Hot Drink Options from Every Coffee Machine

We’ve already come to learn what each type of coffee machine is capable of, who it is best suited to – and what you can and can’t expect. After much (tasty) research, we’ve found a way of achieving the three, most popular hot drink types from literally any coffee machine!

Cappuccino

Capsule Coffee Machine:

This one is a bit tricky – because your capsule coffee machine will either fall into that category of those which have milk frothers / use milk capsules, or it won’t. If your machine fall into the former category, a cappuccino will be a breeze. Firstly, froth your milk first or add your milk capsule first, and only then add your Espresso shot. This allows for a beautiful visual separation of the milk and coffee components, as well as allowing the two to mix and produce the best possible taste.

Filter Coffee Machine:

Yes! It IS possible! While the strict and long-standing definition of a cappuccino is 2/3 frothed milk, with 1/3 Espresso, we are wavering the Espresso part., Filter coffee and Espresso are immediate family, but not twins. Using a milk frothing device (think along the lines of a frothing wand or a stand-alone milk frother device), whip up a lovely and semi-dense foam,. The one major advantage you get with this type of Cappuccino is that you directly control the density of your foam – a luxury denied by pretty much any other machine. One the consistency is just right for you. Top up your frothed milk with 1/3 of filter coffee, serve and enjoy!

Instant Coffee Vending Machine:

If the vending machine you’re using doesn’t have cappuccino option, or a hot milk selection, try heating up a third of a cup of milk in the microwave for close on 2 minutes. Allow it to froth up to the top, the aeration in this process makes the milk a little more “fluffy”. Once this is done. Dispense one single shot of Espresso, or half a cup of Filer /Americano into the milk. Walk away while the rest of the staff watch gloriously.

French Press:

This will work precisely the same way as the method outlined for a filter coffee machine; my only caution would be to work quickly, as the French press will not preserve the heat as well as a filter coffee pot may.

Automatic Coffee Machine:

Ahh, the beautiful; automatic coffee machine. These will also vary between machine, but the two most common ways include a milk frother jug, housed externally, or a frothing spout. Froth your milk through one of these devices, then select to have an Espresso shot dispensed into the milk. Enjoy!

Americano / Espresso

Capsule Coffee Machine:

This must be the easiest of the lot; simply add your capsule to your machine, press (if there is an option to) the button denoting the smaller of the two cups, and allow your machine to do the rest. Most of the newer model capsule machines offer variations of your favourite Espresso’s, so take your time in selecting one that you specifically enjoy.

Filter Coffee Machine:

This one is an “either-or” option – a Filter coffee machine will never be able to provide you with an Espresso – plain and simple. Yes, you can have an Espresso-sized cup of strong Filter Coffee, but the defining characteristic (that beautiful layer of Crema) is just never, ever going to be there.

Instant Coffee Vending Machine:

If your Instant Coffee Vending Machine is pre-programmed, you can easily select an Espresso or Americano from your home screen. If there is no Espresso option, hold in your button for Americano / Coffee until the small, Espresso-sized cup is filled, and there you have it. Enjoy the staff watching in awe.

French Press:

Falling very much into the category of the Filter Coffee Machine, this type of brewing method really limits us in terms of what type of coffee we can prepare from it. Adding about one heaped spoon of filter coffee per cup will suffice (increase according to taste), adding boiling water and allowing it to brew for at least 3 minutes will yield a beautiful pot of filter coffee.

Pro tip: Pre-heat your French Press by filling it with piping hot water for about 5 minutes before adding your ground coffee.

Automatic Coffee Machine:

The automatic coffee machine is the real hero here; simply select an Espresso (for both your Espresso and Americano drinks); this is what sets coffee lovers and coffee connoisseurs apart. For an amazing Americano, simply top up your single-shot Espresso with some hot water – and prepare to have possibly the best tasting plain coffee of your life!

Tea

Capsule Coffee Machine:

This is another great example of “either-or”; tea capsules contain instant tea – which is far from the tea leaves we have grown accustomed to. It can almost be equated to Whole Bean Coffee VS Instant Coffee – and anyone who’s tried either will testify that the difference in taste is very noticeable and definitely acquired taste. If your capsule coffee machine offers a tea capsule range – it’s simply “pop and go” – but if not, you’ll have to stick to the old-fashioned way of making tea.

Filter Coffee Machine:

Because a filter coffee machine works on gravity, and has no alternative to ground coffee being added tot he coffee basket, your only way around this one is to have piping hot water in one pot, coffee in the other, and use the hot water and your own tea bag to make a delicious cuppa.

Instant Coffee vending Machine:

Some coffee vending machine shave a tea option, which uses instant tea, and others offer the “anything but” means you can dispense a cup’s worth of hot water from the spout, and add your tea bag to it. Some coffee vending machines go so far as to dispensing plain hot water, hot water with milk, hot water with milk and sugar – you get the idea. The tea bag is you responsibility – because it is, ultimately, your taste.

French Press:

Taking your favourite tea-leaves, either bought or taken from your go-to tea bag range; empty out the contents of approximately 2 bags for each cup, into your French Press, and allow it to steep for 3 -5 minutes. Plunge the filter and enjoy!

Automatic Coffee Machine:

This is not going to yield luck – these machines are dictated to coffee and nobody is changing that. Simply dispense a mug of hot water and add your favourite tea bag.

We would love to hear your innovative and interesting ways of getting around making tea in a traditionally coffee-only machine, and how it’s worked for you!