4 Ingredients You’re Not Adding to Your Coffee (But Should!)

It’s a daily routine: Wake up, make coffee, go out into the world and pretend to be fully awake. But this morning tradition is about to get a lot tastier from these easy add-ins. Never settle for another boring pot of coffee again by stirring these flavor-boosting ingredients into your coffee grounds just before brewing.

Cocoa Powder

Mocha is a common coffee shop option, and the combo of coffee and chocolate make for an irresistibly rich drink. You can easily add chocolate-y flavor to your next pot by adding a scoop (about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons) of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee grounds. Just mix everything well and pair the brewed coffee with a splash of cream to create a smooth beverage that’s reminiscent of a grown-up hot cocoa.

Spices

Adding a pinch of spices to your coffee grounds can take a pot of coffee from bland to share-worthy. Choose from flavor-enhancing options like cinnamon, nutmeg, lavender, cardamom, and more. Trying a variety of spices can help you get creative with your next morning cup of coffee. Simply mix 1/4 teaspoon of your chosen spice into your coffee grounds and get to brewing.

Extracts

Extracts aren’t just for baking, they can make a world of difference in flavoring your coffee. Keep things basic with the addition of a little vanilla or coconut extract, or go wild and try out flavors like peppermint or rum. Stir 1 teaspoon into your coffee grounds before brewing and you’ll taste the difference.

Salt

Just like a pinch of salt can improve dessert recipes, a dash of it can upgrade your next pot of coffee. Salt can ‘neutralize’ some of the bitterness of coffee, leaving you with a smoother drink. Just pour a pinch (roughly 1/8 teaspoon) into your coffee grounds before brewing.