Waking up to a boost of caffeine helps many of us prepare to face the day and the routine provides a sense of stability. More than 50% of the population enjoys the kick of caffeine every morning. But, sometimes, we need to mix things up and try something different. Take a look at our seven fun ways to spice up your morning caffeine routine.
1. Get a Cute Mug
Some people may argue that what a mug looks like isn’t important, claiming that it’s just a vessel for your tea or coffee. However, having a cute mug or cup can boost your mood and make having a morning cup of Joe more than just a way to get caffeine in your bloodstream. A fun coffee mug makes your morning coffee a sensory experience. Looking at something you consider beautiful, holding something that feels good in your hands, and smelling the delicious aroma of freshly ground coffee are truly wonderful ways to start your day. So, instead of reaching for any old cup in the cupboard, treat yourself to a special morning mug just for you.
2. Experiment with Alternative Caffeinated Drinks
Although Americans are in the top ten countries globally with the highest coffee consumption, not everybody is a fan of java. But not drinking coffee doesn’t mean you don’t want a morning caffeine fix.
Outside of soda, tea is the most popular caffeinated drink worldwide and it’s an excellent coffee substitute first thing in the morning. Many teas have significant caffeine content, such as black tea, green tea, and oolong tea. But if tea isn’t your thing, why not experiment with caffeinated shakes or juices?
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3. Explore Coffee Brewing Methods
The best way to brew coffee is a hotly debated subject about which most coffee aficionados have extremely strong opinions. Experimenting with these brewing methods can be great fun, especially if you love gadgets. Each method comes with its own joys, from hearing the bubbling of a percolator to the satisfying plunge of a French press. Other popular coffee brewing methods include the pour/drip and the AeroPress methods, but, if you’re feeling particularly fancy, try a more unusual method such as a siphon coffee maker.
4. Travel the World Through Coffee
Coffee is produced all over the world, from Brazil to Vietnam, to Ethiopia. While there are only two main types of coffee, Robusta and Arabica, the beans’ flavour varies depending on the region’s climate and soil.
The way coffee is served differs around the world. They brew the ground beans in a special pot called a cerve and serve it without filtering in Turkey. It’s blended with warm spices such as black pepper, clove, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg in Morocco. It’s sometimes served with sweet condensed milk in Spain and is called Café Bombón, and, in Finland, it’s poured over cheese curds, called juustoleipä.
There are hundreds of types of coffee available, so why not try as many as you can? Buy a map and plan your coffee-drinking adventure. Learn about each country and culture whose coffee you try and cross them off the map as you go. You never know; you might be surprised and find your new favourite morning caffeine fix.
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5. Flavor Your Coffee with Syrups
If you feel like mixing up your coffee but aren’t quite brave enough to try some international traditions—and, let’s be honest, combining cheese curds and coffee isn’t for everyone—try mixing things up with some flavoured coffee syrups. From hazelnut and vanilla to peppermint and toasted marshmallow, there’s a syrup for all tastes.
You’ve probably tried some flavoured coffees in coffee shops before and may already have a favourite. For the price of a pumpkin-spiced latte, you could buy an entire bottle of syrup and make your own version at home. You could even alter your flavours, depending on the season, just like major coffee shop chains.
6. Combine Your Coffee Drinking with a New Habit
Depending on the method you use to brew your morning coffee, it can take a few minutes before you’re ready to take your first sip. Instead of staring blankly at the coffee maker, use those few minutes to foster a new, positive habit. You could do a few stretches, chug a glass of water, learn a new word in a foreign language, or another small habit that can get forgotten if it’s not given a specific time of day. Filling this dead time with another activity can help you feel more patient and mindful in the morning.
7. Create a Dedicated Spot for Drinking Your Coffee
It’s easy to rush about in the morning trying to get yourself, and maybe your kids, ready and out the door in time for work or school, but this can leave us feeling stressed for the rest of the day. If you can give yourself five or ten minutes to sit and drink your tea or coffee in a pleasant spot, you’ll be setting yourself up for a great day.
Whether it’s a comfy armchair in a reading nook, a sunny balcony, or a breakfast bar, having your favourite morning coffee spot can help you start the day on the right foot. Kit out the place with items or activities you like to do while having your coffee, such as the morning paper, a crossword book, or your diary. Think about making the spot as pleasant as possible with decorative touches, such as some flowers in a pretty plant pot or a piece of art you love.
Have Fun with Your Morning Caffeine Fix
Starting your day with a caffeine fix doesn’t have to mean a mindless fumble for the coffee jar; it can be a special, fun part of your day that encourages you to get up and out of bed on dark winter mornings. From exploring new coffees to elevating your morning cup of joe with a beautiful mug, make this routine a special moment you can look forward to.
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