Are you getting tired of putting the same things into your coffee over and over? Or do you normally drink you coffee black but want to try jazzing it up? Or maybe you’re just curious about what other things might be put into coffee? One way or the other, we’ve got a heck of a list for you, covering some of the most popular additions to coffee.
1) Honey
Honey is probably the healthiest alternative sweetener that you could ever think of adding. It’s been utilized by many cultures over the ages for its curative properties. Many light roast coffees may even have a hint of honey with them. Sometimes you can even find coffee that has been processed with honey. But, even if that’s not the case for the coffee that you have on hand right now, give this new combo a try.
2) Vanilla Extract
This delicious additive is not just for baking anymore. Many dark roasted coffees have light vanilla flavors- this would be perfect for that! Or, if you are just a vanilla fiend, that is fine too. Try just adding a couple drops at a time though, and stir when you put it in. Vanilla extract can have a strong flavor for some people, so until you know your personal sweet spot, tread lightly.
3) Cinnamon
Cinnamon and spice and everything nice. This is a great way to spice up your coffee. Medium and dark roasts tend to go best with this, and you will need to give it a little stir. But, this and a little milk might even completely replace that jug of coffee creamer at the store, and it will be a bit healthier and taste better too.
4) A Tablespoon of Vanilla Ice Cream
You may have heard of an affogato before. We don’t want to take it to quite that level where it is mostly ice cream. Think of it like a spoonful that gets added that melts and makes everything creamier. Or, if just adding a spoonful takes too much self-control, we won’t judge. Just make that coffee float. You deserve it.
5) Coconut Milk
If you normally use milk or creamer as additions to coffee, you need to seriously consider this combo. Coconut milk goes particularly well with darker roasts. Generally if the flavors are described as chocolatey or have a vanilla taste to them, this might be worth purchasing and adding on your own.
6) Chocolate
I personally used to add little Hershey’s Kisses to my dark roasts sometimes during the holidays. It is not too overpowering, but you do get a nice little boost in any chocolaty flavors. The only downside is that when you add chocolate of any kind, generally there will be a little chocolate sludge at the bottom. So, you either have to scoop that out to eat it, or clean it a little bit more effectively. Overall though, it’s a nice and subtle addition. Plus, you probably have some at home already that you can try adding right away.
7) Salt
We’ve written a lot about this curious coffee addition before. Long story short, adding salt to your coffee grounds helps cut bitterness. Unlike sugar and creamer and most other additives that are essentially just covering up the bitterness, salt actually helps eliminate it. But, be careful. It is too easy to add too much salt and suddenly have an undrinkable coffee.
8) Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice making this list. For those of you that are nutmeg fiends when it comes to this flavor, I bet you haven’t tried it with coffee. It tends to give a more earthy taste though, so this is really more for those medium and dark roasts, first and foremost. But, I know some people are just all about nutmeg in general, so give it a go in whatever you’ve got.
9) Lemon
For those of you that enjoy a good light roast and are always seeing those citrusy flavors, this is for you. Well, more specifically, those of you who typically enjoy light roasts and drink you coffee black or mostly black. Most additives eliminate the nuanced citrus bite of a good light roast. Try squeezing a few drops from a slice of lemon for those of you adventurous enough to drink light roasted coffee black. This is another sensitive flavor though, so just try a few drops at a time and stir before tasting.
10) Butter
A teaspoonful of a solid organic butter definitely adds a delightful creamy twist to things. Although we’ve written about Bulletproof Coffee and their health claims being not necessarily true, that doesn’t mean that this is not at least tasty. It gives you a slightly thicker feel to the coffee too. And, with the little bit of calories that comes with it, it can be a little bit more energizing as well. Just be sure not to over-do it.
Are there any other interesting and popular additions to coffee that maybe we missed? Are you going to try adding any of these? Let us know in the comments down below!
If this cheered you up, then you might consider joining our email newsletter. We send out a weekly “thankfulness newsletter” made specifically to help spread cheer and love.
