If you’re just making a plain cuppa Joe or espresso every time you use your espresso machine, then you’re missing out. Let your inner barista free and try one (or all) of these tasty espresso-based beverage recipes the next time you want to get caffeinated. You’ll be glad you did.

Coconut Caramel Macchiato

You’re likely to see a macchiato like this on the menu in a fancy coffee shop, but you can make it yourself at home. Macchiato means foamed in Italian, and this drink combines espresso with creamy coconut milk, and caramel syrup. It’s sweet and tasty. Test out this coconut caramel macchiato recipe from Coffee Stoppe.

Espresso Martini

If you like your martinis brewed, not stirred, then the espresso martini is for you. This cold, coffee-flavored cocktail mixes vodka with espresso coffee, coffee liqueur (usually Kahlúa) and simple syrup. Try this smooth espresso martini recipe from All Recipes.

Caffé Lattes

Save yourself a trip to your local coffee shop, and make your own lattes at home with your espresso maker. Milkier than a macchiato, a latte is very easy to make and is easy to customize by stirring flavored syrups into the espresso, before adding the milk. Try this homemade latte recipe from Fourth Estate.

Wave Your Magic Wand

If your espresso maker doesn’t have a milk-frothing wand, you can still make hot, frothy milk by heating milk gently in a saucepan and lightly whisking it. It’s a low-tech but effective solution that opens up a grid of possibilities.

We hope you’ll enjoy trying out these new caffeinated drinks and getting the most out of your espresso machine. For more great food and lifestyle tips, visit the Olympus Sierra Pines blog.