Summer jobs are out and late-night study sessions are back in as students officially settle back on campus. In a world full of options to replenish when low on energy, it’s easy to find oneself in a repetitive routine. The typical routes to stay awake end up with cracking open an energy drink and hoping the study material sticks, or leaning on other sources of caffeine like coffee, matcha or Dr. Pepper.
From syrups to creamers, the internet sees more than enough coffee recipes that are for beginners and barista-level individuals. To add a little more character to their coffees, some TikTok users suggest focusing attention on the grounds before brewing anything because it could create a different flavor profile than previously tried with other hacks. Experimenting with your spice cabinet seems to be key to the success of this coffee tip.
What is being added to coffee grounds?
Most coffee recipes call for decoration like brown sugar syrup or cold foam after the coffee is brewed. TikTok creator Georgia Robertson takes flavoring to the next level by starting at the beginning of the coffee making process and adding cinnamon and brown sugar to her grounds before brewing it. By letting the coffee machine do its thing, Robertson said she saves herself on time after everything is done brewing and from her finished product she can make iced coffees all week long.
Will a coffee machine be okay after this hack?
The comment section held nothing back opinion-wise and even had one TikTok user saying, “These comments are like the coffee police.” There was some debate about whether this hack was worth it or not, especially with some worrying that cinnamon would clog the paper filters and cause a mess. However, the overall consensus was that coffee machines can survive this trick if it is cleaned regularly. Users were worried that the added sugar and other ingredients that weren’t coffee grounds would ruin a coffee machine, but keeping up with cleaning it can deter any damage or long-lasting stickiness from melted sugar.
What else can be added to coffee grounds?
Other TikTok users have added to this conversation and encouraged coffee drinkers to utilize their coffee pots for way more than just brewing a cup of joe. Those interested in spicing up their coffee recipes can sprinkle a pinch of salt, ground ginger, nutmeg, or a drizzle of honey to add a more complex flavor. TikTok creator @katielee439 combines cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into her coffee grounds before brewing and says it tastes like Christmas in a cup. Who can say no to early holiday flavors?
Additionally, since it’s ‘tis the season for fall inspired everything, coffee lovers can add in pumpkin pie spice, cloves and a splash of vanilla extract to prepare for spooky and cozy season.