While a decadently sweetened flavored coffee may hit the spot, many store-bought options are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Learn how to make flavored coffee without syrup using ingredients you already have in your kitchen!
Spices
If you like a warm flavor to your morning coffee, consider using spices to create a new taste. Whole spices like cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and star anise can be sprinkled directly into the coffee grounds before brewing to infuse the beans with their natural flavoring. However, if you’re concerned about adding too much spice to your coffee, try mixing it with a small amount of sugar or simple syrup before brewing. This method is also great for making flavored coffee to give as gifts because it can be made in bulk and done with any type of coffee.
unsweetened cocoa powder
For an extra burst of flavor, stir unsweetened cocoa powder into your mug for a rich, chocolatey twist on your coffee. With just a spoonful of cocoa powder, you can easily transform your regular cup of joe into a delectable homemade chocolate mocha. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to enjoy a café-style treat right in your kitchen.
Citrus Zest
You can also infuse your coffee with citrus flavors by simmering the zest of lemons, limes, and oranges with water and sugar until it thickens. You can then strain the zest out to remove the solids and use the resulting syrup as you would any other coffee-flavored syrup. This technique isn’t as quick and easy as a traditional coffee syrup, but it requires little to no specialized equipment.
Oil
If whole spices are too overwhelming for you, consider using a flavoring oil to infuse your coffee. Flavored oils can be purchased in many different varieties, giving you nearly endless options. The most popular coffee flavor oils are almond, coconut, and sunflower. They’re natural, flavorful, and have no calories or added sugars.
To use these, simply add a small amount of oil to your brewed coffee and stir until combined, or you can infuse your coffee beans by mixing the oil in and then store them in an airtight container in a dark place.
Simple Syrup
When it comes to sweetening your coffee, you have a lot of options. You can use granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup (our preference), artificial sweeteners, and even stevia drops. But if you want to go the extra mile and add a hint of flavor, then there’s nothing like homemade flavored syrup.
Simple syrup is a versatile sweetener that’s commonly used to make cocktails, but it can also be poured over iced coffee, lemonade, and brewed tea. It’s easy to make at home, and you can even use it to infuse ingredients into your drinks, such as citrus peels, herbs like lavender or ginger, or whole spices like cardamom or fennel.
Essentially, all you need is equal parts water and sugar. Bring it to a boil, then simmer it until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before storing it in a sealed container. Simple syrup will keep refrigerated for about a month.
You’ll need to choose your base to make flavored syrups for your coffee. The best option is typically sugar, but you can also use a sugar substitute to avoid added calories. Simply follow the directions on the packaging for how much sugar substitute to replace 1 cup of sugar.
You can also play around with the ratio of sugar to water. For example, a 2:1 syrup will be richer and denser than one with a 1:1 ratio. You can also experiment with other types of sugar, such as brown sugar for a caramel flavor or demerara sugar for a more pronounced flavor layer.
Once you’ve chosen a basic syrup recipe, you can play around with the flavors to create an endless array of at-home flavored coffees. The most popular flavored coffee syrup is vanilla, but try using other extracts or spices to create unique combinations. And if you’re looking to skip the added sugar completely, you can even opt for a sugar-free coffee syrup made from various natural sweeteners. Just be sure to check the label for a recommended replacement ratio, as some will work better than others in this application.
Extracts
Another calorie-free way to add flavor is with extracts. These can be purchased at any grocery store and they come in a variety of flavors. Be careful not to overdo it though, one drop of an extract is generally all that you need. Adding too much can make your coffee taste incredibly bitter and astringent.
The most common—vanilla extract—is a great natural sugar flavoring substitute. A standard serving of vanilla syrup contains about 20 grams of sugar, while a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract has none. Plus, it has the added benefit of helping to reduce bitterness in your coffee.
Honey
You can also add a bit of honey to your cup for some natural sweetness that is known to soothe the throat. However, this is not a good option for those who are diabetic, as it contains high levels of fructose. A better option is agave syrup, which is also natural and a good alternative to refined sugar. However, agave has been shunned by some diets due to its high levels of fructose.
Savor the Flavor: Create and Gift Your Own Unique Coffee Blends at Home
Creating a flavored coffee is not difficult and can be done easily at home. Whether you prefer to spice your cup of joe with fresh fruits and spices or with a bit of homemade flavored syrup, the result will be an indulgent drink that tastes like it came from a cafe. You can also make it as a gift to friends and family, as it will be an unexpected treat. Make sure to wrap the jar well and write the type of flavor on the label. This is a great way to make them feel special and will certainly be appreciated by anyone who enjoys your thoughtfulness.