Last Updated on August 19, 2021
There are many, many coffee-lovers in the world…serious coffee afficionados. You might just not be one of them. And that’s okay, we will love you just as you are. 🙂
And if you’re in the camp of those who are searching for coffee for people who don’t like coffee, we’ve got you covered, my friend. Coffee is an acquired taste. Most of us aren’t born with a coffee cup in our little hand.
It might be the caffeine that you’re after. I get it. My morning cup of strong coffee (well, all my cups of coffee are strong) is as much about the caffeine as it is about the aroma and taste.
So we’re going to approach this question, or search, from a few different angles, because there is more than one way to solve the issue and answer the question.
First, we’ll take a look at what can be done with the typical cup of joe to help you enjoy it more. Many times it’s the brewing process, or the choice of the coffee, that lets you down. That bitter coffee taste is just not what you’re looking for in a beverage, especially if it’s the first time you’re giving a cup of coffee a try. More about that in a minute.
Next, we’ll take a quick jaunt through Coffee 101, with some of the basics of brewing a tasty cup of coffee. It’s possible that with a couple of tweaks here and there, your coffee will be much more satisfying.
And then, we’ll go down the road of coffee drinks, in case you really, really don’t like the taste of regular coffee but really, really want to order up a beverage at the coffee house with your friends. No worries. We’ll explain some of the most popular and tasty coffee drinks.
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How to Enjoy a Cup of Coffee More
If the taste of coffee turns you off, it could be the brand, roast, brewing method, or the coffee maker itself that is the problem. Or it could be the way you are preparing and serving coffee. I know, so many opportunities to brew a cup of coffee with a bitter taste, or not enough taste, or just plain nasty stuff.
The simplest method of making coffee is to use a drip brewer, but there are also other methods you can try that will make your cup of joe taste better. Honestly, if you’re willing to invest a little bit of money and time into some budget friendly coffee gear, you might decide that a cup of java is the best thing ever!
Let’s look at some of the choices you can make that will help you brew a better cup of coffee.
Choose a good quality coffee
Not all brands are created equal. A good quality brand will make a big difference in taste. How do you know which brand is the best? Not all coffee is created equal. You want beans that are as fresh as possible and that haven’t been sitting on a shelf for months (or longer) before you purchase them. Check the expiration date on the bag to make sure it’s fresh.
Of course, when it comes to coffee there is no such thing as a bad brand, just the wrong brand and roast for YOU. Some people like the taste of a French roast, others prefer Colombian or Sumatra. Some folks prefer a light roast, while others are darker and stronger. You will have to experiment with different types until you find one that suits your taste buds best. There really aren’t any shortcuts here, my friend. But, I would suggest that you amp up the quality a bit and see if that doesn’t make a positive impact on the taste of your coffee.
Try a stronger blend of coffee
If you don’t like the taste of your coffee, it could be too weak. Yes, you might need a stronger, darker blend. If you normally use a medium roast, try switching to a dark roast or French roast.
Why is it that a darker roast might taste better? A dark roast can be less bitter than lighter roasts, so if that particular taste turns you off, give a darker roast a try.
If you prefer light roasts for their milder flavors, try switching to a medium roast or half-caff blend instead of regular .
If you’re already drinking a dark roast, as mentioned previously, try grinding your own beans. Darker roasts tend to be roasted for longer periods of time than lighter roasts, which tends to smooth the taste out. If that doesn’t work, there are still options!
Add sugar and milk to make it taste better
Black coffee is always my choice, but it doesn’t work for everyone. If you find that your coffee is simply too acidic for you, try adding some sugar or other type of sweetener to your cup of coffee. Experiment with adding sweetener only and see how the coffee tastes.
You can also add milk, half and half, almond milk, coconut milk, or any other type of dairy to cut the acid and make it taste creamier.
And of course, adding both a creamer and a sweetener is the choice for many coffee lovers, so give that a try as well.
Many people’s stomachs can handle dairy well, but not their taste buds! Sugar and milk are both great ways to sweeten a blend without having a negative effect on your stomach.
And, to take the idea of adding a creamer a step or two further, give consideration to the myriad of flavored coffee creamers available.
Coffee 101: How to Brew
Okay, our next delve into the dilemma of coffee for people who don’t like coffee is to review some of the basics of coffee brewing: Coffee 101 if you will.
These tips are general in nature and can apply to just about any type of brewing method.
- Grind your own coffee beans fresh, just prior to brewing. I know. It’s more work. It’s more coffee gear. I get it. But it will elevate the taste of your java to previously unknown heights!
- Use filtered water. It will make a difference. Whether you filter the water from your tap, from your frig, or buy it, your coffee will taste better for it.
- Don’t skimp on the coffee. The ‘golden rule’ of coffee is to use 1 to 2 tablespoons for every 6 ounces of water. (Note that a typical cup of coffee is at least 8 ounces). Weak coffee can taste nasty, so be sure to use enough.
- Heat the water to the proper temperature. Now if you’re using a drip coffee maker that is hard to control, so if your coffee continually comes out weak and not very hot, it’s probably time to look for a new one. Better yet, try a new method like a pour over. Any time you’re heating the water, the temperature should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Learn more about alternative brewing methods:
Coffee Drinks and Beverages to Try
So if you’re searching for a coffee drink to sip on with your caffeine-loving friends, and would rather drink coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee, here are some beverages to try. Most can be ordered hot or over ice, so choose the temperature that works for you.
These are fairly simple, straightforward coffee beverages that you’ll find in most coffee shops and cafes where espresso is brewed.
Vanilla Latte
If you enjoy some sweetness in a drink, you might enjoy the taste of a vanilla latte. It is made using brewed espresso, steamed milk, and vanilla syrup, with the taste more aligned with vanilla than coffee. There is also a steamed milk foam on top. It is a lighter-tasting coffee drink.
I like the flexibility of using low fat, non fat, almond, coconut, or other types of milk, as well as a sugar-free vanilla option. The calorie count goes down considerably with those substitutes.
Once you determine that it’s a good fit for you, try going a straight Latte (without the vanilla) and see what you think. The ratio of steamed milk to espresso tones down the coffee strength and overall it is a milder type of coffee drink. Lattes might just become your beverage of choice!
Caramel Macchiato
With some similarities to our friend the Latte, a Macchiato eliminates the foamed milk topper and uses just a combination of espresso and steamed milk. It is a stronger coffee drink served in it’s simplest form, and is usually served hot.
Of course, adding flavors like caramel (wildly popular) brings in the sweetness that might be the perfect coffee for people who don’t like coffee!
Frappuccino
Most often served cold, a Frappuccino consists of a coffee or creme base (but let’s go with coffee!), then blended with ice and other good things like flavored syrups. It is usually topped with whipped cream.
You can get one of these at Starbucks, as it is a trademarked name, being a blend of “frappe” and “cappuccino”.
Or, if you’re at another establishment and want a similar type of beverage, choose a Frappe. You’ll find them to be quite similar.
Sometimes a coffee powder is used in place of brewed coffee in this type of drink. So if you want a cold, sweet iced coffee drink, order a Frappuccino that is made with java.
Cafe Mocha
A popular choice among those who don’t love the ‘coffee’ part of the drink but swing to the ‘chocolate’ side may find a Cafe Mocha to be the perfect choice. In fact, you may think it’s more like dessert than a caffeinated beverage.
A shot of espresso begins the process, followed by chocolate syrup, steamed milk, and whipped cream. Honestly, it would be too much sweetness for me, but hey, if you’re looking for coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee, here you go!
You may find this coffee beverage served in a glass rather than a mug, and the name varies as well. If you see Mocaccino, Mochaccino, or Mochachino, they are all referring to this type of a concoction.
So there you go…a variety of coffee beverages for the person who really doesn’t want to drink, or like to drink, coffee. Want to know a little more about these coffee beverages? Here’s a quick chart with simple visuals for the most popular drinks:
Sum It Up: Coffee for People Who Don’t Like Coffee
If you’ve been searching for coffee that doesn’t taste bitter, or nasty, or meh, hopefully you’ve garnered a few helpful tips here to brew the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.
We’ve offered some options for coffee for people who don’t like coffee, too, and if you’re willing to give those a try, who knows? Next time someone asks you if you’re a coffee drinker you can honestly say, “yes…yes I am”, and you’ll be absolutely correct!
Candi Randolph is a coffee lover, blogger, and content creator who loves to share her knowledge with the coffee-drinking world. You’ll often find her tending to her coffee bar at home, deciding which method to use to brew her next cup of java. Life is full of important decisions. ☕
