Having a Keurig coffee maker makes it so much easier to brew coffee in the morning. All you need to do is load your k cup in the machine, push the button, and enjoy the scent of freshly brewed coffee as it pours into your cup. But while a steaming mug of coffee with milk and sugar is enjoyable, there are ways to take your beverage to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Caramel Mocha
If you love sweet coffee drinks, this one is for you! Feel free to leave out the whipped cream if you're trying to watch your waistline — it's still delicious.
Ingredients (for one drink):
- 1 donut shop k cup
- 1 hot chocolate packet
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
- canned whipped cream
Pour the milk into a large mug, and warm it in the microwave for 20 seconds. Add the hot chocolate mix to the mug, and then brew the coffee into the mug with the size selector set to "large." Stir well, and then top the drink with whipped cream. Drizzle it with the caramel syrup, and enjoy.
Iced Mint Coffee
With a hint of mint, this chilly coffee beverage will really wake you up on a hot morning.
Ingredients (for one drink):
- 1 donut shop k cup
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 8 large ice cubes
Place the peppermint extract and sugar in a large mug. Brew the coffee into the mug with the size selector set to "small." Stir in the heavy cream; continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the ice cubes to the mug, and stir until they are nearly dissolved. Add additional ice if preferred, and enjoy with a straw.
Chilled Irish Coffee
This chilled version of Irish coffee is great on a warm summer night. Prepare ahead when you make this recipe, as the coffee needs to chill in the refrigerator before you can enjoy it.
Ingredients (for one drink):
- 1 donut shop k cup (you can substitute dark roast if you prefer)
- 1 shot Irish whiskey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Brew the coffee into a mug with the size selector set to "small." Stir the brown sugar into the coffee until it's completely dissolved. Place the mug in the refrigerator, and let the coffee cool for an hour. Then, pour the coffee into a glass mug, and stir in the cream and Irish whiskey. Enjoy!
Cafe Lowball
Made with vodka, this cocktail is strong and satisfying. If you don't have lowball glasses, you can serve it in a glass mug for an equally attractive presentation. Just make sure you plan ahead since the coffee needs to chill for an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 donut shop k cup
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1 ounce high-quality vodka
- 1 1/2 ounces Irish cream liqueur
- chocolate curls (either homemade or store-bought)
Brew the coffee into a mug with the size selector on the "small" setting. Place the mug in the refrigerator so the coffee can chill for an hour.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and pour in the chilled coffee, coffee liqueur, vodka, and Irish cream. Shake until moisture beads up on the outside of the shaker, and then strain into the glass of your choice. Garnish with a few chocolate curls, and enjoy. You can even add some canned whipped cream to the top for a something extra special!
With these coffee drinks in your arsenal, you'll put your Keurig to good use whenever you have company or are craving something delicious.
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