Make Your Morning Coffee Extra Special with 6 Unique Ingredients

A cup of coffee every morning is basically non-negotiable as part of our morning routine.

Routines are important to keep us on track. But when life's stressors make our mornings tough, routines can feel monotonous. 

Everyone has gloomy mornings from time to time... and interrupting our thought patterns with something new during a normal routine can be just the trick to make us perk up and start the day happier.

Next time you have the morning blues, try changing up your morning brew.

In this blog, we share six unique ingredients that will make your mornings feel extra special. From natural sweeteners to superfoods, these ingredients will add a whole new dimension of flavour and benefits to your daily cup of joe. 

Ready to explore the world of unique coffee ingredients? Let’s go!

Homemade Vanilla Honey Syrup

Honey is a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants and offering antibacterial properties. Not only does it add a unique flavour to your coffee, but it can also help boost your immune system. Plus, because honey has a lower glycemic index, it won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Honey isn't simply 'sweet.' Depending on its nectar source, it could be floral, fruity, smoky, nutty, or earthy. Next time you have the opportunity to visit a farmer's market, check out the vendors to see if any locals have honey to purchase. This way, you enjoy greater health benefits while supporting your local beekeepers and the local farms who rely on their honey bees to produce food.

You can simply add a teaspoon of honey to enjoy more complex flavours in your next cup.

If you're up for it, try your hand at making your own Vanilla Honey Syrup. Here’s a recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 oz raw, light-coloured honey
• 6 oz water
• 1 whole vanilla bean

Instructions:

1. Gently scrape out the seeds of vanilla pod
2. Place the honey, vanilla seeds and pod, and water in a saucepan set over low heat. Stir frequently and warm for 2 to 3 minutes, until the honey is fully incorporated.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight glass container.
4. Store the honey simple syrup in the refrigerator for 10-12 days.
5. For more details, click here.

Try this Vanilla Honey Syrup for your coffee, cocktails, pancakes and waffles!

Cocoa Powder

As an ingredient, the cocoa bean has been around for centuries. It’s prominent in Mexican cuisine and a staple in both Italian and French cultures as well. When it comes to coffee, cocoa powder is a great way to elevate your everyday cup

Looking for some inspiration? Here’s a great recipe for Mexican Café de Olla.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of ground coffee
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

Tip: Make sure you use fresh, high-quality beans like our Schoolhouse Guatemala Santa Clara Medium Roast. Its chocolatey, sweet and caramel flavours offer a great base for a classic Café de Olla. 

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the ground coffee, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Stir well.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve hot. Enjoy!

Get the freshest Santa Clara right to your doorstep with a Coffee Subscription.

Condensed Milk

If you’ve ever tried Vietnamese coffee, you know we couldn’t leave condensed milk out of this list. Also known as "cà phê đá" this drink is basically an iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk. It’s been around since the early 20th century, right after France colonized Vietnam in the late 19th century. 

Over the years, the popularity of Vietnamese coffee has spread far beyond the country’s borders. Today, it’s a drink enjoyed by people all around the world. 

Curious about cà phê đá? Here’s how to make your own, the traditional way.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee (this Italian dark roast with a caramel and nutty profile is a great option) 
• 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• Phin (traditional Vietnamese coffee filter)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Place the phin on top of a cup, then add 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground coffee to the filter.
2. Slowly pour hot water over the coffee grounds allowing the coffee to drip through the filter.
3. Once the coffee has finished dripping, remove the filter.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and stir.
5. Add ice cubes as desired for a refreshing and energizing drink.

Tip: Don’t have a phin? Just brew your coffee as you normally would, then start from step #4.

Turmeric

The golden latte is a type of coffee drink that combines the warm and comforting flavors of a traditional latte with the health benefits of turmeric. Originating in India, the turmeric latte is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

This yellow-orange drink has become more popular in recent years, so you’re likely to have tried it. But, in case you haven’t, here’s a quick and easy recipe to make your own golden latte at home. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup of milk (or plant milk)
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of honey (or sweetener of choice)
• A pinch of black pepper (optional, but a great ingredient to help activate the turmeric's properties)

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee as normal.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of honey (or sweetener of choice), and a pinch of black pepper to the milk.
4. Whisk the mixture until it's frothy and well combined.
5. Pour the hot coffee into a mug, then slowly pour the turmeric milk mixture over the coffee.
6. Stir gently to combine, and enjoy hot.

Lavender

Lavender lattes have become a pretty common sight on coffee shop menus all across North America. 

For thousands of years, lavender has been used for its calming properties - reducing stress and anxiety. If you are feeling a little run down, lavender may give you a bit of peace while countering the jitters coffee sometimes brings.

Besides, its subtle floral taste and aroma make lavender is a tasty addition to your morning brew.

Next time you’re stuck on new coffee ideas, try making your own lavender latte. Here’s how.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee (this organic Espresso blend has a wonderful caramel, toasty, and sweet profile perfect for a lavender coffee)
• 1/4 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers (food grade!)
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• Milk or cream

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee as you normally would. While the coffee is still hot, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers.
2. Stir well to ensure that the lavender flowers are fully infused in the coffee.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of honey (or your sweetener of choice) for added taste.
4. More into creamy coffees? Add some milk of choice or cream to your cup.
5. Serve and enjoy your lavender latte.

Tip: You can also make lavender syrup by mixing equal parts honey and water and adding a small amount of dried lavender flowers. Heat on low until the honey is dissolved, then add it to your coffee.

Chaga

Chaga is a type of medicinal mushroom that is found growing on birch trees in colder climates. While it’s easily confused with tree bark, this unassuming fungus is known for its high antioxidant content and potential health benefits.

You can add it to your daily coffee in powder form or in tea bag form to help make your brew less acidic. Those who love a more earthy flavor are big fans of Chaga in their coffee! Some even say it can increase the caffeine effects, making your morning cup much more energizing.

Looking to add Chaga to your next brew? Try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon of Chaga powder
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick 
• Milk or cream

Instructions:

1. Brew your coffee as you usually do. 
2. While the coffee is still hot, add 1 teaspoon of Chaga powder.
3. Stir well to make sure the powder is fully dissolved.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 cinnamon stick for added flavor.
5. Add some milk or your favorite creamer for a creamier texture.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy right away.

Get brewing!

We hope this article inspires you to get creative with your morning cup of coffee… especially on those gloomy days you could use a little extra joy.