7 Unique Coffee Recipes to Try This Season

As the days lengthen and the air carries the first hints of spring, coffee enthusiasts have a splendid opportunity to refresh their brewing repertoire. At Stokes Tea & Coffee, with over a century of expertise in roasting and blending, we’ve curated five distinctive coffee recipes that capture the essence of the season. These recipes showcase the versatility of our coffee and invite you to explore new flavours, all while drawing on the freshness and vibrancy of spring. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or simply keen to experiment, these creations, crafted with precision and care, promise to elevate your coffee experience.

Each recipe uses coffee from our roastery in Lincoln. We’ll guide you through the methods, suggest pairings, and offer tips to ensure every cup is a delight. Let’s dive into these spring-inspired brews.

1. Lavender-Infused Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is a staple for warmer days; a floral twist feels apt with spring's arrival. With its subtle, herbaceous notes, lavender complements a well-made cold brew's smooth, low-acidity profile. This recipe uses our Colombian single-origin coffee, prized for its balanced sweetness and clarity.

Ingredients:

• 100g coarsely ground Colombian coffee beans

• 1 litre of cold filtered water

• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender (food-grade)

• Optional: a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey

Method:

1. Combine the ground coffee and cold water in a large jar or cold brew maker. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.

2. Add the dried lavender, stirring it quickly to distribute evenly. Seal the container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 18–24 hours.

3. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter into a clean jug. Discard the grounds and lavender.

4. Serve over ice, with a splash of milk or a touch of honey if desired.

Tasting Notes:

Lavender imparts a delicate floral aroma, enhancing the coffee’s natural fruity undertones without overpowering them. Expect a refreshing, crisp finish—perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Why It Works for Spring:

Lavender mirrors the season’s blooming landscapes, while the cold brew keeps things light and invigorating. Pair it with a slice of lemon drizzle cake for a harmonious treat.

2. Citrus-Spiced Espresso Tonic

The espresso tonic has surged in popularity, and for good reason—it’s a lively, effervescent way to enjoy coffee. This spring variation introduces a citrus-spiced twist, using our Flirt coffee blend, a complex mix of Colombian and Kenyan beans with rich, dark chocolate notes.

Ingredients:

• 30ml freshly pulled espresso (single shot)

• 150ml tonic water

• 1 thin slice of orange

• A pinch of ground cinnamon

• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Brew a single shot of espresso using your machine or stovetop moka pot. Let it cool slightly to preserve the tonic’s carbonation.

2. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then pour in the tonic water.

3. Slowly add the espresso over the tonic, allowing the layers to form briefly before stirring gently.

4. Garnish with the orange slice and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Tasting Notes:

The espresso’s bold fruitiness melds with the tonic’s bitterness, while the orange and cinnamon add a warm, zesty lift. It’s a bright, invigorating sip with a sophisticated edge.

Why It Works for Spring:

Citrus evokes the season’s awakening, and the tonic keeps it crisp and refreshing. Serve alongside a buttery croissant for a simple yet elegant pairing.

3. Honey and Cardamom Flat White

A flat white is a classic, but this spring-inspired version introduces honey and cardamom for a gentle seasonal twist. We recommend our Blue Mountain Blend, a smooth, full-bodied coffee that’s been a Stokes favourite for decades.

Ingredients:

• 60ml double espresso

• 120ml steamed milk (whole or oat milk works well)

• 1 tsp runny honey

• A pinch of ground cardamom

Method:

1. Brew a double espresso into a small cup or jug.

2. Stir the honey into the espresso until fully dissolved.

3. Steam the milk to a velvety microfoam texture—aim for 65°C if using a thermometer.

4. Pour the milk over the espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon, then spoon the foam on top. Sprinkle with cardamom.

Tasting Notes:

The honey lends a natural sweetness, while cardamom adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the coffee’s nutty depth. The result is creamy yet light.

Why It Works for Spring:

Honey echoes the buzz of spring bees, and cardamom brings an uplifting warmth. Pair with a slice of almond cake for a subtle, complementary sweetness.

For barista-quality results at home, check out our coffee-making equipment

4. Rosewater Mocha

Mocha lovers will enjoy this floral reinterpretation. Our dark roast coffee beans provide a robust backbone to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 30ml single espresso

• 150ml hot milk (or plant-based alternative)

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp rosewater (culinary grade)

• Optional: whipped cream and dried rose petals

Method:

1. Brew the espresso and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth and steaming (not boiling).

3. Remove from heat, stir in the rosewater, then pour the mixture into a mug.

4. Add the espresso and stir gently. Top with whipped cream and a few rose petals if desired.

Tasting Notes:

The dark roast’s intensity cuts through the cocoa’s richness, while rosewater adds a subtle, floral elegance. It’s indulgent yet refined.

Why It Works for Spring:

Rosewater evokes blooming gardens, making this a luxurious nod to the season. Pair with shortbread for a classic accompaniment.

5. Mint and Lime Aeropress Brew

The Aeropress is a versatile tool for bold, clean coffee, and this recipe infuses it with spring’s freshest flavours: mint and lime. Use our Kenyan single-origin beans, known for their punchy fruit notes, to amplify the vibrancy.

Ingredients:

• 18g finely ground Kenyan coffee

• 200ml hot water (80°C)

• 4–5 fresh mint leaves

• Zest of half a lime

• Optional: 1 tsp sugar or agave syrup

Method:

1. Place the mint leaves and lime zest in the Aeropress chamber.

2. Add the ground coffee, then pour in the hot water. Stir for 10 seconds to combine.

3. Let it steep for 1 minute, then attach the cap and press slowly into a mug.

4. Taste and add sugar or agave if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

Tasting Notes:

The Kenyan coffee’s bright acidity pairs beautifully with mint’s cool freshness and lime’s zingy lift. It’s a clean, energising brew with a tropical edge.

Why It Works for Spring:

Mint and lime evoke new growth and sunny days, making this a revitalising choice. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate to balance.

6. Vanilla Blossom Latte with Stokes Coffee Syrup

Nothing says spring like the soft sweetness of vanilla, and this latte, enhanced with Sweetbird coffee syrup, brings a comforting yet vibrant twist to your morning cup. Using our versatile House Blend coffee, this recipe balances the syrup’s rich vanilla notes with the coffee’s smooth, caramel undertones, creating a drink that’s as indulgent as it is refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 30ml single espresso (use Full of Beans)

• 150ml steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)

• 15ml Sweetbird Vanilla Coffee Syrup

• A pinch of edible dried lavender or chamomile flowers (optional, for garnish)

• Optional: 1 tsp honey for extra sweetness

Method:

1. Brew a single espresso in your espresso machine or stovetop moka pot.

2. Combine the espresso with the Sweetbird Vanilla Syrup in a mug, stirring gently to blend the flavours.

3. Steam the milk to a silky microfoam texture (around 65°C). If using honey, stir it into the milk while steaming.

4. Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, spooning the foam on top for a creamy finish.

5. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender or chamomile flowers for a spring-inspired touch.

Tasting Notes:

Full of Beans' nutty warmth harmonises with the syrup’s sweet vanilla, creating a velvety latte with a floral hint from the garnish. It’s a soothing yet uplifting drink that feels like a warm spring morning.

Why It Works for Spring:

Vanilla evokes the season’s gentle blooms, and the optional floral garnish ties into spring’s natural beauty. Pair with a slice of Victoria sponge cake for a classic British treat that complements the latte’s sweetness.

7. Spiced Coffee Spritzer with Stokes Coffee Powder

For a bold, effervescent coffee experience, this spritzer uses Stokes’ instant coffee powder to deliver a quick yet flavourful base, elevated with spring-inspired spices and a sparkling finish. Our Instant Coffee Powder is crafted from premium beans, offering convenience without compromising quality, making it perfect for this refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Stokes Instant Coffee Powder

• 100ml hot water (80°C)

• 100ml sparkling water, chilled

• 1 thin slice of fresh ginger

• A pinch of ground nutmeg

• Ice cubes

• Optional: 1 tsp agave syrup for sweetness

Method:

1. Dissolve the Stokes Instant Coffee Powder in hot water, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly to room temperature.

2. Muddle the ginger slice in the bottom of a tall glass to release its juices, then fill the glass with ice cubes.

3. Pour the cooled coffee over the ice, followed by the sparkling water, stirring gently to combine.

4. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top and add agave syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.

5. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.

Tasting Notes:

The instant coffee powder delivers a robust, slightly fruity base, while ginger adds a zesty kick and nutmeg a warm, earthy depth. The sparkling water keeps it light and bubbly, perfect for sipping in the spring sunshine.

Why It Works for Spring:

The ginger and nutmeg evoke the season’s warming days, while the spritzer’s fizz aligns with spring’s lively energy. Pair with a ginger biscuit for a spicy, complementary crunch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Spring Coffee

• Freshness Matters: Always use freshly roasted beans—our online coffee bean shop delivers them straight to your door.

• Water Quality: Use filtered water to preserve the coffee’s natural flavours.

• Experiment: Adjust ingredient ratios to suit your palate; these recipes are starting points.

• Equipment: A good grinder and brewing tools (like an Aeropress or espresso machine) make a difference.

Spring Coffee: A Season of Exploration

These recipes highlight coffee’s remarkable adaptability, blending tradition with seasonal flair. At Stokes, we’ve spent over 120 years perfecting our roasts, and we’re thrilled to share that expertise with you. Whether you’re drawn to the floral elegance of lavender cold brew or the zesty kick of a mint-lime brew, there’s something here to suit every taste.

Why not try one this weekend? Share your results with us—we’d love to hear how you’ve made these recipes your own. And if you’re stocking up, our range offers everything from single origins to blends, all roasted with care in Lincoln.