Gourmet coffee drink recipes are used by coffee drinkers to make favorite barista drinks at home. Gourmet coffee drink specialties may include espressos, frappes, cappuccinos, or lattes.

Recipes may be prepared using an appliance made specifically for preparing gourmet coffee drinks or home versions may be a simpler, easy recipe resulting in a similar taste to the coffee shop version. Ingredients used to make gourmet coffee may include coffee grounds or beans; cold brewed coffee; skim milk, half and half, or cream; a coffee syrup or flavoring; and ice for cold drinks.

Gourmet coffee in the United States is believed to have begun in a small coffee shop in Berkeley, California. The shop called Peet’s Coffee & Tea opened on April 1, 1966, and became a gathering place for those who loved coffee. The area soon became known as the Gourmet Ghetto. Alfred Peet, the coffee shop’s founder mentored the founders of Starbucks, and sold them coffee beans in the early years of their operations.http://www.peets.com/who_we_are/history_vine.aspGourmet coffee drinks have a more dated history as the Greek style frappe was invented in September 1957 by a Nestle products sales person.http://www.ineedcoffee.com/06/frappe/

1. A Café au Lait or Café con Leche can be made at home by adding equal amounts of hot strong coffee and hot milk to the cup at the same time.http://www.volcanicacoffee.com/coffee-articles/coffee-recipes.htm
2. A Thai Iced Coffee is prepared by grinding cardamon beans with the coffee beans and then brewing. The coffee is served with evaporated milk and maple syrup.http://www.volcanicacoffee.com/coffee-articles/coffee-recipes.htm
3. A home version of a frozen coffee drink can be prepared at home in a blender using frozen coffee for the ice cubes. Use a cream or ice cream for the milk and add to a cup or more of cold coffee.http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf947126.tip.html
4. A home version of a latte can be made by bring milk to a boil on the stove. Immediately remove and add to a half cup of strong coffee. Variations on the latte may include adding cinnamon, caramel syrup, or other flavoring.http://www.thedigeratilife.com/blog/gourmet-coffee-recipes-starbucks-coffee-drink/
5. A pumpkin flavored latte can be made by adding pumpkin puree and spice to a steamed milk before adding to espresso or coffee.http://latte-101.com/latte-recipes/