Thursday, January 22, 2009

Coffee - Straight or Mixed? - A Purist Reforms

By Marc Warren

Some people believe that a true coffee lover drinks it black - nothing added nothing taken away. This is simply not true. Coffee can be enjoyed an appreciated in a variety of ways. Expand your mind a bit and explore some of the many varieties of ways to enjoy your coffee.

Coffee beans have been mixed and blended to create an innumerable variety of brews. Beans from one side of the world are blended with those from the opposite side both offering their unique flavor and when combined make for a delicious brew.

For example you can mix Indonesian beans with those from Columbia and the result will be a dark brew with in incomparable body and flavor. And these are not the only two countries that together create a great blend of coffee. Again, the possibilities are endless.

Mixing beans is not the only way to add variety. Many flavors can be added to coffee to make the ordinary extraordinary. The choices are endless chocolate, french vanilla, almond, and much more. Experiment a little to see what flavor you prefer.

When adding chocolate flavoring you enter another area of vast variety. Light chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate there are almost as many varieties of chocolate as there are of coffees. When combined you have a mocha treat to die for.

Another way to add variety to the already endless variety of coffees available is to add liqueurs to your coffee. You will be delighted how this flavor will change your morning java into your evening friend.

Full-bodied Jamaican forms a solid base to which to add dessert pears, brown sugar and a hearty helping of rum. For a twist, try brandy instead of rum or apricots instead of pears. And, Amaretto's sweetness makes a delectable counterpoint to a Costa Rican blend, for those who like getting intoxicated and sober with the same drink.

Cocoa and coffee is a traditional favorite for those who like their coffee cut. Even here the choices are not limited. Cold or hot, Mexican coffee and cocoa bean partners can pair up to make for a taste treat in summer or winter.

And the innovators of coffee confection don't stop there. The more audacious have gone so far as to offer a frozen cappuccino that wakes up the sleepy on a warm day. For added zing, try mixing with a chocolate mint flavoring. - 16004

About the Author: