3 Holiday-Inspired Coffee Drinks You Should Try This Season

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with a deliciously themed coffee drink? But forget the long lines at your favorite coffee shop. Make your own barista-quality holiday beverages at home! It’s easier than you think, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty espresso machine, you can transform your kitchen into a cozy Christmas cafe. So if you want to make your own holiday-inspired coffee drinks, check out these three recipes that were inspired by ones we found online.

Courtesy Next Upgrade Shop

And if you want barista-quality espresso, grab the Breville Barista Express at the Next Upgrade Shop!

Puto Bumbong Latte: A Taste of Filipino Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by CoffeeCupSeries / Marian Peralta (@coffeecupseries)

If you're looking for a drink that truly embodies the spirit of a Filipino Christmas, this Puto Bumbong Latte that we tweaked from The Peach Kitchen and Coffee Cup Series is a must-try. Inspired by the beloved purple rice cake traditionally enjoyed during Simbang Gabi, this latte brings together the unique flavors of ube, coconut, and muscovado sugar. It's a delightful blend of sweet and earthy, with a vibrant color that's sure to brighten your holiday mornings.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (approx. 30ml) freshly brewed espresso (from your Breville Barista Express, of course!)

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, like coconut milk, for extra flavor)

• 1-2 tablespoons ube halaya (ube jam) or 1/2 teaspoon ube extract

• 1 tablespoon muscovado sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• Optional: Coconut cream or whipped cream for topping

• Optional: Toasted coconut flakes or grated cheese for garnish

Instructions:

• Prepare your ube milk base: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk with the ube halaya (or extract) and muscovado sugar, stirring until the ube is dissolved and the sugar is melted. Do not boil.

• Brew your espresso: While your ube milk heats, pull a fresh shot of espresso with your Breville Barista Express.

• Combine and serve: Pour the ube milk into your favorite mug. Add the espresso shot.

• Garnish: Top with a dollop of coconut cream or whipped cream, and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or a pinch of grated cheese for an authentic touch.

Tablea Mocha: A Rich Filipino Chocolate Coffee

From SimulaPH

Indulge in the deep, robust flavors of Filipino cacao this holiday season with a Tablea Mocha. Tablea, pure roasted and ground cacao tablets, makes for an incredibly rich and authentic chocolate experience. When combined with a shot of espresso, it creates a mocha that is far more complex and satisfying than your typical chocolate syrup version. This drink, inspired by recipes from Baritza Cafe and Home Barista Corner, is perfect for chilly evenings or as a decadent treat after a festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (approx. 30ml) freshly brewed espresso

• 1-2 pieces tablea (pure cacao tablets), depending on desired chocolate intensity

• 1 cup milk

• 1-2 teaspoons muscovado sugar or brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• Optional: Whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. Melt the tablea: In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk. Add the tablea and muscovado sugar, stirring constantly until the tablea is fully melted and the sugar is dissolved. This will create a rich Filipino hot chocolate base.

2. Brew your espresso: As your chocolate base comes together, prepare a shot of espresso with your Breville Barista Express.

3. Combine and serve: Pour the tablea chocolate into your mug. Add the fresh espresso shot.

4. Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a piece of shaved tablea for an extra touch of elegance.

Gingerbread Spiced Latte: The Quintessential Holiday Comfort

From The Healthful Idea

If you adore classic holiday flavors, a homemade Gingerbread Spiced Latte is the perfect brew. This drink, inspired by the recipe from The Healthful Idea, brings together the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg with creamy milk and robust espresso, creating a festive symphony in a mug. It's a hug in a cup, ideal for crisp mornings or as a delightful pick-me-up during holiday preparations. This recipe is simple, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• 1 shot (approx. 30ml) freshly brewed espresso

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1-2 tablespoons gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade – see simple recipe below)

• Optional: Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

• Optional: A small gingerbread cookie for the rim of the mug

Simple Homemade Gingerbread Syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced or grated

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg

• Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse flavors. Strain out solids and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Instructions:

1. Prepare your milk and syrup: Heat your milk and froth it if desired. While it's heating, add 1-2 tablespoons of gingerbread syrup to your mug.

2. Brew your espresso: Pull a fresh shot of espresso using your Breville Barista Express, ensuring a rich, strong base for your latte.

3. Combine and serve: Pour the frothed milk into your mug and mix with the gingerbread syrup. Gently add your espresso shot.

4. Garnish: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and if you're feeling extra festive, perch a mini gingerbread cookie on the rim!

Be a Holiday Home Barista with Next Upgrade Shop

With these easy-to-make, delicious, and festive coffee drinks, your home will be the go-to spot for holiday cheer this season. Visit the Next Upgrade Shop today to find the Breville Barista Express and all the accessories you need to become your own holiday barista!