It’s the simple things in life that keep us mamas going, right? Our morning brew is the perfect way to start our day. But has your coffee routine becomes just that…routine. Maybe you need to look for ways to upgrade your coffee game in 2022?
Moms and coffee go together like butter and popcorn, like peanut butter and jelly, like salt and pepper, like…well, you get the idea. Our relationship is meant to be. Fresh coffee gives us something to look forward to first thing in the morning, rewards us during yet another grocery run, and fuels us on days we have three kids going in three different directions simultaneously.
We would never say we get bored of our beloved companion exactly, but, well, coffee is a little like marriage. It’s easy to fall into the same routine every day. Don’t get me wrong- I love a good routine. But even great marriages need to be spiced up once in a while. Coffee is no different. The same beans here, a splash of your good ol’ creamer there, or an identical order at the drive-through every single time. Yawn.
But rise and shine, Beautiful! I’ve put together 5 ways to upgrade your coffee. Simple steps to pull ourselves out of our daily coffee routines and add even more of a jolt to our coffee game.
1. Grind Your Own Coffee Beans
I know- you’ve been told this in every article you’ve ever read about coffee brewing. But it’s true. Grinding your own beans makes for a fresher cup of Joe. It’s one small measure of control you can bring to the process. And really, it adds all of 12 extra seconds to your morning cup(s). A small grinder is all you need. Also, my kids think it’s fun to use, so this is a task you could outsource to a willing participant.
2. Try Different Milks
Starbucks introduced their Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso a couple of years ago and I’ve been riding the oat milk train ever since. I love the subtle nutty taste it adds to my iced coffee and lattes. If you have allergies in the house, it’s easier than ever to add something creamy to your coffee, whether almond, rice, soy, or coconut milk. And while I will laugh at every TikTok that makes fun of all the milk options available now, you will also pry my oat milk out of my cold, dead hands.
3. Use a Milk Frother
A few years ago, I purchased an inexpensive handheld frother to make my own lattes. It’s small, quick, and feels like a treat. Bonus: frothing the milk in your kid’s hot chocolate earns you instant cool-mom status.
4. DIY Cold Brew at Home
I love switching to iced coffee as warmer weather hits. I made my own for years before getting a cold brew coffee maker that sits in my fridge. Not ready to invest in another kitchen gadget? Use dark roast coffee grounds and let them sit in cold water overnight. Start with a ratio of 1 cup water for every 1 oz. of coffee until you find the recipe that’s right for you. After 12-18 hours, pour it through a strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper towels into a pitcher you can store in the fridge for a few days.
5. Homemade Coffee Syrup
I like to add flavor to my cold brew and lattes but don’t love the expense or all the ingredients in most coffee syrups. I make my own vanilla syrup by combining 1 ¼ cups water with ¾ cup white sugar and ½ cup brown sugar. Bring it all to a boil for about 10 minutes in a small pot on the stove. Once it’s cool, add 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract. I keep mine in an airtight bottle in my pantry and it lasts for weeks. You can easily replace the vanilla with another flavor like hazelnut or maple, and play around with the proportions to create your perfect syrups.
Go ahead and carve out a few moments of the morning to take your coffee from ho-hum to Mmmmmm. Be sure to let us know which of these you try and love. What is one of your favorite ways to upgrade your coffee game?
