Do you love the convenience of instant coffee but never feel satisfied with the taste? If so, you’re not alone. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to make instant coffee taste better without compromising convenience.
This blog post will share tips to help you get the most flavor out of your instant coffee.
Instant coffee gets bad wrap among the coffee faithful.
It is considered never to be touched, talked to, or drunk because of its horrible taste. If you ever see a bunch of coffee packs lying around like it was abandoned, then you’re pretty sure it’s instant coffee.
However, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on instant coffee. You can still sweeten it up and get the most out of it.
What is instant coffee?
Instant coffee has quite a history. First founded in Britain in the 1700s, it has evolved and made its way into American homes.
Instant coffee is created in two main ways. The first one is called spray drying. Liquid coffee is sprayed through hot air and dries up the coffee, leaving tiny coffee crystals on the floor.
The second method is freeze drying. As the name implies, it involves lowering the temperature of liquid coffee to produce granules that are then converted to crystals. This method produces a slightly better flavor.
Difference between instant coffee and ground coffee
They’re both made directly from coffee beans. However, after the beans are roasted with instant coffee, they’re brewed into actual coffee. Then, coffee crystals are extracted through either of the two main drying methods mentioned above.
Why Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee is a great choice for those looking for convenience and speed. It’s a fast and easy way to fix caffeine without waiting for a full-fledged coffee drink to brew. It’s also incredibly affordable, so it’s a great option for those on a budget.
Not to mention, the variety of flavors available in instant coffee makes it an ever-expanding option, allowing you to choose from mild, medium, dark roast, and flavored coffees. And with the right techniques, you can make instant coffee taste just as good as a freshly brewed cup.
Increasing your chances of good-tasting instant coffee
While instant coffee will probably be on the losing end of things when it comes to taste, there are still a bunch of things you can do to amp up its flavor.
Heating the water
The water’s temperature is crucial when making the perfect cup of instant coffee. Adding instant coffee to boiling water significantly harms the taste, so it’s important to use freshly boiled water.
To reduce bitterness in the instant coffee, cold water should be used instead of hot during the dissolving process. One or two heaped or level teaspoons of instant coffee should be mixed with 30ml/grams of hot water for an even smoother cup.
If desired, more or less can be added depending on individual preferences. Once mixed with hot water, you can add cocoa powder, sugar or sweetener, and milk to create a delicious cup of instant java.
Mixing the instant coffee
Mixing the instant coffee correctly is key to getting the best flavor. The right proportions of instant coffee and water will help you achieve a smooth cup without bitterness.
Start by mixing a shot of hot water with a teaspoonful of the coffee granules and gently pour the mixture over a cup full of ice cubes. If you find this too strong or weak, increase or decrease the amount of coffee used accordingly.
Alternatively, using cold water instead of hot water during the dissolving process can help reduce any bitterness. Finally, mix 1 – 2 heaped or level teaspoons of instant coffee with 30 ml/grams of hot water for a smoother cup of coffee and heat it to just before boiling.
What can you add to instant coffee?
If you follow the entire process above and you’re coffee is anything but comforting, it’s time to bring in some reinforcements.
The following extras will add more flavor to your cup of coffee.
Adding Sugar or Sweetener
Sugar is sweet, but it doesn’t have much flavor. To make your coffee taste more interesting, you can replace the sugar with maple syrup, agave, honey, golden syrup, or even condensed milk.
If you like to have a sweeter coffee, you can add as much or as little of the sweetener as you’d like. This can help to combat the bitter taste that can often come with instant coffee. Add cocoa powder or a combination of different sweeteners, such as maple syrup and brown sugar, for an even more interesting flavor.
My personal favorite. Pure maple syrup dissolves easily in hot and cold beverages, so you’re never left with crystals at the bottom of your drink. Maple syrup will sweeten your coffee while also adding a distinct maple flavor, which in my book, definitely helps remove instant coffee flavor.
Adding milk
If you want to make your cup of instant coffee taste better, adding milk can be a great way to do it. We all love creamy coffee! The fat in milk or creamer helps to balance and smooth out the flavor of instant coffee.
Adding ice
Adding ice to your coffee can make it a refreshing summer drink. It can also help dilute the coffee’s flavor and reduce the instant coffee’s bitterness. Start with one or two ice cubes in your cup, and then add more to taste.
Making a latte
Making a latte with instant coffee is a great way to enjoy a delicious cup without using an espresso machine. To make a latte, mix the instant coffee with boiling water and stir until dissolved.
Next, add cocoa powder to the mixture and stir it until evenly blended. If you’d like a sweeter flavor, try adding sugar or sweetener.
Finally, add milk to the mixture and stir until bubbly. Add ice cubes to the mixture for an iced latte and stir until blended. Enjoy your delicious cup of instant coffee latte!
Making an Iced Latte
Making an iced latte with instant coffee is easy and a great way to beat the heat. Start by heating water in a small pan and add the desired amount of instant coffee. Then, add cocoa powder, sugar or sweetener, and milk to taste.
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are dissolved, and pour it into a glass of ice. For an extra special treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor. You can enjoy a delicious iced latte made with instant coffee with just a few simple steps!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s easy to make instant coffee taste better. You can get a smoother flavor by heating the water and mixing the instant coffee with a small amount of cold water. You can add cocoa powder, sugar or sweetener, milk, ice, and flavorings like cinnamon and nutmeg to create a delicious cup of coffee.
You can make a latte or iced latte with instant coffee for added variety and deliciousness. You can turn your instant coffee into something special with just a few tweaks.
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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