Practicing social distancing and limiting outside activities has become the new norm for people due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Those who want to catch a break from quarantine from time to time to get their caffeine fix, especially the Starbucks drinkers, have to be prepared for long wait times.
However, you no longer need to go through the trouble of going out to get coffee because you’ll be able to make your own at home with just six simple recipes. This way, you kill two birds with one stone by social distancing and learning how to treat your caffeine needs from home.
(COURTESY OF JENNIFER MORALES)
Dalgona
This South Korean coffee is the newest internet craze and takes only five minutes to make.
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. coffee, 2 tbsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. water and ½ cup ice, ½ cup milk
Step 1: Whisk coffee, sugar and water in a bowl until the consistency becomes cloud-like. If you don’t want to whisk by hand for three minutes, you can use a milk frother or electric mixer to speed up the process.
Step 2: In a cup, pour milk and add ice.
Step 3: Pour the whisked coffee on top and mix before drinking.
Mocha Frappe
If you’re in the mood to cool off in this rising warm weather, look no further than this easy five-minute recipe.
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups pre-made coffee, 1 cup ice, 2 cups milk, ½ cup chocolate syrup, ¼ cup sugar and whipped cream.
Step 1: Pour the coffee, ice, milk, chocolate syrup and sugar into a blender and mix for 15 seconds.
Step 2: Pour the drink into a cup and top it with whipped cream.
Café de Olla
If you’re looking for a hot cup of coffee with a twist, this traditional Mexican drink will do the trick. Disclaimer: This recipe does take roughly 20 minutes to make.
Ingredients: ½ stick cinnamon, 2 cloves, 2 star anise, 3 ounces piloncillo or brown sugar, 4 tablespoons instant coffee and 4 cups water.
Step 1: In a saucepan, cook the piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon, star anise, cloves and water on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and wait for the sugar to dissolve.
Step 2: Turn the heat off and add the instant coffee. Stir and cover the lid for five minutes to let the flavors combine.
Step 3: Pour the coffee through a strainer and serve.
Chai Coffee
This warm, flavorful drink will have you reminiscing about winter with its splash of warm spices. This recipe is easier made in a coffee maker and takes five minutes.
Ingredients: 1 cup ground coffee, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. cardamom, ¼ tsp. nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. ginger and 4 cups water.
Step 1: Add coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and ginger into a coffee filter.
Step 2: Place the filter into a coffee maker and add water to the machine.
Step 3: Brew, and it’s ready to be served.
Vanilla Iced Coffee
If you love classic flavors but don’t have vanilla syrup, this simple recipe is perfect for you. It also only takes five minutes!
Ingredients: ½ cup milk, ½ cup espresso, ¼ tsp. vanilla extract and ½ cup ice.
Step 1: In a cup, pour milk, vanilla extract and espresso.
Step 2: Add ice and enjoy!
Iced Caramel Macchiato
Here’s an easy way to make Starbucks’ famous iced caramel macchiato that takes about five minutes to make.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup, 1 cup ice, ¾ cup milk, 2 shots of espresso or strong brewed coffee and 1 tablespoon caramel syrup.
Step 1: Pour vanilla syrup into a cup and add ice.
Step 2: Pour milk and add your 2 shots of espresso or coffee.
Step 3: Drizzle with caramel syrup and enjoy!
Milk Tea
If you’re missing the taste of your favorite boba shop’s milk tea, here’s an easy five-minute recipe to make some at home, minus the boba.
Ingredients: 1 cup hot water, 2 black tea bags, ¼ cup half-and-half and 1 tsp. brown sugar.
Step 1: In a mug, pour hot water and steep the two tea bags for one to two minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea flavor.
Step 2: Remove the tea bags and add your half-and-half and brown sugar. Mix and enjoy your homemade milk tea!
Whether you’re a coffee shop regular or an instant coffee-from-home kind of person, there are plenty of easy and fun recipes for anyone to follow at home. Making your own coffee at home can now be a fun activity that saves you both money and keeps you safe, away from the outdoors.