Is Vanilla Bean Coffee Really Coffee? Let’s Find Out

Coffee lovers are always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to enjoy their daily cup of joe. Recently, a new coffee trend has emerged that has piqued the interest of java junkies – vanilla bean coffee. But is vanilla bean coffee actually coffee, or is it something else entirely? As a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, I was determined to get to the bottom of this trendy new brew.

What Exactly is Vanilla Bean Coffee?

Vanilla bean coffee is made by infusing coffee grounds with vanilla beans or vanilla bean powder during the brewing process. This gives the coffee a sweet vanilla-y flavor and aroma. Vanilla bean coffee can be brewed hot or cold. Popular vanilla bean coffee drinks include vanilla bean lattes and iced vanilla bean coffees.

When you add vanilla to coffee, it creates a smooth, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The vanilla tones down the bitterness of the coffee while enhancing its inherent flavors Many coffee shops offer vanilla bean coffee drinks on their menus But you can easily make vanilla bean coffee at home too.

Is There Actually Coffee in Vanilla Bean Coffee Drinks?

This was my main question as I researched vanilla bean coffee – is there really any coffee in these drinks, or are they just sweet vanilla-flavored beverages masquerading as coffee?

The answer is – yes there is real coffee in vanilla bean coffee drinks! The coffee is just flavored and enhanced by the extra addition of vanilla beans or vanilla powder. The vanilla doesn’t overpower the coffee; it complements it.

So while drinks like the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino at Starbucks don’t contain any coffee, true vanilla bean coffee drinks do include real coffee that’s been infused with vanilla. The vanilla simply enhances the flavor profile of the coffee.

What’s the Best Way to Make Vanilla Bean Coffee at Home?

If you want to experience the velvety sweetness of vanilla bean coffee at home, there are a few easy methods you can try:

• Infuse the Coffee Grounds: Add 2-3 vanilla beans to your bag of coffee grounds. Let the beans infuse into the coffee for 1-2 weeks before brewing as normal. The longer infusion time will result in stronger vanilla flavor.

• Make Vanilla Syrup: Steep vanilla beans in hot simple syrup to create a vanilla-infused syrup. Mix the syrup into brewed coffee.

• Use Vanilla Extract: Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract per 6 ounces of coffee grounds before brewing.

• Use Vanilla Powder: Sprinkle vanilla powder into your coffee grounds or directly into your cup before brewing. Use about 1/2 teaspoon per 6 ounce cup.

I suggest starting with small amounts of vanilla and adjusting to taste. Too much vanilla can make your coffee taste artificial.

What Kind of Coffee Beans Work Best?

In my vanilla bean coffee experiments, I found that medium roasted Latin American coffee beans work very well. Their inherent sweetness and chocolate notes pair deliciously with vanilla. Brazilian and Colombian beans are great options.

Stay away from dark roasts, which can end up tasting quite bitter with the addition of vanilla. Light roasts are fine, but won’t have as much flavor to balance with the vanilla. Medium roasts offer the perfect sweet spot.

Potential Health Benefits of Vanilla Bean Coffee

Adding vanilla to your coffee doesn’t just provide flavor – it may also offer some health perks!

Here are a few potential benefits of vanilla bean coffee:

• Antioxidants: Vanilla contains antioxidants including vanillin, vanillic acid, and vanillal. These can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

• Anti-inflammatory: The vanillin in vanilla has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation. This pairs nicely with coffee’s natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Mood enhancement: The scent of vanilla can have mood-boosting and calming effects. Plus, the caffeine in coffee provides an energizing lift. It’s a perfect balance!

• Lower blood pressure: Early research shows vanilla may help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Of course, speak with your doctor before relying on vanilla for this.

Just make sure to control your sugar and cream additions to keep vanilla bean coffee healthy!

Things to Keep in Mind When Brewing Vanilla Bean Coffee

Through my experiments brewing vanilla bean coffee at home, I picked up a few helpful tips:

• Grind beans fresh right before brewing to preserve oils and aromatics.

• Use a French press or cold brew method – they allow the vanilla flavor to shine.

• Store unused vanilla beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

• Rinse beans briefly before use to remove any dust or residue.

• Scrape out the seeds before adding beans to your coffee. This releases more flavor.

• Add vanilla powder sparingly – it can make your coffee gritty if you use too much.

• Adjust vanilla amounts based on your personal taste preferences.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be making crave-worthy vanilla bean coffee creations in no time!

Delicious Vanilla Bean Coffee Recipes to Try

Once I determined that vanilla bean coffee contained real coffee boosted with vanilla, I began brainstorming tasty recipes that let the vanilla notes sing.

Here are a few of my favorite vanilla bean coffee drinks to make at home:

Iced Vanilla Bean Latte: Brew espresso over ice. Add chilled vanilla-infused milk. Top with vanilla whipped cream.

Vanilla Bean Frappuccino: Blend strong chilled coffee with vanilla syrup, milk, and ice. Garnish with caramel sauce.

Vanilla Bean Cold Brew: Steep coarse ground coffee with vanilla beans or powder in cold water for 12-24 hours. Strain and enjoy over ice.

Mexican Vanilla Iced Coffee: Brew coffee with cinnamon. Mix with vanilla syrup over ice, then add milk. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon.

Vanilla Bean Overnight Oats: Combine vanilla yogurt, milk, and vanilla coffee. Refrigerate overnight with oats. Top with fruit, nuts, and more coffee.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own vanilla bean coffee drinks too. The options are practically endless!

The Verdict: A Tasty Twist On Coffee

After extensively researching and testing vanilla bean coffee, I can conclude that it does indeed contain real coffee infused with vanilla for added depth, aroma, and flavor. The vanilla provides a lovely complement to coffee’s natural flavor notes.

Vanilla bean coffee offers a smooth, sip-able coffee experience with pleasant sweetness. I suggest trying it both hot and iced to appreciate the different flavor dimensions. Brew yourself a steaming mug or chilled glass and enjoy this luxurious and trendy coffee twist. Just be careful not to overdo the vanilla.