A Coffee lover’s dream – Nespresso ☕! {Christmas Gift Guide}

We all know the memes…..we all know the jokes….. we all know that the dependency on caffeine is very real! Well…my dependency to caffeine is very real. A few years ago my husband and I had a CRIPPLING takeaway coffee addiction. We were spending around R40 – R80 per day on takeaway coffees. We’d be so broke…. #ButFirstCoffee was very real. I have spoken about how I came to discover a Nespresso machine at a friend’s place….and I was smitten. It was so way over my head in terms of pricing (I thought)….I left..hoping….wishing….praying that one day I too could own one of these magical devices.

Fast forward to maybe 2015 where I got an amazing deal on an end of range machine….and my husband and I never looked back on our purchase. We justified the purchase with the fact that 1 takeaway coffee a day was costing us over 1k a month. The machine would pay for itself in no time! My love for Nespresso has been prevalent on the blog and my friends know, they don’t even allow me to hide the good stuff from them when they come over. To my dismay. They always want coffee…even the tea drinkers. *Shakes my head*

I feel that if you are a coffee drinker, there’s honestly no better gift to get yourself (if Santa is unable to deliver). The machines are not as expensive as I thought they were 4 or 5yrs ago! Today I thought I’d share with you some of the offerings from Nespresso and also a bit about the coffees and the current limited edition range.

Machines

ESSENZA MINI & AEROCCINO BUNDLE (RSP R2 250)

Features:

• • Reddot design award winner 2017
  • 2 cup sizes
  • Simple and intuitive
  • Ultra-light and ultra-compact

I had the older version of this machine, and I must say…it served us well! We had it for probably about 3yrs and never had one issue with it. The only problem we had, was that our older Aeroccino scalded on one spot, so the coating came off and we had to purchase a new one. Otherwise this is a great machine. It does both, espressos and lungo shots. The frother (Aeroccino) being a seperate machine, I think is convenient….you can travel with it…to work, on holiday…anywhere. The Essenza Mini may not be Rolls Royce of the machines, but she gets the job done! I highly recommend this one.

LATTISSIMA ONE (RSP R3 250)

Features:

• -Weight: 4.3 Kilogram
• -Used capsule container capacity: 10
• -Dimensions (WxDxH): 15.4 x 25.6 x 32.4 cm
• -Automatic power off after 9 mins
• -Removable fresh milk container: 0.12 Litre
• -Automatic standby function after 30 minutes
• -Removable water tank: 1 Litre
• -Descaling alarm
• -Folding drip tray for Latte Macchiato glass

So this is our upgraded baby! I got this on an amazing promotion on Yuppiechef, sold my old one….so I felt like I paid next to nothing for this one. The features I love the most about this one is that it powers off after 9 minutes. I would lose my marbles when I’d get home after 8-10hrs and nobody had switched the Essenza off. Wasted electricity! The newer Essenza above though, does have a power off timer.

In theory, yes it’s also really great that if you want a cappucino, it’s an all in one. My only complaint is that I wish I could just do froth only…when say the kids want warm milk for hot chocolate? The machine still pours out water, as if you were making coffee. So that would be my only gripe and it’s not a big one. One thing to mention….the milk container compartment is more effort to clean than my frother used to be. Otherwise I love the design of this and the drip tray and cube is a great feature.

There are plenty more machines, I am just chatting about the ones I have experience with. Also, all machines come with a selection of pods for you to test, so you know what you want to stock up! 

Coffee

Limited Edition Range (RSP R95 per sleeve)

In order to celebrate the indulgence, opulence and wonder of the festive season, Nespresso has launched the new Limited Edition Variations inspired by Parisian Gourmandise. The Variations coffees centre on the sweet treats synonymous with the festive season, and are inspired by the traditional flavours of Parisian patisseries including Macaron and Praline. These quintessentially French flavours will instantly transport you to a Parisian cafe from the first sip. These Variations boast two unique flavour creations and, in true French fashion, include a Paris Black espresso coffee that caters to those preferring coffee in its pure taste.

Variations:

Nespresso Variations Macaron – A harmonious combination of cereal notes and a subtle and sweet almond flavour, emblematic of the macaron pastry. Intensity: 6. Serving size: Espresso (40ml)

Nespresso Variations Praline – This flavoured espresso pairs the roundness of Livanto’s base with a delicate roasted hazelnut flavour, enhanced by a touch of caramel sweetness. A harmonious blend reminiscent of a praliné dessert. Intensity: 6. Serving size: Espresso (40ml)

Nespresso Paris Black – A very aromatic blend of Arabicas, emboldened by Robusta. It displays notes of cereal and nuts in a syrupy texture, combined with spicy and woody tones. Intensity: 9. Serving size: Espresso (40ml)

I actually can’t wait to try all of them! A shout out to the Master Origin India variant that I am a huge fan of and our absolute favourite that we repurchase over and over…the Arpeggio pods.

Decaffeinated range

Wanna hear a joke?

………….Decaf…… (This one gets me EVERY TIME!)

Well except when it’s Nespressos’ decaffeinated coffee! Their decaff is really good and doesn’t leave me feeling cheated of the caffeinated variant at all! I can’t drink caffeine after a certain time, so this hits the spot when I am craving coffee after dark. Thankfully this also comes in the Arpeggio variant that I know and love!

Recipe to try

Warm Indian Macchiato

Serves 1

For me, this spicy latte inspired by Nespresso Master Origin India is all about comfort. This recipe was primarily inspired by the idea of a chai latte but making it that much better by adding coffee, of course.

What you Need

1 capsule Nespresso Master Origin India, brewed as an espresso

1 cardamom pod, crushed

1⁄2 clove, crushed

1⁄2 cinnamon stick, crushed

Pinch of nutmeg

150 ml frothed milk

1 tsp honey

Cinnamon, to garnish

What to Do

1. Brew the coffee and add to a shaker.

2. Add the cardamom, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, and shake.

4. Pour honey into a glass, then top with the frothed milk.

5. Pour a shot of the spiced coffee down the side of the glass to create a layered effect.

6. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and serve.

That is my Nespresso 101 Christmas gift guide for you….if you’re still not convinced, head off to a Nespresso boutique near you and go sample the coffee yourself! You won’t regret it. Also if you’re looking for another great coffee recipe to try, go check out this post I did for Heritage Day last year. So…will you be asking Santa to surprise you with the best coffee this Christmas…or perhaps treat yourself?

Nespresso and Yuppiechef are currently running promotion on the machines!