I love coffee!

But really… Is it the creamer? The warmth? The “hug in a mug” comfort and relaxing? Or the relational bonding, meaningful conversations, and moments of planning and dreaming that seem to happen over coffee?

It’s all of them!

Whatever the reason, most specialty coffees are loaded with sugar, often heavy cream, and artificial ingredients. Lots of empty calories that no one needs!

Here’s how I create my own favorite coffees that I love even more.

Home coffee systems (Ninja, Keurig, Nespresso, etc.) leave you lots of brewing options and allow you to make your own easily, with clean ingredients, and free of processed sugars. Use flavored coffee beans or blends (gingerbread, vanilla hazelnut, maple, caramel) or spice up the blend on your own by adding cinnamon, cocoa or other favorite spices. Add a natural sweetener (I like stevia powder or liquid, or monk fruit), unsweetened creamer (the choices are almost endless now!) and froth a no-sugar milk alternative (oat milk and some almond brands work great!) for a heavenly (and virtually no-calorie) hot drink. [Coconut gives a richer, fluffier froth, just not quite calorie-free.]

If you’re going caffeine free, try some of the coffee alternatives (herbal, mushroom, cacao). I like the dandelion blend line of Teeccino, but they have several blends with amazing flavors! Swiss water decaf also gives you clean coffee flavor with a chemical-free way of decaffeinating.

But more than just the coffee, however you prefer it, enjoy the time you spend sipping! Sit, relax, and unwind. Enjoy the moment.

OR make it about relationships and connecting and making some sweet moments with friends, family or the one you love!