While it is true that brewing your own coffee each morning is an essential part of many people’s daily routines, it does not provide the same amount of flexibility and creative freedom that coffee shops provide. This, however, does not mean that home-brewed coffees lack options. For one, self-brewed coffee options tend to be easier, with the ability to cut sugar levels, use different flavoring alternatives, and even be constructed with diet-friendly components! These options will help you build a coffee collection that will help satisfy all your caffeine needs without the added sugars. Neutral coffees, which such options primarily will be focused upon, will help you to maintain your sugar levels in check while you truly still enjoy your coffee. Cream, brewed coffee, and espresso options will be there to add to the experience. Furthermore, neutral brewed coffee can be used to create your own cold brew or can even serve as a base to an array of self-brewed coffee alternatives!
1. Classic Americano
The Americano is one of the most basic coffee drinks and the easiest to make. Its popularity and simple preparation stems from the creativity of American soldiers in World War II who found European espresso too strong. The Americano is just one shot of espresso and one shot of hot water. There are no added sugars or syrups so if coffee drinkers like the overall taste of the coffee, this is a perfect option for them. Many people appreciate the drink because it removes the sweetness and lets the water and espresso blend showcase the sweeter notes of the espresso while covering most of the bitterness.
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2. Smooth Cold Brew
Aside from the Americano, cold brew is one of the most popular coffee drinks. The taste of coffee cold brew illustrates time and flavor very well. There is a perfect sweetness and no added sugars making it one of the best coffee drinks for the summer. It is also perfect for an afternoon coffee boost. Many enjoy cold brew because it is easier on the stomach than other coffees. This is because it is less acidic and has been brewed for a long time. Unlike most coffees cold brew is prepared by soaking coffee grounds in water for a long time, usually between 12 to 24 hours. During roasting, the beans release natural oils that create the sweetness coffee lovers enjoy.
3. Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna is perfect for you if you are looking for an option with less sweetness but still want to be a little indulgent. This Italian drink literally means “espresso with cream.” It is just the right amount of cream to balance the drink without adding much sweetness. The rich flavor paired with the creaminess is perfect for those who love the bold taste of espresso. Enjoy this drink in the morning or use it as an afternoon pick-me-up!
4. Iced Coffee with Almond Milk
If you want to keep things sugar free then iced coffee with almond milk is definitely your best option. This drink is a blended mixture of cold brew coffee with unsweetened almond milk. Almond milk adds a nice nutty flavor that pairs great with the coffee. If you are dairy free or lactose intolerant this is the perfect drink to sip on as the weather gets warmer. Iced coffee with almond milk is also an easy option if you’re at home or on the go.
5. Flat White with Coconut Milk
You can try something unique for your flat white coffee by adding coconut milk. Mixing warm and cool milk in your drink creates an experience and helps with the sweetness since coconut milk spikes the natural sugar level. In the morning, you can grab this option if you enjoy a good coffee with flavors of the tropics as it gives you the caffeine boost.
6. Macchiato with a Dash of Cinnamon
While macchiatos are perfect without add-ins, they can be improved with a dash of cinnamon. The warmth and richness of macchiato cinnamon will be perfect for those who prefer not to add sugar. Originating in Italy, the word means ‘stained’ as the drink is espresso ‘stained’ with a bit of steamed milk. The macchiato cinnamon will boost the fragrance and provide a depth to the drink without sweetness. If you wish for espresso and you love cinnamon, then you will enjoy this drink. It’s perfect for those chilly autumn mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up and will leave you satisfied.
7. Café Au Lait with Skim Milk
For a simple drink, try a Café Au Lait with skim milk! A more toned-down version of the traditional French café, using skim milk rather than whole. The sugars, calories, and creaminess of the drink are balanced out because the milk is steamed. The texture of steamed skim milk is soft and creamy, allowing you to taste the full flavor of the coffee. It’s an ideal drink if you’re looking to drink something less rich while still enjoying your daily cup. The drink is light and airy, which makes it perfect for a nice morning or an uplifting afternoon. It’s reminiscent of the Parisian cafes, without the sugar rush.
8. Nitro Cold Brew
If you like cold brew coffee, nitro cold brew will elevate the drink even more! The sweetness and creaminess of your average cold brew are replaced by nitrogen in the nitro brew, which also improves the flavor. It might not look like it, but when nitro cold brew is poured, the coffee’s cascading micro-bubbles form a unique finish resembling a stout beer. In addition to the typical creamer and sugar, nitro cold brew adds a creamy and smooth flavor. Nitro cold brew is low sugar and promotes an exciting dessert-style drink. Nitro cold brew is more than just pretty; it’s a great coffee drink. The coffee combo and a twist of traditional cold brew make nitro cold brew the favorite for true coffee lovers.
9. Americano Misto
Enjoy the classic Americano with a twist — The Americano Misto keeps the Americano spirit while softening the milk for a creamy experience. The Misto is a low sugar drink and its not sweetened by added sugar so its perfect for those that want to experience the flavor of the brewed espresso. Finished with a light touch of steamed milk, this drink is perfect to cozy up with on a rainy day.
10. Black Coffee with Lemon
If you are looking to sweeten your coffee without adding sugar, try adding lemon to your black coffee. This combination removes the bitter taste of coffee and is a fun alternative. The acidity and flavor from the lemon balances the bitterness of the coffee, while the citrus adds a refreshing element. This drink is perfect after a meal.
11. Chai-Spiced Black Coffee
Another beverage that lets you savor the spice of a chai is black coffee. In this drink, you get to have spiced black coffee with cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. All these extra spices will warm you up on a cold morning when this drink is perfect or will give you a cozy and warm feeling in the afternoon. This drink also lets you enjoy sugar free coffee. It also provides a strong taste from the spices, and improves the natural flavor of the coffee.
12. Iced Shaken Espresso
Iced shaken espresso is a fun and exciting drink that show cases impressive flavors. The drink is made by shaking and frothing espresso and is similar to drinks you can get from an iced coffee store. Because of the shaking and frothing, the drink gets a foam that cools the drink and is low in sugar. This drink is a good option if you are looking for something refreshing and also gives you an energy boost. The espresso is natural and unmasked. This drink can also be enjoyed warm during the afternoon.
13. Cortado with Oat Milk
In Spain, people like to drink a cortado that mixes espresso with milk. This drink offers a milky beverage without the extra sugar. This oat milk cortado retains the creaminess of the drink while the light earthy flavor of the espresso pairs really well with the oat milk. Since oat milk is artificially sweetened, it is a solid choice for a low sugar option. An oat milk cortado is a sophisticated beverage that you can enjoy during a morning break, or in the afternoon when you want a drink to wake you up.
14. Mocha with Dark Chocolate
If you don’t want sugar/candy in your system, a mocha with dark chocolate is perfect for you. Made with high-grade dark chocolate and sweetener, you’ll end up with a drink that’s most likely a great blend of flavors that combines excellently with espresso coffee. The coffee is enhanced, and drinking it provides a lot of great textures. Watch your sugar intake? This mocha is just right. If you want to treat yourself, a mocha with dark chocolate will hit the spot. Plus, it’s with your friends – and there are no calories!
