If you thought the effects of your morning flat white on your bank account were negligible, think again. New reports suggest coffee prices are set to reach an all-time high, after bad weather in major coffee growing regions threatened supply. According to ABC News, Brazil (the world's largest coffee producer) experienced drought for much of 2024, while Vietnam, another coffee hub, has experienced higher-than-usual rain since October.
For proof of how bad weather translates to increased prices, in early December 2024, arabica coffee was the most expensive it's been in nearly 50 years, with a pound of beans going for USD$3.20 (AUD$5.02). For context, the all-time high was USD$3.38 ($5.30) back in 1977, when snow destroyed majority of coffee plantations in Brazil.
If you don't feel like remortgaging your house to afford your morning brew, you might like to unleash your inner barista and start mastering your order from home. Need inspiration? Below, we're rounding up our favourite at-home coffee recipes to help you caffeinate without breaking the bank. And ensure you have the right equipment for your perfect pour with these at-home coffee machines.
1. Greek Frappé
This ice-cold treat went viral on TikTok during the COVID pandemic, but we think it's worthy of digging up in 2025. Light, airy, and just a little bit sweet, this is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- cold water
- sugar (to taste)
- splash of milk of choice
Method:
Add the instant coffee and about four tablespoons of water to a glass, with your desired amount of sugar. Use a milk frother (or manual whisk) to combine the ingredients, beating until a light foam is formed. Top with cold water and a splash of milk, and enjoy.
2. Dirty Chai Latte
This warm brew is like a comforting hug, combining the sweet spiciness of chai with the caffeinated kick of an espresso shot.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cardamom pods
- 4 peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 2 black teabags
- pinch of grated nutmeg
- 250mL milk of choice
- 1tsp light brown sugar
- 60mL of espresso
Method:
Combine the spices in a dry frying pan and toast over low heat. Add to a teapot with the teabags, vanilla, and nutmeg, and cover with water to steep. Warm the milk and sugar. Divide the espresso between two glasses, and strain the tea mixture evenly. Add the milk to taste.
3. Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Equal parts stronger and sweeter than a classic iced coffee, this Vietnamese recipe packs a serious caffeinated kick. The secret ingredient? Condensed milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons ground Vietnamese coffee
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Method:
Pour condensed milk into a glass. Place a filter over the glass, add the ground coffee, and pour over boiling water. Leave until all the liquid has dripped through to the glass; about 5 minutes. Mix the coffee and condensed milk, add ice and top up with cold water or milk if desired.
4. Sweet and Salty Cold Brew
There are a few more steps involved in this recipe than a typical latte, but trust us, it's worth it. The bitterness of the cold brew is perfectly offset by the balanced sweet and salty flavour of the cold foam, making for a delectable drinking experience.
Ingredients (serves 4):
Cold brew:
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups ground coffee
Caramel syrup:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water plus 2 tablespoons
Cold foam:
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 tablespoon salt
- ice, to serve
Method:
Make the cold brew by combining the water and coffee in a large container and refrigerating overnight. To make the caramel simple syrup, heat the sugar and two tablespoons water over medium heat, until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to medium for around 5 minutes, or until the syrup is golden. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining water, then refrigerate. Make the cold foam by combining milk, cream, sugar, and salt, and whip until foamy. Sieve the cold brew through a filter and pour into a glass over ice. Stir in two tablespoons of syrup, and top with cold foam.
5. Mont Blanc
Popularised by Melbourne cafe Good Measure, chances are you've seen this elegant coffee creation floating across your social media feeds. Why not recreate the refreshing cold brew and silky cold foam combination in your own kitchen?
Ingredients:
- The rind and zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- heavy cream
- handful of ice
- cold brew coffee
Method:
Prepare your cold brew and refrigerate until needed. Combine the orange rind, sugar, and water over medium heat to create a syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, take out the rind and remove from the heat. Whisk the syrup and heavy cream together, to create a cold foam. Put the ice into a glass, and pour the cold brew over the top. Spoon the cold foam on top, and garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest.
Feature image via Pinterest.
