Maybe you’re trying to acquire the taste for coffee, or maybe you’re just looking for something to order on your next cafe date. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of ways to enjoy coffee without having to experience its bitter taste.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best coffee drinks for people who don’t like coffee, as well as some delicious coffee alternatives you can find at most coffee shops. Then, we’ll take a look at functional coffee. Let’s dive in!

How To Make Yourself Like Coffee

Coffee is truly an acquired taste — most people aren’t born liking it. However, you don’t have to resign yourself to days of drinking bitter black coffee in order to develop a taste for coffee.

Instead, learning to like coffee is a lot like dating — it’s all about finding your type. It’s easiest to start with something that hides the coffee flavor behind a bunch of syrups and flavors. Then, you can ease yourself into other drinks that showcase bolder espresso flavors. 

As you get comfortable with the taste of regular coffee, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream to make it feel like a treat. Over time, as your taste buds adjust, you might find yourself savoring the complexity of black coffee like a pro.

Why Should You Try To Like Coffee?

Coffee is delicious once you get used to the flavor, but it’s the health benefits that really encourage many people to take that first step. First, it’s a pick me up in a cup, perfect for surviving Mondays. Plus, coffee is packed with antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals. 

It's also a social ritual. Friendships are forged and memories are made over cups of frothy coffee. 

Additionally, its many flavors — from nutty and chocolatey to fruity — mean there’s a coffee out there for everyone. Learning to like coffee opens doors to endless creations, from creamy lattes to bold espressos, which makes your mornings far more exciting.

What Are the Best Coffee Drinks for Non-Coffee Drinkers?

If you’re trying to convince yourself to like coffee, don’t start with a plain cup of joe — that’s an easy recipe for a bad experience. Instead, look for drinks that mask coffee’s bitterness with syrups and whipped cream. 

These drinks will still have a small coffee taste, but it should be so subtle that you might not notice it. If you ever feel like your drink tastes too much like coffee, just ask for less espresso the next time you order it.

Mocha

Ask any avid coffee drinker, and the chances are high that they started with a mocha. These delicious drinks are made by mixing espresso, cocoa powder, sugar, and water. 

The end result is a drink that tastes almost like hot cocoa but with a subtle hint of extra flavor. Many mochas even come with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, which makes them even more like hot cocoa.

Of course, you can also add additional syrups to the mix. For instance, maybe you’d enjoy a peppermint mocha during the Christmas season or an orange mocha during the summer.

Latte

A latte is like a gateway coffee. It’s made of espresso mixed with steamed milk and topped with a light foam. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it perfect for first-timers. 

Want more sweetness? Add caramel or hazelnut syrup. Some people even like to get crazy with lavender or almond-flavored lattes. You can also experiment with plant-based milk for a nuttier or creamier vibe. A latte’s balanced flavor and silky mouthfeel can help ease you into the coffee world without exposing you to overwhelming bitterness.

Caramel Macchiato

If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can also try a caramel macchiato. To make this drink, simply line the bottom and walls of your mug with vanilla syrup. Then, froth some milk and pour it into the mug. Finish up by pouring a shot of espresso in and drizzling the top with caramel sauce. 

This drink basically tastes like extra-sweet milk. You might find a slight hint of coffee if you focus really hard, but coffee’s main job in this recipe is to provide depth and richness to the rest of the flavors.

Cappuccino

For a bolder first step into the world of coffee, try a cappuccino. This drink is a trifecta: one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third velvety foam. It’s slightly stronger than a latte and gives you that extra-strong coffee kick while still being creamy. 

Cappuccinos come hot or iced and can be customized with syrups for added sweetness. The foam makes it playful, while the espresso introduces you to coffee’s robust flavor — which makes it perfect for developing your palate. Sprinkle on some cocoa powder or cinnamon to add a little extra flavor.

Frozen Coffee

Frozen coffees are a go-to for anyone who wants to enjoy the energy-supporting benefits of coffee without experiencing the coffee taste. There are dozens of flavors of frozen coffee, but the common denominator is espresso, milk, flavored syrups, and ice. These are all blended together to make a milkshake-like drink topped with whipped cream.

Cold Brew

Cold brew is a smooth, chilled coffee option that’s easy to love and even easier to make. Made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for 12+ hours, it’s less acidic and milder than a regular cup of coffee. The cold extraction allows the natural chocolatey, nutty notes of the coffee to shine through, especially when paired with a splash of milk or a hint of vanilla syrup to bring down the boldness. 

Cold brew is endlessly customizable — try it with caramel, sweet cream, or even chocolate milk. It’s refreshing, mellow, and an excellent choice for warm days (or cold days if you like to fight ice with ice).

Dirty Chai

If you like chai tea, lattes, then you’ll probably like dirty chai. A dirty chai is basically a chai latte with a shot or two of espresso in it, so it tastes similar to a regular chai drink.

The sweetness of chai syrup and spices does a great job of hiding the bitterness of coffee. At the same time, you’ll get to experience the lift that comes with drinking coffee.

Affogato 

Affogatos aren’t technically coffee, but they are a great way to expose your taste buds to some rich espresso without overcommitting. This Italian treat features a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso. It’s rich, sweet, and has just enough coffee flavor to get you coming back for more. 

If you’re not ready for a full shot of espresso, start with half a shot or pair it with caramel or chocolate drizzle. Affogatos blur the line between dessert and coffee, which can help take the pressure off if you’re not ready to fully dive into the world of coffee.

The only downside to affogatos is that they aren’t as popular in the United States, so you might not be able to order one at your local coffee shop. That said, some ice cream parlors will offer affogato, or you can make your own at home if you have an espresso maker.

Vanilla Latte

Last, but certainly not least, we have the vanilla latte. This classic drink is made by combining a couple of shots of espresso, frothed milk, and vanilla syrup. It’s a sweeter version of a regular latte, which might make it a better place to start if you need a smoother introduction to the taste of coffee. Eventually, you can drop down to just a latte and then give cold brew or regular joe a try.

You can also get this drink on ice if you’re looking to beat the heat. An iced latte might also help keep the coffee flavor hidden since you’ll be focused on the cool sensation of a cold drink.

Of course, you can also opt for other latte flavors. Some popular alternatives include pumpkin spice, hazelnut, and caramel.

Decaf Coffee

If caffeine leaves you jittery or makes sleeping a challenge, decaf coffee could be your low-stakes entry into the coffee world. Caffeine-free coffee still delivers coffee’s comforting aroma and complex flavor without the energy buzz that might overwhelm caffeine-sensitive folks. Think of it as coffee’s chill cousin — perfect for evening sipping or gentle mornings. 

Low-caf coffee, a hybrid option with lower levels of caffeine, is another great choice. It lets you dip a toe into the coffee pool without diving into the deep end. Both decaf and low-caf options come in all your favorite forms — lattes, cold brews, or even cappuccinos — so you can explore the taste without experiencing any of the jittery side effects of coffee.

How Can You Make Coffee Taste Better?

No matter how you work your way down to regular coffee, going from barista-made creations to the steep bitterness of black coffee can be quite a shock. You can make the transition a little easier by experimenting with ways to adjust the flavor.

Some methods you can try include the following:

• Add Some Creamer: Add flavored creamers like hazelnut, caramel, or vanilla to transform your coffee into a dessert-like treat. Dairy-free options like oat or almond milk work, too!
• Sweeten the Deal: Sugar, honey, or syrups (think mocha or toffee nut) can add a boost of flavor to your coffee while cutting the natural bitterness.
• Go Iced: Chilling your coffee naturally reduces its bitterness. Add ice, milk, and a splash of flavored syrup for a delicious iced coffee.
• Play with Roasts: Try light roast coffee for a more acidic, fruity flavor or dark roast for chocolatey, smooth notes. Roast levels make a huge difference in the flavor and caffeine content of your coffee beans.
• Spice It Up: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cocoa powder for warmth and sweetness that mellows the coffee flavor.

What Are the Best Coffee Alternatives?

What are the options for someone who wants to place an order at a cafe without drinking coffee at all? Luckily, there are a few coffee alternatives that most cafes have on their menus.

Matcha

Matcha is a type of green tea that’s made by grinding tea leaves into a fine powder. This type of tea tastes similar to green tea but leans more into nutty and sweet flavors than regular tea does. It also contains more caffeine than regular tea, but less than coffee.

In a coffee shop, you might see matcha listed as a “matchalatte.” This just means that the drink will be made with concentrated matcha and frothed milk. You can also order your matcha with sweetener if you’re worried about the taste.

Black Tea

Black tea is a popular alternative for coffee lovers and skeptics alike. It has a lower caffeine content, enough to boost energy without overloading your system. Its flavor is milder and less bitter than coffee, with notes ranging from malty (like Assam) to floral (like Darjeeling). Plus, black tea is loaded with antioxidants and offers health perks like better digestion and heart support. 

Cocoa

Hot chocolateCocoa is often made by mixing powdered cocoa with sweetener and milk. Depending on the type of cocoa or chocolate used, hot cocoa can be a very rich drink.

Cocoa has a slight bitterness that is similar to coffee, but it contains theobromine instead of caffeine. While caffeine can result in a jittery feeling and an energy crash if you drink too much of it, theobromine provides a more stable rush of energy that is less likely to overload your nervous system.

Herbal Teas

You can also try herbal teas. These are made by steeping leaves or flowers from various medicinal plants and herbs. Herbal teas don’t contain caffeine, but they can have some unique health benefits.

Popular herbal teas include:

• Chamomile: Chamomile can help support relaxation and a good night’s sleep.
• Lavender: Lavender can ease stress and anxiety.
• Peppermint: Peppermint can support digestion.
• Ginger and Lemon: Ginger can help reduce nausea and heartburn.
• Raspberry: Raspberry leaf can support hormonal health, especially in women.

Functional Coffee: Your New Best Friend

What if you enjoy the taste of coffee, but don’t like the unpleasant side effects? You might like mushroom coffee.

This functional coffee is made by combining extracts from medicinal mushrooms with other ingredients to provide multiple health benefits. At Everyday Dose, our Mushroom Coffee+ is the only one on the market that actually uses coffee extract to infuse our formula with the taste of coffee.

In our functional coffee, you can find the following ingredients:

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Supports focus and cognitive health.
• Chaga Mushroom: Contains pre- and probiotics to support gut health and immunity.
• L-Theanine: An amino acid that supports feelings of relaxation while encouraging mental clarity.
• Collagen Protein: Supports gut health and encourages healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails.

The Bottom Line

If you want to enjoy coffee without having to taste it, we have good news for you. From mochas to dirty chai lattes, there are plenty of options you can try to get your caffeine fix.

Or, if you like the taste of coffee but have a hard time with the negative side effects, you might like mushroom coffee. To try our best-selling mushroom formulas, shop all of our options today.

Sources:

The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption | PMC

The health benefits of 3 herbal teas | Harvard Health

L-Theanine: What It Is and 3 Benefits | Cleveland Clinic

Caffeine: How much is too much? | Mayo Clinic

6 health benefits of drinking black tea | UCLA

Understanding Different Coffee Roasts | University of Wyoming Community Vitality & Health

Caffeine | MedlinePlus

The Benefits Of Cold-brewing Your Coffee | Piedmont Healthcare