Creative Coffee Recipes for the Office
Who says coffee at work has to be boring? My first memory of office coffee was an old vending machine that would spit out instant coffee into a plastic cup for 20p.
Although there are many offices that still use such vending machines (albeit a little bit more high tech now) and some that just use instant coffee, there are still ways to zhuzh up your morning coffee, all you need is a little flair and some inspo.
I’ve discovered some fantastic coffee recipes that can be easily prepared with office equipment, giving everyone a delicious break from their daily grind.
Whether you're a fan of classic lattes or want to experiment with something a bit more adventurous, there's a recipe to suit your taste.
The Basics of Brewing at Work
Making coffee at the office doesn't have to be a drag. By selecting the right office coffee beans and having the proper gear, you can enjoy a stellar brew right at your desk.
Choosing Your Coffee Beans
The first step is selecting the right coffee beans.
Quality beans will make all the difference, trust me on this.
Freshness is also key - you’re looking for coffee beans that have been roasted from 7 to 31 days ago.
Single-origin beans (what are single origin coffee beans?) are typically my go-to as they offer unique flavour profiles, but blends can be delicious too - especially in bean to cups or espresso machines. If you're buying in bulk for the office, store the beans in an airtight container to keep them fresh and try to order fresh every month.
Another tip is to grind the beans just before brewing. Pre-ground coffee will lose its oomph over time and start to taste flat. Invest in a good quality grinder to get the most out of those beans.
Essential Equipment for the Office
Now, let’s talk about coffee equipment. To kick things off, a good coffee maker is essential. If you are into high quality coffee and you enjoy your coffee black then a filter coffee machine is your ticket. Otherwise if you have a hole in your office wallet then maybe you can invest in a bean to cup coffee machine.
A quality grinder (either manual or electric) is vital. Burr grinders are the best because they provide uniform grinds. If you're serious about your coffee, consider a scale to measure your coffee and water accurately. It might sound OTT, but precision can make your coffee taste significantly better.
Don't forget filters if you’re using a method that requires them, like a pour-over. Keep a stock of environmentally friendly options or reusable filters.
Use your French Press for a Micro foam layer
If you don't have access to a coffee machine and you want to make some delicious espresso based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos there’s a sneaky workaround.
Simply make a short but concentrated coffee whether it’s an espresso, a Moka Pot or a short instant coffee. Then heat up your milk in the microwave or on the stove.
Add your hot milk into a French Press (cafetiere) and then continuously plunge through the milk with the mesh filter. This will eventually create foamy milk in which you can blob on top of your coffee to make a delicious latte.
Condensed milk can create a stir
If you’ve ever travelled in Asia or ordered a coffee at a Vietnamese restaurant you’ll probably have tasted a coffee with condensed milk. Usually the go-to milk substitute, condensed milk has a sweet edge that masks the bitterness of low quality coffees.
It’s something that can be added to your coffee (in moderation, I’d recommend) to give a mid-afternoon pick-me-up an extra pick-me-up.
Cold Brew Creations
Cold brew coffee has taken the office by storm! Here’s how to make the best classic cold brew and experiment with some delicious flavoured infusions to keep everyone energised and satisfied.
Classic Cold Brew Technique
When it comes to making a great cold brew, starting with the right coffee-to-water ratio is crucial. 1 part coffee to 15 parts water - 1:15. Coarsely ground coffee beans work best because they don't produce as much bitterness.
Mix the coffee and water in a large jar or pitcher, stirring well to ensure the coffee grounds are fully saturated.
Pop it on the countertop and let it steep for at least 18 hours. After steeping, strain the mixture using a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove the coffee grounds. The result is a smooth, delicious cold brew add ice and serve cool. Here’s my Cold Brew Recipe for more info.
Flavoured Cold Brew Infusions
Adding flavours to your cold brew can elevate the experience. One of my favourites is the Iced Lavender Cold Brew Latte. Simply add a few drops of lavender syrup to your cold brew and top it with milk and a sprinkle of dried lavender. It's both refreshing and visually appealing.
Another great option is the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew. Mix a bit of homemade pumpkin spice syrup into your cold brew for a smooth and spicy twist. This is perfect for bringing a touch of autumn to your day no matter the season.
For something more unique, try a Cold Brew Tonic. Combine cold brew with tonic water and garnish with a twist of lime. The bitterness of the tonic water complements the coffee's rich flavour, creating a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
