5 Heavenly Nespresso Recipes You Won’t Believe You Can Make (Updated For 2020)

“There’s no way I’m buying a Nespresso machine. They cost like $150 and then the capsules you need to use are so expensive! Plus, you can’t make all of those great drinks I can order at Starbucks.”

That’s a co-worker talking. Let’s call him Jack.

I’ve had this same conversation so many times I’ve lost count.

Actually that’s a lie. I’ve had this conversation like 4 times. Most recently this morning with Jack.

There are 2 things wrong with Jack’s logic:

1. It’s too expensive to own a Nespresso machine
2. You can’t make Starbucks-quality beverages at home

Sorry to break it to you Jack, but you can actually save money by buying a Nespresso machine!

Save Money With Nespresso!

How much can you save?

First, consider the cost of your typical Starbucks beverage. Let’s say it’s $4.00.

Now let’s look at the cost of making various beverages at home:

• Single capsule: $0.70 for OriginalLine, $1.00 for VertuoLine
• Milk: $0.12 per 1/2 cup (assuming a $4.00 gallon)
• Caramel, chocolate, whipped cream and other extras: Varies but like $0.20 per serving
• Total: From $1.00-$1.50

By making all of your beverages at home you’re saving $2.50-$3.00 per beverage.

That means you can “pay off” your awesome $150 Nespresso machine in as little as 50 days.

Everything after that is surplus value.

Sorry Jack, but buying a coffee at Starbucks every day is what’s expensive.

5 Heavenly Nespresso Recipes

We’ve established you can save money by owning your own Nespresso machine.

Now we need to recreate those delicious Starbucks beverages.

Enjoy these 5 delicious Nespresso recipes.

1. Choco Coco Latte Macchiato

What do you get when you combine rich, bold coffee, decadent chocolate, and slightly tropical, nutty coconut?

A Choco Coco Latte Macchiato.

And it’s one of my favorite Nespresso recipes.

Best to Enjoy: A sensory delight, this is the perfect recipe for summer mornings before the the scorching sun comes up.

What You’ll Need

• Capsule, OriginalLine: 1 Arpeggio (notes of cocoa with strong character and rich body)
• Capsule, VertuoLine: 1 Altissio (intense but smooth)
• Frother (such as the Aeroccino)
• Large pint glass
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 2 teaspoons of coconut syrup
• 2 teaspoons for chocolate spread
• Grated coconut to top

How to Make It

1. Add chocolate spread to the large glass
2. Combine the milk and coconut syrup in the frother and froth on hot
3. Pour the milk over the chocolate spread in the large glass
4. Pop in the capsule and brew into the large glass
5. Top with grated coconut
6. Enjoy!

2. Iced Chocolate Coffee

If you love chocolate milkshakes or mocha anything, this Iced Chocolate Coffee recipe is a must-try.

Best to Enjoy: This is a great after dinner dessert, but it does have two shots of intense espresso. Try enjoying on hot afternoons or substitute one (or both) capsules for decaf to enjoy later in the evening.

What You’ll Need

• Capsule, OriginalLine: 2 Kazaar (bold blend with exceptional intensity)
• Capsule, VertuoLine: 2 Diavolitto (intense and powerful)
• Large pint glass
• Coffee mug
• Shaker
• Frother (such as the Aeroccino)
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream
• 2 tablespoons of macaroon syrup
• 1 tablespoon of crushed ice

Maracoon syrup has combination of biscuit flavor and almond fragrance, so use that as a guide if you wish to substitute.

How to Make It

1. Pour milk into frother and froth on cold until it’s sufficiently creamy
2. Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
3. Pour the brewed coffee into the shaker
4. Add ice cream to shaker
5. Shake well!
6. Pour crushed ice into the large glass
7. Add coffee and ice cream mixture to the large glass
8. Pour foamed milk over the top until the glass is full
9. Enjoy!

3. Mocha Mint Latte

A rich beverage with the capsule’s boldness balanced with light mint, this Mint Mocha Latte is a refreshing, hot alternative to your standard latte.

Best to Enjoy: This is especially great on cool afternoon and evenings. I’ve always associated mint with fall and winter. Like the Iced Chocolate Coffee above, this is a phenomenal after dinner beverage but does have two espresso capsules in it. Possibly consider swapping out one or both for decaf.

What You’ll Need

• Capsule, OriginalLine: 2 Capriccio (balanced with cereal notes)
• Capsule, VertuoLine: 2 Altissio (intense but smooth)
• Coffee mug
• Frother (such as the Aeroccino)
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate sauce
• 1/2 oz of mint syrup
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Whipped cream
• Shaved chocolate

How to Make It

1. Pour the dark chocolate sauce into the coffee mug
2. Add mint syrup
3. Add milk to frother and froth on hot
4. Pour frothed milk into the coffee mug
5. Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
6. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate (if you like that)
7. Enjoy!

4. Gingerbread Coffee

Gingerbread is one of the iconic tastes of winter, but I could enjoy it any time of year.

This Nespresso recipe is bright and delicious, and it isn’t difficult at all (though it does require the use of a stovetop and saucepan).

Best to Enjoy: Fall and winter (or whenever gingerbread sounds right to you).

What You’ll Need

• Capsule, OriginalLine: 1 Cosi (lightly fruity) + 1 Decaffeinato
• Capsule, VertuoLine: 1 Elvazio (fruity and caramel) + 1 Decaffeinato
• Coffee mug
• Saucepan
• Frother (such as the Aeroccino)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
• 1/2 slice of gingerbread (gingersnaps will do as well)

How to Make It

1. Pour most of the milk into a saucepan and bring to a light boil (should only take 1-2 minutes)
2. Crumble the gingerbread into the saucepan
3. Add the maple syrup to the saucepan
4. Pour the mixture into the coffee mug
5. Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
6. Frother the remaining milk into the frother and froth on hot
7. Add frothed milk to the coffee mug
8. Enjoy!

5. Double Caramel Coffee Macchiato

Why pay $5 for a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato when you can make your own at home for around $1!

Best to Enjoy: A great substitute for a Starbucks caramel coffee beverage any time of the day.

What You’ll Need

• Capsule, OriginalLine: 1 Kazaar (bold blend with exceptional intensity)
• Capsule, VertuoLine: 1 Diavolitto (intense and powerful)
• Coffee mug
• Frother (such as an Aeroccino)
• 3 oz of milk
• 2 teaspoons of caramel
• Additional caramel syrup
• Cinnamon

How to Make It

1. Add milk to the frother and froth on hot
2. Add the caramel to the coffee mug
3. Brew the coffee capsule into the coffee mug
4. Pour the frothed milk into the coffee cup
5. Top with the additional caramel and cinnamon to taste
6. Enjoy!

Now you're armed with 5 of the best Nespresso recipes that you can make at home and save money!