Coffee Syrups, Taking Your Coffee to the Next Level

Coffee Syrups, Taking Your Coffee to the Next Level
By Patrick Attlee

In the last couple of decades Coffee has steadily become a multi-billion pound business. The sight of a main street littered with coffee drinkers sitting out on pavements or enjoying their caffeine hit in boutique style coffee houses is now very common in most cities. Big chains like Starbucks and smaller cafes all strive to provide their customers with the latest tastes, the best beans and now too, offer to jazz up your coffee with a range of specialty coffee syrups.

In fact the menus in some cafes can read like extensive wine lists, with flavors ranging from coconut, vanilla, hazelnut, toffee, nutmeg, and even banana or berry flavors making an appearance in your favorite cup. These coffee syrups transform coffee into a real experience. Of course you probably usually have your regular style of coffee which you reach to as a matter of habit, but sampling a new flavor of syrup takes your brew to the next dimension. Something to enjoy over a couple of hours while indulging in a bit of people watching at your local cafe. Besides, it’s much more fun to ask for an Alpine double shot cinnamon machiato than a plain old filter coffee!

If you’re a dedicated coffee enthusiast who prefers to experiment at home, there are so many ways you can use your coffee syrups. How about adding different flavors to a variety of other drinks – cocktails, milkshakes, to spice up hot festive drinks, cold summer ices, or simply added to soda water as a fun drink for children without the high sugar content found in most soft drinks. It’s easy to mix up new concoctions and you might discover some surprising but delicious results. Coffee syrups are a particularly good choice for those who are watching their weight but still want to enjoy something indulgent, as most syrups are fat and cholesterol free. Some varieties are even sugar free and certified vegetarian, so check the small print.

Of course, you get what you pay for, and quality ingredients are reflected in higher prices. Brands such as DaVinci, Monin and Dolce all subscribe to this philosophy by making sure their coffee syrups contain a higher percentage of base ingredient compared to the syrup itself, striving for natural flavors wherever possible and less additives. Premium ingredients distilled down make for a smoother and more authentic taste. If you’re looking to sample some for home use, don’t be tempted to buy cheaper syrups, as these do not keep as well in the long run.

Do also watch out for syrups that separate when heated to high temperatures or those that curdle when milk is added. Obviously a bad quality syrup is not worth the trouble. After all, coffee enjoyed in this way becomes a small luxury and it’s all about experience per cup.

Patrick Attlee writes extensively about all aspects of coffee and it’s associated paraphernalia. You can find out more about flavored coffee syrups at:

Coffee Syrups From Around The World.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Attlee
http://EzineArticles.com/?Coffee-Syrups,-Taking-Your-Coffee-to-the-Next-Level&id=2166347