This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.
If you love flavored coffee, you might feel stuck with the few choices at the grocery store, where the coffee often sits too long and loses its freshness. But don’t worry, there’s a much better option out there for you.
In this post, I’m excited to guide you through flavoring your own coffee beans. With simple steps, you’ll impress as the go-to DIY barista in your area, delighting any flavored coffee lover.
1. Use Your Favorite Wine, Liquor, or Beer
Picture a coffee that tastes like merlot, scotch, or your favorite local beer.
Barrel-aged coffees, such as the ones from Cooper’s Cask Coffee, are all the rage for a good reason—they taste amazing. While you can’t mimic the exact process at home, this comes incredibly close.
Just pop your coffee beans into a jar with any wine, spirits, or beer you love. Store it in a cool, dark spot for a day. Feel free to use vodka, bourbon, whiskey, scotch, or any other drink you’ve got on hand. It’s that easy!
After waiting the right amount of time, make a cup with the soaked beans and savor it!
2. Add Spices to Your Coffee Grounds
Coffee lovers, rejoice! You can add a burst of flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg right into your brew. No need to wait – start infusing those cozy spices early on.
Add a twist to your coffee by mixing in your favorite spices right before you brew. As it brews, the spices blend with the coffee grounds, crafting a deliciously unique flavor you’ll absolutely adore. You’re in for a treat!
3. Try Some Tasty Oil Extracts
Picture adding a dash of apple, a splash of brandy, a hint of hazelnut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your coffee. A world of flavorful oil extracts awaits to elevate your coffee from okay to outstanding. Simply soak your beans in these oils to dial up the flavor to your liking. It’s that easy!
Finding the perfect brew strength is a fun experiment! The key is in soaking your beans. A longer soak means a bolder flavor, but be careful – soak them too long, and you might find your coffee too strong to enjoy.
Start with soaking for five hours. If it tastes too light, try up to eight hours. Experiment a bit, and soon, you’ll master brewing coffee with the perfect intensity of any flavor you fancy.
4. Grind Your Beans with Whole Spices
Whole beans stay fresh longer and let you easily spice up your coffee.
Grind your coffee beans with whole spices to mix their flavors. This creates a rich, unbeatable taste that will elevate your coffee experience. Try it and taste the difference!
Begin with classics like cloves, nutmeg, or cinnamon for a traditional twist. Don’t hesitate to try different flavors too. A tip: if it’s in a hot cocoa or cider recipe, it’s likely a fantastic addition to your coffee.
Beware if you’re thinking about grinding spices in your coffee grinder! Normally, I’m all for blade grinders over burr grinders. However, spices can jam or even damage the burrs. Instead, opt for a reliable blade grinder like the Krups Silent Vortex for spice grinding.
5. Experiment with Flavored Syrups
When you buy flavored coffees at your favorite cafe, they often use syrups to add that yummy taste. Why not try adding syrups to your coffee at home too?
Why not whip up your own healthier coffee syrup? Mix equal parts of water and sugar, then stir in your favorite flavors. Think orange peels, spices, vanilla beans, or chocolate for a delicious twist. It’s a simple way to elevate your coffee game!
To jazz up your coffee, add syrup for flavor. It’s not the beans that change, but you can soak them or the grounds in syrup. Play around with it to find your perfect taste!
6. Use Brown Sugar or Cocoa Powder
Give your coffee a sweet twist! Mix in alternatives like brown sugar, cocoa, molasses, or honey directly with your beans or grounds. Click here for more sweet ideas.
Playing with brewing time is key. Beans or grounds need different times to infuse sweets. Some flavors need more patience than others. Keep experimenting!
What’s Next?
Did you know you can fall in love with black coffee? Some prefer to indulge in fancy flavored coffees or even pick keto-friendly options. But guess what? Creating your own flavored beans at home is way more exciting. Dive into the fun of making your coffee unique and brag about your brewing adventures to your buddies.
To truly elevate your coffee game, start with fresh, whole-bean coffee. Make sure to explore our favorite coffee grinders and our detailed guide on grinding coffee beans. The moment you sip coffee made from beans you’ve ground yourself, you’ll realize it’s a whole new, delicious world.
