A good start to the morning can set you up for the whole day. One of the best ways to boost your mornings is with a high-quality coffee. This is the time to awaken your senses: the warm touch of a freshly brewed cup in your hands; the deep, rich aromas on the nose; the blend of flavours on the tongue.
On a weekday morning, coffee can provide the perfect pre-work ritual, or a daily treat to keep the week ticking along. And on a weekend, it promises a lovely slice of indulgence. Whether you prefer a lie-in or you’re up at dawn getting your steps in, when it comes to time for coffee, it’s a matter of really enjoying – and owning – your morning.
Throw in a good book with your brew, and you’ve got yourself a spot of stillness, a moment for yourself, and a solid start to the day.
That’s why at Nespresso we’ve put together a list of the best coffees to get you in the morning groove – and why we’ve partnered with our friends at Booktopia to highlight the best books to enjoy them with.
Whether you prefer a frothy cappuccino or a full-bodied long black to get your day going, you can create café-quality coffees at home. Whatever coffee you’re after, there’s a Nespresso pod to give you that moment.
1. Cappuccino
Why not start the day with a smooth layer of frothed milk and dustings of chocolate powder? A cappuccino is the ultimate morning indulgence, and we have an easy recipe for it here. If you have a Vertuo coffee machine, the Bianco Piccolo pod is an ideal choice. Designed for shorter cups, this blend has a naturally creamy texture, elevating any milk-based coffee and delivering a vivid sweetness, with notes of biscuit and caramel.
Alternatively, if you’re making your coffee with an Original coffee machine, the Ristretto capsule ticks all the boxes. This dark split roast has a bright fruitiness that shines through when paired with the frothy milk of a cappuccino.
2. Latte
Dress your morning in velvet with a coffee that’s classically light and smooth: the latte.Check out our recipe to make a cafe-style one with your machine.
If you’re using a Vertuo coffee machine, look no further than the Altissio capsule for a blend that has the perfect character for a latte. This is an intense, short-roasted espresso made from Costa Rican and South American Arabica beans that reveals deep, rich flavours when paired with milk. Breathe in the roasty aromas and wake up to the lush heat of a Costa Rican morning.
If you’re brewing with an Original coffee machine, however, Australia’s favourite capsule – the Arpeggio – could just be the answer. There’s a reason this is the most popular Nespresso capsule: this blend is dark, dense and creamy, making it the perfect base for a latte.
3. Flat White
A true Australian coffee, the flat white was arguably invented Down Under to satisfy the local craving for a light, milky brew without the froth of a latte or cappuccino. And its nationwide popularity as the go-to morning coffee only highlights its enduring appeal.
You can make a barista-standard one at home with our simple flat white recipe.
If you like your coffee dark and smoky, the Vertuo Double Espresso Scuro is an ideal pick for a flat white. Here you’ll find a strong, intense taste with cocoa notes and subtle hints of vanilla.
The same is true of the Original Napoli pod, a dark blend of Ugandan Robusta and South American Arabica beans. This is a full-bodied coffee packed with bitter cocoa notes. It’ll start your morning off on a big, bold note.
4. Long Black
Another Aussie invention, the long black is the coffee choice of the connoisseur.
This hot milk-less cup will give you a lively start to the day, especially when you’ve opted for Vertuo Intenso capsules. Nespresso’s most intense mug-sized coffee is a full-bodied blend of Guatemalan Robusta and Central and South American Arabica beans that’s rich in roasty, caramel notes. It’s also high on bitterness, meaning you’ll have its delicious taste echoing long into your morning.
The Original Stockholm Lungo might not offer quite the same degree of intensity, but the subtle hints of bitterness and acidity make it a memorable blend nonetheless. Sweet and savoury mix perfectly in this aromatic brew, while its delicious malty notes reflect the tastes of another proud coffee-drinking nation – Sweden.
Booktopia book recommendations to pair with Nespresso's coffee blends and recipes to help you own the morning
Putting aside half an hour in the morning to enjoy a coffee and a book should be more than an occasional indulgence – it can help you boost your focus for the day ahead.
That’s because reading is an engaging workout for the brain, improving concentration and reducing stress. Which is why we’ve partnered with Booktopia to recommend some titles that’ll help you own your morning and start the day on the front foot.
Check out the full list here to find the likes of Nicole LePera’s How to Meet Your Self, or for a lighter read, Toni Lodge’s hilarious memoir, I Don’t Need Therapy.
