A Food Fun Travel Guest Post
Coffee is the magical elixir that wakes you up in the morning, whether you’re boarding a too-early flight for your next adventure or just trying to make it to work on time. While some people follow the same coffee routine day after day, others might get bored without some variation. Keep reading for some ways you can switch up your coffee routine if it’s gotten a little stale.
Drink Coffee at Different Times
Image via Unsplash by Mike Kenneally
If you’re the type of person who only drinks coffee in the mornings, switch it up. While coffee can act as a much-needed morning stimulant, especially after a day of traveling or exploring, it may actually be better to enjoy your first cup of Joe several hours after you wake up. Coffee can increase your cortisol levels, which tend to be lower about two to three hours after waking.
Of course, there are plenty of times you can enjoy coffee throughout the day if you want to change your routine further. Avoid the mid-afternoon slump by brewing a fresh pot to get you through the rest of the day. Make a cup of decaf coffee as an after-dinner treat. Simply by changing the time you drink your coffee, you may find yourself appreciating it more.
Order a New Drink
One of the easiest ways to break a coffee slump is by ordering a new drink. For example, if you’re usually a black-with-no-creamer type of coffee drinker, try a shot of espresso or an Americano instead. Need some sweetness to go with your coffee? You might try a latte or a mocha. Even ordering your usual drink hot instead of iced (or vice versa) can provide a nice change of pace from your everyday routine.
If you’re not sure what type of drink you might enjoy, take a coffee personality quiz to find out. You’ll learn what beverage you should order the next time you’re in line at the coffee shop.
Choose Alternate Add-Ins
Syrups. Creamers. Sweeteners. There are seemingly endless add-ins you can choose to mix up your regular drink. For example, if you get your latte with whole milk, ask to have it served with an alternative option, like almond or oatmilk. If you usually add sugar to your coffee, swap it for a flavored syrup like vanilla, hazelnut, or cinnamon. It helps to start small, with just one or two subtle changes, so you don’t lose the flavor you already enjoy.
Ditch the Creamers
If you’re someone who always adds creamer to their coffee, try drinking it without. Choose a high-quality roast for the best flavor, even without your usual add-ins. You can also swap the flavored syrups and artificial sweeteners for other options, like coconut water or almondmilk. The result will be a rich, flavorful coffee without all the added sugars.
Make It Bulletproof
Fans of bulletproof coffee swear by it, so it might be worth a try, especially when you need an energy boost. Bulletproof coffee, which became popular as part of the keto diet, combines coffee and healthy fats, usually ghee or butter. Not only do these fats make the coffee creamier, but they’re also supposed to provide an energy boost that lasts longer. You can also add ingredients like ground cinnamon, agave nectar, or cocoa powder to your bulletproof coffee for some extra flavor.
Try Regional Flavors
One of the best parts of traveling is getting to try new foods, and the same goes for coffee. The next time you travel abroad, make it a point to try regional flavors. Order an espresso in Italy or a Vietnamese coffee in Hanoi. Observe what the locals are drinking and how they take their coffee. When in doubt, you can ask someone, or better yet, take a food tour for local insights and recommendations.
Don’t forget to pick up a bag (or two) of your favorite roast as a souvenir to bring home. In the United States, you can bring home as much roasted coffee as you want, as long as you declare it when you enter. The week after your trip, you’ll still feel like you’re on vacation as you sip on your coffee, even if you still haven’t unpacked.
It can be overwhelming to switch up your coffee routine, especially when you’re in a new, unfamiliar place. Use these tips to try new flavors and spice up your typical order. Just like you travel to have new experiences, you can try new coffee drinks to expand your taste buds and bring some variety to your life.
