What are some things I can add to my coffee grounds before brewing to make it taste better/different?

Question

Not that i dont like coffee. I love coffee. I just like to change things up, once in a while.

Answer 1

These are some of my faves:
cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla bean or extract, mint extract, lemon peel, orange peel, fresh ginger slices, red pepper flakes and ground cumin, terragon, almond extract and a pinch of salt to balance the acidity.

Basicly your spice rack and refrigerator are your sources for creative ideas. Experiment with small batches to see what your favorites will be.

Answer 2

If you're not looking for flavourings but just better tasting coffee on it's own, it's possible that you're using the wrong kind of grind for your coffee maker.

There are specific grinds that render optimal results for each kind of maker i.e. cone filter, basket, coffee press, etc.

In some cases, the water you use may be effecting the flavour. Some areas have hard water and this can definitely change the taste.

You may also be using a poorly processed coffee or just a variety that's too bitter, too strong or too weak for your palate. Go to a coffee shop if you have one near you (Starbucks, if you don't have any other choice). They usually have samples of different types of coffee and try a few. If you like a rich taste Jamaican Blue Mountain may be the way to go for you. If you want that caffeinated slap in the face in the morning, an Espresso roast in your regular coffee maker may be the way to go.

Once you establish what kind of roasts suit you, then you know what to look for in the supermarket.

If you like flavoured coffee, as I sometimes do you can do the following:
Add a level teaspoon of cocoa powder to the coffee grounds for every two cups.

I often put a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon or clove powder in with the grounds before brewing...this is great on a cold winter day!

You can also flavour your coffee with any of the flavouring extracts you find in the baking section of the supermarket such as vanilla, hazelnut, walnut, orange...you can mix and match them until you find a favourite.

Answer 3

Just buy the flavored coffees. The possibilities are endless these days. Irish cream, french vanilla, German chocolate, hazelnut, creme brule. Your local supermarket's coffee isle should smell like heaven from the aromas of flavored coffees. Most these days even let you grind your own in the store. If not, go to your local coffee house, they'll have flavored coffee. And if all else fails just add any of a zillion different flavors of creamer after you brew.

Answer 4

Add chicory! It's delicious - I don't drink anything else but chicory coffee unless there's no other option. You can find it at a specialty foods store, or buy chicory coffee, which has the chicory already mixed in. Also, if you're using a flavored coffee, add a few teaspoons of sugar before you brew it to bring out the flavor.

Answer 5

Depending on your taste, try 2-4 drops of vanilla on grounds before brewing a pot. It takes the edge off.

Answer 6

Cinnamon

Answer 7

Get a high quality grinder made in Germany or something that will real ground them up better for fresher coffee

Answer 8

You can always add cinnamon or nutmeg to the grounds it will brew through the coffe.

Answer 9

a pinch of salt will help it tast better and a little stronger.
you can sprinkle some cinnamon over the grounds.
coco powder.

Basicly anything you like you can sprinkle over the grounds and experiment with.

Answer 10

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.