Steaming pitchers, fragrant espresso, and gracefully poured latté art can make the coffee bar feel like another world but the magic isn’t limited to professional baristas. With a few household tools and some practice, you can bring that same sensory delight into your own kitchen. Below are five must-try café drinks and step-by-step methods that keep things simple, affordable, and most importantly delicious.
Top 5 Cafe-Style Drinks You Can Easily Make at Home
1. Americano – Pure and Versatile
Why you’ll love it: An Americano lets the espresso shine without overwhelming intensity. Hot water stretches the shot into a balanced, sippable cup that can be enjoyed black or dressed up with milk and sweetener.
Make it at home:
- Pull a single or double espresso shot using your machine or a moka pot.
- Heat 150 ml of water to just off the boil.
- Pour the water into your mug first, then top with espresso to preserve the crema.
Pro tip: Swap half the hot water for steamed milk and you’ve created a milder “white Americano” perfect for morning commutes.
2. Cortado – A Spanish Classic in Two Sips
Why you’ll love it: The cortado pairs equal parts espresso and warm milk for a drink that’s stronger than a latte yet gentler than straight espresso.
Make it at home:
- Pull one double espresso shot (about 60 ml).
- Steam 60 ml of whole milk until small, velvety bubbles form no dense foam needed.
- Combine espresso and milk in a 120 ml heatproof glass.
Pro tip: Because servings are small, treat yourself to a higher-quality bean; nuanced flavours really stand out.
3. Dirty Chai – When Tea Meets Coffee
Why you’ll love it: This hybrid marries spicy masala chai with a kick of espresso, creating a comforting cup that doubles as an energy boost.
Make it at home:
- Brew a strong 120 ml cup of chai tea (loose-leaf or a good tea bag).
- Pull a single espresso shot.
- Froth 100 ml of milk until creamy.
- In a tall mug, combine chai and espresso, then top with milk. Dust with cinnamon for extra warmth.
Pro tip: Substitute oat milk the slight sweetness complements chai spices beautifully.
4. Mocha – Chocolate-Infused Indulgence
Why you’ll love it: For those moments when you can’t choose between coffee and hot chocolate, a mocha delivers both in one decadent mug.
Make it at home:
- Whisk together 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa, 1 tsp sugar, and a splash of hot water to create a smooth paste.
- Add a single espresso shot and blend well.
- Steam 180 ml of milk until foamy, then pour over the chocolate-espresso base.
- Finish with a swirl of whipped cream or a chocolate shaving.
Need a deeper dive? Follow this detailed mocha coffee guide for extra variations, from peppermint to salted caramel.
5. Cold Brew – Smoothness on Ice
Why you’ll love it: Cold brew relies on time rather than heat, yielding a naturally sweet, low-acid concentrate that stays fresh for a week.
Make it at home:
- Coarsely grind 100 g of coffee beans.
- In a litre jar, combine grounds with 700 ml of cold, filtered water. Stir to wet all grounds.
- Cover and steep in the refrigerator for 12–16 hours.
- Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
- Serve 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water or milk over ice.
Pro tip: Freeze leftover concentrate in ice cube trays. Adding these cubes to fresh cold brew keeps every glass flavourful instead of watery.
Conclusion
Mastering café favourites at home is less about expensive gadgets and more about understanding the fundamentals: good beans, precise ratios, and mindful technique. Start with one drink, get comfortable with the motions, then experiment switching milk types, adjusting coffee strength, or adding seasonal syrups.
Soon enough, you’ll have a personal menu that rivals your local coffeehouse, minus the queue and extra cost. So grab your favourite mug, fire up that kettle, and let the aroma of freshly brewed inspiration fill your kitchen.
