At-Home Coffee Ideas

I’m so thankful I started the #BetheBaristaChallenge last year.

The idea all started when I looked at my bank statements and realized how much I was spending on my morning lattes. Let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty.

Don’t get me wrong, I love supporting local coffee businesses and there is nothing better than a delicious latte to-go. But I realized I had a problem. It wasn’t that I was indulging in coffee shops too much, but that it had become a habit. Also, I honestly couldn’t make my own coffee at home - even half as good and knew there had to be a way!

So, the #BeTheBaristaChallenge started as a way to force me to make coffee at home to learn what I liked (and didn’t) and to hopefully save money. I set out to make my own coffee at-home for two weeks straight, but ended up continuining for an entire month!

You guys, this former coffee shop queen can now enjoy her caffeine at-home! I thought I would share some of my favorite easy recipes, combos and what I love having.

Favorite Coffee:

I tried A LOT of different coffee options from the grocery store…from pre-made to cold brew and a variety of coffee beans and K-cups. I learned how to make my own Cold Brew at-home, which is definitely the most cost effective option and easier than you would think! I also invested in a quality frother with a hot & cold option, which has been a gamechanger. I also learned which creamers have been the best from healthy to indulgent.

Iced Coffee

I love an iced coffee all year long. My favorites have been:

Pre-Made: STOKE Cold Brew (black, un-sweet): this is the best pre-made cold brew I have tried! It’s smooth, gives the right kick of caffeine and is not too bitter. I typically add creamer to it, but it’s good enough to drink on it’s own. Simply pour on ice, add your creamer and you are set! This is around 10 calories per serving with no added sugar, making it a healthier option.
Pre-Mixed Latte: Calfia Farms (includes almond milk mixed in and choice of flavor - the mocha is really delicious, but sweet!) I have tried a variety of brands that offer pre-made lattes that you simply pour on ice. These are more indulgent - typically around 80 calories per serving, which isn’t terrible but if you have a large pour it can add up! I like this brand because the coffee is smooth, the creamer is delcious and it doesn’t taste chalky or too sugary. The Iced Coffee Double Espresso blend or Iced Coffee Latte are my go-to’s! I only buy these on special occasion.
At-Home: You can create an at-home iced coffee by making your own cold brew (you will need a French press or cold brew maker). You can use any coffee beans you like! I typically have the Starbucks Blonde beans in the pantry.

Hot Coffee

Cameron’s Coffee
ALDI Coffee K-Cups
Donut Shop K-Cups
Bulletproof Coffee

Creamer:

I have tried soooo many different brands and after the testing phase have narrowed it down to a few go-to’s I now keep regularly. I want my creamer to be almond milk based and to have a creamy flavor without being too thin. Ideally, around 10-20 calories per serving! I also really want my creamer to foam when I put it in my Keurig frother!

Nut Pods Creamer Hazelnut: I learned about NutPods when I was doing FWTFL and really liked it. It’s creamy, has a slightly nutty flavor but is still smooth and slightly sweet. I really like the Hazelnut flavor. It’s also low in sugar and calories, making it a good option.
Calfia Farms BetterHalf Almondmilk (unsweetened): this is the creamiest, non-dairy alternative to Half & Half I have found! It’s not too sweet, but does have a rich nutty flavor and foams really well both for hot and iced coffee.
Trade Joe’s Almond Milk: if you are looking for something light, I really like the Trader Joe’s almond milk that is made from simply almonds and water. This milk also foams REALLY well, but is not as creamy or thick as other creamers. If you like just a hint of almond milk flavor, this is a good option. Also, no sugar added!
Kitu Super Creamer - I found this creamer at Hyvee, but many specialty grocery stores carry it. It’s definitely more pricey, but the bottle will last you awhile! It has MCT oil in it and is considered a keto-friendly creamer. It’s thick, creamy and tastes soo good with zero sugar.
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Creamer: Okay, time for a treat. If you are a Starbucks junky, they have decadent creamers that taste like your favorite specialty drinks. I don’t indulge in this often, but enjoy having it in the house for special occassions. It’s thick, super creamy and has a distinct flavor. I’ve also had the Caramel Macciato, but liked the Cinnamon Dolce better. Beware - it’s around 50 calories per serving and is full of sugar. Sometimes you need a treat though!