Tired of being tired every morning? Is that regular cup of coffee just not doing it for you? Coffee can provide you with an energy boost, but not all coffee is made the same. For example, while Arabica beans are way more popular, Robusta beans pack more caffeine in for that extra punch. Robusta has a bitter taste, though, and generally gets left to espresso drinks.
So, which coffee drinks should you try in order to feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for work, school, or chasing after the kids all day? Here are our four favorite picks.
Vanilla Latte
Ah, your standard vanilla latte – hard to go wrong here. A latte is composed of steamed milk and an espresso shot (or two). While they can certainly be made plain, adding some flavor can really enhance its overall taste. Try using Robusta espresso for a real zing of energy in the morning, mixing it with your coffee, steamed milk, and vanilla flavoring. Heat your vanilla and milk, then utilize an immersion blender to generate foam before pouring it into your mug. With some whip and sprinkles, you can get your drink to taste just like one from Starbucks.
A Red Eye
Not into fancy additions in your coffee? Try making yourself a Red Eye. The Red Eye consists of regular, drip coffee steeped with an espresso shot. All you have to do is brew your drip coffee, then top it off with the shot of espresso. This is meant for people who enjoy the bitter taste of coffee and espresso.
Frozen Caramel Blended Coffee
If you’re a fan of caramel, try adding it into a blended coffee drink. Gravity Coffee Company and other local cafes often offer drinks that really emphasize the caramel taste. Try a Frozen caramel blended coffee with some cold brew concentrate, milk, and caramel syrup. It doesn’t take long to make, and the combination of sugar and caffeine should get you going. You can even add a shot or two to get that extra burst of energy.
An Iced Macchiato
Sometimes, a cold temperature seems to help wake people up more than warmth. So why not try an iced macchiato? A macchiato is an espresso-based drink that contains only a small amount of foam on the top. It basically sits between a foamy cappuccino and the foam-less doppio. Some folks like putting a little cream or sugar in with their iced macchiato for extra flavor. It is a little more exciting than a regular iced espresso but will not overpower you with sugar.
Shake up your morning routine with one of these four coffee drinks. With some delicious Robusta espresso added in, you can get that additional burst of energy you need to get the day off to a good start and keep going for hours.