12 Coffee Hacks to Wake Up Your Morning Joe

Your coffee at home can be just as exciting as the drinks you get from your favorite coffee shop. With a few coffee hacks, you can be the lead barista of your at-home coffee bar. Bonus: You can save money on your caffeine fix by making your own syrups and mix-ins, or utilizing leftovers wisely. You don’t have to waste a drop of that precious liquid gold.

Irish cream is poured into a glass mug of iced coffee. Behind the mug sits a teal dish cloth with a gold straw and spoon resting on top and a brown scoop of coffee beans.
Baileys Iced Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Simple Syrup

A hexagon-shaped jar with plain simple syrup next to a colorful enamel spoon.
Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Stop buying simple syrup! It costs less than a bag of sugar to make your own. This oh-so-luscious coffee sweetener requires just two ingredients, and you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make — and with multiple methods that suit your lifestyle. It’s versatile, too: You can use to sweeten cocktails, iced tea, desserts and so much more.
Get the Recipe: Simple Syrup

Sweet Cold Foam

cold foam on top of a glass of cold brew.
Sweet Cold Foam. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Elevate your cold brew and iced coffee beverages with the addition of a thick layer of sweet cold foam. Adding this creamy, frothy texture to the top of your drink takes your coffee to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cold Foam

Simple Syrup Ice Cubes

A group of frozen red and white ice cubes in a white tray.
Simple Syrup Ice Cubes. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Learn how to freeze simple syrup and you’ll never have to waste leftovers again. This convenient storage method is really easy too!
Get the Recipe: Simple Syrup Ice Cubes

Mocha Syrup

A glass jar filled with homemade chocolate syrup and a gold spoon with a glass of chocolate milk in the background.
Mocha Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

If you’ve never tried making your own chocolate syrup at home, you’re missing out! It’s better than store-bought and you can pour it over your ice cream or mix up your morning coffee. Even better? This homemade syrup is made with five simple ingredients and no dairy or corn syrup. It is ready to use in just a few minutes!
Get the Recipe: Mocha Syrup

Homemade Coffee Creamer

A jar of homemade coffee creamer next to a cup of coffee.
Homemade Coffee Creamer. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Ditch those expensive, processed, store-bought creamers and make your own rich, homemade coffee creamers at home in just 5 minutes. You can make it as sweet as you like, every single time.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Coffee Creamer

Chai Syrup

An ornate jar of chai syrup surrounded by spices.
Chai Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Make a dirty chai at home with this easy-to-make Chai Syrup. You can capture the flavors of your favorite chai tea right in your homemade latte or cup of coffee.
Get the Recipe: Chai Syrup

Cold Brew Coffee

Two cups of cold brew coffee in mason jars with handles. One has milk and one does not.
Cold Brew Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Once you know how to make homemade Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, you’ll never buy it again! With just two ingredients, it’s easy and budget-friendly to make with your favorite coffee beans.
Get the Recipe: Cold Brew Coffee

Coffee Ice Cubes

An ice tray of coffee ice cubes.
Coffee Ice Cubes. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Coffee ice cubes are the perfect solution to watered down iced coffee and lattes. They’ll also cool down hot coffee — especially useful for a too-well-insulated travel mug on the go. Freeze today’s leftover brew to save your cuppa later!
Get the Recipe: Coffee Ice Cubes

Coffee Soda

Coffee Soda. Photo credit: Feast + West.
Coffee Soda. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Cool down and perk up with a refreshing Coffee Soda. This vanilla-flavored coffee drink is sweet and bubbly. It’s a delicious afternoon-pick-me-up on days when you don’t want to drink a hot coffee. It’s a great one for using up leftover coffee or cold brew.
Get the Recipe: Coffee Soda

Vanilla Simple Syrup

An ornate jar with light brown colored vanilla simple syrup and vanilla beans.
Vanilla Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Want a vanilla latte just like Starbucks’? You can make it at home for less than the cost of a latte and only three ingredients. Sweeten your coffee creations with this easy, delicious and budget-friendly vanilla syrup.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Simple Syrup

French Press Coffee

two glass mugs filled with French press coffee, next to a French press and coffee beans.
French Press Coffee. Photo credit: Feast + West.

If your morning cup could use a boost, try a different method. French Press Coffee is a delicious, full-bodied and velvety brew to enjoy every morning. You’ll need a French press coffee maker, but with one sip of this ultra-rich, smooth brew and you may never go back to drip coffee again.
Get the Recipe: French Press Coffee

Flavored Coffee Syrups

An assortment of jars of different kinds of simple syrup.
Flavored Coffee Syrups. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Level up your drinks with some homemade Flavored Coffee Syrups. These easy, flavored simple syrup recipes are sure to take your barista game up a notch without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Flavored Coffee Syrups

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