Reddit mentions of Torani Syrup Variety Pack, 25.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)

I'm a little of a coffee snob myself. I moved on from traditional coffee a few years ago in favor of espresso, specifcally 'Americanos' which is simply espresso and water (I'm sure there are different versions of this, but when I say Americano that's what I'm talking about). At Starbucks you'll end up paying over $3 for a grande, which is unnecessary. So I spent the few hundred on an espresso machine and haven't looked back. Americano's are easy to make, super caffeinated and incredibly rich and tasty. What you'll need and how I make mine below:

1. Espresso maker, there's a ton of them. The higher the price the more features it has and the longer it will last, but I'd say you're safe going with something cheap to try it out first. Maybe something like this.
   
   
2. Get a decent espresso, if you buy whole bean just know a traditional grinder won't do. You need it espresso ground - which is much finer. Luckily, you can get it pre-ground. I'm a big fan of Cafe Bustello.
   
   
3. If the espresso machine didn't come with one, you'll want a tamper. Metal works well, but anything that can press the grounds once its in the handle will work well enough.
   
   
4. Water has a lot to do with the quality of the coffee you make. Well filtered or spring water will work best - I myself have a ZeroWater filter at home, which has been great!
   
   
5. Learn how to brew the espresso, its pretty simple but each machine will have different settings. Generally, you put the espresso in the 'handle', use the tamper to press it down (apply just the right amount of pressure, enough so that the coffee is clearly pressed down but not enough that its a brick. You'll learn the right amount of pressure the more you make it).
   
   
6. Depending on the size of the handle (I'm sorry I don't know the proper term for it), it will either be single or double shot. Pay attention to where the espresso will drip from the handle, if you can get a larger, glass measuring cup to cover the two spouts (if its a double), go for it. At home I just two separate shot glasses.
   
   
7. Cleanup, always always ALWAYS clean up directly after brewing your shots. The grounds are very fine, so they get trapped everywhere. The worst thing you want is to brew a fresh shot only to find old grinds at the bottom of the glass.
   
   How I make my morning coffee:
   
   I put a kettle on the stove of fresh, filtered water and begin to boil. Preheat my espresso machine. I make four shots of espresso (this lasts me till noon usually). I use syrup for my sugar and flavor, specifically Torani, they have a great selection with no need to add additional sweeteners. They also come in sugarfree varieties. Put that at the bottom of your mug (or travel mug). Add the shots. Pour the hot water into the shots - this goes more or less by taste. For me, I use a little less water because I'm a coffee-fiend, but you can go as high as 1:2 at first, until you acquire the taste. I then add non-dairy creamer, for a) less lactose and b) it generally makes it creamier, which yes - is odd. Substitute with skim milk, 1/2 and 1/2 or nothing at all.
   
   Lastly - enjoy! Thats some good coffee you got there. I'm not a chugger - my four shots last me a large portion of the day by keeping me going with sips for hours. It's a bit pricey and a little more involved than your regular coffee - and you can totally get by with espresso K-cups and your water coolers hot water to make the whole process much easier, but likely far less delicious. Also - trial and error is a big factor in making it the way I detail above. How much espresso to use, how much pressure you apply when you tamp it, how much hot water - all a matter of taste and trial. Do it enough times and you'll have the whole thing done in five minutes easily.
   
   A note of caution: don't let anyone try it. They will have you be the office barista before you can say ERROR IN DRIVE BAY 0.

World is full of phalluses. You shouldn't have to look very far.

Household items that come to mind:

• Kitchen utensils (dish brush handle - ice cream scoop handle)
  
• Shampoo or other vessels (Torani syrup bottles)
  
• New tube of toothpaste.
  
• Highlighter pens/Markers
  
• Tennis Racket/Table Tennis Paddle handle
  
• Soccer cone
  
• Maglite! (or any flashlight)
  
• Booze or Wine bottles
  
  Good luck! Get yer Kink On!

Add some of this to carbonated water, your local grocery store should have it in the coffee section.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PFWNSE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000AXQI08&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1EPPBNCZ2CSVQCZZDWWA