PEAKLIFE

By Lyla Shroff

In a world where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can turn a mundane morning at home into a delightful experience at a charming cafe—the quest for the perfect cup of coffee is never ending. Whether you’re a die-hard coffee connoisseur or simply seeking a comforting companion to kickstart your day, our exploration of the best at-home coffee recipes promises to awaken your senses and satisfy your taste buds. Grab your favourite mug, brew your curiosity, and let’s dive into the world of caffeine culture.

1. Vietnamese Cold Brew

Vietnamese Cold Brew, or “cà phê đá” in Vietnamese, is a delightful twist on traditional cold brew coffee. It’s all about brewing coarse coffee grounds with cold water over an extended period, resulting in a brew that’s bold, smooth, and packed with flavour. It is a simple and decadent recipe that combines a strong mix of coffee and sweet condensed milk with ice. This coffee can be made with the slow cold brew method or with a quick brew of espresso.

How to make it

Method 1

– ½ cup cold brew coffee

– ¼ cup or more of condensed milk

– Fill half the glass with ice cubes

Method 2

– 1 ½ tbsp of instant coffee dissolved in hot water

– 4 tbsp of condensed milk

– Fill half the glass with ice cubes

2. Irish Coffee

Cosy up with a classic combo that’ll warm your soul—we’re talking about rich, bitter coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream. This delightful drink is all about hot coffee and a generous splash of Irish whiskey, topped off with a creamy cap of freshly whipped cream.

How to make it

– 1 ½ tbsp of instant coffee dissolved in hot water

– 1 tbsp brown sugar

– 3 tbsp of Irish whiskey (or your favourite kind)

– A dollop of whipped heavy cream or canned whipped cream

3. Dalgona Coffee

Whip up a trendy treat that took the world by storm during the lockdown, Dalgona coffee. This coffee sensation combines the bold flavours of instant coffee with a sweet twist. Originating in South Korea, Dalgona coffee became an internet sensation when Covid-19 hit. It’s super easy to make at home as it combines equal parts of all its key ingredients.

How to make it

– 2 tbsp instant coffee

– 2 tbsp granulated sugar

– 2 tbsp of hot water

– Whisk manually or with a hand mixer until it gets fluffy

– Add the fluffy mix to1 cup of cold milk

4. Espresso Martini

Let’s shake things up with a cocktail. This caffeinated creation combines the best of both worlds—the bold, robust flavour of espresso and the spirited kick of vodka. To make your own Espresso Martini, shake together espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, and a touch of simple syrup with ice. Strain it into a chilled martini glass, and you’ll have a velvety-smooth, coffee-infused concoction that’s as delightful to sip as it is to look at.

How to make it

– 55 ml of vodka

– 30 ml of an espresso shot

– 15 ml coffee liqueur

– ¼ cup or 5 ml simple syrup

5. Affogato

Affogato, which means “drowned” in Italian, is the ultimate coffee and dessert fusion. It’s simple yet indulgent, and it’s sure to satisfy both your caffeine cravings and your sweet tooth. To whip up an Affogato, all you need is a scoop of your favourite ice cream or gelato and a shot of freshly brewed espresso. Pour the hot espresso over the cold ice cream, and watch as it creates a delicious swirl of flavours and temperatures.

How to make it

– A shot of espresso or 1 ½ tbsp of instant coffee dissolved in hot water.

– 1 scoop of your favourite ice cream or gelato flavour (we recommend using a classic vanilla bean).

6. Iced Mocha Coffee

This cool and creamy mixture brings together the rich flavours of coffee and the lusciousness of chocolate in a refreshingly cold package. To make your own iced mocha, start with a shot of espresso or strongly brewed coffee, mix it with cocoa powder, and add some milk and a dash of sugar if you like it sweet. Pour it over ice and there you have it—a chilled, caffeinated masterpiece.

How to make it

– ¼ cup milk

– 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar

– 1 tbsp cocoa powder

– 1 cup classic cold coffee

– Whipped cream (optional)

– Chocolate syrup to drizzle (optional)

7. Frappuccino

A frappuccino is a blended beverage that is like a coffee milkshake on a mission to refresh. This signature creation from the famous coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, is a sweet escape that combines coffee with ice, milk, and a whirlwind of delicious flavours. To craft your own frappuccino at home, blend together brewed coffee or espresso, ice cubes, milk, and your choice of flavourings. You can go classic with vanilla or venture into mocha, caramel, or even fruity territory. Top it off with whipped cream and a drizzle of syrup for a professional touch.

How to make it

– 1 cup classic cold coffee

– 1 cup of ice cubes

– ¾ cup milk

– ½ cup of your favourite flavour syrup

– Whipped cream (optional)