk foam into the coffee for a smooth, integrated experience, versus layering it on top. It takes a bit of practice, but mastering it will definitely impress your friend squad at brunch.
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Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Dá)
Pete Scherer
An uplighting combination of coffee and sweetened condensed milk, Vietnamese iced coffee is more than your average cup of joe. It's refreshing and perfectly sweet with a jolt of caffeine, making it a great way to start the day.
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Vegan Gingerbread Latte
Allyson Kramer
Warm up this winter with a sweet, lightly-spiced gingerbread latte that's like Christmas in a mug. You only need 15 minutes to reproduce the popular coffee shop treat at home. Top it with non-dairy whipped cream, for enjoying in front of the tree.
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Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Pete Scherer
Vietnamese egg coffee is a uniquely sweet, custard-like hot coffee drink that has to be tasted to be believed. You only need three ingredients and no special equipment to make this velvety drink.
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Greek Iced Coffee Frappe
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Iced frappes are popular, cooling drinks on hot days. This recipe hails from Greece, but variations of the refreshing brew are enjoyed all over the world. You don't even need to plug in a coffee maker, or use any tools, though a blender might be handy if you multiply the recipe to serve a crowd.
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Caramel Irish Coffee
S&C Design Studios
Decadent, boozy, creamy, and spiked with caffeine, caramel Irish coffee is a delicious warm cocktail that puts a fun spin on the traditional Irish coffee. It makes a great after-dinner drink during the holidays, or whenever friends gather in colder weather.
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Cafe Con Leche
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Enjoy a coffee house experience at home with easy, Spanish-style cafe con leche. Translated as "coffee with milk," it is made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, for a powerful morning beverage that will put pep in your step.
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Mexican Coffee
The Spruce/Leah Maroney
If you are a fan of mochas, you're sure to enjoy Mexican coffee. The sweet and spicy treat is an unbelievably delicious blend of strong, freshly roasted coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, and vanilla, and is only improved by a dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top.