That picture above? Yeah, you might as well have taped my picture over her face.
It's the story of my life.
I don't just want coffee, it's necessary for my functionality!
For the past four-ish years, I have worked as a barista.
Which means four-ish million times I have heard people complain about the cost.
It's true. Buying a latte from a coffee house everyday REALLY adds up.
The Math:
Average Vanilla Latte Cost: roughly $3.50
x
Days in a year: 365
=
Holy. Cow. You would be spending about $1277 per YEAR on the morning caffeine dose!
That's a down payment on a car!!
Dave Ramsey would have a fit with that one!
I'm all for the occasional Grande non-fat Tuxedo Mocha....
But only on special occasions.
So, stepping off my soap box, how do we stop this money drainer?
Well, over the past few years I have (close to) perfected a system.
Drip Coffee:
Before we start, let me introduce you to my buddy, Trader Joe's House Blend...
At my local TJ's, he retails for about $5/pound.
And he is GOOD quality.
He is also the same cost of a lower grade blend from the grocery store.
Anyways, TJHB as he will be referred to, will be the basis cost for my calculations.
One container will last me about 2 weeks.
And that is with normal consumption of 2 mugs per day, totaling out to $2.50 a week.
That's not too bad.
However, if you don't drink your coffee black, your creamer costs can raise your price per cup.
How do I fix that?
Get on pinterest and search "homemade coffee creamer".
I use the one that doesn't use sweetened condensed milk.
In about 20 minutes I can make a batch of 1 1/2 quarts that I freeze in smaller containers and use when needed.
My calculation says that it adds about 30 cents per cup to the cost, as well as a lot fewer preservatives!
So that gives our daily coffee habit a 66 cent cost.
MUCH better.
Now, what about those who like their coffee iced?
I use a SUPER simple recipe from the Imbibe website.
The same amount of TJHB coffee is used weekly, just brewed under a cold brew method, so the cost equals out to the one above.
Some days when I am really hurting for that coffeehosue taste, I pull out my Keurig Hazelnut "brew over ice" and make one.
At about 75 cents a cup, it is worth it for that real latte taste!
(And still better than the local Starbucks' cost.)
Flavored Coffees:
For a flavored coffee, I do one of two things:
1. Dollar Tree has bottles of flavored syrup for $1. Not bad at all.
2. I make my own. (Holla.)
Simple Syrup goes like this:
- Equal parts sugar and water are boiled until the sugar dissolves.
- Add extracts such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut for the flavor.
And that's ALL! Easy Peasy.
Just add a splash and some milk and you're on your way!
Chai Lattes:
In the fall, there's not much I love more than cuddling up with my hubs and a warm chai latte and watching college football.
Here's advice for chai on the cheap:
Oregon Chai is a good bet. It is sold at Walmart, many grocery stores, and TJ's.
There is a powdered version or a liquid.
As well as a sugar-free or regular choice.
Heat your milk, pour it in, and go.
Bonus points if you brew a strong cup of Chai tea and add honey and milk.
It isn't quite the same taste to me, but maybe I just need to experiment more.
Obviously, I could talk and talk about coffee savings.
I forsee a part two coming soon!
Here's a quick table I found from Seattle Coffee Gear on home-brew vs. shop-purchased prices:
What about you? Any tips or tricks?
Love and Savings,
MFP
