How To Make Your Coffee Shop Favourites At Home

The struggle to start the day without that first sip feeling is all too real. Social distancing in the age of COVID-19 nixes working remotely from your favourite local coffee shop for the time being, and although many remain open for takeout and delivery, we’ve scoured the interwebs for recipes that will allow you to make your own specialty drinks from home. Ensuring you reduce your rate of contact with others is essential and bonus – you’ll save a little cash too. It’s a win-win.

How to make espresso at home

A quintessential ingredient in many coffee shop go-tos, espresso is a full-flavored, concentrated form of coffee served in a small, strong shot. Even without the bells and whistles that a fancy machine would afford, you can still create this fundamental element at home. An aeropress, moka pot or french press are all options that will provide you with a smooth shot by forcing a small amount of near boiling water through finely ground coffee beans.

How to steam milk on the stove

Steamed milk is essentially heated milk. However, you want to heat it just enough to produce bubbles without scalding or changing the milky flavour. You can do this in the microwave but you have more control over the heat on the stove, so use the stovetop if you can.

What you’ll need:

1. Milk
2. Small saucepan
3. Thermometer

Directions:

1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place it on the stovetop.
2. Place the thermometer in the milk to monitor the temperature.
3. Heat the milk on medium to medium-low. Different milk require different temperatures;

• Milk: 150F (65C)
• Soy milk: 140F (60C)
• Almond milk: 130F (54C)

1. Occasionally stir the milk to keep it from boiling. Once it reaches the appropriate temperature, remove the milk from the heat and pour it directly into your coffee, or froth it.

How to froth milk in the microwave

A defining characteristic of many specialty coffee drinks (think lattes and cappuccinos), frothed milk can be easily accomplished at home with minimal supplies. Got milk (and a microwave)? You’re all set.

Directions:

1. Fill a mason jar with milk, up to one third of the way full.

1. Seal the jar.
2. Shake well until the milk doubles in volume.
3. Take off the lid and place the jar in the microwave.
4. Heat the milk on high for 30 to 45 seconds. The foam needs to rise near the lip of the jar, but you don’t want it to bubble over.
5. Remove the jar from the microwave and enjoy.

Americano

Instead of milk, as would normally be found in a latte or cappuccino, this espresso-based drink is infused with hot water, resulting in the caffeine kick without the heaviness. Adjust as you see fit – if you’re looking for a more mild version, try doubling the amount of water.

What you’ll need:

• Espresso

Directions:

1. Pour 3oz of espresso into a cup.
2. Heat up 3oz of water in the microwave for two minutes. Pour into a separate mug.
3. Pour the espresso shot into the mug with the water.

Latte

Short for caffè latte, or coffee with milk, this indulgence remains a special kind of pick-me-up. Although you may avoid attempting to recreate your morning must have at home because it seems too complicated, we’re here to show you that it really is much easier than you think.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup brewed espresso

Directions:

1. Make your espresso.
2. Steam your milk (see above).
3. Froth your milk (see above).
4. Pour your espresso into your milk.

Cappuccino

Using the same ingredients as a latte, the only difference to making a cappuccino is both the amount of milk (less) and the amount of foam (more).

What you’ll need:

• 85ml milk
• 25ml espresso

Directions:

1. Make your espresso.
2. Steam your milk (see above).
3. Froth your milk (see above).
4. Pour your espresso into your milk.

Dalgona Latte

A wildly popular trend sweeping social media channels, this DIY favourite, known for its simplicity and fluffy texture, has captured the attention of those in quarantine around the world. The simple recipe, using only three ingredients (that you most likely have), will allow you to indulge your caffeine craving in the sweetest way possible without ever having to set foot outside of your front door.

What you’ll need

• 2tbsp hot water
• 2tbsp sugar
• 2tbsp instant coffee

Directions:

1. Add the hot water, sugar and instant coffee to a large bowl. The water needs to be hot enough to ensure that the coffee and sugar can dissolve
2. Mix it all together using a hand mixer. If you don’t have one, a fork or whisk will work. This allows air into the mixture for maximum fluff.
3. Once the mixture looks frothy and glossy, pour it into a glass of milk (ice optional) and serve.

Cold Brew Coffee

This trend has risen steadily in popularity over the last decade and coffee shops have responded by offering the refreshing pick me up year round. With warmer weather just around the corner, this recipe will see you perfecting your cold brew coffee game just in time for the rising temperatures.

What you’ll need:

• ¾ cup coffee beans (whole, not pre-ground)
• 3 cups cool water
• Milk (if using)
• Sugar (if using)
• Jars
• Fine mesh strainer or french press

Directions:

1. Pulse beans to make a coarse grind.
2. Cover with water (in french press if you have one, in a jar if not)
3. Let sit at room temperature 12-16 hours.
4. Strain out solids using french press (if available) or fine mesh strainer.
5. Top with milk and stir in sugar, if using.
6. Serve over ice. (Serves four)

London Fog Latte

More of a tea drinker? This luxurious and relaxing drink brings all of the comforting vibes with a lower caffeine content. Make it the traditional way by combining sweetened earl grey tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup.

What you’ll need:

• One or two earl grey tea bags
• 8oz milk
• Vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Brew a cup of strong earl grey tea using one or two tea bags.
2. In a separate container, steam the milk.
3. Combine the two
4. Stir in your desired sweetener and add a dash of vanilla extract.