Instant coffee is a great resource when you need a bit of a boost but don't have a coffee maker available. Unlike ground coffee, soluble coffee granules come from the dehydrated drink. While this implies that you have to use a freeze-dried product, instant coffee remains a simple and practical way to get the caffeine you need! It is excellent both hot and cold and you can enrich the taste with milk, spices and syrups or if you prefer you can use it to prepare a delicious milkshake.
Ingrediants
Simple Instant Coffee
- 240 ml of boiling water
- 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Cocoa, spices or vanilla extract (optional)
Cold Coffee Prepared with Instant Coffee
- 2-3 teaspoons of instant coffee
- 120 ml of boiling water
- 120 ml of cold water or cold milk
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sugar, spices or vanilla extract (optional)
Latte Macchiato Prepared with Instant Coffee
- 1 tablespoon of instant coffee
- 60 ml of boiling water
- 120 ml of hot milk
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
- Cocoa, spices or vanilla extract (optional)
Coffee Milkshake Prepared with Instant Coffee
- 1 teaspoon of instant coffee
- 180 ml of milk
- 6 ice cubes
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup (optional)
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Make Simple Instant Coffee
Step 1. Heat a cup of water
The quickest and easiest way to do this is to put it in the microwave for one minute. Of course, if you prefer, you can use a saucepan and stove or an electric kettle. In any case, the water must be very hot, but it must not boil yet.
- For one cup of instant coffee, heat 240ml of water. Increase the doses proportionally if you want to make coffee for other people as well.
- Using a kettle it will be much more convenient to pour hot water into the cups.
Step 2. Measure the instant coffee to add to the water
Read the directions on the package to know how much you need to use to get the best taste. The recommended dose is generally one or two teaspoons per cup, or 240ml of water.
Increase the dose if you are a lover of strong coffee or use less if you prefer it lighter
Step 3. Dissolve the instant coffee in a tablespoon of cold water
Mixing it will help it dissolve little by little. Dissolving it in cold water instead of subjecting it to a thermal shock by pouring it directly into the boiling water preserves its flavor.
Step 4. Add the boiling water to the cup
Pour it carefully, especially if you haven't used the kettle to heat it. Remember to leave enough space for milk or cream if you prefer to drink it macchiato.
Step 5. You can now add sugar or spices if you wish
For a richer taste, you can sweeten or spice the coffee after dissolving it in cold water and mixing it with hot water. For example, try adding a teaspoon of sugar and a little cocoa, cinnamon or allspice.
You can also use an already flavored soluble coffee, there are many types, for example with vanilla, hazelnut or amaretto flavor. In this case it is probably best not to add sugar because usually these preparations are already very sweet
Step 6. Add milk or cream if you like to drink coffee
You can use cow's milk, but also almond milk or another plant-based option, or fresh cream. The right amount depends only on your personal preferences.
Nothing prevents you from not adding milk or cream and drinking coffee as it is
Step 7. Stir the coffee and serve it
Give it a good stir before you savor it or serve it to someone. Stir it until the color is uniform to blend the flavor of the coffee with that of the sugar, spices and milk (if you used them).
Method 2 of 4: Prepare Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee
Step 1. Mix two teaspoons of instant coffee with 120ml of hot water
Heat it in the microwave for between 30 seconds and one minute, then blend the instant coffee with the boiling water and stir until all the grains have dissolved completely.
- Blend the two ingredients directly into the glass in which you intend to drink the coffee or in a separate cup. The important thing is that the container you use to heat the water is suitable for the microwave.
- If you intend to pour the coffee on ice later, it is best to use a cup or container with a spout to heat the water in the microwave, so you will be able to pour it more easily.
Step 2. If you want to add sugar and spices, pour them into hot coffee
If you want to sweeten or spice your drink, add the selected ingredients before mixing the coffee with ice and cold water or milk. Sugar, cinnamon, allspice and any other spice will dissolve much more easily in hot coffee.
You can also use an already flavored soluble coffee, there are many types, for example with vanilla, hazelnut or amaretto flavor. In this case it is probably best not to add sugar because usually these preparations are already very sweet. Alternatively, you can also use one of those sweet syrups made to decorate ice cream and desserts
Step 3. Add 120ml of cold water or milk to the hot coffee
To get a creamier texture it is best to use milk instead of water. In any case, mix until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4. Pour the cold coffee over the ice
Select a tall glass and fill it with ice cubes, then slowly add the cold coffee.
If you have prepared the coffee directly in the cup or glass in which you intend to drink it, all you have to do is add the ice cubes
Step 5. Serve the coffee cold immediately
You can sip it straight from the glass or use a straw. Serve or drink it before the ice melts diluting its texture and taste.
Method 3 of 4: Make Latte Macchiato with Instant Coffee
Step 1. Dissolve one tablespoon of soluble coffee in 60ml of hot water
Heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, then add the instant coffee and stir until all the grains have completely dissolved.
Mix the water and instant coffee directly into the cup you intend to use to drink the latte macchiato. The cup must have a capacity of at least 240 ml
Step 2. If desired, add the sugar and spices of your choice
If you want to sweeten or flavor the latte macchiato, this is the time to add a teaspoon of sugar and a little vanilla extract, syrup to decorate desserts and ice cream or for example a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Pour the selected ingredients into the cup and mix to help the flavors blend.
Step 3. Whisk 120ml of milk in a sealed container
Pour it into a heat-resistant container with an airtight lid and then shake it vigorously for about 30-60 seconds. In this way the milk will whisk and foam.
Step 4. Heat the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds without covering it
Remove the lid from the container and heat the milk to let the froth rise to the surface.
Step 5. Pour the hot milk into the cup with the coffee
Use a large spoon to hold the foam as you pour the hot milk into the coffee. Stir the mixture gently until the color becomes uniform.
You can add all the milk or stop when the coffee has reached the tone and consistency you want
Step 6. Finish with milk froth or whipped cream
Transfer the milk froth from the container to the glass or add a cloud of whipped cream to give even more texture and taste to the latte macchiato.
Step 7. Make a decoration with the spices and serve the latte immediately
Sprinkle the milk froth or whipped cream with some cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa or another spice of your choice. Sip or serve the drink immediately, as long as the milk is hot and frothed.
Method 4 of 4: Prepare the Coffee Milkshake with Instant Coffee
Step 1. Prepare the blender and plug it into the socket
Place it on your kitchen worktop, make sure it is turned off and plug it in. Make sure you have the lid handy and that it closes the blender jar tightly.
Step 2. Pour the ice, instant coffee, milk, vanilla extract and sugar into the blender jar
You will need six ice cubes, one teaspoon of instant coffee, 180ml of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract and two teaspoons of sugar. If you want, you can also add two teaspoons of chocolate syrup.
Step 3. Blend the ingredients on high speed for 2-3 minutes or until blended
Put the lid on and turn on the blender. Keep one hand on the lid as you blend until the ice is completely crushed. The milkshake should have a thick and homogeneous consistency, similar to that of a smoothie.
If it feels too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too liquid, add another ice cube
Step 4. Pour the milkshake into a tall glass
Turn off the blender and remove the lid, then slowly pour the contents into a suitable glass. You will likely need to scrape the sides of the blender jar with a spoon or kitchen spatula.
Step 5. Decorate the milkshake with chocolate flakes or syrup
You can add whipped cream, to be sprinkled with cinnamon, cocoa or with flakes or a chocolate or caramel syrup, according to your preferences.
Step 6. Serve him immediately
Start sipping it or serving it before the ice flakes begin to melt by diluting it. Drink it straight from the glass using a large straw. Having a spoon on hand will also help, especially if you've decorated your coffee milkshake with whipped cream or chocolate flakes.
