Brewing the Coffee
Measure the beans. The best dessert coffees start with a strong cup of coffee, because the sugar, syrups, creams, and other ingredients that get added dilute the coffee flavor. Instead of using the typical 2 tablespoons (14 g) of coffee grounds per 6-ounce (177-ml) cup, use 4 tablespoons (28 g) of grounds. To measure whole beans, measure 4 heaping tablespoons of beans to get level tablespoons of ground coffee. It helps to use a bar scale for coffee—this is a really detailed and precise measuring scale that you can measure the coffee grinds on.
Grind the beans. Transfer whole coffee beans to a coffee grinder. Grind the beans to a medium grind, which has the consistency of sand. It’s important to use the right grind based on the brewing method because the coffee will turn out weak or bitter otherwise. You can also use pre-ground coffee beans to make your coffee, but freshly ground beans will produce a more flavorful cup of coffee. Don't grind the coffee in a food processor, or else the grounds won't be consistent enough.
Prepare the filter basket. Open the lid on the coffee maker or slide the filter basket out from the machine. Line the filter basket with a disposable or reusable coffee filter. Transfer the grounds from the coffee grinder to the lined filter basket. Replace the filter basket inside the machine or slide it back into place.
Fill the reservoir with water. Use 6 ounces (177 ml) of water per cup of coffee you're making. Or, use the cup measurements on the coffee pot and fill the pot based on how many cups you're making. Pour the water into the reservoir at the back of the coffee maker.
Turn on the coffee maker. Close the lid on the coffee maker and replace the pot in its position below the dripper. Plug in the coffee maker and turn it on. If your coffee maker doesn’t start up automatically, press Start or Auto to brew your pot of coffee.
Try alternative coffee brewing methods. When you don’t have access to an automatic drip coffee maker, there are lots of other ways you can make coffee for a dessert coffee. A few of the methods you can try include: Use a moka pot Use a dedicated espresso machine Try a French press Make pour over coffee
Creating Sweet Dessert Coffees
Turn coffee into Irish coffee. In a large mug, combine a cup of freshly brewed coffee, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of whiskey, and a ½ tablespoon (7 g) of sugar. Stir to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar. Pour a ⅓ cup (78 ml) of heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Add a ½ tablespoon (7 g) of sugar and beat the cream until soft peaks form. Pour the cream into the coffee and serve. You can also sprinkle the cream with a dusting of ginger or cinnamon before serving.
Have a seasonal pumpkin spice coffee. Pumpkin spice dessert coffee is great for the fall, and you can make one with a few simple ingredients. In a large mug, combine a cup of freshly brewed coffee, 2 ounces (59 ml) of pumpkin spice liqueur or syrup, and 1 ounce (30 ml) of half-and-half. Finish the coffee with whipped cream and ground cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.
Make an orange cardamom coffee. Before you brew your pot of coffee, add a teaspoon (2 g) of orange zest and a pinch of cardamom to the grounds. Brew your coffee as usual. When the coffee is ready, pour it into a mug for serving, finish it with whipped cream, and garnish it with some extra orange zest. You can also add other spices to the coffee grounds instead, such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
Make a delicious affogato. Affogato is a delicious coffee-based dessert that’s popular in Italy. You make it by pouring strongly brewed coffee over two small scoops of ice cream, and garnishing it with chocolate shavings or toasted nuts. To make an extra special dessert treat, layer the bottom of a cup with a piece of brownie before adding the coffee and ice cream.
Transform your coffee into an icy dessert. In a mug, combine your coffee, a teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla, and sugar, to taste. Pour the coffee onto a baking sheet and transfer it to the freezer. Freeze the mixture for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes to break up the ice crystals. After 90 minutes, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe bowl, stir it to create a slushy consistency, and freeze for another 30 minutes before serving. Granita is a frozen dessert that’s popular in Italy. While it’s usually made with sugar and water, you can make it with coffee as well.
Creating Your Own Dessert Coffees
Add milk. Most dessert coffees are mixed with some sort of milk or cream, and you can combine your coffee with any dairy or non-dairy milk product you like. Add as much milk as you want, but anywhere from 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 to 59 ml) is a good amount per cup of coffee. Some popular milk options for dessert coffees include: Milk Cream or heavy cream Ice cream Coconut milk or cream Soy or almond milk
Spice it up. Most dessert coffees aren't just coffee flavored, and many have ground spices added to change the aroma and taste. You can either add the spices to the grounds before you brew the coffee, or add anywhere from ⅛ to 1 teaspoon (0.3 to 2.6 g) of your favorite ground spices to the brewed coffee. Popular spices for coffee include: Cinnamon Ginger Cardamom Cloves Nutmeg Allspice Star anise
Pour in some flavor shots. Flavor shots are a great way to change the taste of your coffee, add sweetness, and achieve themed-flavors for your dessert beverage (like mint for the winter holidays). You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 ml) of vanilla or maple syrup to your coffee, or pour in a coffee syrup (or combination of flavors), such as: Peppermint Vanilla Caramel Hazelnut Almond Gingerbread Chocolate
Add a shot of alcohol. Some dessert coffees are adults-only beverages because they contain alcohol. You can make your own alcoholic dessert coffee as well by adding an ounce (30 ml) of a spirit or liqueur to your coffee. Some of the more popular alcohols to add to coffee include: Brandy Whiskey Coffee liqueur Hazel liqueur Irish cream liqueur
Finish it with a special garnish. Whipped cream is one of the most popular toppings for any dessert coffee, but you can also get creative and sprinkle some extra garnish on top of the whipped cream. When your coffee has been mixed to your liking with other ingredients, top it with whip, and then sprinkle it with something like: White, dark, or milk chocolate shavings Crumbled cookies Sprinkles Brownie or cake bites Chocolate or caramel sauce Fresh mint leaves Mini marshmallows
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