If You Don't Have Milk For Your Coffee, Use Sour Cream Instead

Starting your morning with a cup of coffee topped off with a dash of milk or half-and-half is a surefire great way to start your day. Unfortunately, sometimes you head to the fridge and discover there's no creamer left, which can put a damper on that would-be-great morning.

The good news is, the next time you find yourself without enough milk for your morning brew, there's a quick solution you can try instead: sour cream. Although it might sound funny, the ingredient adds a rich, creamy texture to your drink. Plus, it's got a unique tang that can add complex notes to your coffee.

To understand how to seamlessly implement this unique trick, it's useful to know a few of the differences between sour cream and milk.

When it comes to using sour cream instead of milk in your coffee, the first thing to consider is the texture. Milk has more water than sour cream does, meaning the latter is much thicker. When you add it to your coffee, it may sink straight to the bottom in a dollop rather than instantly turn your drink tan, as milk would. Stirring the sour cream into your beverage is key in order to get a good consistency.

Another thing to note about using sour cream in your coffee instead of milk is that sour cream has a higher fat content, which may make it an appealing alternative for those who are on keto diets. It's also important to keep in mind that sour cream has a tangy taste to it, thanks to the bacteria that ferment it. If you don't want this flavor to be too prominent in your coffee, crème fraîche can be a good alternative, thanks to its lighter and more neutral flavor.

When it comes to adding sour cream to your coffee, don't feel as though you have to stick with just adding a dollop — you may actually have to add more than you normally would with creamer to taste the effects. You can also mix in other additions to enhance the flavor. For one thing, you can always add a bit of sweetener to your drink, whether you go for a classic spoonful of sugar or some artificial sweeteners. These can help offset some of the tang from the sour cream, and can also balance out some of the bitterness of the coffee itself.

Another mix-in to try with coffee and sour cream is coffee syrups, which are perfect for introducing other flavors to your drink. When choosing your coffee syrups, think about what flavors will pair well with the tanginess of the sour cream. For instance, a strawberry syrup could add some sweetness and a fruity taste to your drink, and complements dairy products well. Or, you could go for a flavor that's rich and dark, such as a brown sugar coffee syrup. The molasses flavor of this sweetener can add depth to your drink and work well with the sour cream. 

Besides syrups and sweeteners, feel free to experiment with adding spices to your coffee as well. Play around with cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or cocoa powder mixed into your coffee grounds to get an extra layer of flavor in your brew. Just like any other time you make a cup of joe, you can get creative and experiment with toppings and add-ins that take things to a whole new level.