19 espresso-based recipes to make and sip at home

Team up with a KitchenAid Espresso Machine to brew the perfect shot of espresso

Want to whip up a delicious espresso drink at home? Plug in some professional help. With these KitchenAid Espresso Machines, you can brew espresso and steam milk like a barista. Whether you’re going fully or semi-automatic, don’t forget to register your product online. You’ll get a special recipe guide tailored to your machine.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder - for the coffee adventurer

If you love experimenting with coffee, team up with this semi-automatic espresso machine. It comes with an adjustable grinder and stainless steel burrs. They’ll make sure you get a consistent grind every single time. But the amount of beans and water is fully up to you. Customise it to make your brew just the way you like it. Feel like trying out a different coffee bean today? No problem – just switch from one bean hopper to another.

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Fully Automatic Espresso machine - for coffee at the push of a button

Craving a café-quality coffee without the hassle of making it? This fully automatic espresso maker will brew them for you. It’s like having your own personal barista on call. On the menu? Up to 40 coffee recipes. The KF8 even has some plant-based options too. Just pick a brew, and enjoy. You can easily save your favourites under your profile for later. And when it’s time to clean your machine, the easy step-by-step guide will help you descale it.

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9 basic espresso-based coffees to satisfy your daily caffeine craving

From a smooth and creamy latte, to an invigorating iced coffee, these caffeinated drinks will brighten up your mood any time of day. Looking for some solid, yet easy recipes to brew these classics at home? You found them.

1. Macchiato

If a straight espresso packs too much punch for you, but a cappuccino is too mild, this boldly flavoured cup of coffee with a hint of creaminess might just do the trick. Meet macchiato, espresso’s rebellious cousin. Macchiato means "marked" or "stained" in Italian. And that sums it up nicely. It’s an espresso marked by a small splash of steamed milk on top.

2. Iced coffee

Looking for a caffeine kick on a hot summer’s day? This ice-cold drink will help you keep your head cool. Added bonus: the recipe is quite flexible too. Do you prefer oat drinks? Go for it. Maple syrup? Why not? You can even splash in a dash of vanilla, or a pinch of cinnamon. Change it up and have it just the way you like it.

3. Affogato

A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla gelato casually floating around in a double shot of hot, boldly flavoured espresso… is this the best-kept secret of Italian cuisine? Probably. This simple, yet sophisticated coffee delicacy is a glorious collision of hot and cold, creamy and intense. And your new go-to when you can’t decide between coffee and dessert. Feeling adventurous? Swap the vanilla for stracciatella or pistachio ice cream, or add a splash of liqueur.

4. Cortado

Half coffee, half steamed milk. Balance is the cortado’s middle name. Which makes it the perfect beverage for those who like their coffee strong, but not too milky either. Typically served in a small glass, this no-fuss drink has just the right amount of strength to cut through your day.

5. Flat White

Is it an Australian invention? Or a New Zealand thing? The debate is still ongoing. One thing’s for sure though, the flat white is slowly but steadily becoming a regular in coffee bars all over the world. It gets its kick from a double shot of espresso, and its silky soft texture from microfoam milk. Forceful, yet smooth… sounds like a winning combo, no discussion needed.

6. Cappuccino

The cappuccino is the little black dress of coffee – classic, timeless, and always a solid choice. The key step in this recipe isn’t using equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and frothy milk foam, it’s keeping the espresso and foam separated – don’t mix them. This way, the shot of espresso will keep its strong, bold taste. Want to give that extra touch? Dust it with cocoa or cinnamon.

7. Latte

The Italians call it “caffè latte”, which means “coffee and milk". And by milk, they mean a generous glug of steamed milk. It turns this coffee into a smooth and creamy drink with a subtle hint of espresso flavour. No wonder it’s slurped thirstily all around the world. Feel like turning it up a notch? Swirl it with caramel syrup or add a pinch of fresh vanilla.

8. Americano

No fuss. No milk. Just a straight espresso diluted with hot water. That’s what an Americano is all about. The golden ratio? One part espresso, two parts hot water. The result? All the depth and robust flavour of an espresso, minus the intensity. Hot tip: an Iced Americano will cool you right down in warmer weather. Just swap the hot water for cold, and pour it over ice.

9. Mocha

Torn between a chocolate rush and a coffee fix? Brew yourself a caffè mocha. This decadent drink mixes a shot of espresso with creamy steamed milk and rich chocolate. But no need to stop there. If there’s one coffee you can go all out with, it’s this dessert in a cup. So top it with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa, or even some marshmallows. Or trade in the cocoa and chocolate shavings in this recipe for white chocolate ones, and treat yourself to a White Chocolate Mocha.

Limited time offer: KitchenAid x illy Espresso Exploration Kit*

We've partnered with illy to bring you the Espresso Exploration Kit, worth up to 110 €** – yours when you purchase from our new Espresso Collection. This amazing pack comes with a removable bean hopper and 3 cans of illy coffee beans (Classico, Decaf & Brazil) and, if you choose one of our fully automatic machines, a milk container with lid and hose too.

10 extravagant espresso based coffee drinks to jazz up any occasion

Searching for an indulgent coffee that doubles as a dessert for your next dinner party? Or feel like jazzing up your daily coffee routine? Either way, these flamboyant espresso-based recipes are bound to shake up your current coffee situation. So, what will it be? A sophisticated Espresso Martini perhaps, or a cosy Pumpkin Spice Latte?

10. Brown sugar iced oat shaken espresso

There’s something deliciously surprising about this chilly coffee. Is it the smooth, creamy texture of oat drink, the sweet, caramel-like taste of brown sugar, or the pinch of salt that brings all of these gorgeous flavours together? All wondering aside, this dairy-free delight is bound to send some chills down your spine. Shake it up, pour it over ice, and sip it on a sweltering summer’s day.

11. Frappé

The Greek have their own version, the French too – of course. Even the Japanese have their own take on this frosty treat. But the base is always the same: a blend of espresso and ice. In this recipe, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream joins the caffeine party, balancing out the espresso’s strong, concentrated flavour with its velvety soft texture and sweet taste. Whip one up when the temperatures are soaring and you need to chill out.

12. Homemade pumpkin spice latte

Say hello to autumn in a coffee cup. In this aromatic stunner, a classic espresso buddies up with a splash of steamed milk, a spoonful of pumpkin puree, a pinch of vanilla and – of course – pumpkin spice. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves… all there. Top it off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and that chilly day won’t seem so bad after all.

13. Vanilla latte

Forget vanilla syrup. Nothing beats the natural flavour of a freshly scraped vanilla bean. That sweet, slightly buttery aroma makes all the difference in this mellow take on a classic latte. No lactose? No problem. Just switch the regular milk for barista oat drink.

14. Homemade irish coffee

Not afraid of a little coffee adventure? Great, this daring after-dinner drink requires it. The bold punch of your espresso goes head-to-head with the smooth kick of Irish whiskey, while not one, but two types of sugar add depth and complexity to this iconic winter warmer. Want to do it just right? Serve it in a heat-resistant glass and dollop with a generous layer of whipped cream. This recipe contains alcohol, drink responsibly.

15. Espresso martini

A coffee, a cocktail and a dessert all in one drink? This elegant head-turner does it all. The smooth, robust flavour of an espresso flirts with the crisp, clean bite of vodka, while a touch of coffee liqueur sweetens the deal. Shake it until it has just the right amount of froth and flair, and serve it as a luxurious nightcap at your next dinner party – it will be the toast of the evening. This recipe contains alcohol, drink responsibly.

16. Café Bombón

This Spanish creation doesn’t only look a bit extra, it tastes super sweet and creamy as well. A fluffy white cloud of sweetened condensed milk floats around at the bottom of your cup, while a shot of dark, intense espresso nestles on top of it. The result? A dramatic clash of flavours and colours. Serving tip: use a clear glass to show off the contrasting layers of this photogenic stunner even more.

17. Marocchino

Its name might be a nod to Moroccan leather – because of the drink’s light brown leathery colour – but this cup of coffee is pure Italian sophistication. It brings together the rich flavour of espresso with earthy cocoa powder and thick frothy milk in a small glass. Don’t let the size fool you though, it’s small, but tastes mighty.

18. Orange espresso martini

This zesty take on a classic espresso martini turns up the flavour just a tad more. The main twist? An extra splash of orange liqueur, which takes the bold taste of espresso to a whole new level. Garnishing tip: top it off with an elegant twist of orange peel. This recipe contains alcohol, drink responsibly.

19. Pistachio Latte

Feel like shaking up your coffee routine? This pistachio latte brings a sweet, nutty twist to your regular brew. It’s comforting, slightly more indulgent, and made with nothing more than a shot of espresso, steamed milk – or a non-dairy alternative – and pistachio cream. Slurping this cosy green beauty on a chilly afternoon is bound to become your new favourite thing to do.

* KitchenAid x illy Espresso Exploration Kit with Espresso machine purchase - For Semi Automatic Espresso with Burr, the Kit contains 1 removable bean hopper with lid, 3 cans of Illy coffee beans (Classico, Brazil, Decaf) with a value of 70 €. For Fully Automatic Espresso Maker, the Kit contains 1 removable bean hopper, 1 milk container, 3 cans of Illy coffee beans (Classico, Brazil, Decaf) with a value of 110 €. Offer valid until December 31, 2024.