From a hint of spicy cinnamon to a dollop of creamy butter, here are some intriguing ways to add flavour to your coffee

Whether you like it short and strong or tall and mellow, coffee is packed with unique, nuanced flavours. But sometimes you might fancy changing up your morning brew a little. When those moments strike, there are plenty of easy ways to add an extra layer of flavour to your coffee.

Read on for a few of our favourites that stretch beyond a cube of sugar.

Tips for adding flavour to your coffee

At Hotel Chocolat, we love that different coffee beans offer different flavour and aroma properties. Our five Rabot Estate blends highlight the array of chocolatey, fruity, sweet, and bitter notes that various beans impart. Each blend has a distinctive, delicious flavour — if we do say so ourselves — ideal for drinking black or with a splash of milk. Or better yet, whipped into a smooth and creamy latte with velvetised milk!

However, we also know how wonderful flavour innovation can be. Our Inventing Room is a testament to the joys that can come from pairing unusual ingredients! So if you’re looking for a unique twist, why not consider adding one of the following ingredients to flavour your coffee?

1. Swirl in some coconut oil

A spoonful of coconut oil in your coffee yields a satisfying, creamy texture. It also lends a mellow flavour with a hint of natural sweetness. You can stir coconut oil into both hot coffee and iced blends for an extra little je ne sais quoi.

Some people also suggest that coconut oil in your coffee can keep you fuller for longer. Its high levels of medium-chain triacylglycerols (MCTs) are also thought to provide a gentle energy boost that can complement the caffeine in coffee.

2. Melt a little butter

Similarly to coconut oil, adding a dollop of butter into your cup of coffee started out as a health craze. People found that the high fat and low carb content combined with a caffeine boost was beneficial pre-workout. Aside from this, however, butter can also give your coffee a level of richness that works well with a strong black coffee.

3. Add a pinch of salt

We found this ingredient choice so intriguing we wrote a whole article about it! While it might seem counterintuitive, salt in your coffee can reduce bitterness. It can also enhance the natural flavour of your coffee.

4. Top with cinnamon

Aromatic, subtly sweet, and gently warming, cinnamon is a much-loved spice. It’s vibrant yet soothing and is sure to conjure up nostalgic images of cosy Christmasses past. A light dusting of cinnamon is an excellent way to add some finesse to your cappuccino or latte.

You could also steep a cinnamon stick in your brewed coffee, letting those delicate flavours infuse the liquid.

5. Add a glug of alcohol

Looking to add an extra kick to your coffee? A shot of your favourite spirit will give your espresso, Americano, or any other kind of coffee a welcome warming buzz. For a delightful post-dinner digestif, keep it traditional and make yourself an Irish coffee. A dash of whiskey and a layer of whipped cream is the perfect way to round off a meal.

For an even smoother tipsy coffee, why not pour in a generous amount of Velvetised Chocolate Cream? Stir gently, sip, and enjoy the irresistibly comforting combination of coffee, chocolate, cream, and vodka.

6. Sprinkle in some cacao powder

It’s no wonder that cafes around the world top their cappuccinos with a good sprinkling of cocoa powder. Cacao and coffee are a match made in heaven and even a small amount of this flavoursome powder can add a touch of richness and vibrancy. Plus, cacao powder is packed with antioxidants!

7. Include a square of chocolate

For an even more cacao-rich brew, stir in a square of your favourite chocolate for a decadent homemade mocha. Whether you like the deep notes of our 85% Dark Chocolate Batons or prefer your chocolate on the lighter, more mellow side, see what happens when these ingredients unite.

Our hot chocolate flakes are ideal for stirring into a hot coffee. Because they’re grated into small shavings, they melt beautifully and evenly.

8. Add a drop of peppermint oil

Mint and chocolate are a classic flavour pairing. From fond childhood memories of mint-choc-chip ice cream on the beach to a sophisticated after-dinner chocolate, it’s a versatile combination. But did you know that peppermint pairs well with coffee, too? It can add a refreshing twist to your drink.

You can add a drop of peppermint extract to any kind of coffee. Just remember that extracts and oils are very strong, so you only need a tiny bit!

And if you’re a little unsure about adding mint directly to your coffee, you could always try a mint mocha, first. Whip up a mug of zesty yet soothing Mint Hot Chocolate and add an espresso shot of your favourite coffee. It’s a game-changer.

9. Infuse with lavender

Another aromatic botanical you may not realise is an excellent coffee companion is lavender. Its floral, herbaceous notes are calming, and even the smallest inhale of its gentle fragrance is sure to relax you.

Using a pinch of dried lavender flowers and a sweetener such as honey to taste, you can create a soothing lavender latte. If you’re looking for an evening drink to wind down with, use decaf coffee.

10. Pour it over ice cream

Perhaps this is more a dessert than a drink but ice cream is an ideal way to sweeten your coffee for a treat. The affogato is a delicious Italian take on an espresso. To make one, place two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a cup or mug. Brew up a strong espresso shot and pour the coffee over the ice cream. Enjoy with a spoon!

11. Grind some star anise

If you fancy something particularly aromatic, try a bit of star anise. With its slightly floral, spicy fragrance, and hint of liquorice, star anise can add a distinctive flavour to your coffee. If you grind your own coffee beans, add in a piece of star anise, then brew your grounds as usual.

Alternatively, you can submerge a whole star anise in your brewed drink.

Quality coffee from Hotel Chocolat

Do any of these coffee flavour ideas take your fancy? Whether you want to add a little spice, sweetness, or even a floral touch to your coffee, make sure you start with great quality beans. Explore the Rabot Estate coffee range to find your favourite blend.