How to Make Coffee Taste Better at Home

Published: Jun 02, 2025

Why does coffee-shop coffee always taste so good? So many reasons! We’re going to share some secrets for how to make good coffee at home. Learn how to channel those barista vibes with coffee ideas that include the deliciousness of HERSHEY’S candy and syrups.

Coffee Hacks: What to Add to Coffee

One way to make a magical cup of coffee is to add a little something to it. Depending on your coffee beans, these simple additions can truly make the flavors pop. Here are a few suggestions for how to make coffee taste better.

Chocolate — either a melted bar or cocoa powder — is the most popular pairing, creating a sweet, creamy, mocha-like beverage.
Flavored syrups, like chocolate and caramel syrup, are perfect for adding sweetness and making a fancy presentation.
Spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom, not only suggest the smell and taste of sweetness but also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Ice cream adds a milky sweetness. Flavored creamers offer similar flavor notes.
Milk, cream, butter or coconut oil create a smoother, creamier texture and make the coffee taste milder.
Salt, lime or lemon — just a pinch — helps to reduce bitterness in the coffee.
Sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or agave add natural sweetness with more interesting flavor nuances than sugar.

hersheys chocolate syrup being poured into coffee mugs

Coffee Syrups and Ice Cream Floats

Amp up your coffee with a little something sweet. There are so many coffee syrup flavors to try in your cup of java, but did you also know that you can use chocolate syrup for coffee? That’s right, it’s not just for ice cream! And speaking of ice cream, coffee ice cream floats are a cool and creamy way to enjoy your caffeine.

Chocolate Syrup

If you weren’t already convinced of HERSHEY’S Chocolate Syrup’s incredible versatility, here are more reasons to love the chocolatey goodness. You can easily jazz up an iced coffee by decorating the inside of your glass with syrup before you pour in the cold coffee. Or drizzle syrup on the foam of your cappuccino for a fancy feeling. Plus, HERSHEY’s Chocolate Syrup will give your coffee beverage that mocha flavor.

Caramel Syrup

Much like the chocolate syrup, HERSHEY’S Caramel Syrup will instantly elevate your coffee drink, giving it an oh-so-tasty, toffee-like sweetness. You could also add a dash of salt for a salted caramel combo. Caramel syrup is an especially popular addition to lattes and macchiatos.

Coffee Ice Cream Floats

The Italians were certainly onto something with their affogato dessert, which features a shot of espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream. There’s just something about the milky sweetness of melty ice cream being swirled with a good, strong coffee. Here’s where you get to be creative. Experiment with different flavors of ice cream — and even chocolate or caramel syrup — in your coffee. Maybe it’s coffee over HEATH Milk Chocolate English Toffee Ice Cream and caramel syrup. Or give your java a twist with REESE’S Peanut Butter Light Ice Cream and chocolate syrup.

Extracts, Spices or Cocoa in Coffee

By adding extracts, spices or cocoa to your coffee, you can enhance certain flavor notes and create a truly custom drink. Try out a few to see what speaks to your tastebuds.

Cocoa Powder in Coffee

Cocoa powder like HERSHEY’S Cocoa and HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Cocoa gives a rich, chocolatey flavor to your coffee. Add it directly to your coffee or try adding it to hot milk for extra richness. Just keep in mind that cocoa powder is unsweetened, so if you’re also seeking sweetness, you’ll need to add sugar or your sweetener of choice.

Spices in Coffee

Natural spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves — which are all warming spices — can give your coffee warm, comforting flavor notes. Cinnamon is the most classic addition and offers a slight sweetness. Nutmeg has a bit nuttier flavor, while cardamom and cloves are spicier. Try each spice alone, or play around with adding combinations of warming spices to your coffee.

Extracts in Coffee

Natural or artificial extracts like vanilla, almond, hazelnut and peppermint are highly concentrated flavorings that can give your coffee a whole new flavor profile. Since extracts are so potent, start by adding just two to three drops and then adjust to taste.

Candy or Chocolate in Coffee

By adding extracts, spices or cocoa to your coffee, you can enhance certain flavor notes and create a truly custom drink. Try out a few to see what speaks to your tastebuds.

Melting Chocolate in Coffee

When it comes to adding chocolate to your coffee, there are so many chocolatey choices. Here are just a few suggestions.

Milk chocolate for mild, creamy chocolate notes: HERSHEY’S Chocolate Bars, HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy
Dark chocolate for a slightly more intense chocolate flavor: HERSHEY’S SPECIAL DARK Bars, LILY’S Extra Dark Chocolate Style Bar
For peanut butter lovers: REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups

Infusing Peppermint or Caramel Chocolate

There’s nothing wrong with wanting some chocolate, along with peppermint or caramel in coffee. Here’s what candy you should add to infuse those flavors into your java.

Chocolate caramel: CARAMELLO Candy Bar, ROLO® Candy
Chocolate peppermint: YORK Peppermint Patties, HERSHEY’S KISSES Candy Cane Mint Candy

Candy Stirrers for Coffee

For a super-fun twist on flavoring your coffee, we introduce KIT KAT® “coffee stirrers.” Because this candy comes in long, stick-like pieces, they’re natural stirrers for your coffee. Try these flavor varieties.

Classic: KIT KAT® Candy Bar
Chocolate mint: KIT KAT® DUOS Mint and Dark Candy Bar
Vanilla frosting: KIT KAT® Birthday Cake Candy Bar

Bonus: Dairy and Sugar Substitutes for Coffee

Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply out of milk or creamer, there are plenty of dairy alternatives for coffee lovers looking for options. Likewise, natural sweeteners are good sugar substitutes for coffee.

Dairy Substitutes for Coffee

If you’re seeking a non-dairy “milk” option for your coffee, most grocery stores carry plenty of varieties, including almond, oat, coconut, soy and rice milk.

Creamer and Milk Substitutes for Coffee

To still get that creamy texture when you’re out of milk and creamer, consider adding butter, coconut oil or even ice cream. Butter and coconut oil in particular can have nutritional benefits and make the coffee feel more filling.

Sugar Substitutes for Coffee

If you’re trying to cut back on refined sugar, consider using natural sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup or agave. You can also explore these additional sugar substitutes that you may not have considered.

mug of coffee beside a chocolate chip muffin

Coffee Drink Recipes and Pairing Ideas

With so many caffeinated possibilities, the coffee ideas are practically endless. Get started with these coffee drink recipes, which you can enjoy alongside paired breakfast items.

Caramel Latte

All you need is HERSHEY'S Caramel Syrup, milk and hot espresso to create a delicious caramel latte without having to make a trip to the coffee shop. You’re welcome.

Suggested Pairing: Easy Cinnamon Chip Scones

Frequently Asked Questions

: Always save and refrigerate leftover coffee! It’s ideal for making iced coffee or coffee ice cubes (so your iced coffee doesn’t get watered down). Cold coffee can also be used in baking as a substitute for water to infuse coffee flavor, particularly for chocolate cakes and desserts. Try coffee as a marinade for meat, which not only acts as a delicious seasoning but also tenderizes the meat. And don’t throw out those coffee grinds because they can be used for plant care as a fertilizer and for pest control.
: Yes, cocoa does have some caffeine, but it’s much less than what you’ll find in coffee. Typically, the darker the cocoa, the more caffeine it contains.
: Adding a pinch of salt to your coffee is the easiest way to make it less bitter. Also, squeezing a lemon or lime wedge or adding a bit of rind adds a bit of acidity and brightness, which can balance out any bitterness.
: Yes, adding some cocoa powder or melted chocolate gives your coffee a delicious mocha flavor. The richness of cocoa and the bitterness of coffee complement each other nicely.
: No, coffee is made from the beans of a coffee plant. Cocoa beans are used to make chocolate and come from a cacao tree. Learn more about the cacao tree with this kid-friendly activity.