Since quitting my barista job at Starbucks in 2018, I invested in our Breville espresso machine and have never looked back! Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a drive-thru coffee just as much as the next person, but having the option to create my coffee’s at home? Nothing better.

Over the snow-filled Valentine’s weekend, I decided to make a warm cup of goodness and stay indoors! Let’s get into how I make my morning americano —

Tools Needed

Espresso machine | this is our exact model

Milk frother | this is my favorite (Note: our espresso machine does have a milk steamer attached, but I personally find it messy and annoying to use, so I opted for our milk frother instead)

Your favorite mug

Cardboard cutout of heart (optional, but encouraged!)

Ingredients

Whole espresso beans (for the espresso machine) | we always go back to this kind

Hot water

Flavored syrup | I’ve been using this French Vanilla lately, also love this flavor

1/2 & 1/2

Cinnamon powder

Directions

First, pump your syrup into your mug — for a 16oz mug, I opt for 2 pumps

Next, add hot water halfway from the top of your mug (eyeball this step)

From there, pull 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine*

Add the espresso shots to your mug of syrup and hot water

Now, grab your milk frother and froth your 1/2 & 1/2 — the amount of cream is personal preference, but I typically do 1/3 cup or so (again, eyeball this step)

Once frothed, poor your cream on top of your coffee — you should now have all ingredients listed above in your mug

For a picture-worthy creation, add a cinnamon heart on top!

Continue reading MY AT-HOME MORNING AMERICANO at Five Foot Nine.