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Hot Coffee

Recipes Perfect For Sipping During A Rainy Evening

A cup of hot coffee, with its aroma of roasted beans, a light frothy finish, and a subtle, bitter edge, becomes just a bit more special when accompanied by pouring rain. Monsoons don’t just offer respite from the scorching heat but also give you ample reasons to indulge in simple but warm beverages, be it the classic masala chai or a hot coffee. Now, whether you like your coffee dark and bitter or appreciate the traditional notes of filter coffee, there’s something for everyone on this list.

A hot coffee recipe for classic Americano uses only hot water and coffee, no milk, cream or sugar. Here, the type of roast (light, medium, or dark), the type of coffee beans (arabica, robusta, etc.), and the brew method – all can be immediately felt in the first sip because there is no other ingredient to mask the flavour of coffee. As the presumption goes, this one’s for the “serious” coffee drinkers.

From the stylistic pour to the traditional brass cup, everything about filter coffee is distinctive and rooted in tradition. The filter coffee recipe includes chicory in the mix – it’s what sets it apart from typical coffee. To make authentic South Indian filter coffee, brew ground coffee and chicory in a metal drip filter to create a dark decoction, then mix it with hot, frothed milk. The traditional ratio is about 1 part decoction to 3 parts milk. 

If the word coffee brings up images of a cup of pale brown mix with art on top, you are fond of cappuccino. A traditional Italian drink, cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The thick foam layer helps retain heat, making it especially enjoyable on chilly, rainy days.

A blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate, the mocha is perfect for those who enjoy their coffee with a touch of indulgence. The chocolate adds warmth and richness that pairs beautifully with rainy weather. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between a coffee and a hot chocolate, offering the best of both worlds. To make this at home, combine cocoa powder or chocolate syrup with freshly brewed coffee and stir until smooth. Heat and froth 150ml milk, then pour it into the mug. Enjoy hot.

This warming beverage combines hot coffee with Irish whiskey, sugar, and lightly whipped cream. Often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink, it's particularly comforting during a cold monsoon evening. If you’re new to the recipe, start with 30 ml of whiskey and gradually increase to 45 ml. It’s usually topped with lightly whipped, thickened but pourable whipped cream. While it makes for a great beverage, this hot coffee recipe can only be consumed by adults. For children, you can make a mocha on the side. 

A latte is similar to a cappuccino, but made with more milk. However, a latte infused with cinnamon brings subtle sweetness and spice to your coffee. The warming spice notes in this hot coffee recipe make it an ideal companion for the monsoon season and pair well with baked treats. Unlike masala chai, cinnamon powder works better than a stick here. You can even add a pinch of nutmeg to the mix.

Pair these hot coffees with monsoon favourites like pakoras, butter cookies, banana bread, or toasted sandwiches for the ultimate rainy-day experience. You can also make it a sweet evening by enjoying cupcakes or teacakes with the coffee. Or, for a healthier fare, go for millet namkeen or corn chaat. You can even enjoy coffee with an open sandwich or light salad as a mid-day meal.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of a classic hot coffee, the nostalgia of South Indian filter coffee, or the indulgence of a mocha or egg coffee, there is a warm brew for every monsoon mood. Beyond offering comfort on rainy days, these beverages showcase the versatility of coffee through different ingredients, techniques, and traditions. Pair them with your favourite monsoon snacks, settle into a cosy corner, and let the season slow down, one cup at a time.