Coffee syrups: The secret to a delicious drink

Many first-time coffee drinkers are surprised by how bitter coffee tastes. It can even repel some from trying it again. And it’s no wonder; in nature, bitter flavor often signals danger. Our brains perceive it to mean a hazard, as if saying: Wait, don’t drink that!

Despite the bitter taste, millions of people all across the world love it. It’s often our reason to take a break during a stressful day, to relax for a second or stay for a visit at our family or friends. As such, coffee has become irreplaceable in our lives.

So, if we want coffee but hate its bitter taste, why not sweeten the deal a bit?

Many countries consider sweetening your coffee a tradition. Mexicans will add cinnamon and brown sugar and call it Café de Olla – its history most likely dates back to the Mexican revolution, when Mexican women served a cup of this sweetened beverage to the revolutionaries to warm them up and provide some much-needed energy. Similarly in Turkey, sugar is indispensable when drinking coffee. The beloved hot beverage is made from finely powdered coffee grounds mixed with white sugar using a cezve and it’s served in small aluminum cups, often alongside a sweet baklava. Even the world’s biggest coffee producer, Brazil, uses sugar to sweeten their exceptionally strong coffee drinks.

European history of flavoring coffee is comparably recent, only dating back a few hundred years. When Venetian merchants first encountered this new beverage in around 16th or 17th century, their reactions varied. Some instantly fell for the bitter taste, while many others considered it too strong and even repulsive. So, they tried flavoring it, not only with expensive sugar, but also honey, spices and sometimes even syrups. These changes made it closer to European preferences and its popularity quickly grew.

First ever cafés started opening their doors in France, England and Italy. They began the tradition of offering sugar or something similarly sweet with their coffee, and that’s why whenever you order a coffee in a restaurant, you’ll likely get a sugar basin, too. Even though the tradition of sweetened coffee endured centuries, many modern baristas and coffee experts insist that sugar and other flavors can overshadow the subtle notes of flavor that this black beverage offers.

You can always enjoy your cup of coffee however you like it. If you prefer your coffee sweetened, don’t let anyone lecture you. Adding sugar to your coffee doesn’t make you some uncultured brute. Quite the opposite! Some types of coffee can even benefit from it. And sugar isn’t the only thing you can use to flavor your favorite drink.

Syrups are delicious and popular way to flavor your coffee.

Not only can they add a little extra layer but also make drinking your daily booster an unconventional experience! The taste of coffee gets along perfectly with a variety of flavors which can enhance its natural flavor notes and intrinsic uniqueness. Fancy a coffee flavored with the delicious notes of vanilla, almonds, caramel, salted caramel, hazelnuts or even chocolate? All of these wonderfully sweet flavors are a perfect complement to your coffee. They won’t disturb the original taste and instead enhance it, balance the bitterness and add new layers of taste to explore.

During the winter months, warm your coffee (and yourself!) up by using some cinnamon. This exotic seasoning included in our Cinnamon Espresso Syrup is a perfect companion for your coffee. It adds a slightly sweet and spicy tone and enhances its aroma tenfold. If your coffee is too acidic, cinnamon is the perfect pick to balance the sourness. If you’re looking forward to summer or simply prefer something a bit more exotic, then don’t hesitate to reach for some unusual flavors instead. Lime or Orange Espresso Syrup make for a delicious and refreshing combination with coffee, especially in the hots of summer. Both limes and oranges nicely underline the natural fruity undertones of coffee and add some zest. They’re also perfect for iced coffees and other iced beverages.

Mint Espresso Syrup another unconventional pick to add a layer of freshness to your latté or iced coffee. Since it’s also purely natural and contains fresh spearmint and vitamin C, it can even help support your body. Experimenting with coffee flavors can become a pleasant way of sweetening an otherwise bitter beverage and create new, unconventional experiences. Just figure out what you’re craving at the moment and grab a complementary syrup. Don’t be afraid to mix and match Espresso syrups are great no matter your preference. Whether you like the classic espresso or would rather sip on cappuccino, latté or frappé, a few drops of flavor can make your experience better.

No idea how you’d actually utilize our Espresso Syrups? Take some inspiration from our recipes. You can use these flavors to not only make a delicious, though unconventional, coffee, but also try them with tea, add them into ice cream bowls or as a secret ingredient in your baking. They’re a great addition to any kitchen and make a handy helper for any fan of vibrant flavors!

Coffee Mojito

Strawberry Frappé