Coffee and cocktails are even better when they look as good as they taste. With just a few easy techniques, you can take your drinks from drab to fab. Read on for 10 simple decorating ideas to dress up your coffee, espresso drinks, and coffee-based cocktails.
Start with the right glassware. For hot drinks like lattes and mochas, heat-safe mugs show off layered drinks. Tall glasses keep iced drinks cold plus give you lots of space for toppings. And for cocktails, choose martini glasses or short tumblers depending on the drink.
Espresso drinks look sleek topped with foam. Use a small metal pitcher to steam milk, then pour gently into the shot.
For stark contrast, spoon dark cocoa powder or cinnamon over the foam.
Show off your latte art skills with free pour designs. Start with a base layer of foam, then hold the pitcher high as you steadily pour to “draw” on top. Heart and leaf shapes are beginner-friendly.
Go beyond cocoa and cinnamon with flavored syrups. Vanilla, hazelnut, peppermint, and caramel all mix nicely into foamy coffee concoctions. Drizzle on top in zigzags or spirals for a stained-glass effect.
Sugary coffee drink toppings lend crunch and texture. Candy cane pieces, crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles are all festive options. Or get healthy with sliced almonds, coconut flakes, or granola clusters.
- Fresh fruit elevates iced coffee, lemonade, and summer cocktails.
- Slice citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruit or even kiwis. Or make fruit “flags” by skewering berries and grapes onto cocktail picks.
Dried flowers (that haven’t been treated with chemicals) add organic flair to drinks.
Mini roses, lavender, and chamomile are safe bets. Use a single bloom or a small bundle, anchored in florist’s foam at the bottom of the glass.
For an ombre effect, alternate pouring lightly roasted and darker roasted coffee (or espresso) into an iced drink. Top with foam and go monochromatic with cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Homemade whipped cream is easier than you think! Sweeten heavy cream with sugar and vanilla, then beat with a whisk or mixer until fluffy. Spoon onto Irish coffee drinks or plop a dollop on hot chocolate.
Skewer garnishes for a polished presentation. Try pineapple wedges and brandied cherries for tiki drinks, or cubes of seasonal fruit like peaches for iced tea and lemonade. Cocktail umbrellas optional!
Those are 10 easy ideas for taking your coffee drinks and cocktails up a decorative notch. With the right glasses, toppings and just a dash of creativity, your daily caffeine can look as fantastic as it tastes!