Coffee House Hacks

You can have the same luxurious coffee house drinks that you love right in your own home.  Here are some of my favorite Coffee House Hacks to help you make the perfect cup of coffee.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , The J.M.Smucker Company, White Wave, and Truvia Natural Sweetener, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

There is nothing like a great cup of coffee or a decadent coffee beverage to help you unwind.  Whether you’re sipping a cup mid afternoon or enjoying an after dinner pick me up, coffee is the perfect way to relax.

After dinner I crave something sweet.  The more savory the meal is, the more I want something sweet to round out the meal.  One of the best hacks I’ve found is to substitute my favorite coffee drink in place of calorie-laden desserts.  Not only does this satisfy my sweet tooth, but it helps save calories too.

But, I live in the country.  I don’t have easy access to my favorite coffee house.  And, with our family’s busy schedule, I just don’t have time to stop.  Over the years, I’ve learned to make my own coffee house inspired drinks at home.  Here are XX of my favorite hacks for getting that great coffee house flavor right from your own coffee pot.

My Favorite Coffee House Hacks

1. Start with great coffee – a great coffee beverage, whether it’s hot or cold, starts with great coffee.  My favorite brand is Folgers.  I use both the ground variety and K cups.  Both give me the best coffee flavor. 
2. Add a pinch of salt – Add just a pinch of salt to your coffee grounds for a smoother taste.  My husband makes the BEST coffee I’ve ever had and this is his secret.  Shhh.  Don’t tell him I shared it!
3. Add cinnamon – whether you add it right to your coffee grounds before brewing your coffee, or you add a dash to your prepared coffee, cinnamon adds a warm flavor to plain coffee.
4. Make coffee cubes – don’t waste leftover coffee (is there such a thing?).  Pour remaining coffee into ice cube trays and freeze.  The cubes are a great way to chill your iced coffee beverages without watering it down.
5. Add flavor – coffee houses use a variety of  flavored syrups to add flavor to their drinks.  You can easily get the same flavors (without all of the added calories) by using a flavored creamer.  I love these Dunkin Donuts creamers – the caramel flavor is my favorite.  
6. Add more flavor – you can easily customize your coffee flavor by making your own coffee syrups at home.  Bring 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of Truvia to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in your favorite flavorings (1 teaspoon of vanilla or 1 teaspoon almond extract). 

You can easily find everything you need for these hacks at your favorite grocery store. I picked up everything at my local ShopRite where if you buy 2 participating coffee products and 1 participating creamer and get a free box of Truvia Natural Sweetener 40ct now thru 3/12, while supplies last.

The next time you’re craving something sweet, try making your favorite coffee house drink at home.  It’s lighter on the wallet and the waistline.  

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® , The J.M.Smucker Company, White Wave, and Truvia Natural Sweetener, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CoffeeRoutine http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV