“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:
It’s too expensive to own a Nespresso machine
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
Add chocolate spread to the large glass
Combine the milk and coconut syrup in the frother and froth on hot
Pour the milk over the chocolate spread in the large glass
Pop in the capsule and brew into the large glass
Top with grated coconut
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
Pour milk into frother and froth on cold until it’s sufficiently creamy
Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
Pour the brewed coffee into the shaker
Add ice cream to shaker
Shake well!
Pour crushed ice into the large glass
Add coffee and ice cream mixture to the large glass
Pour foamed milk over the top until the glass is full
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
Pour the dark chocolate sauce into the coffee mug
Add mint syrup
Add milk to frother and froth on hot
Pour frothed milk into the coffee mug
Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate (if you like that)
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
Pour most of the milk into a saucepan and bring to a light boil (should only take 1-2 minutes)
Crumble the gingerbread into the saucepan
Add the maple syrup to the saucepan
Pour the mixture into the coffee mug
Brew both capsules into the coffee mug
Frother the remaining milk into the frother and froth on hot
Add frothed milk to the coffee mug
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
Add milk to the frother and froth on hot
Add the caramel to the coffee mug
Brew the coffee capsule into the coffee mug
Pour the frothed milk into the coffee cup
Top with the additional caramel and cinnamon to taste
Enjoy!
Now you're armed with 5 of the best Nespresso recipes that you can make at home and save money!
Search
About The Coffee Maven
Bryan De Luca
I'm Bryan but most people know me as The Coffee Maven. I grew up outside Boston, Massachusetts and received my Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Providence College. My first introduction to coffee was during my college days, when I used it as a source of caffeine to fuel late-night study sessions, but soon I became obsessed with the chemistry of coffee. How did changes to water temperature or contact time affect its taste? Why do beans from Africa taste fruity while beans from Indonesia taste spicy? I launched The Coffee Maven in February 2017 to explore these questions and help others brew their perfect cup. Welcome to my site, and thanks for reading!