10 Best Ways To Perk Up Your Coffee

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Coffee – we all love it and many of us need that caffeine buzz to start the day, but why settle for a cup that’s lackluster? Try these 10 ideas to give you and your morning coffee an instant pick-me-up!

 

1. Get Spicy:

Cinnamon is one of the easiest ways to add flavor: and texture to a bland or bitter cup of coffee. By brewing your morning cup with a cinnamon stick, this immunity boosting, super spice will be a nice departure from the typical cream and sugar, as well as a huge calorie saver!

 

2. Make it Creamy:

Flavored creamers are a fun option to bring new life to your coffee and with so many different choices, you can switch it up as often as you like. By opting for the reduced fat or sugar free brands, you still get the creamy taste of hazelnut or caramel without the added calories – usually only 15-20 calories per serving. For a little added excitement, heat up your favorite creamer and whisk it into deliciously frothy foam.

 

3. Protein Pow!:

Whether you want to add some protein powder to your morning brew for extra energy or give your morning shake a caffeine boost, coffee and protein powder are an unstoppable combination! Try adding Quest Nutrition’s vanilla protein blend and almond milk to your cuppa Joe for a delicious vanilla latte – the perfect way to start your day!

 

4. Syrupy Sweet:

One great way to put a little more excitement in your cup is using sugar free syrups and sweeteners. Torani has a line of syrups with delicious flavors such as Chocolate Macadamia Nut and English Toffee and with zero calories per serving; you can liven up your coffee – guilt free!

 

5. Ice Ice Baby:

Summer is rapidly approaching and one of the best ways you can battle the rising temperatures is by cooling down your coffee with a little ice – even blending it to create your very own Frappuccino. A great way to avoid watering down your coffee is to brew a pot and freeze it into ice cubes that you can add to your cup and keep the strong, robust flavor.

 

6. Flavor it Up:

Simplify your morning caffeine buzz without sacrificing taste by starting off with a flavored coffee blend.  Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Seattle’s Best all offer ground coffees in the more standard flavors (vanilla, mocha and caramel) but more specialty brewers like Grande Kaffe offer some options more off the beaten path (Bananas Foster and Red Velvet Cupcake).

 

7. Give Me a Shot:

On those mornings that you truly need to kick your coffee up a notch (or two!), add a little espresso to your cup. At 64mg of caffeine per shot, this strongly brewed coffee will boost the flavor and put a little extra pep in your step.

 

8. Whip it!:

Everything is better with whipped cream, right? Even the most boring cup of coffee can be livened up with a little sugar free whipped cream – and at only 5 calories per serving. Drizzle a little chocolate or caramel syrup over the top for a dose of coffee shop charm.

 

9. Make it Mocha:

Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you! Start your morning off with something indulgent by adding some dark cocoa powder or even a packet of your favorite hot cocoa to your brew for a cup of coffee that is sure to put a smile on your face.

 

10. Just Add…Butter?:

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That’s right, butter! This take on a traditional cup, nicknamed “Bulletproof Coffee” makes for a creamy, satisfying coffee that has been proven to boost energy and stave off hunger – so much so that many use this as a meal replacement. So, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, give this alternative to your everyday coffee a try!

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