I walked into my favorite coffee shop recently and admittedly got swept up in pumpkin spice lattes. After I ordered one of my Fall favorites, I started thinking about how to spice up my coffee at home. My husband and I are avid coffee and tea drinkers, and as you can imagine, those frequent trips for our java fix quickly add up.
With just a few simple ingredients (many of which you might have in your cupboard), you can recreate your favorite gourmet hot drinks in the comfort your own home.
My first tip is to use a French Press. Not only is it a quick and easy way to brew coffee, you’ll retain the flavor of your favorite blend. You’ll also have the capability of regulating the strength more effectively than with a traditional coffee maker. Walmart offers a variety of affordable coffee presses, including this one from Epoca:
If you’ve never brewed coffee with a French Press, I recommend visiting HowToBrewCoffee.com.
Once you’ve brewed your desired blend (I opted for Starbucks Pike Place Roast Ground Coffee), you’re ready to create your gourmet drink! *Tip: Buy whole bean coffee and grind it yourself for your perfect cup!
- 4 tablespoons Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
- 8 ounces milk
- 2 tablespoons Torani Caramel Syrup
- Sprinkle Sea Salt
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
-
Prepare hot cocoa mix according to directions
-
Add caramel syrup and sprinkle of sea salt
-
Top with fresh whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings
- 4 tablespoons Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
- 8 ounces milk
- 2 tablespoons Torani Caramel Syrup
- Sprinkle Sea Salt
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
-
Prepare hot cocoa mix according to directions
-
Add caramel syrup and sprinkle of sea salt
-
Top with fresh whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings
This recipe offers a perfect blend of sweet and spice. If desired, you can add a bit more half & half to the drink if you’d like.
For those who don’t like or drink coffee, I like to jazz up my hot chocolate with spices and syrups. Walmart sells a Ghirardelli Double Chocolate hot chocolate mix that is divine. One you’ve prepared it with milk, according to the directions, experiment with spices and syrups to give it a spooktacular Fall kick.
- 4 tablespoons Ghirardelli Hot Cocoa Mix
- 8 ounces milk
- 2 tablespoons Torani Caramel Syrup
- Sprinkle Sea Salt
- Fresh Whipped Cream
- Dark chocolate shavings
-
Prepare hot cocoa mix according to directions
-
Add caramel syrup and sprinkle of sea salt
-
Top with fresh whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings
I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.
*All ingredients can be purchased at your local Walmart*
Photos: Rockin’ Mama
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Caryn, this looks delicious! I need to grab a french press. Love, love, love the decor spread!
I have an Italian press that I use all the time. I guess that kind of coffee would work perfectly for these recipes, also.