Instant Coffee Butter Coffee: A Quick Morning Boost
Quick answer
- Yes, you can make butter coffee using instant coffee.
- Use your preferred instant coffee granules or powder.
- Blend the instant coffee with hot water, butter, and optional MCT oil for a frothy drink.
- Adjust the butter and oil amounts to your taste and desired richness.
- Ensure all ingredients are well-emulsified for a smooth texture.
- This method offers a fast way to enjoy butter coffee without traditional brewing.
Who this is for
- Busy individuals who need a fast morning beverage.
- Those curious about butter coffee but want a simple, quick preparation method.
- People who enjoy the taste and potential energy boost of butter coffee.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
While this article focuses on instant coffee, it’s worth noting that traditional butter coffee relies on brewed coffee. The type of brewer (drip, pour-over, French press) and filter (paper, metal) significantly impacts the final flavor and texture of brewed coffee. For instant coffee, there’s no brewer or filter involved, simplifying this aspect.
Water quality and temperature
Good coffee, even instant, starts with good water. If your tap water has a strong taste, it will affect your butter coffee. Consider using filtered water for a cleaner flavor. The ideal water temperature for dissolving instant coffee is typically just off the boil, around 195-205°F (90-96°C). Too hot can scorch the coffee; too cool might not dissolve it completely.
Grind size and coffee freshness
For instant coffee, grind size is irrelevant as the coffee is already processed. Freshness is still a factor; older instant coffee can lose its flavor. Store your instant coffee in an airtight container away from light and heat.
Coffee-to-water ratio
The ratio for instant coffee is usually dictated by the product’s instructions. A common starting point is 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee per 6-8 oz of water. You can adjust this to make your butter coffee stronger or weaker.
Cleanliness/descale status
Even without a traditional brewer, cleanliness matters. Ensure any blender or whisk you use is clean. If you are using a kettle to heat water, make sure it’s free of mineral buildup, which can affect water taste.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Gather your ingredients: You’ll need instant coffee, hot water, unsalted butter (grass-fed is often recommended), and optional MCT oil or coconut oil.
- What “good” looks like: All ingredients are measured and ready to go.
- Common mistake: Not having everything ready beforehand, leading to rushed steps.
- How to avoid: Measure out your ingredients before you start heating water.
For the best flavor and nutritional profile, consider using grass-fed butter. It’s often recommended for its quality and taste in butter coffee.
- KERRYGOLD PURE IRISH SALTED BUTTER: Our European-style salted butter is made on family farms from the milk of grass-fed cows, who graze year round on lush Irish pastures, for a golden yellow butter that's rich & creamy.
- ALL-NATURAL, ALL-PURPOSE: Kerrygold Salted Butter is a great all-purpose, all-natural butter. Keep a block in your butter dish to spread on fresh bread, or enhance the flavor of your baking & cooking.
- KERRYGOLD BUTTER: Made from the milk of grass-fed cows, our pure Irish butter is rich and soft. From salted butter to unsalted, garlic and herb to reduced fat, Kerrygold butter elevates your dishes.
- MORE THAN BUTTER: Beloved for our richly flavorful butter, we put the same care and quality into our all-natural cheese, like our classic Dubliner, aged cheddar, Swiss, and Blarney Castle cheese.
- TASTE THE DIFFERENCE: Kerrygold butter & cheese are made with milk from grass-fed cows not treated with rBST or other growth hormones* & raised on Irish family dairy farms. This all-natural milk is what makes our products so flavorful & creamy.
2. Heat the water: Heat your water to the appropriate temperature (around 195-205°F or 90-96°C).
- What “good” looks like: Water is hot but not violently boiling.
- Common mistake: Using boiling water, which can make the coffee taste bitter.
- How to avoid: Let the water sit for about 30 seconds after it boils before pouring.
3. Prepare your instant coffee: Add your desired amount of instant coffee granules or powder to a mug or blender cup.
- What “good” looks like: The coffee is measured precisely for your preferred strength.
- Common mistake: Using too little instant coffee, resulting in a weak flavor.
- How to avoid: Start with the recommended amount on the package and adjust in future attempts.
4. Add hot water to the instant coffee: Pour a small amount of the hot water over the instant coffee, just enough to create a paste or slurry.
- What “good” looks like: The coffee is fully dissolved, forming a smooth, concentrated liquid.
- Common mistake: Adding all the water at once, which can lead to undissolved clumps.
- How to avoid: Use just a few ounces of water to dissolve the coffee first.
5. Dissolve the coffee: Stir or whisk the coffee and water until the instant coffee is completely dissolved.
- What “good” looks like: No granules or powder remain visible.
- Common mistake: Not stirring enough, leaving gritty coffee at the bottom.
- How to avoid: Stir vigorously until the mixture is uniform.
6. Add butter and optional oil: Add your softened or melted butter and any optional MCT oil or coconut oil to the dissolved coffee.
- What “good” looks like: The ingredients are ready to be blended. Softened butter is easier to emulsify than cold, hard butter.
- Common mistake: Adding cold, hard butter, which won’t blend well.
- How to avoid: Let butter soften at room temperature, or briefly melt it in the microwave.
7. Blend the mixture: Pour the coffee mixture into a blender. Add the remaining hot water. Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until frothy and emulsified. If you don’t have a blender, use an immersion blender or a milk frother.
- What “good” looks like: The mixture is creamy, frothy, and well-combined, with no visible oil or butter separation.
- Common mistake: Not blending long enough, resulting in an oily, separated drink.
- How to avoid: Blend until a thick foam forms on top and the liquid is uniform.
8. Pour and serve: Carefully pour the frothy butter coffee into your mug.
- What “good” looks like: A smooth, creamy beverage with a nice head of foam.
- Common mistake: Spilling the frothy mixture due to overfilling the blender.
- How to avoid: Don’t fill the blender more than halfway.
9. Taste and adjust: Sip your butter coffee and adjust sweetness or richness if needed. You can add a touch of sweetener or a bit more butter/oil.
- What “good” looks like: A delicious, satisfying drink that meets your taste preferences.
- Common mistake: Drinking it without tasting and finding it not to your liking.
- How to avoid: Always taste before declaring it finished.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using boiling water for instant coffee | Bitter, scorched coffee flavor | Let water cool for 30-60 seconds after boiling. |
| Not fully dissolving instant coffee | Gritty texture, undissolved coffee at the bottom | Stir or whisk thoroughly until no granules remain. |
| Using cold, hard butter | Butter won’t emulsify, creating an oily, separated drink | Use softened butter or melt it slightly before adding. |
| Insufficient blending time | Oily, separated drink with no froth | Blend for at least 20-30 seconds until well-emulsified and frothy. |
| Overfilling the blender | Spills and messy cleanup | Fill blender no more than halfway. |
| Using stale instant coffee | Weak, flat flavor | Ensure instant coffee is stored properly and check its expiration date. |
| Using tap water with strong flavors | Off-flavors in the final butter coffee | Use filtered or bottled water. |
| Adding sweetener too early | Sweetener may not fully dissolve or can affect emulsification | Add sweetener after blending, to taste. |
| Not tasting before serving | Unpleasant taste or texture that could have been easily corrected | Taste and adjust ingredients as needed before drinking. |
| Using too much butter/oil initially | Overly greasy or heavy drink | Start with recommended amounts and add more gradually if desired. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If your instant coffee tastes weak, then add more instant coffee granules next time because the coffee-to-water ratio was too low.
- If your butter coffee is oily and separated, then blend for longer or use softened butter because the ingredients did not emulsify properly.
- If your butter coffee tastes bitter, then ensure your water is not too hot and try a different brand of instant coffee because high temperatures can scorch coffee.
- If you have clumps of undissolved coffee, then pre-dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water before adding the rest because this ensures a smooth base.
- If you want a richer flavor, then add a bit more butter or MCT oil because these are the primary sources of richness.
- If you don’t have a blender, then use an immersion blender or milk frother because these tools can also help create an emulsified, frothy texture.
- If your butter coffee has an off-flavor, then try using filtered water because tap water can sometimes impart undesirable tastes.
- If you find the drink too strong, then add more hot water or use less instant coffee next time because you can always dilute it.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, then add your preferred sweetener after blending because this allows for precise adjustment.
- If your butter coffee is too thin, then you might need more emulsified fat (butter/oil) or a stronger coffee base because consistency comes from the fat content and coffee concentration.
- If you want to experiment with flavor, then add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract after blending because these can complement the coffee and butter notes.
FAQ
Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Yes, you can. If you prefer to use brewed coffee, make a strong batch using your preferred brewing method. Then, blend the strong brewed coffee with butter and MCT oil.
What kind of butter is best for butter coffee?
Many prefer unsalted, grass-fed butter. The “grass-fed” aspect is often cited for its nutritional profile, and unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of your drink. However, any unsalted butter will work.
How much MCT oil should I use?
Start with a small amount, such as 1 teaspoon, and gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoons as tolerated. Too much MCT oil at once can cause digestive upset for some people.
Can I make butter coffee ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. While you can blend it and store it in the refrigerator, the emulsification may break down, and it won’t be as frothy or creamy. Reheating can also affect the texture.
Is butter coffee healthy?
Butter coffee can be a source of healthy fats and energy. However, it is very calorie-dense. Its healthfulness depends on your overall diet and individual needs, and it’s not a meal replacement for everyone.
What if I don’t have a blender?
You can use an immersion blender directly in a tall mug or a milk frother. These tools can help emulsify the butter and oil into the coffee, creating a frothy texture, though it may not be as thick as a traditional blender.
Can I use flavored instant coffee?
Yes, you can. If you use a flavored instant coffee, it will add that flavor profile to your butter coffee. Experiment with different flavors to see what you enjoy.
How can I make my butter coffee less oily?
Ensure you are blending long enough for proper emulsification. Using softened butter and adding MCT oil gradually can also help create a smoother, less oily texture.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Detailed nutritional breakdowns of butter coffee ingredients. (Explore resources on macronutrients and dietary fats.)
- Specific health claims or benefits associated with butter coffee or MCT oil. (Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.)
- Advanced emulsification techniques for brewed coffee. (Look into guides on French press or pour-over coffee brewing.)
- Comparisons of different brands of instant coffee or MCT oil. (Read reviews or conduct your own taste tests.)