Description
Cozy up with this Spiced Americano! Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse this delightful twist on a classic coffee drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup freshly brewed strong Americano coffee
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy), plus extra for frothing
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave, or your preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Whipped cream, for topping
- Optional: Cinnamon stick, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Milk: In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Heat Gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm the milk gently, not boil it.
- Infuse the Flavors: As the milk heats, whisk it constantly. Continue heating for about 3-5 minutes, or until the milk is warm and fragrant.
- Sweeten to Taste: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener) to the spiced milk. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
- Froth the Milk (Optional but Recommended): For a truly luxurious Spiced Americano, I highly recommend frothing the milk. You can use a milk frother, a handheld frother, or even a whisk. If using a whisk, vigorously whisk the milk in the saucepan until it becomes frothy. If using a milk frother, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The goal is to create a light and airy foam.
- Brew the Americano: Brew a strong Americano using your preferred method.
- Adjust the Strength: Taste the Americano and adjust the strength to your liking. If it’s too strong, add a little hot water. If it’s too weak, brew another shot of espresso or add a little more coffee concentrate.
- Assemble the Drink: Pour the Americano into a mug.
- Add the Spiced Milk: Gently pour the spiced milk into the mug, on top of the Americano. If you frothed the milk, hold back the foam for now.
- Top with Foam (Optional): If you frothed the milk, spoon the foam on top of the drink.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish your Spiced Americano with a dollop of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your warm and comforting Spiced Americano right away!
Notes
- Adjust the spices to your preference.
- For a spicier drink, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with different sweeteners.
- For an iced version, cool the Americano and pour over ice with the spiced milk.
- Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a mocha twist.
- Try different types of milk (almond, soy, oat).
- For an adult version, add a shot of your favorite liqueur.
- Milk is Scalding: If the milk starts to scald, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and let it cool slightly before continuing.
- Spices are Clumping: To prevent the spices from clumping, whisk them together with a small amount of sugar before adding them to the milk.
- Americano is Too Bitter: If the Americano is too bitter, try using a different type of coffee bean or adjusting the grind size. You can also add a pinch of salt to the coffee grounds before brewing.
- Milk is Not Frothing: If the milk is not frothing, make sure it’s cold. You can also try using a different type of milk. Some types of milk froth better than others.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes