It's early, and coffee is in hand. A normal occurrence in my day to day life. I live off coffee. I thrive off coffee. And quite honestly, I'm not sure if I could function without coffee.
While most mornings I throw a reusable k-cup into my Keurig and am on my way, I do like to indulge in the local shop coffees more than I'd like to admit. There's something just so succulent about that thick, foamy white layer of goodness nestled perfectly over your cup of joe. Mmmmm... hold that thought - I'm off to grab me a cup.
I have a sudden facination with coffee in all it's forms. In fact, I found myself watching Latte Art Youtube videos for about an hour the other night. #addicted. Along the road to coffee discovery, I've been toying with different ways to make my morning pick-me-up. Alas, I have finally nailed down my perfect, go-to, savory caffeinated deliciousness. If you, too, are a coffee connoisseur, you're in the right place... keep on reading.
I wanted to start by giving my coffee a little bit of a flavor boost, but without the added chemicals of your normal grocery-bought creamers. I decided to try my hand in making my own cinnamon simple syrup! First step was to gather my supplies.
For my syrup, I used 1 c. water, 1 c. brown sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon, and 2 tsp vanilla. I added all my dry ingredients to a small pot first, followed by the water and extract, and whisked until full combined. (Note: This is a very cinnamon-y flavor. Half the amount if you don't like as much cinnamon, or emit all together for a different flavor. Add a different extract, use an essential oil, trade up the brown sugar for organic white... the possibilities are endless! Go nuts!)
I turned the stove on to medium heat, and brought my concoction to a simmer. I let the syrup simmer for 20 minutes, after which it turned into a thick, yummy mixture ready to be transferred to a container.
When the syrup got close to being done, I added milk to 1/3 of my mug and heated it in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. This warmed my milk, but also warmed the mug I would be using to enjoy my coffee, keeping my tasty treat hot longer. I transfered the milk into my french press and was ready to create my wonderful foam. To froth the milk I begin plunging the milk in the press rapidly for approximately 15 seconds, or until the milk have doubled in size. This can also be achieved with an electric milk frother, but I honestly prefer this method as it gives it a creamy, smoothe foam.
My syrup was now done simmering. I transfered it into a glass jar with an attached spoon and admired my creation.
Now it was time to put it all together! I added a spoonful of syrup to the bottom of the glass and brewed my favorite morning cofee right over the top. I gave it a quick stir to make sure the cinnamon was combined, and then poured in my milk and foam. I started by pouring the milk from high/far away which allowed it to mix more with the coffee, and then poured closer to the cup to add the foam. Lastly, I added a layer of caramel drizzle over the top, to give it that little something extra!
Perfection!
The last step of this process is I nestle on the couch in my comfy slippers and sip on my morning treat while I catch up on episodes of Shark Tank. 4:15am may come way to early every day, but at least now I get to enjoy it with a cup of my best friend, Joe.