My obsession with coffee began at a very young age. I’ll never forget my mom brewing me my own special batch of decaf coffee each week, concerned I was going to get addicted to caffeine too early. To no one’s surprise, I am officially a coffee addict (I even get migraines if I don’t have my morning cup of coffee!). I go through phases with my coffee taste buds; sometimes I have periods when I only like black coffee, other times I crave sweet, decadent, creamy coffee, somedays I like warm coffee, and the next day I might like hot. What I’m really saying is: I love all types of coffee, and have experimented enough with different tastes and flavors to claim to be a sort of at-home caffeine expert. Take or leave my words of advice, but I highly recommend you give my tips a shot!
Unfortunately, I am completely dairy-free. However, they are tons of fantastic non-dairy alternatives that have a huge potential to spice up your coffee routine. I have tried many different non-dairy brands and options, and have concluded my favorite types. This goes for both milk and creamer substitutes. For years, I was exclusively a drinker of almond milk. I usually just stuck to your basic Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, but over time, I have been trying to expand and find the perfect non-dairy base for my coffee. Recently, I began putting oat milk in my coffee, and I am absolutely obsessed. To be honest, I am not sure I can go back to using almond milk. Not only is oat milk better for the environment, but its consistency is so incredibly creamy, making my morning cup of joe so much more delicious. I really like the brands Califia Farms and Malk for my oat milk, but I know that there are so many other labels on the market. This transition has been an absolute game changer and makes my coffee heavenly.
Non-dairy creamers are something I just started implementing into my coffee routine. Nutpods offer amazing flavors of non-dairy creamers that give your coffee both flavor and richness. Personally, I really love Nutpods plain, original flavor, especially when paired with any sweetener of your choice. However, I have tried many other variations, including French Vanilla, Hazelnut, and my all-time favorite, Peppermint Mocha. I kid you not, the Peppermint Mocha flavor, which contains 0 sugar, transforms my coffee into an exact replica of a Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks. So yummy!
I have owned both Keurig and Nespresso machines. In my opinion, a Nespresso machine is unbeatable, especially because of the frothy texture the appliance creates. I am lucky enough to have an operating Nespresso at home, but when I am at school, I rely on a Keurig for my coffee. I have grown to love the Starbucks K-cups, especially the House Blend and Breakfast Blend flavors. I also really enjoy the Medium Roast version. I usually go back and forth between liking my K-cups served black and K-cups enhanced with additives. As of right now, I usually start with a black cup of coffee, then transition to a sweetened rendition. To me, Starbucks K-cups are the best move if you miss having good coffee during your time away from home, especially if you are a lover of Starbucks.
Another great coffee option is to buy pre-brewed coffee in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. Starbucks sells large jugs of several coffee varieties, which I think are absolutely delectable. I also love how these pre-made options are already cold, so making iced coffee is super easy. I also savor the brand La Colombe, who sell single servings of draft lattes. My favorite is the oat milk latte because of its creamy texture and perfectly sweet flavor. If you have yet to try any of these wonderful coffee options, I highly suggest you do, not only because of how convenient they are but also because of their yumminess.
This is a very broad list of my coffee recommendations, but I am telling you – they have dramatically changed my caffeine routine for the better! (Depends on how you look at it considering I am completely hooked). I feel like a self-taught barista concocting my morning coffee, and sometimes think my mixtures are way better than anything I can buy at a coffee shop. I hope this inspires you to expand your caffeine varieties and try something new!
Disclaimer: Her Campus at St. Law U is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned in this article.
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