9 Ways to Spice Up Your Coffee Routine
There's absolutely nothing better than waking up to a delectable, steaming cup of caffeinated elixir. Coffee is calming, invigorating, and boasts an impressive range of health benefits. But, some people don’t want their coffee black, and instead opt for cream and sugar. These are not the healthiest options to add to your coffee.
There are other ways you can spice things up. You can jazz up your morning brew with unique flavor enhancers that are not just tasty, but healthy at the same time.
- Salt
Putting sodium in your coffee may not seem like the ideal thing to do, but it actually leaves out the bitterness of coffee and adds an enjoyable salty, caramel-like flavor. (In fact, adding salt is part of Alton Brown's coffee brewing guide.)
Use coarse sea salt, adding only a few granules to your coffee grinds. For added creaminess, add it to espresso. Just a small pinch of salt in coffee evens out bitterness to your cup.
- Rosemary Oil
Yep, you read that right. Fresh rosemary is another unusual addition to a fresh cup of coffee. But, this herb can give your coffee a mouth-watering piney flavor, as well as being a good source of antioxidants and contains properties that help improve your focus and mood.
Take a 3-inch stem of rosemary herb, glide your hand down to shuck off the leaves, and add the leaves to your pre-brewed coffee. A French Press works great for this recipe. Drink and appreciate that special flavor, and be ready to experience a pleasant brain boost.
- Orange Peel
This option is inspired by Terry's Chocolate Oranges from Britain. Citrus and coffee may sound like a deadly sin, but Italians often include a lemon or orange shaving with their espressos. Adding orange brightens the coffee's flavor, cuts the bitterness, and releases an inviting citrus aroma. Orange peels also provide benefits of Vitamin C to help boost immunity.
Get an organic orange and zest away until you have about a teaspoon of orange zest, and add it to your grounds. You can use a French Press or Aeropress. You will love the citrusy-chocolatey flavor and the bonus health benefits.
- Cardamom
Cardamom is a Middle East spice often included in Turkish coffee. It is sweet, spicy, and savory, making it a delicious addition as inviting as Grandma's baking. Cardamom also contains powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Just brew your coffee and add a few pinches of cardamom. If you want to get more flavor, add an entire pod to your beans before you begin grinding.
- Ginger
Ginger can be a tricky choice. Some people love it, while others can't stand it. If you love gingerbread, you'll love this one. Ginger is actually widely used as a gastrointestinal aid and soothes the GI tract. If you have stomach troubles and drink coffee, you may want to try this one.
Before brewing, put in 1tsp of ground ginger or a handful of ginger pieces into your coffee grounds. For a stronger taste, choose a French Press method. It will taste like liquid gingerbread.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is trending these days, and for good reasons. Turmeric extract is actually a spice with amazing health benefits, including recovery and health for your joints.
Turmeric extract doesn't taste all that great in coffee, but the health benefits definitely makes up for the taste. Throw 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric extract to your coffee grounds just before brewing. For improved flavor, add coconut milk creamer to your brewed coffee and powder it with ground turmeric.
- Peppermint Oil
This option is a great way to get into the holidays. You will sing Jingle Bells and picture a crackling fire, even in June. Peppermint oil not only adds an interesting winter-esque essence and flavor to coffee, it can also help with food digestion, and the scent has been shown to lower tension and promote mental focus and awareness.
A little goes a long way with peppermint. Just add a tiny drop to your coffee grounds. If that is still too much, use a paper filter during the brewing process. And don't forget to only use peppermint oil specially made for food.
- Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a sure way to give your coffee a kick. This option is for you spice lovers. It contains Capsaicin, the principal component in chili pepper that provides the zing that many people love. It contains properties that boost blood circulation, limit cravings, and improve metabolic processes. If you want to improve your physical fitness and reduce body fat, adding cayenne pepper to your early morning mug of coffee will certainly help.
To effectively capture the cayenne flavor, put a small pinch of ground cayenne pepper in your grounds. But beware! Less is more. Unless you like things really spicy, start small and increase at your own risk.
- Vanilla-Flavored Ice Cubes
Prefer cold coffee? Coffee and vanilla are a magic combination. You may be familiar with vanilla creamers. This is the same concept, but for colder drinks. Vanilla-flavored ice cubes are made from pure vanilla, which is shown to help with stress management, lowering cholesterol levels, and relieving fevers.
For the ice cubes mix 6 oz of almond or coconut milk, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and, if you like it sweet, add 2 tbsp of honey or syrup. Put the mixture into an ice cube rack and let it freeze overnight in your freezer. When you feel like having coffee, make your usual brew and let it cool down first. Add in the cubes last.
Conclusion
The days of boring cups of coffee are over!
- Need to awaken your brain? Use rosemary or peppermint oil.
- Got the sniffles? Use orange zest.
- Need help with digestion? Try ginger root or cardamom.
- Looking to maximize your health benefits? Turmeric extract or cayenne pepper is your answer.
- Want a tasty alternative? Sprinkle in some salt, or try vanilla ice cubes for cold coffee.
For optimal health, be sure to only use organic beans without pesticides.
Since you’re here reading healthy options for your coffee, check out our blog for more info-packed health and wellness articles.
