Gourmet coffee: indulge your customers

Gourmet coffee is a luxury coffee that gives your customers an extra moment of indulgence. They are usually based on a strong espresso, a creamy latte or a rich lungo or macchiato. But what makes a gourmet coffee truly gourmet is what goes on top or on the side..

The possibilities are endless and it's certainly a good idea to add a personal touch. But when your customers read “gourmet coffee”, they already expect delicious extras like cream, liqueur, chocolate, caramel or spices. So why not go one step further? Add an optional extra of mini patisserie e.g. mini beignets, macarons, mini pastéis de nata, mini eclairs and even mini pralines. Choose quality products to elevate your gourmet coffees to another level. Surprise, amaze and indulge your customers. That's what a gourmet coffee is for.

With endless creative combinations, you'll always be on top of the latest trends. For example, sustainable coffee or fair trade coffee with plant-based milk and liqueur from a local producer. Because sustainable entrepreneurship is important for your hospitality business.

Tip: you can also serve gourmet teas. For example, a chai latte in autumn or an iced matcha latte with cream and white chocolate shavings for a summer menu. Yum...delicious and trendy!

Need some inspiration to develop recipes for your gourmet coffees? These classic and original concepts are essential to your menu.

Classic gourmet coffee recipes

• Irish coffee: add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a beautiful coffee glass and pour in hot coffee. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and add 45 ml Irish whiskey. Spoon a dollop of lightly whipped cream on top and serve immediately without stirring. Your customer can drink the coffee through the cream.

• Caffé mocha: pour a small cup of hot coffee or espresso into a large mug. Add 2 spoonfuls of chocolate syrup and stir until it's fully dissolved. Pour in 240 ml steamed milk and stir well. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream, cacao powder and chocolate shavings.

• Caramel macchiato: pour 30 ml vanilla syrup into a coffee cup and add a hot cup of coffee or espresso. Stir well and add 240 ml of steamed milk. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Unique gourmet coffee recipes

• Hazelnut tiramisu gourmet coffee: pour 30 ml hazelnut syrup, 45 ml amaretto, 240 ml steamed milk and 1 cup of strong coffee into a cup and stir well. Spoon in one spoonful of mascarpone cream (made with mascarpone with some sugar and vanilla extract added) to the coffee. Garnish with cacao powder and a few crumbled ladyfingers. Serve immediately.

• Tropical coconut gourmet coffee: pour 30 ml coconut cream, 15 ml vanilla syrup, an espresso and 240 ml steamed milk into a coffee cup and stir well. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and freshly roasted coconut shavings.

• Speculaas gourmet coffee: pour 30 ml speculaas syrup into a large mug and add a cup of hot coffee and 1 teaspoon of speculaas spices. Stir well and add 240 ml steamed milk. Finish with lightly whipped cream and garnish with crumbled speculaas biscuits.