Today we have not just one, but THREE delicious espresso drinks that you can make right in the comfort of your kitchen. While any espresso machine can get you to these drinks, we are featuring the DeLonghi Opera for a couple of reasons. 

First, we are really impressed with the steam production on this machine. Usually you compromise a bit on steam quality when you use an all-in-one machine, but not so here. While it may not rival high end Italian machines or those found in cafes, the DeLonghi Opera's steam want is no joke, and definitely outperforms many competitors in its category.

Second, we love the cool/cold espresso options on this machine. Both of these temperature options open up a wider ranger of drink options, and with some cooler drinks on our agenda today this machine lines up really well with our needs.

With that out of the way, let's get into it!

Homemade Cafe Mocha

We know, we know, you've made mochas before, but hear us out. pre-mixed syrups are fine in a pinch, but what if you treat yourself to some scratch made chocolate sauce to kick this mocha up a notch?

You'll need:

• 2 tsp dutch processed cocoa powder
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1tbsp hot water

Whisk your syrup until combined, watching out for powder and chunks (ensure it's smooth).

Next, brew your espresso over the sauce, then steam your favorite milk. Add to the espresso and enjoy!

Miso Caramel Cold Foam Cap

Miso paste is a savory delight in soups and stir fries, but it can also add an incredible something extra to a caramel sauce. We love using the cold espresso feature on the Opera for this one!

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons miso paste (we like white miso for this one)

Add the sugar to the pot, then the water, don't stir, but turn the heat up to medium.

Simmer until your syrup is an amber color.

Heat the cream gently separately, but to not boil it, just warm it. 

Turn heat down on the caramel and slowly add in the cream, whisking as you add it.

Whisk the mixture for a bout a minute and then add the miso, whisking further until smooth.

Add 1-2 tablespoons of the miso caramel to 1/4 cup cream and cold froth until doubled in size (we love handheld frothers like this one for this).

Add to some cold-brewed espresso and enjoy!

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Shaken Espresso

We're going to be adding this one to ice, which makes it the perfect drink to test out the Opera's cool (room temp) setting.

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp brown sugar (heaping if you like)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Ice
• Room temp espresso

Add everything to a shaker and shake vigorously for 1 minute.

Strain (our pour) over ice and satisfy that sweet tooth!

We hope you enjoy these recipes, let us know which one was your favorite in the comments, and see it made in the embedded video!