Last Updated on May 28, 2022 by John Moretti
Perhaps you took one sip of a double espresso or cup of instant and decided right then that coffee’s not for you. But you crave the buzz only caffeine can give or want to be part of the ever-cool coffee culture. Well, in that case, I’ve rounded up a dozen drinks that are just for you: 12 coffee drinks for people who don’t like coffee.
These are the top 12 coffee drinks for people who don’t like coffee:
- Frappe
- Mocha
- Dalgona Coffee
- Iced Coffee
- Latte
- Flavored Latte
- Cappuccino
- Affogato
- Irish Coffee
- Vietnamese Coffee
- Macchiato
- Cold Brew Coffee
Adding something sweet or creamy (or both!) to coffee can magically transform it into a drink that tastes like dessert, without a hint of bitterness. Let me introduce you to divine coffee treats that are sure to become your regular orders at the coffee bar (or even be whipped up in your own kitchen).
12 Coffee Drinks For People Who Don’t Like Coffee
There’s a coffee creation for every taste, from warm, chocolatey concoctions to cold, sweet sips.
Starting with drinks with a subtle coffee taste and moving toward those with a stronger yet mellow coffee flavor, here are 12 delish drinks that will turn you from coffee critic to coffee lover.
1. Frappe
A frappe is a decadent mix of chilled brewed coffee, ice cream, cold milk, ice, and syrup, with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate powder on top.
If there’s one coffee drink that’ll get people reconsidering their anti-coffee palate, it’s the frappe. The ice cream, milk, syrup, whipped cream, and chocolate powder take the edge off the coffee flavor and make this drink taste like pudding.
2. Mocha
Mochas are made with espresso, chocolate, steamed milk, and foam or whipped cream. The chocolate part can be syrup, powder, or even shavings. Dark chocolate is a popular choice, but you’ll also find milk or white chocolate version and even a zebra mocha (made with dark and white chocolate).
The mocha brings together coffee and chocolate to make these flavors shine. Mochas are one of the best picks for the coffee-shy. The chocolate enhances the coffee beans’ chocolatey, nutty notes and smooths out any bitterness.
3. Dalgona Coffee
This homemade coffee creation went viral in 2020. To make it, you whip equal quantities of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water till the ingredients look like a golden-brown cloud, then scoop the mixture into hot or cold milk. Feeling decadent? Crumble a cookie on top and drizzle honey all over.
Whipped coffee’s texture is so wonderful that its taste doesn’t matter. Though Dalgona coffee is also mouth-watering – it’s sweet, creamy, and caramel-like.
4. Iced Coffee
Iced coffee blends brewed coffee, milk, and ice. Flavored syrups are often added for extra sweetness and a flavor boost.
Refreshing, milky, and mild, iced coffees are unlikely to offend anti-coffee taste buds – especially if they contain a dash of syrup.
5. Latte
Lattes are one-third espresso, two-thirds steamed milk, and a delicate layer of foamed milk.
Of all espresso-based drinks, lattes are made with the most milk, so this is a good drink for everyone who prefers steamed milk’s creamy, vanilla-like taste to the full-bodied flavor of black espresso. Another latte perk is that these drinks usually come with art painted into their foam!
6. Flavored Lattes
Take a basic latte. Add flavored syrup, like caramel, hazelnut, vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint. Or perhaps a sprinkling of green matcha or golden turmeric powder. And you have a flavored latte.
Not only do flavored lattes taste as sweet and delicious as the syrup drizzled into them, but they’re pretty too. Especially when decorated with sprinkles, mini marshmallows, or fluffy cotton candy!
7. Cappuccino
A cappuccino is one part espresso, one part steamed milk, and one part milk foam.
You can tell you’re drinking coffee when you sip a cappuccino, but the milk makes the taste slightly sweet and mild. And the generous layer of light, fluffy foam makes it feel like you’re drinking a cloud!
8. Affogato
Some say the affogato is a drink; others say it’s a dessert. It’s a large scoop of ice cream (usually vanilla, but it can be caramel or chocolate) with a shot of espresso poured over.
The affogato is more ice cream than coffee, so it’s a gentle way to get your taste buds used to espresso’s robust flavor. It’s recommended that you devour it with a spoon before it melts (making it more like a dessert than a drink).
9. Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is a hot drink made with sweetened brewed coffee, Irish whisky, and slightly whipped heavy cream.
Perhaps you don’t fancy coffee because you’ve never tried it in a cocktail. When mixed with whisky and cream, coffee becomes one of the most satisfying drinks you’ll ever savor.
10. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a blend of sweetened condensed milk and strong brewed coffee served hot or cold.
Mixing super-sweet condensed milk with bitter black coffee balances the intense coffee flavor with milky, caramelly notes.
11. Macchiato
There are two types of macchiato: one consists of a layer each of espresso, cold milk, and hot milk, and the other is an espresso shot with a touch of steamed or foamed milk on top.
If a black espresso is too intense for your taste buds, perhaps a spot of milk will make it go down easier.
12. Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is made by seeping ground coffee in cold water for about 12 hours and then straining out the grounds. This coffee can be served hot or iced, plain or with syrup, milk, or sugar.
Not a fan of coffee brewed the usual way? Try one that’s been cold brewed. The cold brewing method creates a bold coffee but with no bitterness. This drink is smooth, sweetish, and reveals the complex flavor notes of the beans it was made with.
Conclusion
Even if you were once confident you’d never enjoy coffee’s taste, perhaps you’re now tempted to give it another go. There are many coffee drinks to explore where coffee isn’t the hero but rather a subtle flavor that enhances other flavors.
Coffee works especially well with creamy, vanilla, and chocolatey flavors, making milk, ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate-perfect partners. So skip your usual tea or hot chocolate and try one of the 12 coffee drinks you’ve just discovered – you might find that a hint of coffee makes some of your favorite flavors even tastier.
