Owning a Ninja Bar means you have a powerful little machine capable of so much more than just pulling a shot. It’s a compact powerhouse designed to simplify your morning routine while still delivering cafe-quality results. But the real fun begins when you start experimenting. We’ve spent countless hours testing and tasting to find the absolute best recipes that truly showcase what this machine can do, from rich, classic espressos to creative, frothy concoctions that feel like a treat.
This curated list of our 10 best Ninja Bar coffee recipes is designed to help you break out of your routine and fall in love with your machine all over again. Whether you’re in the mood for something strong and simple or sweet and decadent, we have a recipe that will hit the spot. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you get the perfect cup every single time, making that morning jolt or afternoon pick-me-up something you genuinely look forward to.
Our 10 Best Ninja Bar Coffee Recipes
- Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
- Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee
- Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee
- Community Coffee Café Special Ground Coffee
- Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Espresso
- Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee
- Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
- Cameron’s Coffee Breakfast Blend
- Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve
- Gevalia Traditional Roast Ground Coffee
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
For a truly authentic Italian espresso experience from your Ninja Bar, the Lavazza Super Crema blend is my top recommendation. This blend of Brazilian and Indonesian beans is specifically roasted to produce an exceptionally thick and persistent crema, which is the hallmark of a great espresso. The aroma is wonderfully fragrant with hints of honey and almonds. When I pull a shot with this, the flavor is smooth and not overly bitter, with a mild, creamy taste that works perfectly on its own or as the base for any milk-based drink. It’s a consistently high-quality bean that reliably delivers that classic coffee shop feel right at home.
What I appreciate most about using Lavazza Super Crema in the Ninja Bar is how well it performs across all the machine’s settings. Whether I’m making a single shot for a quick pick-me-up or using the rich setting for a more intense flavor in a latte, the results are always impressive. The beans are easy to grind to the right consistency, and they produce a clean, residue-free puck, which makes cleanup a breeze. This blend has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s versatile enough for my daily straight espresso but also has the body and flavor to stand up to steamed milk without getting lost. It’s a fantastic all-around choice for any Ninja Bar owner.
Death Wish Coffee Co. Ground Coffee
When I need a serious jolt of caffeine to kickstart my day, I reach for Death Wish Coffee. Marketed as the world’s strongest coffee, it lives up to its name with a powerful, bold flavor and an extremely high caffeine content. I use the ground version specifically calibrated for espresso machines to ensure optimal extraction in my Ninja Bar. The blend of robusta and arabica beans creates a intensely dark and rich shot that is surprisingly smooth for its strength, with notes of dark chocolate and cherry. It’s the perfect base for a large mug of Americano when I know I have a long day ahead.
Using Death Wish in the Ninja Bar requires a slight adjustment to appreciate its power fully. I find that using a slightly coarser grind than the machine’s finest setting helps avoid any potential bitterness while still extracting all that wonderful caffeine and flavor. The result is a shockingly smooth yet potent espresso that never tastes burnt. It’s my go-to for those mornings when a regular cup just isn’t enough. The brand’s commitment to organic and fair trade practices is also a big plus, making me feel good about my purchase. If you need maximum power, this is the coffee for you.
Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee
For a reliably consistent and familiar espresso taste, it’s hard to beat the Starbucks Espresso Roast. These whole beans are dark roasted to create a rich, caramelized sweetness that is the signature flavor of their espresso beverages. I use these beans when I want to recreate my favorite Starbucks-style drinks at home with my Ninja Bar. The shot pulls with a nice depth, featuring notes of molasses and roasted nuts, and it holds up beautifully when mixed with syrups and milk. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers exactly what you expect every single time.
The beauty of using these whole beans is the freshness. I grind them right before pulling a shot, which makes a noticeable difference in the aroma and taste compared to pre-ground options. The Ninja Bar’s grinder handles them perfectly, producing a consistent grind that leads to an even extraction. I particularly enjoy using this coffee for making iced lattes; the bold flavor doesn’t get diluted by the ice, providing a strong and refreshing drink. It’s a classic for a reason, and having this bag in my pantry means I’m always ready to make a high-quality espresso that everyone will recognize and enjoy.
Community Coffee Café Special Ground Coffee
Community Coffee’s Café Special blend is a Southern classic that brings a smooth, well-balanced flavor to the Ninja Bar. This ground coffee is pre-measured for convenience, making the morning routine even faster. The medium-dark roast offers a gentle acidity with a full body and a clean finish, characterized by subtle notes of chocolate and nut. I find it produces a very approachable and less intense espresso, which is ideal for those who might find traditional dark roasts too bitter. It’s an excellent choice for a straightforward, no-fuss Americano or a simple cup of brewed coffee from the machine.
What stands out to me about this coffee is its incredible versatility in the Ninja Bar. Because it’s not overly aggressive, it serves as a fantastic canvas for flavored creamers or a dash of cinnamon. The pre-ground format is consistently the right texture for the machine, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring a reliable brew every time. I also appreciate that it’s a family-owned company with a long history. For a dependable, tasty, and convenient coffee that won’t break the bank, Community Coffee’s Café Special is a solid and satisfying choice for daily use.
Kicking Horse Coffee Cliff Hanger Espresso
For those who prefer organic and fair-trade options, Kicking Horse Coffee’s Cliff Hanger Espresso is a phenomenal choice. This whole bean coffee is dark roasted in the Canadian Rockies, and it delivers a complex, lively flavor profile. I get notes of sweet tobacco, cocoa, and stone fruit when I pull a shot with my Ninja Bar. It’s a bold espresso but with a surprising brightness that keeps it from being one-dimensional. The crema is consistently impressive, and the ethical sourcing makes each cup feel even better.
I love using these beans for both straight espresso and milk-based drinks. The complex flavor notes really shine through even when paired with steamed milk, creating a latte that is anything but boring. The beans are always fresh and oily, indicating a recent roast, which is crucial for a great espresso extraction. The Ninja Bar’s grinder makes short work of them, and the resulting shot is always smooth with a clean finish. If you’re looking to support sustainable practices without compromising on a rich and intricate espresso experience, this is the bag to get.
Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee
Illy is synonymous with premium Italian espresso, and their Classico ground coffee in the iconic pressurized canister is a testament to that reputation. The medium roast offers a perfectly balanced flavor with aromas of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine. The pre-ground coffee is uniquely packed in a pressurized can to protect freshness and flavor, and it’s ground to the ideal consistency for espresso machines. Using it in my Ninja Bar results in a exceptionally smooth and velvety shot with a rich, dark crema and a complete lack of bitterness.
The convenience of the Illy canister is a major plus. There’s no grinding or mess, and the coffee remains fresh from the first scoop to the last. I find the flavor profile to be incredibly consistent and refined, making it perfect for serving to guests or for when I want a truly special espresso. It works beautifully in all Ninja Bar functions, but it truly excels as a straight shot or a short macchiato. While it’s a bit more of a premium option, the quality and convenience make it worth it for a luxurious daily treat or a special occasion.
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend is a dark, robust blend that has been a favorite for decades for good reason. As a whole bean coffee, it allows you to capture its full freshness in the Ninja Bar. This blend is deep and complex, with a bold body and notes of cedar, vanilla, and fresh earth. It produces a powerful espresso shot that stands up on its own but also has the structure to be the foundation of a creamy cappuccino. It’s for those who appreciate a strong, traditional cup of coffee with real character.
Grinding these beans right before brewing releases an incredible aroma that fills the kitchen. The Ninja Bar extracts a shot that is intense and full-flavored, with a lingering finish that coffee lovers will appreciate. I notice that it requires a slightly finer grind setting on my machine to get the best extraction, but once dialed in, it’s magnificent. This is my weekend coffee, when I have more time to sit and savor the deep, intricate flavors. It’s a classic, no-nonsense blend that delivers a serious and satisfying caffeine experience every time.
Cameron’s Coffee Breakfast Blend
If you prefer a lighter, brighter start to your day, Cameron’s Coffee Breakfast Blend is an excellent whole bean option for the Ninja Bar. This light roast is smooth and uplifting, with a crisp acidity and flavors of citrus and nut. It’s a wonderful departure from the typical dark espresso roasts and produces a shot that is vibrant and refreshing. I use it to make a lighter Americano or a single shot that wakes up my palate without overwhelming it. It’s also certified organic and shade-grown, which is a bonus.
Using a light roast in an espresso machine can be tricky, but the Ninja Bar handles it well. I use a slightly finer grind to ensure proper extraction and get a shot that is surprisingly sweet and complex, not sour. This blend is fantastic for iced coffee preparations; its bright notes are incredibly refreshing over ice. It’s a great way to change up your routine and experience a different side of what your machine can do. For mornings when I want a clean, energetic cup rather than a heavy, robust one, this is my absolute go-to.
Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve
While the Ninja Bar is fantastic for hot drinks, it’s also my secret weapon for making quick and easy cold brew concentrate. Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew Reserve is a whole bean coffee specifically blended for a smooth, low-acidity cold brew. This dark roast from Brooklyn is coarse ground, but I buy the whole beans and use the Ninja Bar’s grinder on its coarsest setting. The result is a concentrate with deep chocolatey notes and a incredibly smooth finish that is completely without bitterness.
The process is simple: I use the Ninja Bar to grind the beans coarse, then I steep them in cold water overnight. In the morning, I have a perfect cold brew concentrate ready to be diluted with water or milk. The flavor is outstandingly rich and smooth, far superior to any store-bought version. This coffee takes the guesswork out of making cold brew at home and leverages the Ninja Bar’s grinder for a perfect result every time. For hot summer days or for anyone who prefers their coffee cold, this blend is an essential item to keep in stock.
Gevalia Traditional Roast Ground Coffee
Gevalia Traditional Roast is a fantastic everyday ground coffee that performs reliably well across all the Ninja Bar’s functions. This medium roast is well-balanced and smooth, with a classic coffee flavor that is neither too weak nor too strong. It’s a very approachable and consistent coffee, making it ideal for households where everyone has different preferences. I use it for everything from a classic drip-style brew to a sturdy espresso base for lattes. It’s affordable, widely available, and always delivers a satisfying cup.
The pre-ground format is perfectly suited for the machine’s basket, ensuring a even extraction without any channeling. I find it produces a clean-tasting cup with mild notes of cocoa and a pleasant aroma. It’s my default coffee for busy weekday mornings when I need something good and dependable without any fuss. While it may not have the complexity of some specialty roasts, its consistency and pleasant flavor make it a workhorse in my kitchen. For a no-frills, great-tasting coffee that won’t let you down, Gevalia is a trusted choice.