If you’re looking for fun, flavorful coffee drinks you can whip up in your own kitchen, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s an iced latte on a warm day or a cozy mocha in the morning, these recipes are simple enough for everyday brewing—you really just need a way to make coffee or espresso for these.
I pulled together seven easy coffee recipes that have different flavors, but should use ingredients you already have. These aren’t just trendy drinks—they’re ones I’ve made and loved over and over again. Each recipe is quick to make and offers something a little different, from creamy to bold to sweet.
In this list, you’ll find everything from a brown sugar shaken espresso to an affogato (yes, simple coffee and ice cream). I’ll walk you through exactly how to make each one, plus share tips I’ve learned along the way.
1. Easy Iced Mocha Coffee
This iced mocha has become a favorite of mine because it feels like the perfect middle ground between dessert and coffee. It’s smooth, chocolatey, and still gives you that rich coffee flavor without being overpowering.
What I love most is how easily you can adjust it to fit your mood—add more milk for something light and milky, or more chocolate when you’re feeling indulgent. I first started making this during a hot summer afternoon when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to leave the house. Since then, it’s been a staple in my weekly rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strongly brewed coffee (or cold brew), cooled
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- ½ cup milk of your choice (I use oat milk for a creamy texture)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: whipped cream
How to Make It:
- Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee—use 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per cup if you’re using a drip or French press. Let it cool to room temperature or chill it in the fridge. Cold brew works great here too for a smoother finish.
- In a tall glass, drizzle the chocolate syrup into the bottom. I swirl it around the inside of the glass too for a nice layered look—it makes the drink feel a little more special.
- Add the cooled coffee to the glass and stir well so the chocolate completely blends in.
- Fill the glass with ice, about three-quarters full.
- Slowly pour in your milk over the ice. I like watching the milk swirl into the coffee—it always looks so pretty.
- Top with whipped cream and an extra drizzle of chocolate syrup if you’re in the mood.
To keep your drink from tasting watered down, make coffee ice cubes and use those instead of regular ice. If you want a richer drink, try using half-and-half or even a splash of heavy cream. And if you like a bit of depth, a pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon in the chocolate syrup adds a surprising twist that balances the sweetness.
2. Dalgona Coffee
Dalgona coffee is one of those drinks that feels like a treat and a little bit of a science experiment at the same time. I remember when it first started trending, I was skeptical—could three ingredients really make something that good? But after I whipped up my first cup, I was hooked.
There’s something magical about how the bitter instant coffee transforms into this thick, cloud-like foam that just floats on top of the milk. It’s sweet, bold, and incredibly satisfying. I like to serve it in a clear glass so you can see the layers—it just looks so good.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (must be instant!)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
- Ice (optional, for iced version)
How to Make It:
- In a medium bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts. I like to use a wide bowl because it gives me more room to whip.
- Use a whisk, handheld mixer, or milk frother to whip the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes. It will start out runny, then thicken into soft peaks, and finally turn into a creamy, fluffy mousse. This step is oddly relaxing and super satisfying when you see it come together.
- Fill a glass with your milk—hot if you want something cozy, or cold with ice for a refreshing version.
- Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. It’ll float beautifully and create that iconic layered look.
- Give it a gentle stir before drinking if you want a balanced flavor, or sip it layered for a strong coffee hit up front followed by smooth milk.
Use a metal whisk or milk frother for best results—I’ve found wooden or plastic tools don’t whip it up as well. If you’re trying to cut sugar, reduce it to 1 tablespoon, but keep in mind the sugar is what helps stabilize the foam.
For a fun twist, you can add a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top. And always use instant coffee—not ground—otherwise it won’t whip.
3. Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
This one feels like it was made for busy mornings. It’s strong, slightly sweet, and so refreshing. I first tried it after hearing about the Starbucks version, but I quickly realized it’s easy to make at home—and way cheaper. You can find our full brown sugar shaken espresso here.
The secret to getting it just right is all in the shake. It chills the espresso quickly and makes the whole drink smooth and frothy. There’s something satisfying about shaking coffee like a cocktail; it feels like a ritual now.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup (see tips below)
- Ice
- ½ cup milk or oat milk
How to Make It:
- Brew your espresso and pour it hot over a few tablespoons of brown sugar syrup. Stir to combine while it’s still hot so the sugar melts.
- Fill a cocktail shaker or mason jar with ice. Pour in the espresso-sugar mix.
- Shake for 20–30 seconds. You’ll feel the outside of the jar turn cold—that’s how you know it’s ready.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Pour in the milk and watch it swirl.
Tips:
To make brown sugar syrup: mix equal parts brown sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and store in the fridge. I like adding a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.
4. Lavender Honey Latte (Hot)
This latte is for slow mornings when you want something calm and comforting. I started making this after visiting a café that used house-made lavender syrup, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how soft and floral it tasted.
It’s not overly sweet—just enough to take the edge off the espresso—and the lavender makes it feel a bit special, almost like something you’d get at a spa café.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (or store-bought lavender syrup)
How to Make It:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk gently over medium-low heat. Add honey and lavender (if using dried flowers). Stir occasionally until steaming—don’t boil it.
- Once it’s warm and infused (about 5 minutes), strain out the lavender.
- Brew your espresso or strong coffee and pour it into your favorite mug.
- Froth the milk if you like—it makes it feel more café-like—and then pour it over the espresso.
- Give it a gentle stir and sip slowly.
If you’re using dried lavender, make sure it’s labeled for culinary use. I like to make a lavender-honey syrup in advance and keep it in the fridge—it blends better and saves time. This also works iced!
5. Iced Vanilla Latte
This iced vanilla latte is the one I reach for when I want something light, smooth, and reliable. It’s simple but never boring.
Vanilla gives it just the right amount of sweetness, and you can customize it easily depending on your mood—extra ice on hot days, extra milk when you want something mellow.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso or ½ cup strong coffee
- ½ cup milk of your choice
- 1–2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Brew your espresso and let it cool slightly.
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add the vanilla syrup to the glass. You can use store-bought or homemade (equal parts sugar, water, and vanilla extract).
- Pour in the espresso and stir well to mix with the syrup.
- Top with milk and stir again
For a stronger vanilla flavor, add a few drops of vanilla extract directly to your espresso. I also like to use vanilla oat milk to double up on the flavor. To keep it smooth, don’t pour hot espresso directly onto the ice—let it cool slightly or use cold brew.
6. Iced Caramel Macchiato (Starbucks Copycat)
This one is a classic and always feels like a treat. Iced caramel macchiato was one of the first fancy drinks I ever ordered at Starbucks, and it still holds up. The trick to making it at home is layering it just right—the vanilla milk at the bottom, the espresso floating on top, and that final caramel drizzle. It looks impressive but takes just minutes to put together.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso (or ½ cup strong coffee)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- Ice
How to Make It:
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Add the vanilla syrup and milk to the glass. Stir gently to combine.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the milk. (I like to pour it over the back of a spoon to help it float and stay layered.)
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top—be generous!
If you want the full Starbucks experience, use caramel sauce instead of syrup—it’s thicker and gives that rich topping. Stir before drinking if you want a balanced taste, or leave it layered for sips that change flavor as you go. Almond milk and oat milk both work great in this one.
7. Affogato (Coffee Over Ice Cream)
Affogato is the simplest coffee dessert ever—and honestly one of the most delicious. It’s just hot espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream, and that’s it.
I love how the espresso melts the ice cream just enough to turn it into this creamy, bittersweet swirl. It’s the kind of thing you can make in under a minute but still impress your guests with.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (or gelato)
- 1 shot hot espresso
How to Make It:
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a small bowl or glass.
- Brew a fresh shot of espresso.
- Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream and serve immediately.
Use high-quality ice cream—the fewer ingredients, the better. You can also experiment with flavors: hazelnut gelato, chocolate, or even pistachio work beautifully.
Serve it in a clear glass for full visual effect—it looks like something out of a fancy dessert bar but takes less than 60 seconds to make.
Ready to brew your favorite coffee at home?
With these seven easy recipes, you can enjoy café-quality drinks without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something iced, creamy, or a bit more indulgent, there’s a recipe here to fit your mood.
If you want an easy way to make espresso at home, check out our detailed Nespresso machine reviews to find the perfect coffee maker for all your brewing needs.
