We’ve all been there. It’s early, and we’re waiting for coffee to brew, hoping for a quicker caffeine kick. Or maybe you’ve found a cold cup of coffee later in the morning. Don’t worry, fellow coffee lovers! We have some clever hacks. They will save your morning brew and add fun and flavour to your coffee routine.
From smart storage ideas to innovative brewing tips, these hacks will transform your coffee experience. So, pick up your favorite mug and explore these simple yet clever coffee hacks.
Keep Your Coffee Beans Fresh with a Mason Jar
Ever wonder why your coffee tastes a bit stale after a week or two? Oxygen is the culprit here! Transfer your coffee beans from the bag they come in to an airtight mason jar to lock in freshness. Bonus points if you keep it in a dark, cool cupboard – your beans will thank you for the extra care.
There’s something oddly satisfying about popping open that mason jar and getting hit with that glorious coffee aroma. Plus, who doesn’t love the vintage vibes of a mason jar in the kitchen?
Use Ice Cubes Made of Coffee for the Perfect Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is a summer favourite, but the last thing you want is a watery brew. The solution? Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays and pop those cubes into your iced coffee next time. No more sad, diluted drinks!
It’s like giving your coffee a second life, and who wouldn’t want that? Plus, it looks pretty cool when you’ve got coffee cubes floating in your glass. Instagram-worthy, anyone?
Instant Latte with a French Press
Craving a creamy latte but don’t have an espresso machine? No problem! Use your French press to froth milk. Simply heat your milk, pour it into the French press, and give the plunger a good workout by pumping it up and down. Voilà – frothy milk without the fancy machine!
Now, your homemade latte game just went up a notch. You’ll feel like a barista without leaving your pyjamas, and really, that’s the dream, right?
Add a Pinch of Salt to Cut Bitterness
Yes, you read that right – salt! If your coffee tastes a bit too bitter, add a tiny pinch of salt to your grounds before brewing. The salt helps balance out the bitterness and brings out the natural sweetness of the coffee.
It’s a quick fix that sounds odd, but trust us, it works! Just make sure you don’t go overboard – no one wants salty coffee!
Use a Paper Towel When You’re Out of Filters
Run out of coffee filters and can’t face the day without your cup of joe? Don’t panic! A paper towel or napkin can save the day in a pinch. Just make sure it’s not scented (because that would be a very strange-tasting coffee!).
We’ve all been there – desperate times call for creative measures. And hey, it works surprisingly well!
Store Coffee Grounds with Cinnamon for Extra Flavour
If you’re a fan of flavoured coffee but want to skip the syrups, store your coffee grounds with a cinnamon stick. The grounds will absorb a subtle, delicious flavour that makes for a delightful brew.
It’s like a mini flavour infusion without any effort. Plus, it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing when you open the jar. Win-win!
Use a Travel Mug as a Makeshift French Press
Forgot your French press while travelling? No worries. You can still enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee by using your travel mug. Place your coffee grounds and hot water in the mug, let it steep, then use a spoon to hold back the grounds as you sip.
Sure, it’s a bit rustic, but it does the trick when you’re on the go and need that caffeine hit. And let’s be honest – any coffee is better than no coffee when you’re travelling!
Reheat Coffee with a Splash of Milk
Microwaving coffee usually ends up ruining the flavour, but there’s a clever way around that. Add a small splash of milk before reheating. The milk helps retain the smoothness of your coffee and stops it from tasting burnt.
It’s the little things that make a big difference. Plus, now you won’t have to suffer through another cup of microwaved disappointment.
Make Your Own Cold Brew Concentrate
Love cold brew but don’t love paying café prices? Make a batch of cold brew concentrate at home! Simply steep coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours, then strain. The concentrate can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks, and you can dilute it with water or milk whenever you need a cold brew fix.
Cold brew on tap at home? Yes, please! And think of all the money you’ll save – not to mention avoiding the morning café queues.
Upgrade Your Coffee with a Dollop of Ice Cream
Feeling a little indulgent? Skip the sugar and cream and drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream into your coffee for a sweet treat. It’s like an affogato, but even easier to make.
This hack is perfect for an after-dinner dessert or when you’re just feeling a bit extra. It’s coffee and dessert all in one – what’s not to love?
Invest in a Coffee Grinder for Maximum Freshness
Pre-ground coffee is convenient, but nothing beats the freshness of grinding your own beans. A small coffee grinder will change the game, and it’s a simple investment that makes a huge difference in flavour.
You’ll feel like a coffee connoisseur, and your morning brew will taste fresher than ever. Plus, there’s something satisfying about grinding those beans yourself.
Create DIY Coffee Syrups at Home
Love adding syrups to your coffee but want to skip the artificial stuff? You can make your own coffee syrups with just sugar, water, and your favourite flavours like vanilla, cinnamon, or hazelnut. Simply simmer equal parts sugar and water with your chosen flavour until it thickens into a syrup.
Now, you’ve got your own custom coffee syrups ready to go, and you’ll be impressing your friends with your barista-level creations. Plus, no more store-bought additives!
Whip Up Dalgona Coffee in a Flash
If you missed the dalgona coffee trend, now’s the time to jump in. All you need is instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Whisk it until it becomes a thick, fluffy cloud and pour it over cold or hot milk. It’s like having a coffee cloud in your mug.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also super Instagrammable – because let’s face it, we all love sharing a good coffee pic!
Use Coffee Grounds as a Deodorizer
Coffee grounds aren’t just for brewing – they’re fantastic at absorbing odours too! Place a bowl of used coffee grounds in your fridge or sprinkle some in your rubbish bin to neutralise any unwanted smells.
It’s like your coffee is doing double duty – keeping you caffeinated and your kitchen smelling fresh. A hero, really.
Preheat Your Mug for Extra Warmth
Ever notice how quickly your coffee cools down? Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water while your coffee brews. Dump the water before pouring in your coffee, and your drink will stay warmer for longer.
It’s a small hack, but one that makes a world of difference on those cold, rainy UK mornings. And really, who doesn’t want their coffee to stay piping hot?
Use a Milk Frother for Fancy Drinks
Want to feel fancy without heading to the café? Invest in a small handheld milk frother. It’s an affordable gadget that will froth up your milk in seconds, perfect for making lattes or cappuccinos at home.
Now, every day feels like a coffee shop experience, but without the price tag. Plus, it’s just fun to use!
Brew Coffee in a Bag for Camping
Camping but can’t go without your morning coffee? Pack some pre-measured coffee grounds in a small muslin bag. When you’re ready to brew, just steep it in hot water like a tea bag. Easy to pack, mess-free, and your caffeine cravings are satisfied.
This hack will make your camping mornings so much better. It’s like bringing a bit of luxury to the great outdoors – because who says you can’t have both?
Use a Cup Warmer to Keep Coffee Hot
For those who like to slowly sip their coffee, invest in a small cup warmer that plugs into your USB port. It’ll keep your coffee at the perfect temperature for as long as you need.
No more cold coffee when you get lost in work or a good book. Your brew will stay perfectly hot, just the way you like it.
Mix Instant Coffee into Baked Goods
Want to add a little extra coffee kick to your cakes or cookies? Stir in a tablespoon of instant coffee to the batter for a subtle yet delicious flavour boost. It’s especially good in chocolate recipes!
It’s a simple way to get a double caffeine hit – coffee in your mug and your snacks!
Use a French Press for Loose Leaf Tea
Here’s a coffee-adjacent hack for you! If you’ve got a French press lying around, you can use it to brew loose-leaf tea. The press works just as well for tea leaves as it does for coffee grounds, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
It’s perfect for those times when you fancy a tea break but don’t have a teapot handy. Plus, less washing up – always a win!
Blend Coffee Grounds with Coconut Oil for a DIY Scrub
Coffee grounds aren’t just for brewing – they make an amazing exfoliating scrub too! Mix used coffee grounds with a little coconut oil for a natural, skin-smoothing scrub that leaves your skin soft and smelling divine.
Coffee and self-care? Yes, please! It’s the ultimate coffee lover’s spa day.
Use a French Press to Make Frothy Cocktails
Your French press isn’t just for coffee – it can also make a mean cocktail! Mix your ingredients in the press and pump the plunger to froth up the drink. You’ll get a fun, foamy cocktail that looks straight out of a posh bar.
Who knew your French press was so versatile? It’s not just about the coffee – it’s about the whole experience.
Make Coffee Ice Cream with Just Two Ingredients
For a super simple treat, whip up some coffee ice cream using just instant coffee and sweetened condensed milk. Mix them together and freeze for a few hours. You’ll end up with a creamy, coffee-flavoured dessert without any fancy equipment.
It’s perfect for those moments when you need a sweet caffeine hit, and trust us – it’s dangerously good.
Conclusion
Got any coffee hacks of your own? Share your favourite tips on our Facebook page – we’d love to hear them! And don’t forget to like and follow for more clever coffee tricks to make your caffeine routine even more enjoyable.