The Top 16 Best Things to Put in Your Coffee

best things to put in your coffee

The Coffee Bros is reader-supported. Affiliate links on our site may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Did you wake up this morning thinking about the best things to put in your coffee? Well, so did we. Below, we’ve compiled the best and quite frankly weirdest things that you can put into your cup of coffee. Let’s get started.

Vanilla Extract

To begin with, when looking at the best things to put in your coffee, we have a simple yet tasteful option: vanilla extract. A small amount can completely transform what you’re drinking. Plus, natural extracts are a fantastic way to add some taste while staying clear of artificial choices. 

If you’re not a big fan of vanilla extract, no need to worry. There are plenty of extract choices to choose from, helping you find the sweet spot. 

vanilla extract

Mint Leaves

The thought probably never crossed your mind to throw some mint in your cup of joe. However, if you’re looking for a refreshing taste, then why not give it a go? Many other hot drinks use mint to make them unique, for example, peppermint hot chocolate. 

All you need to do is add a couple of mint leaves to your freshly made coffee and you’re good to go. 

best things to put in your coffee: mint leaves

Salt

Dealing with an overly bitter coffee can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake. Salt may be the solution you’re looking for. Adding just a small amount will help counteract the bitterness. 

When we say a small amount, we really do mean it. A literal pinch is all you need. Anything more than that will most likely lead to you throwing the drink away.

salt

Rum

Rum is used for a plethora of drinks as it’s very versatile. When it comes to giving your coffee a delightful boost, rum is a great choice. You can thank the role that natural sweetness plays in rum to make this winning combination. 

In our opinion, the darker the rum the greater the drink will be. So, if you decide to experiment with different ones, try darker options. Just make sure no pirates are around to steal it!

rum

Ginger

Do you have some ginger powder or a fresh ginger root laying around? If so, adding a few slices of the root or a sprinkle of the powder will make your coffee extra special. 

Although using ginger in drinks is typically associated with Christmas, you can try this all year round. We won’t tell anyone your secret, we promise. 

ginger

Whiskey

For something a little stronger that is approved by the Irish, whiskey is what you’re looking for. Now, technically you could use any type of whisky, however, some pair better with coffee than other types. 

The most suitable option would be (if you haven’t guessed already) Irish whiskey. You can also add some cream and brown sugar and you’ll have a traditional Irish coffee. 

whiskey

Cocoa Powder

Love the taste of chocolate? So do we. Using one teaspoon of cocoa powder in your coffee can produce a fabulous chocolatey taste. Plus, it’s seen as a healthier alternative compared to other sugary options.

Honey

Honey provides a rich flavor and smooth texture when added to a hot coffee. Although it’s mainly used for tea beverages it still works just as well when put into a cup of joe.  One or two teaspoons and that’s it.

We recommend using natural honey compared to artificial versions, but at the end of the day, it’s your choice.

honey

Butter

We told you this was going to get weird. The creaminess of the butter compliments the bitterness of coffee surprisingly well, making this a good match. The outcome is a unique flavor that many have grown to love.

Now, pay close attention. You only need roughly half a teaspoon to make this work. Anything more can ruin everything. 

butter

Nutmeg

The nutmeg seed is packed with flavor. That’s why it’s almost a no-brainer to add to coffee. All you need to do is use a single pod or maybe two and you’re ready to excite your taste buds. 

The bonus of using nutmeg is that the smell is fantastic. It truly is a brilliant way to lift your spirits as you sip away on your morning coffee. 

nutmeg

Ice cream

Thanks to the Italians, ice cream also makes this list. The Italian affogato which consists of a gelato topped with an espresso is a drink admired by many around the world. However, this doesn’t mean you’re limited to using gelato. 

Try using your favorite ice cream and melting it into the coffee. Put just a teaspoon in to start with. Although, if you feel you want more, go crazy until you get what you want. 

ice cream

Lime or Lemon

Yep, you read that correctly. A lemon or lime can be used to enhance a coffee’s flavor. Plus, there are loads of health benefits too. For example, both fruits help improve your immune system, provide you with vitamins, and even combat cancer. 

lime or lemon

Star Anise

Star Anise is a seed pod that originates from southwest China and Vietnam. With both sweet and licorice-like elements, the exotic seed can be dropped into your drink to shake things up. 

Similar to using lime or lemon, using star anise will provide other benefits. This includes fighting bacteria, fungi, yeast, and even the flu. Not bad, right?

star anise

Pumpkin Pie Spice

A widely popular option is to put a dash of pumpkin pie spice in your coffee. If you’re unfamiliar with the blend that makes up this spice, it contains some cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. 

The outcome when added is delicious. This isn’t much of a surprise considering how much it’s already used. 

Cayenne Pepper

Adding a pepper may sound strange to you but it’s common practice in some areas of the world, especially in Central America and Middle Eastern Countries.  

So, for some extra spice in your life give a cayenne pepper a try. 

cayenne pepper

Coconut Oil

Want to improve your brain function? No worries, try adding coconut oil to your coffee. The creamy texture and light flavor help turn an ordinary cup of coffee into a magical one. You could also pair this with coconut milk for those that cannot get enough of the coconut taste.

Join The Coffee Bros Crew

If you enjoyed this post about the best things to put in your coffee and want to keep up-to-date with what we post next, subscribe today. You’ll receive one email a month with the latest news, don’t worry we hate getting spammed with emails as much as the next guy.