I remember seven or eight years ago reading about a new machine that promised to brew Italian espresso with just a touch of a button.  Sure, an Italian espresso machine was nothing new.  But, unlike espresso machines we were familiar with, this new machine promised to be a fraction of the size and at a fraction of the cost.  But while the size and cost may be smaller, we were assured that the taste of the espresso would not. It was called Nespresso.

This promise was a huge selling point for me living in a limited space, one-bedroom Chicago condo.  Not to mention, I didn’t feel like investing thousands of dollars in one appliance.  Fast forward years later, and I’ve had four different Nespresso machines, still enjoying that perfect promised Nespresso moment day after day.

One of my favorite things to do is to get creative with my Nespresso.  Because I try to stay away from dairy products my go-to milk alternatives are always almond and coconut milk.  Alternative milk options have come a long way in the past few years making it easier, and healthier, than ever to mix up your daily Nespresso.  

Recently, the recipes I can’t get enough of are a warm Honey Almond Milk Latte and a cold Toasted Coconut Nespresso.

Nespresso Machine | Glass | Livanto Capsules | Linizio Lungo Capsules 

The toasted coconut recipe is beyond easy.  Over a glass full of ice simply add 2-3 chilled espressos, cold coconut milk, a drop or two of coconut syrup to slightly sweeten the Nespresso and top with fresh toasted coconut. This would also be amazing as a frozen drink, simply freeze Nespresso into ice cubes like I did here and blend away!

The Honey Almond Milk Latte combines fresh, local honey and frothed almond milk, for the perfect warm and toasty way to start the day.  I prefer mine with two shots of Nespresso and just love sprinkling just a touch of cinnamon on top for that extra bit of warmth.  And I suggest putting the honey in first, just covering the bottom of the cup.  As you add the hot Nespresso it will naturally begin to melt and blend the honey.

Nespresso takes no shortcuts in their process of creating the perfect pod.  As Nespresso says, “the path from bean to cup is a complex one.” Knowing that a single faulty coffee bean can taint a whole batch Nespresso takes control of the quality down to the very last bean.  Not to mention they source responsibly.

Focusing on sustainability of the coffee tree and coffee world in general.  To address the issue of coffee’s future Nespresso created the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program in 2003 in conjunction with the non-profit, Rainforest Alliance. This approach enables Nespresso to safeguard the future supply of the highest quality coffee, while paying farmers a higher income and protecting the natural environment. Win, win!

With all of this, it’s no surprise why I’ve been pressing that Nespresso button every morning for the past eight or so years.  I’ve shared both of these recipes below for you to give them a try at home.  Tell me, is a Nespresso machine on your holiday wish list?! Truly, MKR

P.S. Did you see their holiday pods? I’m definitely snagging their holiday coffee & chocolate assortment!