31 Life-Changing Coffee Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

We've hunted down 31 amazing coffee hacks with the potential to transform your daily caffeine fix into a cup of pure delight.

Iced coffee cubes

Last Updated on December 19, 2023

Are you tired of your same-old morning cup of joe? Do you want to level up your coffee game and make your morning brew the highlight of your day? You’ve come to the right place.

We’ve hunted down 31 amazing coffee hacks with the potential to transform your daily caffeine fix into a cup of pure delight. So let’s dive right in…

1. Freeze Coffee Ice Cubes

coffee ice cubes in short glasses

Avoid watering down your iced coffee by freezing coffee into ice cubes. This way, your coffee stays strong even as the ice melts.

2. Cinnamon in the Grounds

Add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee grounds before brewing for an extra flavor kick!

3. The Eggshell Trick

Reduce bitterness by adding clean, crushed eggshells to your coffee grounds. They’ll absorb some of the acid.

4. Butter It Up

Want to stay full for longer? Add a dollop of unsalted, grass-fed butter to your coffee and blend it in for a creamy, rich texture.

5. DIY Latte

No milk frother? No problem! Just shake warm milk in a jar, then microwave for a few seconds to stabilize the foam.

6. Use a French Press for Cold Brew

a French press brewing cold brew coffee

Save money on cold brew coffee makers by using a French press instead.

7. Brew with Bottled Water

Improve the taste of your coffee by brewing with bottled or filtered water.

8. Use Salt to Cut Bitterness

A tiny pinch of salt in overly bitter coffee can smooth it out.

9. The Golden Ratio

The ideal ratio of coffee to water is 1:18. That’s roughly one gram of coffee for every 18 grams (or milliliters) of water.

10. Brew It Upside Down

Coffee brewing in an inverted AeroPress

For a stronger brew using an AeroPress, try the inverted method.

11. Spice It Up

Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom to your coffee grounds for a flavorful twist.

12. Coffee Nap

Feeling tired? Try a coffee nap. Drink a cup of coffee, then immediately take a 20-minute nap. The caffeine will kick in just as you wake up!

13. The Coffee Cube Latte

For an iced latte, fill a glass with coffee ice cubes, pour over your favorite milk, and enjoy as the cubes slowly melt.

14. DIY Mocha

Cup of mocha coffee with marshmallows on top

Add a spoonful of cocoa powder to your coffee grounds for a homemade mocha.

15. Sweeten with Maple Syrup

For a natural sweetener, try adding maple syrup to your coffee.

16. AeroPress for Espresso

If you don’t have an espresso machine, an AeroPress can make a pretty good substitute.

17. Pre-Program

Save time in the morning by setting up your coffee maker the night before.

18. Try Alternative Milk

For a different flavor, try adding almond, oat, or coconut milk to your coffee.

19. Chill Your Beans for Espresso

Cold beans grind more evenly, leading to a better espresso shot.

20. Rinse Your Filters

Rinse your paper filters with hot water before brewing to get rid of any papery taste.

21. Coffee for Plants

Your plants may love coffee as much as you do! Used coffee grounds can be great for acid-loving plants.

22. The Coffee Cocktail

Two espresso martinis in martini glasses

Shake up an espresso martini by mixing vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso.

23. DIY Affogato

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, delicious affogato.

24. Coffee in Cooking

Use coffee in your cooking! It can add depth to sauces, marinades, and desserts.

25. The Coffee Journal

Journal and pen on a table next to a coffee cup

Keep a coffee journal to note down different beans and brew methods you’ve tried. It’s a fun way to explore the world of coffee!

26. Reheating Brewed Coffee

Need to reheat your coffee without compromising the flavor? Try using a pot on low heat instead of the microwave.

27. Making Better Tasting Instant Coffee

Improve your instant coffee by using hot (not boiling) water and adding a pinch of salt or a dash of milk.

28. Pre-Brewing Batch of Iced Coffees for Later Use

Brew a big batch of strong coffee, let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Pour over ice when you need a quick iced coffee!

29. Turn Cold Brew Into Ice Cream

Bowl full of coffee ice cream

Got leftover cold brew coffee? Mix it with sweetened condensed milk, then freeze for a simple, delicious coffee ice cream.

30. Allow Your Coffee to Bloom When Making in a French Press

After adding your hot water to the French press, let your coffee grounds “bloom” for about 30 seconds before stirring. This allows gases to escape from the coffee, leading to a smoother cup.

31. Subscribe to a Coffee Subscription Box

Explore new flavors and roasts by subscribing to a coffee subscription box. It’s a fun way to discover new favorites and learn more about coffee.

There you have it. Coffee isn’t just a morning ritual; it’s a world of endless possibilities. So go ahead, try these hacks and elevate your coffee experience to a whole new level. Happy brewing!

In the world of coffee's vast expanse,
Lies a treasury of hacks, perchance.
Each morning brew, a canvas so bright,
With endless tricks to bring it to light.
From frozen cubes to spices that dance,
Each method offers a new romance.
Innovations in brewing take flight,
Turning each cup into pure delight.
With every trick, a new taste unfurls,
A symphony of swirls and whirls.
From simple shifts to complex art,
Each hack a vital, thriving part.
In coffee's realm, we find, with ease,
Endless ways to brew and please.

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