Where to Drink Coffee
From strong black coffee to a sweet and milky café latte, for many of us coffee has become a staple part of the day. Drinking coffee often comes hand-in-hand with a moment of blissful relaxation, the feeling of being in the present, enjoying the good things in life. But, not all coffee is created equal. Where we choose to pick up our daily dose of caffeine will have a big impact on both the taste and the experience.
Coffee shops differ from each other in many ways, from atmospheres to cups size, the amount of sugar they offer and the type of coffeemaker they use.
Arguably, the most significant difference between coffee shops is their brewing process. Quality coffee shops will purchase their beans directly from the growers or importers and carefully roast them on site in order to ensure that each cup contains freshness and flavor.
The process is an art and should be appreciated by the discerning coffee drinker. Roasting beans on site is a commitment to quality that few coffee shops can make, as it is not cheap or easy to do. As such, if you are looking for an exceptional cup of coffee, make sure to look for a shop that roasts its own beans.
Another way to differentiate between coffee shops is to consider the type of services they offer. There is a big difference between bars that serve mostly espresso-based beverages and those that offer brewed coffee. Many shops are also focused on offering an experience that goes beyond merely pouring a cup of coffee. You may find shops that offer a range of food options, live music, or other fun activities.
It is worth noting that there are a few shops that even upped the bar by emphasizing the local community and customers. These shops actively engage in local initiatives, fund-raising efforts, and community projects. They strive to create a unique and unforgettable experience for their community and customers. When you find yourself in a shop that does any of these things, make sure to show your appreciation for their dedication to the community.
Finally, don’t be afraid to try something outside of your comfort zone. Many of the trendiest new coffee shops are the ones that offer unique experiences beyond just the taste of the coffee. Whether it is the atmosphere, the look and feel of the shop, the kind of products they have, or the events they host, these coffee spots can offer an entire adventure with every drink. Explore these places and see how your coffee experience can be taken to the next level.
Cost of Coffee
The cost of coffee varies substantially – depending on which coffee shop you visit and the coffee beans you choose. Generally, if you are going to a specialty coffee shop, you should be prepared to pay a bit more than the standard cup of joe.
The higher cost is the result of the coffee shop paying more for the coffee beans. Specialty coffee shops may also use other ingredients to craft special, and often elaborate, drinks that are not available at other coffee shops. And, many of the boutique coffee shops are owned and operated by passionate baristas, who take more time and care in brewing the coffee.
For those looking for an inexpensive cup of coffee, your best bet is to visit either a local café or supermarket. Here, you will find a standard cup of coffee for a fraction of the price. But overall, you should be ready to pay for quality. If you are looking for an interestingly, unique and flavorful coffee, you may want to pay more for the experience.
Brewing Method
There is a variety of different brewing techniques and different coffee shops will use different methods, so it pays to know your options. Let’s go over a few popular options.
The basic espresso or cappuccino is the most popular form of coffee. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans. The result is a concentrated, robust cup of coffee with a crema on top. This method of brewing is typically used in bars and restaurants.
Pour-over coffee is a more time consuming, but often gives a more flavorful cup of coffee. Coffee grounds are placed in a filter and then hot water is slowly poured over the grounds in a circular motion. The result is a bright, clean cup of coffee. Many specialty coffee shops choose this method for making a cup of excellent coffee.
Cold-brew coffee involves steeping the beans in cold water for an extended period of time either in a French press or a cold-brew tower. This method tends to produce a smoother, less acidic cup of coffee. Some coffee shops specialize in cold-brew.
Finally, when it comes to making coffee, don’t forget about the manual options. You could use an Aeropress, a Moka pot, or a clever dripper. These methods are fun to use, and if done right, you can get a great cup of coffee.
At Home Brewing
Brewing coffee at home may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many coffeemakers on the market for different budgets and preferences. The trick is to find the right one for you.
Automatic machines are the easiest to use. All you have to do is fill it with water, add your coffee, and turn it on. These machines can also be programmed so that it will have your cup of coffee ready for you just in time for you to get out of bed.
If you’re a fan of the pour-over style of coffee, you may want to look into a pour-over machine like the Chemex brewer. This type of machine takes the guesswork out of the brewing process, providing a consistent cup of coffee every time.
For those looking for a more hands-on approach, there are also manual machines, such as French presses and drip makers. Manual machines take more time and effort to use, but the flavor you get from a freshly brewed cup of coffee more than makes up for it.
Finally, for those who are looking for something more unique, there are plenty of speciality coffee makers. From Japanese siphon brewers to espresso makers, these machines will provide you with an even better cup of coffee than you can get from a coffee shop.
Where to Source Beans
No matter what kind of machine you use, the quality of your coffee will be determined by the quality of the beans you source. If you are looking for the best coffee, you will want to source your coffee beans from specialty coffee shops or coffee importers. A reputable coffee importer can provide you with fresh beans that were purchased directly from the growers at optimal times in order to ensure freshness and quality.
For those who are looking for more exotic coffee beans, you can peruse online coffee stores. There are online coffee stores that specialize in coffees from all over the world, so if you have a specific bean in mind, you may be able to find it online.
Finally, for those who are looking for a more hands-on approach, you can also visit local farmers markets to buy whole beans directly from the farmers. Here, you will find unique beans from different regions, including some that you may not have heard of before.
Environmental Impact
When sourcing your beans, it is worth considering the effect that your purchase is having on the environment. Coffee production poses a threat to the ecosystem due to the high water and energy consumption, as well as pesticide and fertilizer use.
Some coffee shops are committed to sustainability by choosing organic, fair trade or rainforest certified coffee beans. Additionally, some shops make a conscious effort to lessen their environmental footprint by using recyclable cups, utensils, and other materials.
Coffee drinkers can help reduce the environmental impact of coffee by choosing to buy from shops that use sustainable practices and certified organic beans. By supporting those shops, you are contributing to a more sustainable future for coffee.
Social Responsibility
In addition to reducing its environmental impact, a coffee shop can also do its part in making the world a better place by engaging in social responsibility. Many coffee shops have taken up “buy one, give one” initiatives, where they give away a free cup of coffee for every cup purchased.
Furthermore, some coffee shops are committed to hiring and training people from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as the homeless, former offenders, those with physical and mental disabilities. By doing this, they are helping those people find employment and learn basic job-related skills.
In summary, when choosing where to buy your coffee, consider the quality, the cost, the type of services offered and the commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and the local community. By doing this, you can be sure to find a place where you can relax, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and feel good about supporting responsible businesses.
