What Essential Oils Can I Put In My Coffee?
Adding essential oils to coffee has become increasingly popular due to the potential benefits these oils can provide. Oils like coconut oil, cinnamon oil, and peppermint oil are commonly added to coffee for a variety of reasons. The primary motivation is that certain oils can enhance the flavor and aroma of coffee in enjoyable ways. However, some proponents claim that adding oils to coffee may also provide health advantages. Specific oils are said to help promote calmness, boost energy levels, aid digestion, and more.
Though research is limited, some oils contain compounds that could theoretically offer benefits when consumed. For example, cinnamon oil has antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage. Peppermint oil has menthol that can soothe digestion. Coconut oil contains healthy fats. While intriguing, more studies are needed to fully validate these potential wellness claims. Additionally, the amount of oil used in a cup of coffee is small, so benefits may be minor. Still, those who enjoy the taste find adding a dash of oil to coffee to be an easy way to indulge in a more aromatic, flavorful cup of joe.
How to Add Oils to Coffee
There are a few different methods for adding essential oils to your coffee:
Stir into Brewed Coffee: This is the easiest method. Simply add 1-2 drops of your chosen oil(s) into your freshly brewed cup of coffee and stir well before drinking. The oil will disperse throughout the coffee as you stir. Peppermint, cinnamon, and orange oils work well using this method. According to iTOVi, you can make a mocha latte by adding 1-2 drops peppermint oil to brewed coffee and stirring.
Add to Coffee Grounds: You can directly add oils to your coffee grounds before brewing. Use just 2-3 drops of oil per tablespoon of grounds. The oils will infuse into the coffee as it brews. Take care not to overdo it with this method, as the oils can concentrate. Nutty and earthy oils like almond and patchouli work well infused into the grounds.
When using oils in your coffee, start with just 1-2 drops at first to test the flavor. You can always add more if desired. The proper dosage depends on your coffee’s strength and flavor.
Most Popular Oils for Coffee
Some of the most popular essential oils to add to coffee include:
Cinnamon
Cinnamon essential oil adds a lovely warm, spicy flavor to coffee. It provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cinnamon also helps support digestion and blood sugar levels. Some people find it improves focus and concentration (https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Therapy-Essential-Undiluted-Therapeutic/dp/B0083KS3YE).
Peppermint
Peppermint oil gives coffee a refreshing minty kick. It aids digestion, helps relieve headaches, and boosts energy levels. Peppermint is also antimicrobial. Along with enhancing flavor, it provides numerous health perks (https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-tips/coffee-essential-oil).
Lavender
Lavender oil brings a floral, herbaceous note to coffee. It has calming, relaxing properties to help combat stress and anxiety. Lavender also supports restful sleep. Adding lavender to coffee can provide an uplifting aroma and mood boost (https://itovi.com/coffee-and-essential-oils-how-to).
Orange
Orange essential oil gives coffee a bright, zesty citrus flavor. It helps improve mood and energy levels. Orange oil also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a pleasant pick-me-up aroma and taste to coffee.
Vanilla
Vanilla oil provides coffee with a lovely sweet, creamy vanilla undertone. It enhances mood and relaxation. Vanilla also adds antioxidant benefits. It brings out the flavor notes of the coffee beans beautifully.
Potential Benefits
Adding essential oils to your daily cup of coffee can provide some potential health benefits. The aromatic compounds in essential oils like cinnamon, orange, peppermint, and vanilla can positively impact mood, digestion, and energy levels when inhaled or ingested.
One of the top potential benefits is an improved mood. The warm, inviting aroma of coffee combined with soothing essential oils like lavender, bergamot, or ylang ylang can promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Studies show these oils help reduce anxiety and stress when inhaled.[1] The mood-boosting scent can make your morning coffee ritual even more enjoyable.
Certain essential oils added to coffee may also aid digestion. Peppermint oil has been shown to help relieve indigestion, gas, and bloating when consumed orally. The menthol in peppermint can relax stomach muscles and improve the flow of bile for better digestion.[2] Other oils like fennel, ginger, and cardamom may also ease common GI upset when added to coffee.
Using stimulating essential oils like grapefruit, lemon, cinnamon, and black pepper can provide an extra energy boost. Their invigorating aromas can increase alertness, fight fatigue, and boost circulation when added to your morning coffee. Just a few drops can help you start your day feeling focused and productive.
[1] https://floralessentialoils.com/blog/coffee-essential-oil-benefits/
[2] https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/all-about-coffee-oil-benefits-uses-for-skin-care.html
Consider Oil Properties
When choosing which essential oils to add to your coffee, it’s important to consider the properties of the oil, including:
Roast Compatibility
Some oils pair better with certain coffee roasts. For example, sweeter oils like vanilla, almond and hazelnut complement medium or dark roasts, while citrus oils like grapefruit and bergamot complement lighter roasts. Make sure to choose an oil that fits the flavor profile of your preferred roast.
Taste
The taste of the oil will directly impact the flavor of your coffee. Subtle, earthy oils like cedarwood and sandalwood add hints of complexity, while stronger oils like cinnamon and peppermint will be more pronounced. Consider your flavor preferences when selecting an oil.
Aroma
In addition to taste, the aroma of the oil is important. When adding oils to coffee, some of the aromatic compounds will be carried by the steam and detected by your sense of smell. Lighter, brighter oils like orange and lemon will provide an uplifting aroma, while richer, warmer oils like vanilla and hazelnut have a soothing, comforting effect.
Testing out small amounts of different oils is the best way to find a blend you enjoy. Consider the properties and see how the oils interact with your specific coffee roast and brewing method.
Usage Tips
When adding essential oils to coffee, it’s best to start with only 1-2 drops per cup of coffee. The flavor of essential oils is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You can always add more if needed. It’s easier to increase the oil amount than try to mask an overpowering flavor. Mix and match different oil combinations to find your perfect coffee blend. Certain oils like cinnamon, orange, and peppermint complement the natural flavor of coffee.
Consider the type of coffee beans you are using. The flavor profile of your beans will interact with the oils. Darker roasts like French or Italian roast pair well with bolder oils like cinnamon and clove. Lighter roasts like breakfast blends work nicely with citrus oils like grapefruit or lemon. Play around with different oil and bean combinations to find your favorite.
It’s ideal to add oils to coffee that has slightly cooled, not piping hot. This helps ensure the essential oils don’t get degraded by the high heat. Stir well to fully incorporate the oils after adding them to your cup of coffee.
Storing Coffee with Oils
When storing coffee that has been infused with essential oils, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to maintain freshness and potency:
Use an airtight container: To prevent the oils from evaporating and losing potency, store the coffee in an airtight glass or stainless steel container with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Plastic can absorb the oils. According to itovi.com, “Store in an airtight glass container, such as a mason jar. When you’re ready to use, take out however much you need then quickly seal the jar back up.”
Keep it cool: Store the coffee in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. The oils can dissipate more quickly if exposed to light, air, and heat. According to sfbaycoffee.com, “Heat, light, air, and moisture are all damaging to coffee’s flavor and shelf life.” So the fridge is a good option.
Use within 1 month: For best flavor and potency, use coffee stored with oils within 1 month. The oils can start to lose their aroma and benefits over time. After a month, the coffee is still safe to consume but may be less flavorful.
Buy small batches: To ensure freshness, only make as much coffee with oils as you will use within a month. Storing large batches for long periods is not recommended.
Watch for oxidation: If storing for longer than 2 weeks, check coffee for signs of oxidation like a loss of aroma and change in color. Oxidized coffee should be discarded.
Precautions
When using essential oils in coffee or other ingestibles, it’s extremely important to take precautions regarding purity and quality. Not all essential oils are created equal, and low quality oils may be diluted or contain synthetic ingredients that are not safe for consumption.
Be sure to only use 100% pure, high quality essential oils from reputable suppliers that are specifically labeled as food-grade or safe for ingestion. Beware of cheap oils that may cut corners in production and purity (Loving Essential Oils, 2022).
It’s also wise to start with very small amounts, such as 1-2 drops per cup of coffee to test for any allergic reactions. Just as with foods, some people may discover they have sensitivities or allergies to certain essential oils. Pay attention to any skin reactions, digestive discomfort, or other unusual symptoms after consuming coffee with oils. Start slowly and keep notes on which oils you’ve tried to pinpoint any potential allergies or intolerances (iTOVi, 2022).
In general, err on the side of caution and avoid overconsuming essential oils, especially internally. Only use high quality, food-grade oils in small amounts and stop use if any concerning symptoms develop.
Recipes
Some popular essential oil coffee recipes to try are cinnamon vanilla coffee and peppermint mocha.
Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee
This warming coffee blend has notes of cinnamon and vanilla for a cozy treat. Add 2 drops of cinnamon bark oil and 1 drop of vanilla oil per 8 oz of hot coffee (https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/essential-oil-tips/coffee-essential-oil). The cinnamon provides antioxidants and can support digestion, while the vanilla offers a soothing aroma.
Peppermint Mocha
For a refreshing peppermint mocha coffee, use 2 drops peppermint oil and 1 drop chocolate or cocoa absolute oil per 8 oz of coffee (https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/recipes/allnatural-recipes-to-celebrate-international-coffee-day.html). The peppermint oil boosts energy and aids digestion. Meanwhile, the chocolate or cocoa imparts rich flavor and may provide polyphenols.
Conclusion
Add essential oils to coffee with care, but they can be a great way to enhance the flavor and experience of your morning cup of joe. The most popular oils to use are cinnamon, peppermint, lavender, orange and lemon. Adding just 1-2 drops of these oils can provide antioxidant, energizing, and soothing benefits.
Consider an oil’s flavor profile and health benefits when deciding which to add to your coffee or espresso drink. Start with just a drop or two until you determine your optimal amount. Make sure to use food-grade, high quality oils. With proper usage and storage, essential oil coffee can be a healthy, tasty treat.
