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Consumed widely despite being infamous for lacking substance and flavour—instant coffee has evolved from the brownish, powdery blend we’ve encountered when it was first introduced. With a large variety of brews available in dry as well as decoction forms, new flavours have also been introduced to make it feel just a little better when being consumed. However, the sourcing and processing of this type of coffee still remains largely questionable despite its convenience—mainly because of its pronounced bitterness which can be unpleasant on the palate, as well as its mud-like consistency. For coffee drinkers, the morning cup of the beverage holds importance for being their fuel for the day and having a stock of instant coffee does not always have to be a bad idea, especially when simple hacks could elevate the overall experience of drinking it.
Infuse Spices
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Adding dry spices—powdered or whole—is one of the easiest ways to add dimension and natural flavour to a cup. Depending on the season, one can experiment with spices that are light or heavy; for example, when brewing coffee during the winter, adding a pinch of dry ginger powder, pumpkin spice or a stick of cinnamon could greatly improve the seasonality of the beverage. Similarly, adding a pinch of turmeric or cardamom to coffee during the summers enhances its earthiness as well as aroma—while also adjusting the spice intensity according to preference.
Add A Pinch Of Salt
Despite the upgrades, most instant coffees tend to taste acridly bitter—especially when they’re of a lower price point. Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt to the brew when warm neutralises the intensity of the unpleasant taste and cut through the acidity. If the preference is for a sweet coffee, the salt also brings balance which highlights the flavour of the sweetener significantly.
Top Up With Frothy Milk
Although it might not always be possible to get a cafe-like experience at home, any cup of java can be transformed instantly into a chic latte by adding a milk of choice and frothing it until thick and creamy. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a milk frother but if there isn’t one, dissolve the coffee powder as per packet instructions in hot water before adding foamy milk from a height to the cup. This blends the two ingredients while also leaving behind the perfect frothy layer on top.
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Using Cold Water
One of the most common misconceptions about brewing a solid cup is that hot or warm water must be used to activate its natural oils and flavour. While using chilled water might take a while to break down the flavour molecules, the pay-off results in a more rounded brew, eliminating the bitterness and imparting a milder taste. This is particularly favourable for those who prefer their morning coffee iced or cold, enabling plenty of scope to add other flavours such as vanilla or hazelnut for additional sweetness.
Include Flavoured Syrups
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As an extension of improving the taste of basic instant coffee, although pre-flavoured options are currently available in grocery stores, adding homemade syrups are infinitely better in terms of quality and taste. Consider French vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup or even honey as a way to mask the bitterness and bring balance to the coffee. If using milk or dairy alternatives, adjust the quantity of syrup to accommodate the mildness of flavour which the addition might bring.
Pick A Quality Product
The fundamental to making a good cup of coffee lies in finding a brand of reliable, ethically crafted instant coffee. This means that keeping an eye out for where the beans are sourced and how they are processed plays a huge role in how it tastes when brewed. Since most high-quality instant coffees use freeze-dried arabica beans, it provides a robust richness and flavour with minimal bitterness, making it most ideal for everyday consumption.
