If you’re anything like us, the only motivating factor for getting out of bed in the morning is the sweet, sacred promise of your morning cup of coffee. The aromas of the fresh grounds, the gurgling sound the pot makes when it’s near finishing… really, nothing else compares.
But this probably isn’t your only cup of joe for the day. Again, if you’re anything like us, you’re on that coffee grind all throughout the course of your day, consuming anywhere from two to four cups, depending on the work/stress load. As much as we love coffee, after cup numero dos, the brew game can get a little boring, which is why we’ve come up with nine ways to spice up your afternoon coffee fix. Find your favorites and rotate throughout the week for an afternoon cup you’ll look forward to even more!
Cinnamon
If you love sugar in your coffee, this could be the one for you. Cinnamon is significantly lower in calories than sugar and has immune system-boosting properties, making this spicy addition twice as healthy. Adding a pinch of cinnamon powder or stirring the coffee with a cinnamon stick are both equally delicious.
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This Turkish tradition adds an exotic, floral taste to your brew. Add a pinch of ground cardamom to your cup or throw in a few pods to your pre-ground beans to taste-test this Middle Eastern and Indian spice.
Mint
We know it sounds crazy, but adding a fresh mint leaf or two to your cup of joe provides a soft, refreshing touch. A drop of peppermint oil will provide the same effects. Think Peppermint Mocha, just without the chocolate (though we aren’t opposed to adding a swirl of chocolate syrup for a makeshift caffeine-induced treat).
Cocoa Powder
On that note, cocoa powder works great, too! Chocolate lovers, this addition is for you. Rather than watch the calories climb with sugary syrups, add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to your cup. It will provide a rich, chocolatey addition to your afternoon caffeine fix.
Salt
Brewed a bad pot of coffee and too lazy to remake it? We’ve all been there. But rather than suffer through the extreme bitterness of an over brewed pot, add a pinch of salt to your mug to counteract the unpleasant aftertaste.
Vanilla Extract
Rather than using processed, artificial syrups, look to natural extracts for the same delicious flavors. Vanilla is our favorite, though hazelnut extract is a close second. For an amaretto-type flavor, try almond extract, or make your own concoction of the three!
Ginger
We know, ginger in coffee sounds crazy. But if you love a solid gingerbread cookie, you’ll be addicted to this addition. Adding a couple slices of fresh ginger root to your coffee, or even a teaspoon of ginger powder, will make it taste like caffeinated Christmas in a glass. Enjoy with graham crackers for a delightful afternoon treat.
Espresso
The only problem with adding espresso to your coffee is that once you go Red Eye (coffee with a shot) you never go back. Amping up the flavor and caffeine with this additional potent shot is equally mouthwatering and eye-opening.
Booze
And for another type of shot… look to your liquor cabinet! Whether it’s Baileys, Jameson, or your favorite bourbon, adding a shot of booze to your coffee is a surefire way to up the ante. We recommend saving this addition for your late-afternoon cup.
