A Few Favorite Things – Coffee Bar Essentials

A mini guide for all your fall coffee bar essentials, including some favorite simple syrups and accessories. 

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A good cup of coffee is the best and truthfully the flavored ones like this Maple Sea Salt Latte are even better. Making them at home is less expensive, convenient, easy, and you know what’s in it. Pumpkin spice latte has been my favorite since Starbucks first came out with it many years ago. At least once a season I manage to go in and grab one. I wish I could say it is more often than that but our favorite Starbucks closed and the next closest one does not have the same vibe I loved so much. Perhaps because it was one of the older ones and the new one right down the road is less cozy so for me it is just not the same. Plus those drinks are expensive and sometimes too much for my stomach.

The Essential Tools

Espresso Machine – While you can just flavor your regular coffee, all the flavored coffee’s use espresso. So an espresso machine is key to making your flavored coffee. Two favorites in my home are the Nespresso Pixie which is more expensive or the traditional affordable Moka Pot. Another great contender is the  Breville Barista Espresso Maker or its smaller version the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine. These are both on the higher end but they also include a grinder and frother. 

Coffee Maker – If you prefer regular coffee this is my favorite coffee machine Cuisinart Coffee Machine. My entire family uses the same one, it has lasted for years and recently I bought one for my second home. It’s easy to use and program.

Espresso – Since everyone has their favorite espresso brand use your favorite, decaf or regular it doesn’t matter. For Nespresso I use their pods this one is my favorite, but for the Moka pot I use the Lavazza or Kimbo brand.

Frother– Some espresso machines come with frothers, or you can buy one separately. I particularly like this  mini frother it is very inexpensive and can be used for other types of mixing as well, think salad dressing. If your looking for something with a bit more substance, this Breville Milk Cafe Electric Frother is a great one. I love to use it to make large batches of hot cocoa during the holidays.

Small Pitcher – Many times you see milk being frothed in a stainless steel pitcher. This is handy if you have a milk frother built into your espresso machine because that will warm and froth your milk. Otherwise I recommend a small ceramic pitcher that you can put in the microwave to warm up the milk then you can froth right in the pitcher. Or the least expensive way is to use a measuring cup that can go into the microwave.

Glass Bottle – To store any simple syrup that you may want to have on hand. These pretty glass bottles are a favorite.

Flavorings – Caramel sauce, chocolate sauce or if you don’t want to make your own simple syrups Torani is a popular brand. You can find some items at Target.

A Tray of Pretty Things

Can we say that all drinks taste better out of a fancy glass or mug? While none of these items are really needed it does make a drink taste that much sweeter. Finding a nice tray to keep everything in one place is a nice touch if you have the space. It keeps everything within easy reach and makes it quicker to get your coffee together. This is what I would add to my tray:

Here are some things to consider adding to your tray:

Fun Mugs

Pretty Spoons

Cinnamon sugar shaker (use a pretty salt shaker)

Pumpkin Pie Spice (to sprinkle over drinks)

Mini frother

Pitcher

Sugar Bowl

Bowl with coffee pods if using those

Simple Syrups

You can use regular sugar or pure maple syrup (please don’t use any other type of pancake syrup it’s not the same thing) for your drinks. Store bought versions of simple syrups are great for convenience but they can have lots of unnecessary ingredients in them. However, if your interested in making your own simple syrup it is very easy and it lasts a few weeks. Here are a few favorites:

Simple Syrup Recipes

Simple Syrup

1/2 cup White Sugar

1/2 cup Water

1. Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil.

3. Let cool and put in a glass  jar and seal with lid.

4. Store in the refigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

1. Add brown sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.                        
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Do not let it boil. 
3. Let it cool and put in a glass jar and seal with a lid.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup 

3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar

3/4 Cup Water

1/4 Cup Pumpkin Puree

2    Tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Add everything to small saucepan, whisk together and bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes. 

2. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp.

3. Store in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Vanilla Simple Syrup

1/2    Cup White Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

1    Tsp Vanilla Extract

1. Add sugar, water, and vanilla extract to a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Do not let boil.

3. Let it cool and put it in a glass jar and seal with a lid.

4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

I always look forward to a great cup of coffee and I hope this mini guide helps you find your own personal preferances for putting together your own mini coffee bar.

If you love to bake, I put together a fall baking guide which you can find here:

A Few Favorite Things – Fall Baking Tips and Essentials

Maria