7 DIY Holiday Coffee Drinks

#1 Caramel Brûlée Latte

This specialty drink is a great holiday coffee to appease the sugar dragon in all of us! Feel free to make this recipe as light or teeth-achingly sweet as your heart desires. We recommend using our Italian Roast Espresso coffee as a velvety-delicious base or our Organic Black Knight Water-Processed Decaf coffee if you'd like to nix the caffeine altogether.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso or ⅓ cup strong-brewed coffee
• 1 tbsp. (½ oz.) caramel syrup
• 1 tbsp. (½ oz.) vanilla syrup
• 1 cup (8 oz.) milk (1%, 2%, or your favorite milk substitute)
• Drizzle caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat milk (or milk substitute) over medium heat in a medium saucepan and whisk warm milk until frothy (about 30 seconds). Or use a Bodum French Press to froth the warm milk once it's heated. This can be achieved by filling the carafe and rapidly plunging the filter until the milk reaches your desired consistency.
2. Combine caramel syrup, vanilla syrup, and espresso in a mug.
3. Top with foamed milk, drizzle some caramel sauce (if you prefer some added sweetness).
4. Serve and enjoy!

#2 Hazelnut Macchiato

A perfect homemade coffee drink for all of the chocolate and hazelnut lovers out there! This beautifully delicious holiday coffee favorite can be enjoyed any time of year and is a delightful way to wake up on a chilly winter morning. We recommend using our Tiger Nebula coffee for an added touch of zesty dark chocolate, or our Organic Peruvian Water-Processed Half Caf coffee or Organic Sumatra Water-Processed Decaf coffee if you prefer a delicious half-caf or decaf option.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots espresso or ⅓ cup strong-brewed coffee
• 1 tbsp. hazelnut syrup
• 1 tbsp. chocolate syrup
• 1 tbsp. vanilla syrup
• ¼ cup milk (or any milk substitute)
• Whipped cream
• Drizzle chocolate sauce

Instructions:

1. Pour the espresso or strong-brewed coffee into a large mug.
2. Stir in hazelnut syrup, chocolate syrup, and vanilla syrup.
3. Froth warm milk (about 30 seconds) over medium heat using a whisk or a Bodum French Press.
4. Pour frothed milk into the espresso (or coffee) concoction, top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
5. Serve and enjoy!

#3 Chai Tea Latte

A Chai Tea Latte is the perfect cold-weather drink for tea lovers looking for a little extra holiday spice! Feel free to get creative, mix and match ingredients and flavors, and discover your new favorite tea latte. We recommend using our Organic Masala Chai Tea or a strong black tea, like our Organic English Breakfast, to start. Looking for a decaf option? Our Organic Red Christmas Rooibos and Organic Lemon Chamomile Tea are perfect for brewing a relaxing evening Chai Tea Latte.

Ingredients:

• Positively Tea's Organic Masala Chai Tea (or a Positively Tea of your choice)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (or milk substitute)
• 1 tbsp. sweetener (honey, sugar, agave, etc.)
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• Cinnamon or nutmeg to sprinkle on top

Instructions:

1. According to the directions on your tea bag, double the amount of tea you normally use for a cup. This will create a stronger brew that will bring a balance of flavor to your Chai Tea Latte. *Please note tea quantities and brew times will vary depending on the tea type and your preference.*
2. Bring water to a boil and steep tea for the recommended amount of time or brew a little longer to make your tea latte even stronger.
3. Once brewed, remove loose tea and set aside.
4. Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Combine 1 tbsp. of sweetener, ½ tsp. of cinnamon, and ½ tsp. of nutmeg. Feel free to froth your milk using a whisk or Bodum French Press, if you prefer a frothy latte (yum!).
5. Pour ¼ cup of your strong-brewed tea into a mug (you can refrigerate the rest and save it for later).
6. Add 1 cup of your desired milk mixture.
7. Sprinkle nutmeg or cinnamon on top for some added spice.
8. Serve and enjoy!

#4 Honey Coffee

Makes: 4 servings

This Spanish-inspired coffee drink is easy to make and an absolutely delicious way to surprise your holiday guests. We recommend using our French Roast coffee for a rich and full-bodied flavor, with added notes of raw honey. Or if you prefer a decaf coffee option, opt for a dark roast decaf to give your holiday Honey Coffee all of the same rich flavor without the caffeine.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strong-brewed coffee
• ½ cup milk (or milk substitute)
• ¼ cup honey (or sweetener of your choice)
• ⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
• Dash ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine strong-brewed coffee, milk, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Heat thoroughly over medium heat, but do not boil!
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

#5 Salted Caramel Mocha Latte

This classic is a savory-sweet indulgence that will take your morning to new heights. Try out this recipe with our Blackbeard's Revenge coffee or a classic single-origin like our Papua New Guinea. Looking for a good decaf for this recipe? We highly recommend our Indian Monsoon Malabar Water Decaf Coffee to add a delicious bold intensity to this holiday coffee recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strong-brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso
• 2 tbsp. caramel syrup
• 1 cup milk (or milk substitute)
• 2 tbsp. sweetener (sugar, brown sugar, honey, etc.)
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Whipped cream
• ⅛ tsp. sea salt

Instructions:

1. Brew your 2 shots of espresso, or brew 1 cup of strong-brew coffee with an AeroPress or French Press.
2. In a saucepan, warm milk over medium heat, and once steamy, froth milk using a whisk or French Press.
3. Pour espresso (or strong-brewed coffee) into your mug.
4. Combine cocoa powder, sweetener, and caramel syrup until completely blended.
5. Top with frothed milk and add whipped cream, carameldrizzle (as much as you like), and a pinch of sea salt.
6. Serve and enjoy this sweet and savory holiday coffee recipe!

#6 Irish Coffee Milkshake

Irish coffee is a legendary cocktail that dates back to 1952. First whipped up by Ireland’s Chef Joe Sheridan and made famous in the States by the Buena Vista Cafe, Irish coffee has a special place on bar, restaurant, and coffee spot menus across the globe. What really makes this a drink for the ages, however, is adding ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 large scoop vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 shots espresso
• 1 1/2 oz. Irish whiskey

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and combine until smooth.
2. Drizzle chocolate syrup in a glass and pour milkshake on top.
3. Finish with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

#7 Peppermint Mocha Latte

Sleighbells ring at the sight and smell of this beautiful holiday coffee concoction. This is the perfect Christmas morning coffee to pair with presents and share with family and friends. Whether or not the weather outside is frightful, this Peppermint Mocha Latte is always delightful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strong-brewed coffee
• ½ cup milk (or milk substitute)
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 oz. bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
• 2 drops peppermint oil
• 2 crushed peppermint sticks

Instructions:

1. Combine strong-brewed coffee and ¼ cup of milk (or milk substitute) in a saucepan over low heat. Do not simmer!
2. Blend in sugar, cocoa powder, and bittersweet chocolate and cook for 4 minutes (stirring frequently) until ingredients melt and are fully incorporated.
3. Add in 2 drops of peppermint oil.
4. Pour hot coffee mixture into 4 - 6 mugs (depending on your ideal serving size).
5. Warm remaining ¼ cup of milk (or milk substitute) in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
6. Using a whisk or a French Press, froth milk until foamy as desired.
7. Top each mug with frothed milk and sprinkle on crushed peppermint sticks for added taste and decor.
8. Serve and enjoy!