This $10 Product Is the Reason I Stopped Going to Starbucks

News flash: You don’t need an expensive espresso machine or monthly coffee budget to get cafe-quality drinks every morning. Ever since ordering this affordable Milk Boss frother, my morning routine has been transformed. It’s hand-held, cheap and takes up less space than a Keurig!

Why People Love Milk Frothers

For starters, they don’t take up much counter space. The cleanup is ridiculously easy—all you have to do is turn on the whisk briefly under hot water and presto-more-espresso! And the electric whisk really does take your drink to that coffee shop level. Buyers (even baristas) find them more effective than a hand whisk, plus you save on effort and wrist strain. The froth comes out perfectly.

It will make all the difference with your home brew of choice—whether you’re sipping expertly brewed drip coffee or something on the fancy side.

How a Milk Frother Works

If you’re a plain Jane when it comes to your first cup of coffee, a milk frother could be the best thing to happen to your mornings.

Simply pour your milk of choice in your mug and whisk until it’s foamy. Warm milk froths better than cold milk so simmering your creamer will help the bubbles stay in place. Use the foamy goodness to top coffee from your machine or French press and enjoy.

This is how to make a copycat Starbucks cold foam cold brew.

It’s Good for Matcha and Hot Chocolate, Too

When you order a matcha at the neighborhood coffee shop, you get a well-blended cup of green goodness. When you attempt a powder-based drink like matcha or hot cocoa at home, it’s often a different story.

With a frother, you can make perfectly smooth drinks. There’s no need to use a fork to loosen the matcha or hot chocolate mixture or deal with clumps while sipping. What you’re left with is a smooth, dreamy treat. You’ll be experimenting with all sorts of coffee shop recipes like a pro barista soon!

Whip up Foam for Copycat Cafe Drinks

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Frothy Cafe Bombon

I discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri

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Easy Spiced Morning Mocha

This recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska

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Coffee with Cinnamon and Cloves

A quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan

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Creamy Caramel Mocha

Indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink with this caramel mocha recipe. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Comforting Coffee Milk

This recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico

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Holiday Peppermint Mocha

Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

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Creamy Irish Coffee

My maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois

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Mocha Morning Drink

When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana

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Caramel-Chai Tea Latte

Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland

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Viennese Coffee

This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies

This smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Iced Coffee Latte

This is a great alternative to regular hot coffee and is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa

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Coconut Lover's Frappe

I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut

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Sweet Kahlua Coffee

I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California

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Frosty Caramel Cappuccino

This frothy frosty beverage is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies when friends come to call during the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida

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Honey Spiced Latte

We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Hazelnut Coffee

The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—make this drink absolutely sensational. It is great for breakfast or brunch, but is also wonderful for a quiet moment at the end of the day. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

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Irish Cream Coffee

A steaming cup of this jazzed-up coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois

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Hot Ginger Coffee

I like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona

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Iced Coffee

When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I didn't think I'd like it. Not only did I like it, I decided I could learn how to make iced coffee on my own. My fast-to-fix version is a refreshing alternative to hot java. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota

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Cinnamon Mocha Coffee

Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Cappuccino Punch

When I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho

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The post This $10 Product Is the Reason I Stopped Going to Starbucks appeared first on Taste of Home.

Joann Pan