Economic Sustainability

• Choose local coffee roasters, to bolster local economies and small businesses
• Favor roasters who conduct “direct trade” with farmers
• Opt for microlot, specialty coffees over inexpensive commodity beans

Social Sustainability

• Remember that economic sustainability = social sustainability for farmers
• Seek out roasters who feature “coffees for a cause” - building schools, providing living wages, etc.

Environmental Sustainability

• Organic certification doesn’t always mean sustainable
• Favor coffees sourced from specific, named, multi-generation farms
• Look for small run, hand-roasted microlots

Product Sustainability

• Avoid flashy, slick packaging, and instead look for kraft and other recyclable materials
• Buy only what you need (hint: try Bean Box 2-ounce sampler products!)
• Beware certification labels, as they generally mean big farms and commodity beans
• At all costs, avoid coffee pods

Many of our favorite coffees also participate in the virtuous cycles of sustainable farming practices and better wages for coffee growers,
making every sip even more enjoyable; check out our Curator's picks for Direct Trade, Fair Trade, and Organic Coffees. You can also read more about direct trade coffee.

Seattle, WA – November 1, 2021 – The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE) has announced Bean Box as the 2021 recipient of the Governor’s Award for Small Private Employer. The annual awards ceremony recognizes employers for exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining, and promoting people with disabilities.

Bean Box earned this accolade for its commitment to hiring people of abilities. Since 2020, the coffee subscription company has hired nine employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work at its product manufacturing center in Seattle’s Georgetown area.

“Bean Box has always sought to build an inclusive, diverse workforce, and our partnership with Northwest Center has helped us fulfill that promise, creating meaningful employment opportunities for all of our team members,” said Ben Adler, VP of Operations. “We’re honored to accept this award, but even more proud of the work we’re doing with our team by focusing on capabilities, not limitations.”

Bean Box was nominated for this award by partner organization Northwest Center. As a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, Northwest Center continues to support Bean Box’s commitment to creating an inclusive workspace.

“Since mid-2020, Northwest Center has had the honor of working with Bean Box to help close the employment gap for people with disabilities,” said Northwest Center Vice President of Employment Services Jenn Ramirez Robson. “Bean Box is an incredible partner in inclusion, and their success employing multiple people with disabilities at a comparatively small business is a terrific example for all businesses. Bean Box shows that inclusive hiring practices aren’t just a gesture, but a smart business practice that benefits the entire workplace.”

Northwest Center provides outsourcing solutions that meet the manufacturing and service needs of small and medium sized businesses, Fortune 500 companies, local government offices, and large federal agencies. 

ABOUT NORTHWEST CENTER

Northwest Center (NWC) is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive organizations serving the community with disability inclusion programs and services that advance equal opportunities for people of all abilities. NWC was founded in 1965 by Seattle parents who refused to give up when their kids with disabilities were rejected from schools, and who went on to pass legislation guaranteeing an education to kids with disabilities. Today, Northwest Center provides Early Supports and inclusive Early Learning for children from birth to school age, Employment Services to adults with disabilities in counties across Washington state and in Northern Idao, and is rapidly expanding inclusive early learning by training other organizations how to include kids with disabilities. For more information, visit www.nwcenter.org

ABOUT BEAN BOX

Bean Box curates, sells, and fulfills a wide range of unique Specialty Coffee tasting experiences, sourced from their network of 50+ artisan coffee roasters across the United States. Bean Box tasting products provide an all-access pass to the world’s best artisan coffee, allowing coffee lovers to enjoy an endless variety in the comfort of their own kitchen. Learn more, and have better mornings, by visiting beanbox.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is a French Press?
• French Press Accessories
• How to Make French Press Coffee
• The Best Coffee for a French Press
• How to Clean a French Press
• French Press Comparisons

What Is a French Press?

The French press is a manual (or non-electric) coffee maker in which ground coffee is filtered and pressed through a mesh wire filter and steeped in water for a short time.

Is French Press Coffee Stronger?

Yes and no. Because the flavor is more intense, you might perceive your coffee to be stronger when brewed in a French press. And sometimes, French press coffee is stronger since the sediment continues to extract in your cup and even in your stomach once it’s been consumed. But ultimately, your grind and coffee-to-water ratio will determine the strength of your coffee. 

Is French Press Coffee Bad for You?

Even the smallest bit of sediment will find its way through your French press and for some, this can lead to an upset stomach. You can avoid this by using a coarse grind. (But remember, a little sediment in your coffee is a good thing!)

French Press Accessories

In addition to the French press itself, you’ll need a few pieces of coffee gear to brew:

• Fresh Coffee: Get your coffee from Bean Box, of course! Grind coffee beans to a kosher salt consistency.
• Coffee Scale: Weigh your coffee with a coffee scale for the most accurate results. 
• Gooseneck Kettle: Gooseneck kettles provide the most precision when pouring off-boil water; these are our favorite electric gooseneck kettles.

How to Make French Press Coffee

Follow these step-by-step instructions for making French press coffee.

1. Heat Your Water

Set your kettle to boil, or, if you’re using a temperature-controlled kettle, to 205°F.

2. Determine Your Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Use this ratio and scale it appropriately for the amount of ounces: 1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water, or 2 tablespoons coffee to 6 ounces water. The following recipe is for a 34-ounce French press.

3. Tare Your Scale

Add 50g (or 10 tablespoons) freshly ground coffee into the filter. Give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds. Tare your scale again. Your ground coffee should be coarsely ground and resemble the consistency of kosher salt. Fun Fact: All you need is one 1.8-ounce Bean Box coffee tasting bag for a 32-ounce French press. 

4. Let the Water Cool

If using boiling water, allow the kettle to sit off the stove for 30 seconds to cool.

5. Start the Brew

There will be two pours in total. This is the first. Start your timer and pour 100g of your heated water onto the grounds. This first pour, called the “bloom,” should be about double the weight of your coffee. The goal here is to saturate all of the grounds. Give the press a little swirl and let the coffee bloom for 30 seconds. Enjoy the aroma! 

6. Pour Again

Pour your next round of water to 1-inch away from the top of the French press, which will be another 700g (or 24 ounces).

7. Let It Sit

Give the French press a little swirl and gently place the lid on top to keep the heat in. Resist the urge to push the plunger just yet! Let sit for four minutes.

8. Push the Plunger

"

Slowly push it down.

9. Serve

Your coffee is ready—enjoy! 

The Best Coffee for a French Press

Coffees with a heavier body and medium-to-dark roast profile work best since the French press tends to bring out the richness of these roasts. But any coffee you enjoy—light, medium or dark roast—works well, as long as you use fresh coffee beans and grind just before brewing.  

How to Clean a French Press

It’s best to hand-wash your French press with warm water and non-scented soap. You can use the plunger as a cleaning assist, pumping it up and down to thoroughly clean the glass carafe and remove residual coffee oils. Next, remove the wire mesh filters from the plunger and clean each piece separately. 

French Press Comparisons

French Press vs. Pour Over

There are several differences between the French press and a pour over brew method such as the Chemex: 

• The French press uses a mesh wire filter, while the pour over methods require a paper filter.
• The French press yields a thick, full-bodied cup of coffee, often with sediment, while a pour over brew method such as the Chemex makes a clean, bright-tasting cup without any sediment at all. 
• The French press comes in plastic, stainless steel and glass variations, while any version of the Chemex is always made of glass. If you’re looking for a pour over method that comes in more variations, try the Hario V60. 
• You can travel with a French press, but it’s not so easy to pack up a Chemex because of its fragile nature.

French Press vs. Drip

Many people who start with a drip coffee machine move on to a French press when they’re ready to try new coffee gear. Here’s how the two compare: 

• The French press requires attentiveness, while you can easily “set it and forget it” with a drip coffee maker. 
• You can travel with a French press, but it’s a bit more difficult to bring a drip coffee machine on your beach vacation!
• There are more choices (in both brand and variety) in drip coffee makers than there are with a French press. 
• Drip coffee may vary in taste depending on grind size and coffee, while the French press yields a full-bodied cup.
• The French press requires a mesh wire filter, while you’ll need to use a paper filter with the drip coffee maker. 

What Is an Americano Coffee?

An Americano, simply put, is espresso poured over hot water (or hot water poured over espresso if you prefer). Also known as a "caffè Americano," this coffee drink is believed to have received its name during World War II, when American G.I.'s in Italy would dilute espresso with water to drink the coffee they were used to in America.

Americano Recipe

Want to try making an Americano at home? Here's how you can easily do it.

What You Need

• Fresh Coffee: Choose coffee beans when you can, and grind them just before you brew.  
• Espresso Machine: You can also use a Moka pot for an espresso-like drink.
• Gooseneck Kettle: We’ve found electric gooseneck kettles to be easiest to use, plus they provide more precision than a traditional kettle. 

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of off-boil water
• Two ounces (double shot) of espresso

Directions

Step 1: Add a double shot of espresso (the standard for most specialty coffee drinks) to a tall coffee cup. Never made espresso before? Use our step-by-step guide to making espresso at home. 

Step 2: Pour your hot water over top. 

Expert Tip: If you'd like to keep the crema—the caramel-colored froth—on top of your Americano coffee, it's best to add your water to the mug first, gently pouring your espresso over top. 

Tips for Making an Americano

• Use freshly filtered water, heated in a kettle or pot.
• Use a 1:4 ratio: 2 ounces of espresso and 8 ounces of water.

Types of Americano Coffee

There are a few variations on a traditional Americano coffee. Try these ratios for a different tasting drink.

• Long Black Americano: 1:2 ratio 
• Little Buddy or Italiano Americano: 1:1 ratio 
• Iced Americano: 1:4 ratio 

Using good ice (with good water) is key to a great tasting, iced Americano. 

To make an iced Americano, fill a glass with ice and pour cold water over the ice until the glass is about half full. Next and finally, pour your espresso over top. The espresso will float a bit, so snap a photo for Instagram and enjoy!

The Cup of Excellence Competition

Let’s start with the Cup of Excellence competition, a contest for a country’s best coffees. Some call it the 'Olympics for Coffee' or the 'Oscars for Coffee.' The level of scrutiny that Cup of Excellence coffees undergo is unmatched anywhere in the specialty coffee industry.

Each year, thousands of coffees are submitted for consideration and through the competition process, a few hundred awarded as CoE coffees which are then sold on a global internet auction at premium prices. Nearly all of the auction proceeds go straight to the farmers.

The CoE competition has pioneered integrity and transparency in the coffee industry, ensuring the value of winning coffees. Each sample entering the competition process is assigned a number known only to the auditor for each competition, and each jury member cups the coffee blind. In addition, each lot is documented through the entire process so that winning coffees are traceable to the farm and exact micro-lot from which they came.

The competition is rigorous, with cupping evaluations conducted over a three-stage process by industry experts: first by a National Jury of about a dozen qualified jurors (who have included Bean Box's Director of Coffee, Maryna Gray!) from the origin country, and then by an International Jury, comprised of approximately 20 to 25 experienced jurors from around the world. Coffees are evaluated using the Cup of Excellence cupping form, designed by Cup of Excellence co-founder George Howell.

A competition with 300 entries yields an average of 9,000 analyzed cups, with each 'Top 10' coffee being cupped at least 120 times. This process ensures elite top-quality consistent coffees enter the CoE auction.

The Cup of Excellence and Its Impact on Coffee Farmers

The CoE program, including auctions held by Alliance for Coffee Excellence, has set the standard for the increased premiums that farmers have been able to receive for their top-notch coffees. It continues to build a more transparent infrastructure and gives farmers the tools needed to improve the economic model of their farms and how they get paid. With the potential funds that can be received from a winning auction bid, expansion of coffee in new markets around the world, and future direct trade relationships, the Cup of Excellence helps to incentivize and motivate farmers. They know there can be a recognition and financial reward for their hard work and effort.

Since 1999, together with a global family of coffee lovers, the Cup of Excellence has pushed to back coffee farmers and make a positive impact on the way people enjoy coffee. 

The Cup of Excellence at Bean Box

Bean Box receives a limited supply of Cup of Excellence-winning coffees from time to time. Always be on the lookout for email and/or social announcements. 

This post was written by Anna Abatzoglou, Managing Director, Marketing & Membership, for the Cup of Excellence. 

How to Buy Fresh Coffee Beans

Here's how to ensure you're buying truly fresh coffee beans: 

• Buy Coffee from Bean Box: Enough said! We’re dedicated to delivering you the best quality beans, roasted to order and shipped fast. Peak freshness and flavor: we guarantee it.
• Go Directly to the Source: If you don’t buy it from us, buy it directly from the roaster. Coffee stocked through other middlemen, either online or on grocery store shelves, can sit for days, weeks, even months before you get it into your kitchen. This is why many artisan roasters won’t work with other coffee companies, or sell their beans through stores other than their own cafes.
• Look For a Roast Date: Look for a roast date on the coffee bag, and try to only buy coffee within a month of that date (and ideally within a week or two). If you see an “expiration date," know that many expiration dates are six months to a year after the beans have been roasted! 
• Buy Whole Beans: Buy whole-bean coffee and grind the beans (preferably with a burr grinder) just before you brew.

How Long Do Coffee Beans Last? 

When it comes to the shelf life of coffee beans, roast type plays a major role, and generally speaking, the darker the roast, the faster the decay. 

Light Roasts: Lighter roasts can survive—when properly stored—for up to a month and beyond. This is because they don’t spend as much time in the roaster as dark beans. (Fun Fact: This is also why light roasts also tend to have more caffeine than dark roasts). 

Dark Roasts: Longer roasting times introduce a new set of flavors, but also destroy the structural integrity of the bean. This means that dark roasts will age faster than lighter roasts (as evidenced by the shiny oils you’ll see appearing on these beans). However, the good news is that as coffees age, their lighter, brighter flavors fade first. So the darker roast may age faster, but you won’t notice as much of a flavor impact. 

3 Ways to Tell If You Have Expired Coffee 

As beans age and taste flattens, the coffee will start to lose its nuance, and taste more and more bitter. (Ironically, within the first week, many light roasts will taste sour, so don’t brew too soon, either!)

Oils: Depending on whether the beans are dark or light roast, seeing spots of oil on the surface can also tell you a lot. Very dark roasted coffee will exit the roaster already oily on the outside, even when perfectly fresh. But medium and light roasts should not show any visible oil on their surface when they're fresh. As beans age, the oils within the body of the bean will migrate towards the surface. And once the oils reach the exterior, exposure to the environment increases, as does the speed of decay.

Coffee Bloom: The coffee bloom—when hot water interacts with coffee still in the process of off-gassing—indicates fresh coffee, and is most obvious to see when using a brew method such as the Chemex, since you can clearly watch the coffee and water bubble up. Here’s how to do it: make your first pour of hot water just enough to saturate the grounds. The grounds will “fluff” up if the coffee is fresh, and you’ll see active bubbling at the surface. You should also see some slight rainbow effects (oil) on the surface of the bubbles. If you don’t see any rise, fluffing, or bubbling of the grounds, the beans are past prime.

Taste: Of course, the other major way to detect spoiled coffee is by drinking it. The most common indicator of stale beans is a very flat, “nothing” taste. If it tastes bitter, you can troubleshoot the issue with this list of possible causes for bitter coffee. If it tastes sour, it might be for one of these reasons. But in many cases, it’s likely that your coffee beans are old. 

Can Ground Coffee Go Bad? 

All coffee, especially ground coffee, can go bad. Because ground coffee has a lot more surface area to expose to the environment, it ages more quickly. Repeated exposure to air is the worst culprit for ground coffee, which happens when you have a large amount of ground coffee and the container is opened over and over every day for brewing.

If at all possible, buy your coffee whole bean, which keeps better, and only grind as much as you need, immediately prior to brewing. This part is so crucial that we always say: when spending money on coffee gear, the best bang your buck comes from a quality burr grinder. Check out our complete guide to brewing coffee beans here.

Can Brewed Coffee Go Bad? 

Yes, coffee that sits too long—think drip coffee on hot plates at a dine—will begin to taste bitter. It's best to let your coffee cool a bit so you take in all of the tasting notes, then serve immediately. 

How Long Does Coffee Last in the Fridge? 

Storing your coffee in the fridge or freezer is okay and in some cases, may actually enhance the coffee. We don’t suggest leaving your coffee in the fridge or freezer for an extended period of time, however. And repeatedly thawing and re-freezing your beans isn’t advisable, because it will introduce moisture into the beans and cause freezer burn and bad flavors.

How to Store Coffee Beans

Packaging and storage influence shelf life for both whole beans and ground coffee. Bags that are flushed with nitrogen can stall bean spoilage, but only if they remain sealed. Also, bags lined with airtight materials (like all Bean Box bags!) prevent contact with the environment, preserving the life of the beans.

If your coffee bag doesn’t have any of these features, airtight containers and tins are the way to go. 

5 Reasons Your Coffee Tastes Bitter 

1. The Coffee Is Too Finely Ground

Grinding coffee too fine is a common cause of bitterness (also known as over extraction). How do you know what grind size is right for you? This often requires a little experimentation, but here's a general rule of thumb based on each brew method:

• AeroPress: Coarse Sand Consistency 
• Chemex: Sea Salt Consistency
• Drip Machine: Kosher Salt Consistency 
• French Press: Kosher Salt Consistency
• Hario V60: Table Salt Consistency 
• Moka Pot: Table Salt Consistency 

2. The Grounds Steeped Too Long

When using a French press or any brewing method in which coffee grounds are steeped, avoid leaving the coffee grounds submerged in water for more than a few minutes. Expert Tip: We've found the magic number to be four minutes. Serve the coffee immediately after it's done steeping to prevent it from meeting a bitter (over extracted) fate.

3. Your Water Is Too Hot

When it comes to optimal brewing temperature for coffee, 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (or two to three minutes off-boil) is the sweet spot. If your water is too hot (or over boiled), you'll extract the bitter compounds from the coffee.

4. Your Coffee Is Mismatched to Your Expectations 

Coffee preferences and tastes are very subjective, and our expectations for coffee can vary depending on what we’re used to drinking. Our tastes can change, and our perception of bitter foods can become more or less sensitive over the course of time. A coffee drinker who enjoys a darker roast will often label a lightly-roasted coffee as stale, sour, or tart. If you’re used to lighter roasts, a darker or roastier profile may come across as bitter and unpalatable. This isn't necessarily an issue with your brewing method or an imperfection in the coffee. 

5. It's the Color of Your Cup

Who knew? Even after controlling for freshness, grind, roast profile, time, and temperature, there's a well-known psychological aspect to perceiving bitter coffee: the color of the cup. 

Because of the color contrast, coffee’s dark color seems even darker compared to the white of your mug, and we are apt to perceive coffee served in a white mug as stronger in profile. By contrast, sipping our coffee from a clear glass, with the sunlight streaming through it, encourages us to imagine we're drinking something lighter and sweeter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is an AeroPress Coffee Maker?
• AeroPress Accessories
• AeroPress Instructions: The Inverted AeroPress Method
• The Best Coffee for an AeroPress
• How to Clean an AeroPress
• AeroPress Comparisons

What Is an AeroPress Coffee Maker?

The AeroPress is a simple brewing method that allows you to quickly press hot water through coffee. While it's not the most stylish of coffee makers, it’s lightweight, very portable, and will brew up a sweet, full-bodied cup of coffee every time. That's why it's often the preferred brew method for camping coffee. 

AeroPress Accessories

To get started, you’ll need a few accessories for your AeroPress; here’s a complete shopping list:  

• AeroPress: The AeroPress goes for about $30 on Amazon.
• Fresh Coffee: Grind to coarse sand consistency (or medium grind). 
• Grinder: We always recommend a quality burr grinder!
• AeroPress Paper Filter: You can find both name-brand filters and generic versions on Amazon.
• Coffee Scale: These are our coffee scale recommendations. 
• Kettle: We prefer an electric gooseneck kettle.

AeroPress Instructions: The Inverted AeroPress Method

We prefer the inverted AeroPress method, as it prevents dripping and allows for better control over brew time. Follow these AeroPress instructions for a great cup of coffee on the go. 

1. Heat the Water

Bring your kettle water to a boil, or if you’re using a temperature-controlled kettle, set it to 205°F. 

2. Prep the Filter

Unscrew the black AeroPress cap before placing the circular paper filter inside of it. Rinse the filter with heated water to remove the paper smell/taste. Shake out the rinse water from your AeroPress cap and set aside. 

3. Measure Your Coffee

Tare your scale and add 15g (or 3 tbsp.) freshly ground coffee into the filter. Give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds. Tare your scale again. 

4. Start the Brew

There will be two pours in total. This is the first. Start your timer and bloom the coffee by pouring 40g of heated water onto the grounds. This first pour should be about double the weight of your coffee. The goal is to saturate all of the grounds. Let bloom for 30 seconds and enjoy the aroma! 

5. Pour Again

Pour your next round of water (another 200g) about 1-inch away from the top of the AeroPress. After your pour, attach the cap with the filter and screw it in place. 

6. Attach the Cap

Secure the cap in place. 

7. Invert the AeroPress

At the 2-minute mark, prepare to invert the AeroPress. We like to hold a mug over the cap before flipping it, but the plunger’s seal should prevent most leaks.  

8. Wait for the Hiss

Slowly push the plunger down until you hear a hissing sound. This step should take about 30 seconds. 

9. Serve

Pour your coffee and enjoy! 

Want to experiment with other recipes? AeroPress publishes recipes from the World AeroPress Champions here.

The Best Coffee for an AeroPress

Light to medium roasts taste especially delicious in the AeroPress, since the quick extraction and paper filter result in a clean and bright cup that allows complex flavor notes to shine. 

How to Clean an AeroPress

Unlike many brew methods, it’s safe to clean the AeroPress in the dishwasher (top rack), though we still recommend hand-washing it with warm water and unscented dish soap. You’ll definitely want to remove the seal from the end of the plunger and give it a good clean from time to time. 

AeroPress Comparisons

AeroPress vs. AeroPress Go

Even though the traditional AeroPress is portable, AeroPress also makes a version specifically for travel, called the AeroPress Go. Here’s how the two compare:

• Size: The AeroPress Go is undeniably smaller and lighter (though the original AeroPress isn’t big and bulky by any means).
  
  
• Storage: The AeroPress Go is stored in a small cup with a silicone lid. The regular AeroPress doesn’t come with any storage.
  
  
• Parts: The original AeroPress comes with a funnel, while the AeroPress Go comes with a folding stick for stirring.
  
  
• Compatibility: Like the AeroPress, the AeroPress Go is compatible with the Fellow Prismo attachment for those wanting to make an espresso-like drink. 

Overall, there’s not much of a difference between the AeroPress and the AeroPress Go, and we’ve always found the original AeroPress to work great for travel. They’re even priced about the same (though the AeroPress Go is actually $2 more on Amazon).  

AeroPress vs. Pour Over

Here’s how the AeroPress differs from a pour over method:

• Serving Size: The AeroPress will yield about 8 ounces of coffee at a time, while the Hario and Chemex can scale up the recipes to serve multiple people at once. 
  
  
• Method: With a pour over method such as the Chemex, you literally pour hot water over ground coffee and through a paper filter. While you essentially do the same with the AeroPress, there’s the added step of pushing a plunger down. 
  
  
• Taste: AeroPress recipes can be extremely versatile, allowing for tons of experimentation. This can result in everything from vibrant, light and refreshing cups to silkier and more concentrated cups.
  
  
• Portability: The AeroPress travels well, while the Chemex does not. (If you’re looking for a pour over brewer that travels well, try the plastic Hario V60.) 

Caffeine is an essential component of coffee plants, which is why even decaffeinated coffee is never 100 percent caffeine-free. Why is this, and exactly how much caffeine is in decaf coffee? Can decaf coffee keep you awake? And what about decaf tea? Using our own coffee expertise, along with some insight from medical professionals, we've answered the most common questions around decaf coffee. 

What Is Decaf Coffee? 

Decaf coffee is regular coffee that’s gone through a process to remove as much of its caffeine as possible; these processes typically extract 95 to 97% of caffeine. Unfortunately, the caffeine-removal process can also remove compounds that give a coffee its sweetness, body and flavor. This is why it’s important to buy quality, specialty decaf coffee: if the coffee isn't good quality to begin with, it definitely won’t taste very good after being decaffeinated. However, there are a variety of modern and eco-friendly decaffeination methods that are designed to preserve the flavors of high-quality, specialty beans.

How Is Decaf Coffee Made?

According to legend, decaffeinated coffee was “discovered” when a batch of green (unroasted) coffee was submerged in salt water during an overseas journey. The first commercial decaf was invented in 1900, by a German named Ludwig Roselius; his company would later become known as Sanka.

Historically, decaffeination required subjecting beans to a bath in Benzene—a chemical that’s now recognized as a known carcinogen. This is why many consumers associate decaf coffee with unhealthy, or toxic, chemicals. Luckily, this technique is no longer used, and the FDA has strict standards around any chemical components used in the decaffeination process.

These days, most specialty coffees are decaffeinated with non-toxic, eco-friendly methods that retain flavor far better than the methods of the past. These methods mainly soak or steam the unroasted coffee beans until they become porous, and then use a natural solvent to extract the caffeine. 

The three most common decaf methods in specialty coffee are Swiss Water, Mountain Water, and Sugar Cane Process.

Swiss Water and Mountain Water Decaf

Swiss Water and Mountain Water are very similar to one another. They involve soaking the beans in a water solution, which dissolves the caffeine (and other flavor components) into the water. The water is then passed through a filter that traps the caffeine molecules, but allows the other flavor compounds and oils to pass through. The beans are then reintroduced to the filtered water, and all of the non-caffeine compounds are absorbed back into the beans.

Sugar Cane Method (or Ethyl Acetate)

Ethyl Acetate (EA), also known as the Sugar Cane Method, is another specialty process for decaffeinating coffee. It’s popular in areas that grow and process sugar cane because it uses a byproduct from the sugars to produce a solvent that extracts caffeine from the coffee. Beans are steamed open and “rinsed” with a solution of water and Ethyl Acetate for a period of hours until the caffeine is mostly extracted.

None of these methods can extract all of the caffeine, which is why decaf coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine. 

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee?

So then how much caffeine is in decaf coffee? Since most roasting processes remove about 97 percent of the caffeine, you may see a cup containing 2 to 3mg of caffeine, instead of the usual 65 to 115 mg (depending on type of coffee and brew method). Overall, "the amount of caffeine in decaf coffee is dietetically insignificant," says Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FAND. 

Will Decaf Coffee Keep Me Awake? 

Certain people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. The older you are, the more sensitive to caffeine you are. Enjoying coffee with food helps mitigate the effects of too many refills, explains Ayoob. “However, most ‘normal’ people (that is, without health conditions that cause them to react to caffeine) won’t be affected by the small amount in a cup of decaf.”

As a general rule, caffeine’s effects peak after about an hour and stay in your body for about six hours. So as long as you avoid that after-dinner cup of Joe, you should be able to enjoy a cup of delicious decaf in the morning and sleep well when bedtime rolls around. 

Is Decaf Coffee Bad for You?

No, thanks to these modern, non-toxic decaffeination methods. And beyond the decaf process, there's not much difference between caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee since the antioxidant compounds are about the same. "The decaffeinating process will reduce the antioxidants and phenolic compounds by about 10 to 15 percent," says Ayoob. "But that still leaves A LOT of antioxidants available."

Also, research suggests there may be more benefits to decaf coffee than we know. "This study found that coffee polyphenols (the good compounds) had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but that caffeine could sometimes antagonize these benefits (e.g. the caffeine may have benefits, but also some potentially negative side effects, particularly on the cardiovascular system)," explains Ayoob. "They concluded that decaf coffee deserves more investigation for its potential benefits."

Is Decaf Coffee a Diuretic?

"Caffeine is a diuretic as it causes the body to make and excrete more urine by increasing blood flow to the kidneys," explains Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet. "Decaf coffee can have similar diuretic effects as regular coffee, just to a lesser degree."

Benefits of Decaf Coffee

While regular and decaf coffee provide many of the same health benefits, Richards and Ayoob agree that decaf coffee can provide its own unique health qualities for some individuals, such as those who can't tolerate coffee. "Some coffee consumers must moderate how much caffeine they take in for various reasons, so decaf coffee gives these individuals an alternative to fully caffeinated coffee," says Richards.

The Best Decaf Coffee Beans

Just like our selection of specialty coffees with caffeine, all of our decaf coffees are hand-curated and roasted fresh from the nation’s finest artisan roasters. Browse our freshly roasted selection of decaf coffee beans, or check out our Coffee Sampler (which is a great way to explore decaffeinated coffee and decide if it's right for you).

Does Decaf Tea Have Caffeine?

Just like coffee, tea plants contain caffeine as one of their natural components. This includes black, green, oolong, white, and pu’er teas. These teas can be decaffeinated through a process similar to coffee, where tea leaves are soaked in water and a solvent is used to extract the caffeine molecules. Herbal teas, however, are often made from non-tea plants, herbs, and extracts, which are naturally caffeine-free. And here’s another trick to get decaf tea: Make a cup of tea, dump it, and use the same tea bag a second time. You'll get almost all of the tea flavor and only a fraction of the caffeine.

What Is a London Fog Drink? 

The London Fog is a hot drink that combines Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup and steamed milk, and creates a cloud-like appearance (hence the name). Sometimes referred to as a London Fog Tea Latte, it’s sweet and simple, and makes the ultimate cozy drink on a cold and/or dreary day. 

How to Make a London Fog Drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 bags of Earl Grey tea
• 1 oz. vanilla syrup: Amoretti, Monin and Torani all make a good vanilla syrup.
• Milk of choice: If you’re wanting a thick tea drink, use cow’s milk or, if you prefer a plant-based alternative, try oat milk. 

Directions 

• Pour hot/boiling water over Earl Grey tea into your mug, filling the mug about half-full.
• Steep for 3 minutes and remove the tea.
• Add 1 oz. of vanilla syrup to the tea.
• Froth warmed milk or steam your milk of choice. 
• Pour milk into your mug and enjoy!

Table of Contents

• What Is Espresso?
• How Much Caffeine Is in Espresso?
• Best Coffee Beans for Espresso
• How to Make Espresso at Home
• How to Make Espresso Without a Machine
• Types of Espresso Drinks
• What Is Blonde Espresso?
• What Is Espresso Powder?

What Is Espresso?

How Much Caffeine Is in Espresso?

Best Coffee Beans for Espresso

There's actually no such thing as an espresso bean, and the best coffee for espresso is subjective. Technically, any coffee can be brewed as espresso. But there are coffee blends specifically formulated for espresso that taste best as espresso drinks.

That said, although some cafes have started offering single-origin espresso shots, by and large espresso is made with blends specifically designed for espresso. What matters most, from the point of view of the barista, is how the beans are ground. While drip coffee is best when the beans are a medium grind (about the size of sea salt), for espresso, the beans need to be finely ground and the consistency of the grind is essential.

How to Make Espresso at Home

Making a great shot of espresso requires an initial commitment, but once you put in the time and the practice, it's immensely rewarding to pour your first great-tasting shot. Follow our recipe to make espresso at home. 

The Best Espresso Recipe

Prep Time: 3 minutes 

Cook Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 5 minutes 

What You Need

• Espresso Machine: Because of the pressure required, you need a bone fide espresso machine that can get up to pressure and produce consistent hot water. (Looking for recommendations? These are our picks for the best espresso machines.) If you don’t have an espresso machine or the budget for one, jump down to How to Make Espresso Without a Machine.
• Burr Grinder: In the espresso world, our magic word is consistency. A great burr grinder is going to be the most consistent source of even, finely ground coffee.

Ingredients 

• Filtered Water: You want to use filtered water, especially if you have hard water. Coffee is mostly water, so quality water is a must!
• 18 to 20g Coffee: Any coffee will work, but we recommended these coffee beans for espresso. 

Directions

Step 1: Turn on your espresso machine and give it time to warm up. 

Step 2: Once your machine is heated and you're ready to start brewing, place your portafilter on the scale and tare out the weight.

Step 3: Grind the coffee into your portafilter until you reach your desired weight, 18 to 20g for a double shot.

Step 4: Even out the bed of coffee in your portafiliter, either through a distribution tool or with your index finger. The goal is to make sure the coffee is level and evenly distributed across the whole basket. 

Step 5: Use your tamper to compress your coffee down with a fair amount of pressure. It's very important that you tamp straight down in order to achieve an even puck. If you tamp at an angle, the extraction of your coffee will be compromised.

Step 6: Pull your shot! 

Step 7: Taste your coffee and determine if you need to change any variables to improve the quality of your cup. 

Tasting your coffee and deciding what to change is the hardest part of mastering espresso and takes time to learn. If your espresso is tasting under extracted (sour), try making your grind a bit finer. Bitterness is indicative of over extraction and requires a coarser grind.

How to Make Espresso Without a Machine

While you can't make a bona fide espresso without pressure from a machine, you can get close(ish) to the real deal with one of these methods: 

How to Make Espresso With a Moka Pot 

Even though it’s smaller and looks a lot different than an espresso machine, the Moka pot is the best way to brew an espresso-like coffee. It makes coffee using pressure, similar to an espresso machine. Many people actually prefer the Moka pot to an espresso machine since it’s a lot more affordable and portable. Intrigued? Check out our guide to using a Moka pot at home here. 

How to Make Espresso With a French Press

Making espresso with a French press basically means making less coffee. Here's what you do: Boil one cup of water. While you wait for the water to heat up, add two tablespoons of freshly, finely ground coffee to your French press. Add a bit of the boiling water to the French press and stir briefly. Wait four minutes, then slowly push down the plunger, pausing every few seconds. Note that it'll be slightly challenging to push the plunger down due to the grind size. 

How to Make Espresso With an AeroPress

Using your normal brew method for the AeroPress, prepare less coffee using a fine grind. If able, heat your water in a kettle to 205 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit (the optimal temperature for espresso in an AeroPress). Pro Tip: You can make this even easier with the Fellow Prismo Attachment for AeroPress ($25 on Amazon), an actuated valve that attaches to the device for espresso-like coffee.

Types of Espresso Drinks

If you’ve ever stared slack-jawed at the coffee shop menu wondering what the difference was between all the espresso drinks, you're in good company! Here's an overview of the different types of espresso drinks: 

• Single Shot: It's simple and delicious. 
• Double Shot: This is the most common shot, as most baristas pull double shots and dump out half if someone orders a single. 
• Americano: An Americano is water poured over espresso. Think of it as a more intense cup of drip coffee.
• Macchiato: A macchiato is espresso with steamed milk foam. Surprised that it’s not a caramel-infused sugar bomb? It’s cool if you like that, too, but that's not a traditional macchiato.
• Cappuccino: Your average cappuccino is equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
• Flat White: The is espresso with microfoam poured over it. Microfoam is steamed milk filled with small, fine bubbles that give it an ultra smooth consistency. Yes, it’s different from a latte.
• Mocha: Mochas are delicious and surprisingly, not overly sweet.
• Latte: A latte is espresso with lots of steamed milk and very little foam.
• Ristretto: This is a concentrated shot of espresso, for when you don’t want to blink for a few hours or commit to anything longer than a sip. After all, you’ve got places to be and things to do.

What Is Blonde Espresso?

Blonde espresso, popularized by Starbucks, is simply an espresso made with light roast coffee as opposed to a traditional espresso, which uses medium or dark beans. 

What Is Espresso Powder?

Some baking recipes call for espresso powder, which is made from darkly roasted, finely-ground coffee beans. You can buy espresso powder at the supermarket or make it on your own at home. It's not meant to be used to make an actual espresso drink, however.

While we love ordering a pumpkin spiced latte at our favorite coffee shop (and then picking pumpkins or shopping for fall decor while we sip our PSL, of course), we also like to make our own at home (especially because we can stay in our pajamas). Next time you want a pumpkin spiced latte and don’t feel like leaving the house, try our easy pumpkin spiced latte recipe. 

What Is a Pumpkin Spiced Latte?

Starbucks’ original Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe contains espresso, steamed milk, real pumpkin (as of 2015), cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. You can use any combination of these ingredients when making a pumpkin spiced latte, and you can also swap out pumpkin puree for pumpkin syrup. 

How to Make a Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Read on for our too-easy-not-to-try pumpkin spiced latte recipe, which calls for just four ingredients.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes 

Total Time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. pumpkin syrup: We like Torani’s Pumpkin Spice Syrup. 
• Double shot of espresso: Use a dark roasted coffee or espresso blend.
• 1 cup milk of choice: Cow milk or oat milk work best for a PSL.
• Ground cinnamon for garnish 

Directions

1. Pull a double shot of espresso with your espresso machine. Don’t have one? You can use a Moka pot or French press to make an espresso-like coffee.
2. Warm your milk with the steaming wand on your espresso machine, or use a handheld milk frother. 
3. Combine milk and pumpkin syrup with the espresso in a mug. 
4. Top with cinnamon, inhale the aroma, and enjoy fall in a cup.

Pumpkin Spiced Chai Latte

Want to make a pumpkin spiced chai tea latte instead? Simply swap the espresso for a bag of spiced chai tea and follow our step-by-step instructions for the rest. 

If the goal is better coffee, start with fresh beans and a quality burr grinder. Then focus on the coffee maker, keeping in mind that a high-priced machine won’t necessarily lead to a better cup. Read on to see our recommendations for the best coffee makers under $100. 

Chemex

Invented in 1941 by an eccentric chemist named Peter Schlumbohm, the Chemex is a borosilicate glass carafe inspired by simple laboratory equipment. It’s designed to be beautiful, yet easy to use. So while the Chemex looks fancy, it’s not, nor is its price tag—you’ll typically pay less than $50 for this timeless coffee maker (so timeless that it’s in the MoMa!), which produces an aromatic, clean tasting cup due to its thick filters. Chemex filters are 20 to 30 percent heavier than competitive brands and remove even the finest sediment particles as well as the undesirable oils and fats.

The necessary filters aren’t expensive either, plus you can easily find generic versions on Amazon. For step-by-step brewing instructions, see our guide on How to Use a Chemex.

Hario V60

Fun Fact: The Japanese-invented Hario V60 is named for the 60-degree angle created by the shape of its cone! One of the best pour over coffee makers, it’s also inexpensive. The standard dripper itself is about $20, and the necessary filters are another few dollars. You can easily buy them in bulk or find generic versions online. And you don’t need a carafe to go with it, either—simply place the dripper over your favorite coffee cup and brew. If you want to purchase the matching HARIO V60 Glass Range Coffee Server, however, you’ll still spend less than $100 on all three products. The Hario V60 comes in ceramic, glass (in a variety of colors), plastic and copper,Before you buy, read our guide to the Hario V60 to decide if it’s right for you. 

AeroPress

The AeroPress is a compact, single-cup coffee maker that’s the preferred brewing method for many campers, though its portability makes it ideal for anything on the go—coffee at the office, your kid’s Saturday morning soccer game, you name it. And for $30 on Amazon, the price is right, too. Use our step-by-step AeroPress instructions to brew.

French Press

If you enjoy a full-bodied cup of coffee, consider brewing with a French press. Due to the lack of a paper filter and the use of a mesh wire filter instead, more of the beans' natural oils make their way into your cup (along with any fine particles that escape through the mesh filter), resulting in a bigger body, a thicker mouthfeel, and a more robust flavor profile. You can find a good French press from Bodum for $40 or less.

Moka Pot

Not only is the Moka pot affordable (less than $30 on Amazon), but it’s also one of the trendiest coffee makers on the market, having made a comeback in recent years. Like the French press, the Moka pot makes a velvety, strong-tasting cup of coffee, and can also be used to make a faux shot of espresso (hence its nickname, the “stovetop espresso maker”) for coffee drinks like macchiatos and cappuccinos. Choose between a stovetop or electric Moka pot. 

Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

It doesn’t have to be the 12-Cup Coffee Maker, but any basic Mr. Coffee drip machine will get you a decent cup of morning brew, as long as you grind your beans just before brewing. And you can’t beat the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it method that makes enough coffee for several people at once. 

Bialetti—the pioneering company behind the Moka pot—almost went bankrupt in 2018 when it struggled to compete with the popularity of pod coffee makers. Today, it's found in 90 percent of Italian households. 

Read on to learn more about this storied coffee maker, from our best Moka pot recipe to how it compares to a similar machine: the espresso maker. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is a Moka Pot?
• Moka Pot Accessories
• How to Use a Moka Pot
• The Best Coffee for a Moka Pot
• How to Clean a Moka Pot
• Moka Pot Comparisons

What Is a Moka Pot?

The Moka pot makes coffee by forcing boiling water and steam through coffee grounds and out through a mesh filter. Eight-sided and made of aluminum, the Moka pot comes in two variations: electric and stove top. 

It creates an espresso-like taste, and is the closest you can get to espresso without using an actual espresso machine. In fact, the Moka pot is often referred to as a “stovetop espresso machine.” 

Technically, you need an espresso machine to brew true espresso, as the Moka pot doesn’t create the same level of pressure as an espresso machine. But if you want to make lattes or cappuccinos and don’t have an espresso machine (or don’t want to dish out the necessary funds for a good one), the Moka pot is an adequate alternative. 

Moka Pot Accessories

In addition to a Moka pot and fresh coffee beans, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Heat Source: You can use the stove or a hot plate; if camping, you can also use the Moka pot over an open fire. 
• Coffee Grinder: Use a burr grinder to get a table salt consistency.
• Coffee Scale: Use a digital coffee scale like the HARIO V60 Drip Coffee Scale. 
• Kettle: We prefer an electric gooseneck kettle for brewing, but a standard tea kettle also works. 

How to Use a Moka Pot

Follow these step-by-step instructions for using a Moka pot. 

Step 1: Heat Your Water

Set your kettle to boil, or, if you’re using a temperature controlled kettle, bring it to 205°F.

Step 2: Pour the Water

Add your heated water to the bottom of the Moka pot, filling to the line inside the carafe. 

Step 3: Weigh Your Moka Pot on the Scale

Put the metal filter basket into the brewer and place it on the scale. Tare your scale and add 15g (or 3 tablespoons) of freshly ground coffee into the filter. Or, just use one 1.8-ounce bag of Bean Box coffee! Use your finger to level out the grounds, or, using a heat-resistant towel, give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds. Note: don’t tamp (or compress) the grounds like you do with espresso, as this will cause excess pressure and potentially lead to a coffee explosion (re: How to Clean a Moka Pot).

Step 4: Put the Moka Pot Together

Remove the brewer from the scale. Screw the top and bottom together using a heat-resistant towel. 

Step 5: Turn on the Heat

Turn on your heat source to medium-low and put the Moka pot on top. Make sure the handle is not subjected to the heat.

Step 6: Wait for the Hiss

Leave the top lid open. The coffee will begin to come out of the spout. Close the lid. When you hear a hissing sound, remove the Moka pot from the heat source and allow the coffee to finish brewing. 

Step 7: Enjoy!

Pour your coffee, let it cool a bit, and enjoy!

The Best Coffee for a Moka Pot

Dark roasts and/or blends formulated for espresso are a good choice for the Moka pot since it produces a strong-bodied cup of coffee. 

How to Clean a Moka Pot

It’s not common, but Moka pots can explode if not properly cleaned after each use (or, as noted above, if you use too much water or tamp the grounds).  

Most Moka pots are not dishwasher safe. Instead, you’ll need to hand wash your Moka pot with warm water, a soft-bristled brush, and some unscented dish soap before thoroughly drying it. Be sure to empty, rinse and dry the filter, too. 

Just like any other coffee maker, the Moka pot also needs a descaling (removal of mineral buildup) every so often, especially if you have hard water. Hard water contains something called limescale, a white, chalky substance that, despite your best efforts, will find its way into your Moka pot regardless of how much you regularly clean it. I will link to a blog about descaling here.

Moka Pot Comparisons

Moka Pot vs. Espresso Machine

While the Moka pot and espresso machine yield a similar tasting coffee, there are some significant differences between the two: 

• Time: The Moka pot takes about five to seven minutes to brew coffee, whereas it’ll take you less than a minute to pull a shot of espresso.
  
  
• Ease of Use: The Moka pot is simple to use, while an espresso machine is a bit more complex. 
  
  
• Maintenance: Because of its simple design, the Moka pot is also easier to clean than an espresso machine.
  
  
• Portability: You can easily travel with the Moka pot since it’s fairly small and can even be used over an open fire while camping. For obvious reasons, you really can’t travel with an espresso machine. 
  
  
• Cost: The Moka pot is cheaper in terms of cost; you’ll pay about $30 for a 3-Cup Bialetti, whereas a quality espresso machine goes for a few hundred dollars (at least).
  
  
• Coffee: The Moka pot makes a rich, full-bodied coffee, while the espresso machine yields an ultra concentrated coffee with crema, or microbubbles. 

Moka Pot vs. French Press

The Moka pot and French press have more in common than the Moka pot and espresso machine. For instance, they’re about the same size, making them both portable for travel. They also take about the same amount of time to brew a cup of coffee (5 minutes or so), and produce a similar tasting coffee. They’re priced the same, too, generally going for anywhere from $15 to $75. But there are a few notable differences between the Moka pot and French press: 

• Taste: The Moka pot makes a strong, espresso-like coffee; the French press makes a full-bodied coffee which often includes sediment. 
  
  
• Material: The Moka pot is made of aluminum or stainless steel, while the French press comes in stainless steel, plastic and glass variations. 
  
  
• Brew: The Moka pot relies on pressure to make coffee, while coffee steeps in the French press. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is a Chemex?
• Chemex Coffee Maker Necessities
• How to Use a Chemex Coffee Maker
• The Best Coffee for Chemex
• How to Clean a Chemex
• Chemex Comparisons

What Is a Chemex?

So what is a Chemex, anyway? 

This coffee maker was invented in 1941 by a chemist named Peter Schlumbohm. Inspired by a laboratory glass funnel and Erlenmeyer flask, the Chemex’s simple, yet unique design encourages excess air to escape from the bottom of the carafe, through a paper filter, allowing the coffee to filter at a perfect rate. 

It’s made with just one piece of borosilicate glass and embellished with a wooden collar and rawhide tie, the latter of which comes in a variety of colors to match your kitchen (because this is definitely something you want to show off on your counter). 

Fun Fact: Each rawhide embellishment is hand-tied at the factory in Massachusetts! 

You can get a Chemex coffee maker in various shapes and sizes, from the Three-Cup Classic Chemex to a 13-Cup Handblown Chemex. According to Chemex, the 6- and 8-cup versions are most popular, however (and we can certainly attest to that!). 

Chemex Coffee Maker Necessities

If you’ve purchased or plan to purchase a Chemex, you’ll also need the following accessories: 

• Chemex Filters: The branded filters from Chemex are great, but you can find slightly cheaper, just-as-good generic versions on Amazon.
• Coffee Scoop or Scale: Using a scoop works just fine in a pinch, but a coffee scale will do you wonders!
• Grinder: The best coffee grinder for a Chemex (and any brew method) will always be a burr grinder, since burr grinders provide more consistency in grind size and resulting taste than blade grinders. Not sure where to start? Check out the Baratza Encore, our pick for the best entry-level burr grinder. 
• Gooseneck Kettle: Gooseneck kettles provide more control and thus, more precision, than standard stovetop kettles. We’ve found electric gooseneck kettles to be the easiest to use.  
• Fresh Beans: Last, but never least, always use fresh coffee beans. 

How to Use a Chemex Coffee Maker

1. Heat the Water

Bring water to a boil in your gooseneck kettle. If using a temperature controlled kettle, bring the water to 205°F. 

2. Prepare the Filter

Open the paper filter so there are three layers on one side, and one layer on the other. Place the three-layered side on the spout side of the Chemex. Pour your heated water over the filter to preheat the carafe and set the filter in place. Called “rinsing,” this step also removes the paper smell/taste from making its way into your coffee. When you’re done rinsing, pour out the water. 

3. Measure and Grind Your Coffee

First, measure out 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of coffee beans for every 6 ounces of water. To make a 32-ounce Chemex, we'll use 10 tablespoons (50 grams) of coffee. Or you can skip the math altogether and simply use one Bean Box Sampler Bag for a 6-Cup Chemex! 

Grind the coffee to a table salt-like consistency so the beans can fully absorb the water. This grind gives you a cleaner cup of coffee with less sediment when using a Chemex.

4. Calculate Your Ratio

We like to start with a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio. This means for the 50g coffee in, we’ll use 800g (or 28 oz.) water. Aim for your brew to finish between 4:30 to 5:30 minutes. 

5. Let the Water Cool

If using boiling water, allow the kettle to sit off the stove for 30 seconds to cool.

6. Start Your First Pour 

Place your ground coffee into the filter and slowly pour over 100 grams of heated water, starting in the center and working your way out. It's important to have a slow, controlled pour, which is why we recommend using a gooseneck kettle when using the Chemex. This will be one of four pours in total. 

Next—the best part—let the coffee “bloom,” a process that saturates the grounds and doubles the weight of your coffee. A coffee bloom occurs when water hits the fresh coffee grounds and releases rainbow-colored bubbles of carbon dioxide from the coffee. The fresher the coffee, the longer it will bloom. Let the coffee bloom for about 30 seconds while you enjoy the heavenly aromas!

7. Complete Three More Pours

The next three pours should be split into three equal parts. Pour your next round of water in the same concentric fashion and use about 200g of water. As the coffee drains down, repeat this for your last pour to finish up with your goal weight: 800g. 

Try not to let the coffee bed completely drain in between pours. You’ll want to see the coffee about 1 inch from the grounds before your next pour. If the coffee is draining too quickly, make your grind finer, and vice versa. 

8. Remove the Filter

Let the coffee finish dripping, then compost the filter.

9. Swirl and Serve

Give your carafe a swirl, pour, and enjoy!

The Best Coffee for Chemex

Certain coffees taste better in a Chemex. For instance, you might try brewing an African coffee for a bright, tea-like taste. Some of our favorites:

Light: Camber Coffee - Mosaic Blend

Medium: Onyx Coffee Lab - Southern Weather

Dark: Dapper and Wise Coffee Roasters - Bonfire Blend

How to Clean a Chemex

Most Chemex carafes are dishwasher-safe, though we personally don’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher. Instead, wash it with warm water, soap, and a soft-bristled brush after every use; otherwise, unwanted bacteria can build up in the carafe. We also recommend using non-scented soap to ensure your next batch doesn’t have tasting notes of Palmolive or Dawn!

Chemex Comparisons

Chemex vs. HARIO V60

The Chemex and Hario V60 are both considered pour over coffee makers, meaning they require you to manually pour hot water over ground coffee and through a paper filter. These are the major differences between the Chemex and Hario V60:

• Cost: The Hario V60 costs slightly less than the Chemex (though neither are very expensive).
  
  
• Design: The Chemex is a glass carafe while the HARIO V60 is a ceramic, glass or copper funnel that sits atop a coffee cup or pitcher for brewing. The Chemex brewing cone has smooth sides while the Hario V60 has grooves in the dripper. 
  
  
• Size: The Chemex comes in multiple sizes, from three cups all the way up to 13, while the HARIO V60 comes in three sizes (01, 02 and 03). The Chemex is better for serving multiple cups, while the Hario V60 is best for 1 or 2 servings. 
  
  
• Taste: The Chemex yields a clean cup, while the HARIO will give you a more flavorful coffee. This is due to another difference: the filters. Chemex filters are thicker than HARIO V60 filters, so more oils will naturally find their way into your cup with a HARIO V60 versus a Chemex. 

Chemex vs. AeroPress

If you’re comparing the Chemex to the AeroPress for your next coffee maker buy, we say get both. They’re both different in the way they make coffee, as well as the taste of the coffee they produce, and neither one of them is very expensive. Here are some of the differences:

• Taste: The Chemex will give you a clean cup of coffee, while the AeroPress produces a coffee that’s fuller-bodied in comparison.

• Portability: The AeroPress was practically made for travel while the Chemex, while sturdy, is made of glass and not ideal for travel without a protective case. 

Chemex vs. French Press

• Brewing: You use a paper filter with a Chemex, and a wire mesh filter with a French press. The actual process of brewing is entirely different, too, as you literally press coffee in a French press and let the coffee drip in a Chemex.
  
  
• Taste: Because of the difference in filters, there’s also a big difference in taste. The Chemex yields a clean, aromatic cup, filtering out the bean oils during the brew process. The French press, on the other hand, doesn’t use a paper filter, so many of those oils and sediments will make their way into your cup for a full-bodied coffee. 

What Is a Coffee Bloom?

A coffee bloom occurs when hot water comes in contact with coffee grounds, releasing carbon dioxide and causing the mixture to expand and bubble up. The release of CO2 is a good sign, as it means your coffee is fresh; without carbon dioxide, coffee beans will oxidize and become stale. 

Coffee can bloom with any brew method, from the classic drip machine to a pour over method. For obvious reasons, you’ll be able to see it best when using something like a Chemex or Hario V60.

When using a pour over brew method, be sure to lean over, get your nose nice and close to the coffee grounds, and experience the aromas your coffee is releasing. Professional cuppers always smell the coffee as it blooms, and the scent of the bloom can be a wonderful precursor to the flavors you’ll taste once it’s ready to serve.

What If My Coffee Doesn’t Bloom? 

Pre-ground coffee degasses more quickly, increasing the chances of oxidation and decreasing the chances your coffee will bloom. You can prevent oxidation in three ways:

1. Always buy fresh coffee beans.

2. Store the beans in an airtight container or bag with a one-way valve (like all 1.8-ounce Bean Box bags!), which pushes excess air and moisture out of the bag to preserve the CO2 and ultimately, the shelf life, of the beans. 

3. Grind your coffee beans (preferably with a burr grinder) right before you brew. If you’ve never used a burr grinder, we recommend starting with the Baratza Encore or Breville Smart Grinder Pro.  

It’s important to note that the lack of a coffee bloom doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a bad cup of coffee; a bloom is just one of many ways to assess the freshness and quality of your beans. Also keep in mind that the roast level and varietal of a coffee can affect how much it blooms; for instance, dark roasts degas faster than light roasts. 

How to Bloom Coffee

After you’ve poured your freshly ground coffee into your preferred coffee maker, use a gooseneck kettle to pour hot or off-boil, not boiling water (typically 195 to 205 degrees) over the grounds, starting in the center and working your way out in a slow, circular motion until the coffee is evenly saturated, but not soaking wet. If your beans are fresh, you’ll most likely begin to see a small collection of bubbles forming. Congratulations, you’ve just watched your coffee bloom! 

Most pour over recipes will instruct you to let the coffee bloom for about 30 seconds and then continue to add water as directed. The amount of water you need will depend on your brew method; use our coffee calculator to determine your ideal ratio. 

The Bottom Line 

The coffee bloom isn’t essential, but it does set the stage for a better cup. And aside from the technicalities, watching and smelling your coffee bloom is a great way to find a moment of Zen before you begin your day. 

While we haven’t tried potato milk in our coffee just yet, we can certainly recommend some other non-dairy milks that make the perfect addition to any cup. 

The Best Non-Dairy Milk for Coffee

When it comes to non-dairy milk for coffee, not all are created the same. For example, rice milk is slightly watery and therefore not as ideal for coffee drinks as oat milk, which is thick and more akin to whole milk or half-and-half in comparison. Read on to see our top recommendations for non-dairy milk types for coffee. 

Oat Milk

If you’re looking for non-dairy milk for lattes and other coffee drinks, we recommend oat milk. Its thick, dense consistency is the most similar to whole milk, making it easy to froth milk or create latte art. Our favorite brands include Oatly Oat Drink Barista Edition, Minor Figures Barista Standard Organic Oat Milk, and Pacific Foods Barista Series Oat Milk. 

Sustainability Standpoint: Oat milk uses very little water and land. It creates more emissions than almond milk, but is one of the better non-dairy milks for the environment overall. 

RELATED: How to Make a Mocha at Home

Soy Milk

Soy milk is also thick and creamy in consistency, making it an ideal non-dairy milk for coffee. It’s made of ground soybeans and water, and has a mild, somewhat sweet taste. Silk is our go-to for soy milk, but grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Whole Foods all make a tasty version. It’s available in both sweetened and unsweetened versions.

Sustainability Standpoint: Soy is one of the most sustainable choices for non-dairy milk, using less emissions, land, and water. 

Almond Milk

Almond milk is thinner in consistency, which means it won’t give you a creamy coffee the way oat or soy milk does. But if you like drinking your coffee black or with little to no sweeteners, a splash of almond milk is just the ticket—especially in cold brew. Made of crushed almonds and water, almond milk typically has a faint nutty taste that’s also good in coffees with nutty, almond, or pecan tasting notes. 

Blue Diamond is the most common brand you'll find at the supermarket, but others worth trying are Malk Organics Pure Almond Milk and Elmhurst Milked Almonds, both of which also make other non-dairy milks for coffee. 

Sustainability Standpoint: Almond milk isn’t as good for the environment as soy and oat milk, requiring more water than any other plant-based milk. However, its impact on the environment is significantly less than cow's milk. 

RELATED: The Best Ways to Make Coffee

Hemp Milk

Like almond milk, hemp milk is thin with a faint, nutty flavor that works well in coffee and is a good way to (literally) spice things up.

Pacific Foods makes hemp milk, as does Elmhurst. We also like Living Harvest Tempt Hemp Milk.

Sustainability Standpoint: Hemp milk requires more water than oat and soy, but less than almond milk. It also supports soil health. 

If you’re looking for recommendations, we’ve put together a list of the best insulated coffee mugs. Bonus: These travel mugs also make the perfect coffee gift! 

Best Insulated Coffee Mug Overall: MiiR Travel Tumbler

"MiiR all the way," says Nicole Kendall, Coffee Coordinator at Bean Box. "It has the best designs and is based in Seattle." It's also sleek and cost effective, at just $25 for the 12-ounce mug (and a few dollars more for the 16- and 20-ounce versions).  

According to its site, Miir's tumblers feature a futuristic-sounding 'Thermo 3D Double Wall Vacuum Insulation Technology.' We don't know what this means exactly, but what we do know is that it keeps our coffee hot! Its lid is also insulated and leak-proof.

While Miir specializes in insulated travel mugs, it makes a wide variety of drinkware.

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Best Insulated Coffee Mug for Travel: Kinto Travel Tumbler 

Several members of our team like the Kinto Travel Tumbler, which keeps coffee warm (or cool if you're drinking cold brew) well into the afternoon. The matte finish and minimalist design only add to the appeal. "It's also easy to clean," says Andrew Maier, Customer Delight Specialist at Bean Box. 

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Best Insulated Coffee Mug for Style: Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

The Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug isn't just a statement piece. The True Taste Ceramic Coating ensures your coffee will taste fresh, and the Heat-Lock Double Wall Vacuum guarantees it'll stay warm, too. It's also designed to fit snugly in the cup holder of your car. "It puts to shame every other travel coffee container I've ever used," says Matthew Berk, CEO at Bean Box. 

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Best Dishwasher-Safe Insulated Coffee Mug: Stojo On the Go Cup

We couldn’t resist buying this cute and compact coffee cup for ourselves! The Stojo On the Go Cup is so convenient for travel that it can fit in a pocket or handbag when collapsed! When expanded, it can hold 12 ounces of your favorite beverage, from coffee to wine. Made from food-grade silicone and recyclable materials, the Stojo on the Go Cup is indestructible. It's also dishwasher-safe on the top rack. 

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Best Insulated Coffee Mug With Handle: Ello Campy

If you're looking for an insulated coffee mug with handle, we recommend the Ello Campy. This leak-proof cup will keep your coffee warm for up to five hours, and your cold drinks cool for up to 10. Available in two different sizes and six different colors, its exterior reminds us of an old-fashioned, speckled tea kettle.

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Best Insulated Glass Coffee Mug: KeepCup Thermal

Our team swears by this travel coffee mug, which features a drafted vessel for the perfect pour and a splash-proof lid that prevents spills. Both the KeepCup with Toughened Glass (tempered glass with cork band) and KeepCup Thermal (made from food-grade stainless steel) are ideal for travel. 

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The Bottom Line

Finding the right insulated coffee mug might take some trial and error, and you may want more than one depending on your lifestyle; you might choose a rugged option with handle for your morning hikes, and something small and sleek for everyday errands. But having a reliable travel mug or two is essential to better mornings, no matter where you are in the world.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about frothing milk, including how to froth milk with plant-based alternatives and our recommendations for the best milk frothers.

What Is Frothed Milk?

First, let’s define frothed milk. Frothed milk is the layer of foamy bubbles you often see atop coffee drinks. It is milk that’s been aerated with a tool, such a milk frother. Milk frothers typically come in two styles: handheld and standalone. 

Why Should You Froth Your Milk?

Frothed milk adds a new texture and taste to a cup of coffee. It’s also an essential ingredient in coffee drinks including: 

• Cappuccino: This is a combination of equal parts espresso, steamed milk and foamed milk, evenly layered, but never mixed. 
• Macchiato: Your standard macchiato has one or two shots of espresso topped with a splash of foamed milk. 

Frothing vs. Steaming Milk

Some coffee drinks call for steamed and/or frothed milk. While these two ingredients might seem similar, they’re actually quite different. 

• Frothed Milk: Frothing is when you use a tool, such as a whisk or handheld milk frother, to aerate the milk and create bubbles, aka the foam. 
  
  
• Steamed Milk: This milk requires a special steaming wand (typically found on an espresso machine), which heats the milk and breaks down its lipid content.

While this technique creates tiny bubbles, the key difference is that steaming expands the milk content, while frothing simply foams it.

4 Best Milk Frothers 

If you’re interested in buying a milk frothing tool, these are our recommendations for the best handheld milk frothers and standalone milk frothing devices. 

1. PowerLix Milk Frother

The PowerLix Milk Frother creates foamed milk in 15 to 20 seconds. And because this handheld milk frother is lightweight and battery-powered, it’s easy to throw in your bag and bring along with you on vacation! PowerLix also makes a set with latte art discs. 

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2. Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother

This nifty device heats and/or foams your milk—you choose based on the coffee drink you’re preparing. The Bodum Bistro Electric Milk Frother can heat up to 1 cup of milk at a time and has two convenient auto features: an auto shutoff when the milk reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit (so you don’t have to worry that it’ll burn) and an auto-on feature when the milk temperature falls below 122 degrees. 

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3. Zulay Original Milk Frother

The Zulay Original Milk Frother is one of our favorites because of its intuitive design and ease of use. It features an ergonomic handle, easy on and off button, and sturdy whisk. It also has a stand and is battery-powered, making it easy to store, and it comes in 30-plus colors.

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4. Breville Milk Cafe 

If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced that can also make a lot of foam at once, check out the Breville Milk Cafe milk frother. It comes with design discs for lattes and cappuccinos, and can also be used to make hot chocolate. Bonus: The jug is dishwasher-safe! 

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How to Froth Milk Without a Frother

If you don’t own a frother, there are a few other ways to froth milk. 

First, you’ll need to heat your milk over a stove or in a microwave. 

• Microwave: Pour your milk into a microwave-safe dish and heat in 15 second increments, pulling the bowl out to mix in between. (Remember to use oven mitts!) When you begin to see steam rising from the milk, it is ready to be frothed. 
  
  
• Stove: There are two ways you can use your stove to heat milk: the double broiler method (milk in a double broiler pan) or by placing a heat-proof bowl (such as a glass dish) over a pan of hot water. In either scenario, you’ll wait for the milk to begin steaming and forming micro bubbles on the edges of the pan before removing from the heat. 

Next, use one of the following methods to froth without a milk frother: 

Jar: Fill a mason jar about half full, tightly secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds, as this will stabilize your foam. 

Whisk: You’ll need a little extra elbow grease for this one, but frothing milk with a whisk can be done! Vigorously whisk your milk back and forth until you see foam. You can also do this in tandem with heating your milk on the stove. 

Electric Mixer: You won’t have to work as hard with this method! Place your warmed milk in a bowl and use your handheld or stand mixer to whisk the milk on a low to medium speed until it produces the desired foam. 

Immersion Blender: Have an immersion blender you use for smoothies and soups? You can use it for your latte, too! Simply place the head of the blender below the surface of the warmed milk until a foam has formed; this takes one or two minutes at most. 

French Press: Yes, your French press can make foam! Simmer your milk on the stove (just like you do with your water for coffee) before pouring the milk into the French press. Next, put the lid on the French press, holding it in place as you move the plunger up and down. It will double in volume as the air essentially puffs it up. 

How to Froth Almond Milk & Other Plant-Based Alternatives

Plant-based alternatives such as almond milk aren’t as easy to froth since they’re typically water-based and thinner in texture. 

We find oat milk to be the best non-dairy option for frothing milk since its thick, creamy consistency is comparable to whole milk. 

If you’d like to make frothed milk with a non-dairy milk, these are the methods we recommend: 

• Jar: Follow the same directions you would with whole milk, as listed above: Pour your milk into a mason jar until it’s about half full. Twist the lid on, ensuring it’s extra-tight to prevent leakage, and shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds, as this will stabilize your foam. 
  
  
• Milk Frother: While there are alternative methods of frothing whole milk that don’t require a bona fide frother, having a handheld or standalone milk frother is your best chance at thickening up an otherwise thin, non-dairy milk. 
  
  

In this monthly column, our expert coffee curators choose their favorite, best-of-the-best coffees in three categories—light, medium and dark roast—to help you decide which coffees are right for you. All of our featured, artisan coffees come from small-batch roasters and are available for a limited time only, so get 'em before they're gone! 

Light Roast Pick: Kenya Ichamama #1267

Roaster: Camber Coffee

Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, Butter Cookie, Sun-Dried Tomato

Pairs Well With: Cream Cheese Danish

Why We Recommend It: Like the Ichamama River, this coffee winds and twists in surprising directions. Bright notes of passionfruit lead into a finish like browned-butter cookie. You may notice a sweet hint of sun-dried tomato, a flavor especially unique to Kenyan coffee. 

Medium Roast Pick: Autumn Spice Blend #875

Roaster: Broadcast Coffee Roasters

Tasting Notes: Cacao, Baking Spice, Vanilla, Dried Fruit

Pairs Well With: Apple Cider Donuts

Why We Recommend It: This medium roast tastes like warm, freshly-baked spice cake, nutty cacao nib, and a touch of dried fruit. Vanilla-bean finish adds a dollop of whipped cream to your cup. These rich, spicy flavors remind us of the best parts of the season: the changing leaves, Halloween costumes, taking our favorite sweaters out of storage… not to mention football season (Go Hawks!).

Dark Roast Pick: Bearded Lady #58

Roaster: Longshoreman’s Daughter

Tasting Notes: Molasses, Cocoa, Ginger, Cherry, Nutty

Pairs Well With: Dark Chocolate Brownies 

Why We Recommend It: Treat yourself to a rich cup of chocolaty-cocoa powder, sweet molasses, almonds, and deep red cherry. Our latest pick from Longshoreman's Daughter is roasted to a robust medium-dark profile for a satisfying and decadent cup. Grown certified organic, the beans in this blend come from small growers' co-ops in Guatemala and Ethiopia. 

More Coffee, Please!

Want to explore other coffees? Shop our bestselling coffees, coffee subscription boxes, coffee gifts and more. 

About the Curators 

Maryna Gray: Maryna Gray is the Director of Coffee at Bean Box, and is also a juror for the prestigious Cup of Excellence. 

Scott Nakamoto: Our Assistant Coffee Curator, Scott Nakamoto has a passion for supporting equitable food systems and a desire to source the best coffees across the country. His background in wholesale and education with various roasters, and most recently as coffee program manager for Bon Appetit at Google, brings another discerning palate to our team.

What’s so special about a cappuccino, though? Does it have more caffeine than a regular cup of coffee? Read on to find out. 

How Do You Say Cappuccino? 

The correct pronunciation is ka-puh-CHEE-noh, with an emphasis on the “cci” (CHEE) at the end of the word. 

What Is a Cappuccino?

Cappuccino is espresso topped with an even layer of steamed milk and milk foam. The popular beverage, which originated in Italy, sometimes comes in variations with cream (instead of milk) and flavoring, such as chocolate powder or syrup (a mocha cappuccino). Traditionally, it’s a 6-ounce drink. 

Cappuccino vs. Latte: What’s the Difference? 

The cappuccino has three layers: espresso, steamed milk, and steamed milk foam. It is not mixed. A latte has more milk, which is mixed into the drink, and less steamed milk foam. 

Here’s another way to think about it: The latte is basically the starting point for all milk drinks, since it’s milk and espresso. When you modify it with factors like the quantity of foam (cappuccino) or temperature (cortado), it becomes a different drink. 

In terms of caffeine, the content is pretty much the same for both drinks. However, cappuccino may taste stronger than a latte since it has less milk and because the milk isn’t mixed into the espresso.  

Cappuccino vs. Macchiato: What’s the Difference? 

Macchiato has a shot or two of espresso, just like cappuccino. The difference is a macchiato comes with less milk—just a splash. The caffeine content is similar for both a cappuccino and a macchiato. 

Is Cappuccino Stronger Than Coffee? 

Since cappuccino is an espresso-based drink and a double shot of espresso has less caffeine than a cup of coffee, it’s not likely that cappuccino is stronger than coffee. Of courfse, this can vary based on where you order it and the type of coffee that’s used.

How to Make a Cappuccino 

Want to try making your own cappuccino at home? Follow this three-step recipe.

Total Time: 10 minutes

What You Need

You’ll need an espresso machine with a steam wand or an espresso machine AND handheld milk frother. Don’t own an espresso machine just yet? These are our recommendations for espresso machines, all of which have built-in steam wands. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of espresso 
• ½ cup of milk

Whole milk works best. But if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, try oat milk, which has a similarly thick consistency. We always recommend Oatly, Pacific Foods and Minor Figures.

Any coffee will work for espresso, but these coffees are especially good for cappuccino. 

Directions 

1. Pull a shot with your espresso machine using these step-by-step directions.

2. Next, steam your milk by holding your espresso machine steam wand just below the surface of the milk. You'll know that your milk is ready to pour when your pitcher or cup is too hot to touch for more than two seconds. 

3. Now that your milk has been steamed, it's time to froth it. Move the tip of your handheld milk frother in and out of the milk to aerate it until it's bubbly.
   
4. Slowly top your espresso with the steamed milk foam and take a sip of your homemade cappuccino! Chef's kiss optional. 

How to Make a Mocha Cappuccino

If you're in the mood for a chocolate cappuccino, simply sprinkle some chocolate powder or syrup on top of your drink. Alternatively, you can start with the chocolate, adding a teaspoon or two to the bottom of your mug before pouring the espresso and steamed milk foam over top.

That's why we've put together a guide to the city's best lattes, pour overs, and more. Read on to discover the best coffee in Las Vegas. 

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1. VESTA Coffee Roasters | 1114 S Casino Center Blvd #1, Las Vegas, NV 89104 | 702-685-1777

VESTA Coffee Roasters serves all the usual coffee contenders, plus some unique seasonal offerings such as the Candy Flip Latte, with Thai Tea Coriander Syrup, orange, espresso, and gummy bears, and the Spa Day Matcha, with matcha, mint, and sparkling water. VESTA has two locations in Las Vegas: Downtown Arts District and Summerlin / Lakes. 

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2. Sambalatte | 750 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145 | 702-272-2333

When asked about the best coffee in Las Vegas, locals are apt to mention Sambalatte. Sambalette focuses on direct partnerships with farmers, ensuring the highest quality of coffee for its customers. Visit one of its four locations (Molasky Center, Boca Park, Jones and Smith Center) to enjoy coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more. 

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3. Makers & Finders | 2120 Festival Plaza Dr Unit 140, Las Vegas, NV 89135 | 702-586-8255

Another favorite in Las Vegas—and perhaps the most well-known—is Makers & Finders. This upbeat coffee shop has just about any coffee drink you can imagine, from filtered coffee to a beet root latte. Order brunch to go, or stay in and dine—Makers & Finders is a full-service, all-day restaurant, with two locations in Las Vegas. 

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4. Mothership Coffee Roasters | 2708 N Green Valley Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89014 | 702-456-1869

Try the Nitro Cold Brew, Bourbon Vanilla Latte or Maple Cardamom Latte at Mothership Coffee Roasters, one of the best coffee shops in Las Vegas. You'll also find an assortment of baked goods at this relaxed cafe, which has three outposts in town. Its coffees are also served at Sunrise Coffee House. 

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5. Desert Wind Coffee Roasters | 7772 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89117 | 702-998-4222

The signature drinks at Desert Wind Coffee Roasters are named after the characters in Breaking Bad. Need we say more? Order The Walter White, The Flynn, The Gustavo, The Jesse, or (perhaps best of all), the Heisenberg. Desert Wind also has some great lattes, including a Peanut Butter Cup Latte, and a long list of single-origin coffees. 

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6. Urth Caffe at Wynn Las Vegas | 3131 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, NV 89109 | 702-659-8642

One of our favorite coffee shops in Los Angeles, Urth Caffe also has a location at the Wynn Las Vegas. Even if you're not staying at the Wynn, stop in to its popular coffee shop for a cup of organic coffee and something (or many things) from the bakery. 

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7. Aware Coffee & Tea Lounge | 5590 Painted Mirage Rd Ste 130 Las Vegas, NV 89149 | 702-538-8876

Aware Coffee & Tea Lounge serves a mean Vietnamese coffee, along with other specialty coffee drinks and teas. Don't leave without trying one of its Mochi donuts, which include flavors such as Lemon Bar and Dutch Press Dark Chocolate.

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8. PublicUs | 1126 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 702-331-5500

PublicUs is a specialty coffee shop and communal, cafeteria-style restaurant in Las Vegas. Unique beverages include a Mint and Cream Iced Coffee, Iced London Fog, Macadamia Nut Paste Latte, and The Black Swan (pictured above), which combines cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, black pepper, cloves and fresh ginger and is topped with fresh vanilla-cinnamon creme and star anis. (Autumn in a cup? We'll take one of those, please!) Breakfast and lunch include all the usual, delicious suspects, plus a variety of bowls (Buttermilk Fried Chicken Bowl, Hummus Tabbouleh Bowl and more). 

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9. Bungalow Coffee Co. | 201 E Charleston Blvd Suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89104 | 702-331-4207

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10. Coffee Religion | 5191 W Charleston Blvd Suite 185, Las Vegas, NV 89146 | 702-822-2292

Coffee is a religion we can all get behind, and so is this aptly named cafe in Las Vegas. The menu features signature and seasonal drinks, plus breakfast and lunch (including a Truffled Grilled Cheese—YUM!). 

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11. Bonus: Dragonfly Coffee Roasters | 118 Cassia Way, Henderson, NV 89014 | 303-579-2154

Dragonfly is located in Henderson, Nevada (about 30 minutes outside of the city), and it doesn't have an actual coffee shop. But as one of our roasting partners, it earns a spot on our list of the best coffee in Las Vegas. Named Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine in 2018, Dragonfly's top-rated coffees including an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Camalina Geisha, and a velvety Espresso Cream Dolce.

Think of measuring coffee beans like measuring baking ingredients: there's a difference between one cup of packed brown sugar versus one cup of loose brown sugar. Also, depending where the coffee is grown, what varietal it is (i.e. a massive pacamara bean versus a tiny peaberry bean), and and how it was roasted (a double cracked French Roast vs. a denser light roast), there are variances between bean density and thusly, their weight.

Enter the coffee scale.

Using a Coffee Scale

As you're shopping for one, be sure to search for coffee scales without an auto shut-off (or with the option to deactivate the auto shut-off), as auto shut-off timers will often turn your scale off before you've brewed your full batch of coffee. (Pro Tip: If this happens, you can usually use the unit measurement to reset the countdown.) 

3 Best Coffee Scales 2021

If you're looking for an good coffee scale, these are our recommendations.

Once you've purchased one, be sure to use our coffee-to-water ratio calculator to determine how much coffee you need based on your brew method. 

Best Coffee Scale Overall: HARIO V60 Drip Scale

The HARIO V60 Drip Scale is our go-to gadget for measuring coffee beans, with nearly perfect precision (accuracy down to .1 gram) and a drip timer. While the HARIO V60 Drip Scale has an automatic shut-off feature, it won't power down if the timer is activated. This coffee scale is charged with a USB. 

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Best Coffee Scale With Timer: TIMEMORE Coffee Scale

The TIMEMORE Coffee Scale has 0.1 gram accuracy and an integrated timer that prevents the coffee scale from turning off. If the timer isn't turned on, the coffee scale will shut off after three minutes (and if it is turned on, it'll shut off after 15 minutes). The TIMEMORE Coffee Scale lasts about 10 hours on a USB charge. 

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Best Coffee Scale Under $50: Etekcity Digital Stainless Kitchen Scale

If you're looking for an inexpensive, multi-purpose device, the Etekcity Digital Stainless Kitchen Scale will do the trick. This lightweight, battery-powered scale measures in 1 gram increments for coffee, as well as ounces/pounds, fluid ounces/pounds, and millileters. It also has a tare function. The only downside is its automatic shut-off feature.

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How to Store Coffee Beans

Fresh coffee beans typically come in bags designed to preserve the life of the coffee. That's why our coffee bags have one-way valves that prevent air from getting in; air can cause the coffee beans to oxidate and thusly turn stale and bitter. 

You can also keep your coffee beans fresh by avoiding exposure to light and moisture. Keep them in a dark, dry place in your kitchen. 

Freezing Coffee Beans

Freezing coffee beans is neither good nor bad. If you're going on vacation, for example, it's perfectly fine to freeze them like you would bread or any other food you want to preserve. And some experts say there are actually benefits to freezing coffee beans, including a more consistent grind. In fact, Proud Mary in Portland, Oregon, freezes all of its coffee beans because doing so allows them to shatter into an even size, ultimately leading to a better extraction. Other roasters are doing this at competitions, too. 

Freezing pre-ground coffee won't diminish the quality of the coffee, nor will it benefit the coffee since ground coffee is already less fresh than whole beans. 

4 Best Coffee Canisters 2021

If you want to buy a fancy coffee canister for your counter, these are our recommendations.

Bonus: All of these can be used for storing other food, too. 

1. OXO POP Containers 

These all-purpose containers are great for storing any type of food, from household staples such as flour and sugar to snacks such as nuts and pretzels. And thanks to their airtight 'POP' lids, these sturdy containers are also ideal for coffee bean storage. In fact, OXO makes a dedicated Steel Coffee POP Container With Scoop (though any of the containers work for coffee, and you can also buy the coffee scoop separately). OXO POP Containers are available in various sizes and styles, allowing you to store as much (or as little) coffee as you need.

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2. Fellow Atmos 

If you want to show off your fresh coffee beans (and who doesn't?), we have the coffee canister for you: The Fellow Atmos Vacuum Glass Canister. This super-sleek, airtight container is available in three sizes, and also comes in Matte Black and Matte White. After you've poured your coffee beans into the Fellow Atmos, simply twist the lid back and forth until a green bubble appears, indicating all air has been removed.

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3. Planetary Design Airscape Food Canister 

The Planetary Design Airscape container has a patented layout that makes it one of our favorite coffee canisters on the market. It features a plunger lid that removes and locks out air, as well as a two-way valve that eliminates excess air to preserve and protect freshness and flavor. A "swoosh" sound lets you know it's working. The Planetary Design Airscape Food Canister is available in a variety of styles and colors, including a glass version with bamboo lid (pictured above).

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4. MiiR Airtight Container

The MiiR Airtight Container locks out oxygen (and locks in flavor) via an interior, accordion-style seal. Available in White, Black, Stainless Steel and Copper, it's ideal for both home use and travel. 

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Gooseneck Kettle vs. Regular Kettle

Different from a traditional kettle, the gooseneck kettle has more precision; think of it as a hose versus a bucket of water. The gooseneck kettle's long, narrow neck provides better control of the water flow so you can evenly saturate your coffee grounds for an ideal extraction (when the coffee grounds dissolve into the water). 

Electric vs. Stovetop Gooseneck Kettle 

Gooseneck kettles generally come in two forms: stove and electric. Stovetop gooseneck kettles are used on the stove like a tea kettle, while electric gooseneck kettles come with a hot plate for heating the water. You can typically set the exact temperature you want on an electric gooseneck kettle, which is why we prefer them for pour over coffee. 

5 Best Electric Gooseneck Kettles in 2021

If you think you'd like to buy an electric gooseneck kettle, these are our expert picks. 

1. HARIO V60 Buono Power Kettle

The HARIO V60 Buono Power Kettle is a classic electric gooseneck kettle. The Japanese-designed kettle is sleek, yet easy to use. Simply fill the kettle, turn on the hot plate and the kettle will automatically heat to boiling. It'll automatically shut off when it's done, too. Use it in tandem with the HARIO V60 or any other pour over method. 

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2. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

Not only is the Fellow Stagg EKG one of the best gooseneck kettles on the market, but it's also one of the most beautiful. Available in colors such as Matte Black and Matte White, the kettle's minimalist design instantly modernizes any kitchen.

But the Fellow Stagg EKG is more than its appearance. The electric gooseneck kettle allows you to control the exact temperature via a dial, and when in HOLD mode, it'll maintain your preferred temperature for 60 minutes. Other standout features include an LCD display screen that shows the desired Set Temp and Real-Time Temp and a built-in Brew Stopwatch to time your extraction.

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3. Bonavita 1.0L Variable Temperature Electric Kettle

This is another great option for those wanting the ability to set an exact temperature on their electric gooseneck kettle. The Bonavita Variable Temperature Electric Kettle is adjustable in one-degree increments between 140 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 98 degrees Celsius) and features a real-time temperature display and count-up timer so you can easily track your progress. The Bonavita Electric Kettle will hold your desired temperature for up to 60 minutes with the switch of a button. You can also preset your preferred brewing temperatures. 

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4. COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle

The COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle takes the guess work out of temperature settings, with five temperature presets: Coffee, Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and White Tea. It heats up in three to five minutes for a quick and delicious pour over. 

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5. Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle

The Brewista Artisan Electric Gooseneck Kettle allows you to select your desired temperature, and has an easy-grip, ergonomic 'goose tail' handle for a nearly effortless pour over. It also has a Flash Boil setting for a quick, high-powered heat-up. Bonus: The Brewista Electric Gooseneck Kettle is available in seven color variations, including White Iridescent (like a pearl). 

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What exactly is Irish coffee, though, and how did it come to be so popular? Read on to find out and learn how you can make it at home, too.

What's the History of Irish Coffee? 

Irish coffee is believed to have been invented in Ireland when a Pan Am plane en route to New York was forced to turn around due to inclement weather. The plane arrived at Foynes Port in Limerick, Ireland, where chef Joe Sheridan decided to whip up a coffee drink for the exhausted American travelers. He called it Irish coffee. 

What Is Irish Coffee?

Irish coffee is a warm coffee cocktail that combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar. It's then topped with a layer of cream so that you drink the cocktail through the foam. Irish coffee is the perfect drink to enjoy on a winter day and/or to serve at a holiday gathering (or when your flight is delayed). 

4-Ingredient Irish Coffee Recipe

Making a Irish coffee isn’t difficult to do, and once you know the basics, you can really make the drink your own.

Ingredients

• 4-8 ounces of freshly brewed hot coffee
• 1-2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1.5-2 ounces of Irish whiskey
• ¼ cup whipped cream

Common Irish whiskeys that work well include Jameson, Bushmill, and Tullamore Dew. For a small drink, aim for the low end of the range, and for a larger, stronger coffee drink, go for the high end of the range. 

Instructions

1. Heat a mug or glass; this step is considered essential to keep the drink warm when you make it. An easy way to do this is to pour hot water in the cup or mug and leave to set for two minutes before pouring it out and beginning to assemble the drink.
2. Add the brown sugar to the bottom of the mug, then top with coffee. Mix until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add whiskey and briefly mix to combine. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Related: 5 Best Cold Brew Cocktails 

Irish Coffee Recipe Variations 

There are many ways to customize your Irish coffee; these are just a few of our favorites: 

• Try maple syrup or another favorite sweetener instead of the brown sugar.
• Whip your own cream at home, adding vanilla or other add-ins that you think would be nice. 
• Experiment with different coffees: This Mexican Santa Fe Organic brings out sweet and nutty notes, while Cafe Carmelita features notes of caramel and cocoa, all of which taste great with that whiskey flavor. 
• If you want to switch it up, try an American whiskey or bourbon. No, it’s not really an Irish coffee at that point, but making your own new drinks isn’t a bad thing!
• Adding a spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the whipped cream can bring another flavor note to the party as well.
• In a rush? Irish creams contain the sweetness, the creaminess, and the whiskey in one package. There’s nothing wrong with adding a dollop of Bailey’s in your coffee!

Related: Barrel-Aged Coffee: What Is It?

Still, you can't beat the convenience of a multipurpose coffee maker (or toiletry).

Should I Buy a Coffee Maker With Grinder?

Before you start shopping for a coffee maker with built-in grinder, there are a few key concepts to consider:

• If you don't plan to use other brewing equipment such as a French Press or Chemex, and are looking for one coffee machine to use daily, a coffee maker with grinder is an ideal choice. 
• If the coffee maker breaks; you have to replace the whole machine; if the grinder breaks, you also have to replace the whole machine. Buying separate machines is more convenient when it's time to troubleshoot any problems or replace your gear entirely.
• When choosing a coffee maker with grinder, focus on the quality of the grinder. You can get away with a basic brewer, but the coffee maker you choose should have a burr grinder. 

3 Best Coffee Makers With Grinders

1. Breville Grind Control

Thanks to its 'Steep and Release' Technology, the Breville Grind Control allows you to grind fresh coffee beans and brew them directly into your carafe or coffee cup. The programmable auto start means you can set it and forget it, too. It's the perfect machine for someone who prefers a drip machine, but also appreciates freshly, finely ground beans. 

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2. Breville the Barista Touch

There are no limits to what the Breville Barista Touch can do. Also our pick for Best Overall Espresso Machine, this coffee maker features a built-in burr grinder, milk frother, and the ability to make coffee and coffee drinks—espresso, macchiatos, lattes, you name it. The digital, touch-screen display makes it easy to use (and is pretty to look at, too). 

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3. Cuisinart DGB-900BC Grind & Brew Thermal 12-Cup Automatic Coffeemaker

This coffee machine, the newest coffee maker with a built-in grinder from Cuisinart, is ideal for brewing specialty coffee for a big group. Its bean hopper holds up to a half-pound of coffee at once, which means it can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once, too. 

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Do you picture a sweet, milky coffee drink topped with caramel syrup? Mocha sauce? What about whipped cream? 

If your answer is yes, you're not wrong. When you visit a chain coffee shop, you'll find many variations of the macchiato, including a latte macchiato and an iced caramel macchiato. But technically, these aren't authentic macchiatos. 

What Is a Macchiato? 

A macchiato is a shot or two of espresso topped with a splash of milk, typically foamed. That's it! It's often called an espresso macchiato, so if you want a true macchiato, you can also order a plain or espresso macchiato. 

Better yet, you can make a macchiato at home! 

How to Make a Macchiato 

Cook Time: 5 minutes 

What You Need

• Espresso machine
• Milk steamer 
• Milk pitcher or cup

Your espresso machine likely has a built-in frothing feature. But if it doesn't, you can purchase a handheld milk steamer for $20 or less on Amazon or elsewhere.  

Ingredients

• Double shot of espresso 
  While any coffee will work for espresso, some coffees are roasted specifically for espresso.
• 1 oz. steamed milk 
  Because of its consistency, whole milk is easiest to froth. If you prefer a plant-based alternative, oat milk is best. Check out brands such as Oatly, Pacific Foods and Minor Figures. 

Directions

Step 1: Pull a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine and these step-by-step instructions. 

Step 2: Steam milk using espresso machine frother or handheld milk wand in milk pitcher or cup. As a general rule of thumb, the milk is done when the pitcher or cup is too hot for you to touch for more than two seconds. 

Step 3: Pour foamed milk over espresso and enjoy. 

How to Make a Caramel Macchiato

If you want a delicious caramel macchiato like the one you fell in love with at your local cafe, you can use the recipe above and simply drizzle some caramel syrup on top. You can also add some vanilla syrup for a dessert-like treat.

Coffee Fact: Keurig was founded in 1992 and released its first single-serve coffee maker in 1998. 

If you prefer to make one cup of coffee at a time, a single-serve coffee maker is an ideal brew method. And while we'll always recommend a pour over coffee maker for single-serve coffee, we also appreciate the convenience of single-serve coffee machines.  

Whether you're seeking something that uses pods such as K-Cups, a single-cup coffee maker to take back to the office, or you just want something new for everyday use at home, we're here to help you choose the best single-serve coffee maker for your lifestyle.

Read on to see our picks for the best single-serve coffee makers. 

The Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers

• Best Overall Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Elite
• Best Budget Single-Serve Coffee Maker: BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker With Pods: Keurig K-Classic
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for the Office: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for a Dorm: Keurig Mini
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Travel: AeroPress
• Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Grinder: Mr. Coffee Single Cup
• Best Single-Serve Coffee and Espresso Maker: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville
• Best Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee Maker: HARIO V60

Best Overall Single-Serve Coffee Maker: Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker

The crème de la crème of Keurig, the Keurig K-Elite isn't just super sleek; it also makes a tasty cup of coffee. This single-serve coffee maker brews coffee in your choice of five cup sizes—4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 ounces—in less than a minute, and can also make a refreshing glass of iced coffee.

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Best Budget Single-Serve Coffee Maker: BLACK+DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker

The BLACK + DECKER Single Serve Coffeemaker allows you to use freshly ground coffee or single-use pods, comes with a convenient travel mug, and rings up for just $23, making it our favorite budget single-serve coffee maker. 

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Best Single Serve Coffee Maker with Pods: Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker

The Keurig K-Classic remains a tried-and-true single-serve coffee maker for those who prefer the convenience and variety that comes with single-use coffee pods. 

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker Without Pods: Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker

If you're looking for a single-serve coffee maker that doesn't require coffee pods, check out the Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker. This versatile coffee machine allows you to make hot coffee, iced coffee, or a specialty coffee drink in a single serving size, with five additional brew sizes. It also has a built-in milk frother.  

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Best Single Serve Coffee Maker for the Office: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Available in six delightful colors, this miniature coffee machine makes the perfect addition to any desk. The Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker is just 5 inches wide and has a cord storage compartment, ensuring it won't get tangled up with your computer cords. Also, it automatically turns off 90 seconds after your coffee is brewed, so you don't have to wonder and worry whether or not you turned it off during your morning meetings. 

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for a Dorm: Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker

If you're a college student or know a college student who needs a compact coffee maker for their dorm or apartment, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Scoop Single Serve Coffee Maker. Brew a standard  8-ounce cup to enjoy in your room, or a 14-ounce travel mug to take to class. Other features that make this single-serve coffee maker great for college students: it has an automatic shut-off feature, it's easy to clean, and it can be brewed with any ground coffee.

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker for Travel: AeroPress

When it comes to making coffee while traveling—particularly camping—nothing beats the AeroPress. This lightweight, yet durable coffee maker brews a single, delicious cup of coffee in a few simple steps, no electricity required. 

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker with Grinder: Mr. Coffee Single Cup

There are very few single-serve coffee makers with grinders, but the Mr. Coffee Single Cup Coffee Maker ticks both boxes. Grind up fresh beans with the built-in blade grinder, or use already ground coffee. Bonus: This single-serve coffee maker comes with a travel mug. 

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Best Single-Serve Coffee Maker and Espresso Maker: Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville

The Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe by Breville can make coffee and espresso, which means you can also use it to make a latte or Americano at home. The only downside is that it requires Nespresso Capsules and can't be used with any other type of coffee.

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Best Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee Maker: HARIO V60 01

The HARIO V60 01 is designed to brew a single cup (two at most), making it our pick for the best single-serve pour over coffee maker. (The HARIO V60 02 and 03 can make more than one cup at a time.) This coffee dripper makes a balanced cup and, while it requires more patience and attention than the other options on our list, is one of the best single-cup coffee makers money can buy. 

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If you find yourself in La La Land and need a jolt, we have just the ticket. Here, we cast the spotlight on the best places to drink coffee in Los Angeles. 

1. Klatch Coffee | 8916 Foothill Blvd Ste C Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 | 909) 944-5282

One of our newest roasting partners, Klatch Coffee has several locations throughout the LA metro area. Based in Rancho Cucamonga (about 45 minutes outside of LA), Klatch is known for its award-winning, fair-trade coffees, made with what it calls its "Peak of Flavor" roast style. Each coffee varietal is roasted to its unique peak flavor profile, ensuring the best tasting coffee. 

2. Jones Coffee Roasters | 693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 | 626-564-9291

No trip to Los Angeles is complete without a stop at Jones Coffee Roasters, known for its delicious coffee, sourced from Guatemala, as well as its quaint cafes with indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to buy a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans on your way out. 

3. Dinosaur Coffee | 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 | 323-284-8544

Recently sold to the owners of Woodcat Coffee in Echo Park, Dinosaur Coffee remains a legend in LA, as does its Coconut Cacao Cold Brew (cacao nibs steeped in coconut water for 24 hours). Sweet Baby Joe, a double shot of espresso with milk and sweetened condensed milk, is also a fan favorite. 

4. Endorffeine | 727 N Broadway #127, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | 415-322-0918

Endorffeine's name combines two chemicals that create happiness: endorphins, which lower stress, and caffeine, which increases activity in the brain and central nervous system and, when consumed, ultimately helps us to wake up. The coffee at Endorffeine, especially the cold brew, is just as good as the name. This minimalist coffee shop feels more like a science lab—but we're pretty sure that's the point. 

5. The Alchemist Coffee Project | 698 S Vermont Ave Suite 103, Los Angeles, CA 90005 | 213-388-8767

Everything about this cafe is warm and friendly: its staff, its location and its coffee. Order a manual pour over or a macchiato or, if you're looking to shake things up (literally), we recommend the Alchemy Shake (ice cream, double shot of espresso and crushed beans). 

6. Go Get Em Tiger | 317 S Broadway C19 Los Angeles, CA 90013 | 213-261-0622

The New York Times once called GGet's Almond Macadamia Latte "The Best Iced Latte in America." The drink—a surprisingly simple combination of almonds, macadamia, water and dates—is one of several specialties at this cafe with several locations throughout Los Angeles. The Blood Orange Fizzy Hoppy Tea is a must-try on a hot summer day. 

7. Dayglow | 866 Huntley Drive West Hollywood, CA 90069 | 424-303-7153

Ever heard of distilled coffee? That's just one of the unique offerings at Dayglow, which has several locations in Los Angeles, plus one in Chicago. Order the Hotel Chevalier, distilled coffee shaken with coconut cream, lime juice and garnished with grated nutmeg and fresh mint; or try The Belafonte, which combines hickory-smoked coffee, hibiscus grapefruit campari, and pinot grapes. 

8. Civil Coffee | 5629 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Go for something classic such as a cappuccino, or try a specialty coffee drink like The Figueroa Espresso, a combination of sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, milk and a Maria cookie. No matter what you choose at Civil Coffee, you'll be wanting more. The food is pretty good, too. 

9. Proof Bakery | 3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 | 323-664-8633

Proof Bakery offers a French-inspired menu—think flaky almond croissants and crunchy baguette sandwiches, which pair well with its specialty coffee, coffee drinks, and teas. Don't be surprised to find a line out the door (but know this place is well worth the wait). 

10. Urth Caffe | 459 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | 213-797-4534

There's always something new at Urth Caffe, one of the first cafes in the U.S. to solely offer organically grown, heirloom coffees. The European-inspired cafe also offers fine teas, decadent pastries, and a full breakfast and brunch menu. Urth has multiple cafes in Los Angeles, one at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, and three more locations abroad. 

What Is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee, also called whipped coffee, consists of equal parts instant coffee (yes, instant coffee!), hot water, and sugar, plus milk. 

Granulated sugar works best, but other sugars such as brown sugar and coconut sugar are okay to use. You can also use sugar substitutes such as Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, SweetLeaf, Pyure, and Swerve; just know that the consistency of your Dalgona coffee probably won't be as thick and fluffy as it could be if you used regular sugar. 

Any type of milk or plant-based alternative works well for whipped coffee. 

Where Is Dalgona Coffee From? 

The chilled coffee drink—made popular by TikTok in 2020—is inspired by Dalgona, a street food in Korea. But Dalgona coffee doesn't actually have Dalgona in it, and instead tastes like the honeycomb toffee-like candy. 

How Do You Pronounce Dalgona?

It's pronounced "Dal-go-nah" in English and literally translates to "it's sweet." 

2-Step Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

What You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or mixer 

Expert Tip: Using a hand or standing mixer will speed up the process.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. instant coffee
• 2 tbsp. sugar 
• 2 tbsp. hot water
• Milk 

Directions

1. Combine sugar, instant coffee and water in a bowl and whisk until coffee is light and fluffy (3 to 5 minutes with a mixer; 8 to 10 with a whisk). 
2. Fill a glass with milk (at least 1/2 cup) and ice, and pour the coffee mixture over top for a cold and creamy coffee treat!

If you decide to share a photo or video of the finished product on TikTok (or Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest), be sure to tag #BeanBox! Then stir up your drink and enjoy!

Can You Make Dalgona Coffee With Ground Coffee? 

While we always recommend freshly ground, specialty coffee, Dalgona coffee requires instant coffee. And since ground coffee and instant coffee are very different—instant coffee dissolves in water, whereas ground coffee does not—ground coffee can't be used in this recipe. If you use single-brew pods such as K-Cups, note that these are considered ground coffee and won't work for whipped coffee, either. 

But if you want to brew any form of espresso—an essential ingredient in coffee drinks such as lattes and mochas—an espresso machine is key. 

Want to buy your own espresso machine? First, you need to consider which type of espresso machine you want: commercial or home use.

Espresso Machines for Baristas

Professional espresso machines, better known as commercial espresso machines, are the ones used by baristas at cafes and restaurants. These machines typically cost thousands of dollars—anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 (and up). If you're looking for a professional-grade espresso machine, but don't exactly have the funds for an additional car payment—err, commercial espresso machine—you can browse used and/or refurbished espresso machines for sale on sites such as Seattle Coffee Gear, Whole Latte Love and Espresso Machine Experts. 

Espresso Machines for Home Use 

There are some great espresso machines specifically designed for home use. (In other words, you don't have to be an experienced barista to operate them properly.) And while home espresso machines aren't exactly cheap—you'll still pay about $500 and up for a quality piece of equipment—they're a little more attainable and guaranteed to give you a rich shot of espresso, too. Plus, they'll probably save you some change on coffee in the long run. 

Ready to buy an espresso machine to use at home? These are our top picks. 

Best Espresso Machines for Home Use 

Best Small Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino®

We We Love It: It doesn't take up a ton of counter space, but still produces a great shot. 

The Breville Bambino® is small enough for a compact space (think dorm rooms and studio apartments), but mighty enough to give your morning ritual a jolt. It heats up fast—in three seconds, to be exact—thanks to its Innovative ThermoJet® technology, and can make a single or double shot of espresso in less than a minute. It has a built-in wand for steaming milk, making it easy to whip up a macchiato at home. And at $299, the Breville Bambino is one of the more affordable espresso machines on the market.

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Best Espresso Machine for Beginners: Gaggia Classic Pro

We We Love It: The Gaggia Classic has been a go-to espresso machine for beginners since it launched in 1991, and the latest version (2019) is just as good, if not better. 

The Gaggia Classic Pro is straightforward, making it the best espresso machine for beginners. Users have noted issues with the professional-grade steam wand—it takes practice to create textured milk froth—so the Gaggia Classic Pro is best for beginners seeking a basic espresso machine that'll produce single or double shots for a morning (or afternoon or evening) pick-me-up. Bonus: The Gaggia Classic Pro comes in six different colors to match any kitchen. 

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Best Budget Espresso Machine: Breville the Duo-Temp™ Pro

Why We Love It: It's a good "high tier of the lower end" price point for a quality espresso machine. 

The Duo-Temp™ Pro is easy to use and affordable, priced around $445. But what sets this Breville espresso maker apart is its precise extraction (the act of pulling compounds out of coffee beans with water). Low pressure pre-infusion (when the freshly ground coffee is gently soaked before pressure is added) helps ensure a balanced cup every time. 

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Best Overall Espresso Machine: Breville the Barista Touch™

We We Love It: This is a multi-purpose machine with a built-in grinder and automatic milk texturing.

Ever wished you could hire a professional barista to whip up cafe-quality coffee drinks at home? You can, thanks to Breville's Barista Touch™. This multifunctional machine allows you to make five different drinks—espresso shots, lattes, flat whites, cappuccinos, and Americanos—with one touch of a button, and even takes care of texturing the milk, too. Available at Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, and Bed Bath & Beyond, the Barista Touch™ also allows you to save up to eight customized coffee drinks in its settings. 

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How to Use an Espresso Machine

Your espresso machine will come with directions for use, but if you're looking for universal, step-by-step instructions, check out our guide to making espresso at home. 

How to Clean an Espresso Machine

You can use a mix of vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) or buy a dedicated coffee descaling cleaner to clean most coffee makers. How often you should clean your espresso machine depends on the frequency at which you use it, as well as the hardness of your water. (Tip: Since coffee is comprised of mostly water, filtered water is essential to a good cup.) It's best to give your espresso machine a deep-clean every three to six months, and at a minimum, rinse the portafilter and shower screen (also known as a dispersion screen) after every shot. 

Still, nothing is quite as nice as a little sweet treat alongside a cup of artisan coffee with all its complexity front and center. When friends visit or you just want to unwind on a weekend morning, adding a pastry to the plate and pouring really good coffee is almost a ritual, something to savor.

Those flavor notes aren’t just a nice way to drink your coffee with intention; they also provide a nice guideline to help you mesh your latest baking project with your latest coffee roast choice. 

Here are some combinations we recommend if you want to bake the perfect pairing for your latest Bean Box coffee order.

The 6 Best Coffee and Dessert Pairings 

1. Pair the Cloud City Blend with S’mores French Toast

This popular medium roast by Cloud City Roasting Company has a bit of a marshmallow note, and while you might not have the bonfire handy for S'mores, the S'mores flavors in this French toast recipe make for a perfect breakfast or brunch pairing.

2. Pair Bearded Lady #58 with Blueberry Buckle

Berries and cherries, oh my. Blueberry buckle is a summer classic, pairing as many blueberries as you can handle with a tasty coffee cake with crunchy topping. The fruit notes in the Bearded Lady #58 blend make this a match made in Heaven.

3. Pair Sun Bear Iced Coffee Blend with Lemon Scones

When it’s warm outside, nothing less than iced coffee and iced lemon scones will do! The bright flavors of the lemon scone pep you up even as the heat goes on, and Kuma Coffee's Sun Bear Iced Coffee Blend adds the perfect refreshment on a hot day.

4. Pair a French Press of Portofino Blend with Nutella-Stuffed Muffins

Fonte Coffee's Portofino Blend has a hazelnut note, and all we could think of was Nutella when choosing a combination. These Nutella-stuffed muffins are technically a breakfast treat, but anything with a generous helping of Nutella could also be a dessert treat at a birthday party, coffee tasting party, or after dinner. 

5. Pair the Honolulu Blend with Pineapple Coconut Coffee Cake

The tropical notes in this Hawaiian coffee pair great with the piña colada twist of the pineapple coconut coffee cake. No trip to the islands in the cards this year? Jet-set in your mind with this coffee and dessert pairing (or better yet, enjoy your dessert with a World Coffee Tour Box).

6. Pair the Cream and Sugar Blend with a Chocolate-Dipped Almond Biscotti

The satisfyingly, naturally sweet Cream and Sugar Blend has a little almond flair to it, which makes it a great combo with biscotti. If you aren’t quite up for making your own crunchy cookies, add Northwest Biscotti to your next Bean Box order... saves time—and flour! You can also try the Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box. 

If you find another perfect pairing between a Bean Box curated blend and a baked good, visit our social media pages to share your discovery—we’ll want a recipe!

But you don't have to leave your house for this experience (or any of the required ingredients, including good coffee). Whip up a latte and cozy up on the couch instead.

Read on to learn how you can easily make a latte at home. 

What Is a Latte? 

The latte is a coffee drink with two ingredients: espresso (one or two shots) and steamed milk. In Italy, the drink is known as a caffè e latte, which translates to "coffee and milk" in English. 

How to Make a Latte at Home

We consulted our friend Tom Saxon, specialty coffee expert and co-founder of Batch Coffee, for his best latte recipe and tips. 

What You Need

• Espresso Machine: Since espresso is one of the two required latte ingredients, it's easiest to make a latte if you have an espresso machine. Many espresso machines are also known as latte makers since they're multi-functional and able to make espressos, caffè lattes and/or cappuccinos. These are our top picks for espresso machines. 
  
• Handheld Milk Steamer: You can purchase a handheld milk steamer, though many espresso machines also feature a milk steaming function. 
  
• Milk Frothing Pitcher: Any stainless steel milk frothing pitcher will work; you can find a good one for $10 or less. 

Ingredients

• Coffee beans or freshly ground coffee
• 8 ounces of the milk of your preference

Directions 

How to Make a Latte at Home With Instant Coffee 

If you're short on gear and time, it's possible to make a latte with instant coffee. Simply boil 10 ounces of water, mix it with your instant coffee in a cup, and top it with steamed milk for a latte-like drink. You can also brew regular coffee with your method of choice and top with frothed milk. While this won't result in a bona fide latte, it'll still taste pretty good!

How to Make a Latte Without an Espresso Machine

Aside from using freshly roasted or instant coffee, there are two other ways to make a latte without an espresso machine: using a Moka Pot or an AeroPress. Fill the bottom of your Moka Pot or AeroPress with ground espresso beans, and use either coffee maker the same way you would for regular coffee. The heat and pressure will create an espresso-like drink for your latte. 

Pour Over Coffee Accessories 

If you're buying your first pour over coffee maker, there are a few accessories you'll need to purchase to ensure the best experience: 

• Burr Grinder: The Baratza Encore is ideal for beginners, but if you're looking for something more advanced, check out the Fellow Ode and Breville Smart Grinder. If a burr grinder isn't in your budget and you plan to use a blade grinder instead, try the pulse-and-shake method; hit the pulse button for one second, shake the grinder for one second, and repeat for a consistent grind.
• Coffee Scale: TIMEMORE and HARIO V60 both have quality coffee scales without an auto-off feature.
• Gooseneck Kettle: The Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle is our top pick and a worthy investment, though there are plenty of other options out there.

6 Best Pour Over Coffee Makers 

Whether you're looking to buy your first pour over coffee maker or you'd like to upgrade your current coffee gear, these are the best pour over coffee makers on the market. 

1. Chemex 

Invented by a chemist in 1941, Chemex is known for its clean, aromatic cup and timeless, striking design. But don't be fooled by its beauty: this pour over coffee maker isn't as intimidating as it seems. In fact, there are actually just six steps to using a Chemex. 

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2. HARIO V60

Crafted in Japan, the HARIO V60 is a classic coffee dripper; to use this pour over coffee maker, you slowly pour boiling water over freshly ground coffee, through a filter and directly into your coffee cup or carafe. The HARIO V60 requires patience and attentiveness. But the result is a clean, bright tasting coffee.

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3. Kalita Wave 

Like the HARIO V60, the Kalita Wave is considered a coffee dripper. What sets it apart from other coffee drippers is its flat-bottomed, three-hole design that encourages an even extraction. Because of this nearly fail-proof configuration, the Kalita Wave is our recommended choice for pour over coffee beginners. It comes in three styles: stainless steel, glass or ceramic.

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4. Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker

Coffee lovers rave about the Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker for many reasons, among them, its double wall that keeps coffee warm (something the Chemex is unable to do). It also features a stainless steel mesh filter that's easy to clean and eliminates the need to purchase disposable filters. The Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker is available in three sizes: 17, 34 and 51 ounces.

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5. OXO Brew Pour-Over Coffee Maker 

If you prefer using a drip coffee machine because you can 'set it and forget it,' but want to try using a coffee dripper, the OXO New Pour-Over Coffee Maker is your match. Thanks to this coffee dripper's water reservoir, there's no need to gently pour water in a circular motion and stand idle while you wait for the coffee to bloom; you simply fill the reservoir with a filter, freshly ground coffee and hot water, and the OXO Brew Pour Over Coffee Maker takes care of the rest. 

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6. Melitta Pour Over Coffee Brewer

If the Melitta Pour Over Coffee Brewer looks familiar, that's because it is. This pour over coffee maker—the first of its kind—was invented in 1908 by a German woman named Melitta Bentz. Tired of drinking bitter coffee, she poked holes in a brass cup and lined it with a sheet of her son’s blotting paper to make coffee, changing the way people would enjoy coffee forever. Bonus: Because this dripper is made of plastic (BPA-free), it's ideal for making coffee while camping. 

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The Best Coffee in Portland

1. Roseline Coffee | 1015 SE 11th Ave #100, Portland, OR 97214 

One of our roasting partners, Roseline Coffee is known for its single-origin coffees with sweet tasting notes such as honey, lemon and apricot. Portland is known as the "Rose City," hence Roseline's name, but this roaster also gets its name from the distinct line—called a rosetta—that divides a latte-art swirl. So it's only fitting that Roseline Coffee serves a Rose Honey Latte topped with cardamom and rose petal garnish. Roseline also offers delicious pastries. 

2. Water Avenue Coffee Company | 1028 SE Water Avenue #145, Portland, OR 97214

Water Avenue Coffee Company got its start in 2009, quickly gaining a reputation for the best coffee in Portland. Much of the roaster's success can be attributed to its relationship with the local community. Water Avenue is committed to "environmental, social and economic stewardship." In fact, the team strives to hand-deliver its coffee to partners within a 50-mile radius (who include Bean Box). Its chic cafe, located on the banks of the Williamette River, makes it all the more enticing for coffee lovers. Note: Water Avenue Coffee Company has a second location in downtown Portland that is temporary closed (July 2021). 

3. Coava Coffee Roasters | 1300 SE Grand Ave (A), Portland, OR 97214 

Jerry Seinfeld likes Coava Coffee Roasters; in fact, one of its cafes was featured in his show, "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." If that's doesn't sell you, this might: Coava hosts free coffee cuppings (temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19). Come for the experience, stay for the coffee. Coava has four locations in Portland and one in San Diego. 

4. Good Coffee | 1150 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214 | 971-282-3388

Good Coffee is so good, it has five locations throughout Portland. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, which includes everything from drip coffee to lattes. But if you're feeling adventurous, try the Tamarind Date Coffee Soda (Colombian coffee concentrate, cold brewed for 22 hours; Topo Chico; and a reduction of tamarind fruit and dates).

5. Ovation Coffee & Tea | 941 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97209

Ovation Coffee & Tea is a little different from many coffee shops in Portland. That's because it specializes in Moroccan-spiced coffee and tea. Rosie Sun, E-Commerce Fulfillment Manager at Bean Box, recommends both the Moroccan Pistachio Latte and Spiced Matcha Latte. And if you prefer an espresso, cappuccino and the like, Ovation has those, too. 

6. Proud Mary Cafe | 2012 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 | 503-208-3475

Proud Mary is both a roaster and restaurant, with some of the best coffee in Portland. If you plan to visit, make a reservation for brunch, which includes unusual options such as Sourdough Toast with Koji Cultured Butter and Chickpea Fries. 

7. Prince | 4523 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213

Prince is a Dutch-inspired coffee shop known for its delicious stroopwafels, made in-house. Pair them with a Stroop Latte, which is "basically a stroopwafel in a cup." Other unique coffee drinks on the menu include a Anijsmelk Latte (a classic Dutch treat that combines anise syrup with warm milk, in this case with the addition of espresso and a touch of nutmeg), and the Tanglewood Chai, a ginger-centric take on the classic coffee drink. Prince sources its coffee beans from Proud Mary. 

8. Either/Or | 4003 N Williams Ave Portland, OR 97227

Either/Or offers cocktails, beer, wine and an extensive food menu, which includes everything from breakfast sandwiches to fried rice. But don't overlook the coffee, which includes some of the best lattes we've ever had. Either/Or has two locations in Portland. 

9. Heart Coffee Roasters | 2211 E Burnside St, Portland OR 97214

The founder of Heart Coffee Roasters is from Finland, so it's no surprise that the vibe of this coffee shop—which has three locations in PDX—is undeniably Nordic. Heart sources its beans from all over the world, including Ethiopia, Mexico, Brazil, and Guatemala. The quality of its coffee beans can be enjoyed in everything from pour over coffees to macchiatos. 

10. Nosso Familia Coffee | 1350 NW Lovejoy St Portland, OR 97209

Visit Nosso Familia Coffee at one of its three locations in Portland or, if you happen to be in Los Angeles, you'll find Nosso Familia there, too (in the Caledison DTLA Building). Try the Bee Sting Latte, featuring local honey and Fogo spice blend. 

11. Stumptown Coffee Roasters | Multiple Locations

Of course, no list of the best coffee shops in Portland is complete without the OG. Stumptown Coffee Roasters has locations across the country, and you can buy its coffee almost anywhere—including your local supermarket. But there's no better place to fall in love with this famous coffee roaster than its home in Portland. With several locations throughout the city, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a must for anyone seeking the best coffee in Portland. 

Try a Bean Box subscription & receive a FREE Tasting Flight with your first delivery ($24 value)

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Iced tea is easy to make at home, too, no matter which recipe you use. But the secret to a good iced tea recipe is always loose-leaf tea. Read on to try our homemade, unsweetened iced tea recipe. 

The Best Iced Tea Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes 

Iced Tea Recipe Ingredients

• Ice
• 8 cups of water
• 6 tablespoons of loose-leaf herbal tea or 8 tablespoons of loose-leaf bulky tea (such as oolong) 

Iced Tea Recipe Directions

Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a large pot or kettle. 

Step 2: Add loose-leaf tea. We highly recommend the Passion Mountain Tea by Blossom Coffee Roasters. 

Step 3: Pour water over ice in pitcher to cool it down.

Step 4: Let sit for 3 to.4 minutes if using green tea, 5 minutes for black tea, and about 7 minutes for herbal tea. 

Step 5: Place pitcher in the fridge and let sit overnight. 

Step 6: Pour yourself a cold glass of iced tea!

Despite loving the fun and variety that home-roasting brings, we still relish every time we get our hands on some beans perfected by a professional roaster. Just like an amateur but passionate tennis player really understands the skill of a pro in a way that a casual observer might not, getting to know the roasting process has opened our eyes to the world of specialty coffee. Here's what we've learned about roasting coffee at home. 

1. Roasters Have Two Tools: Heat and Time

The roaster we have has different profiles that you can express on a graph based on how hot the roaster is for how long, and how it varies the heat over time. 

You can approach the bean by warming it up slowly, or you can fairly quickly heat to a certain level and vary it strategically from there. As bean distributors learn about how the bean responds to different ways of roasting, they may suggest particular approaches.

One of the things that I’ve learned is that roasting is an art: roasters develop an ear for how the beans crack in specific ways when they are still cooking versus when they're finished and ready to be ground up. But it’s also a science, in the sense that if you take enough notes on how roasts turned out after certain time and heat, you can observe patterns.

After all, that’s how Behmor programmed those original settings to make it a little easier for home roasters; we don’t have to burn as many beans in order to learn the ropes anymore.

That being said, we still fry batches occasionally, and have beans that seem to have been roasting forever and still look way too green. Roasting for yourself really helps you appreciate just how much professionals put in to understanding heat and time before they can consistently roast a great batch.

2. Every Farm of Origin is Different, But So Is Every Bean

If you’ve been trying artisan coffee for a while, you know that there are dozens of countries, multiple processes, and various types of beans that can all impact the way a coffee tastes. Additional complexity arises in that these varieties all change the roasting process, too!

While we have a green bean distributor who can often get us beans from the same farm in Ethiopia or Guatamala consistently, each harvest is also different, affected by different weather and the small differences in soil.

When you drink a cup of artisan-roasted coffee, you’re really having an experience that no one else ever has: this growing season’s bean combined with the roaster’s expertise and the exact temperature of water you used to brew the coffee. It’s all complex and a little different from anyone else’s type!

3. Your Tastes Can Change Over Time

I used to be a medium-dark roast lover. I liked the chocolate-y flavors that come out in darker coffee, and thought there could be nothing better than a cream-and-sugar cup of dark roast.

Well, most of the roasts we’ve been doing this year have been in the light-and-medium roast categories. I recently tried one of those malty dark roasts again and... wow. I’ve completely changed!

Roasting one to three new types of coffee every week has given me a breadth of coffee experience that I am grateful to have, but it also means that my palate is more informed, helping me find what I really like. You don’t have to like the same kind of coffee forever, it turns out!

Related: Light Roast vs. Dark Roast Coffee: What's the Difference? 

4. Sampling and Taking Notes Is a Great Way to Find Your Ideal Bean

The way we’ve responded to getting busy again and roasting less is to take our lessons from roasting coffee at home about the kinds of coffee we like and apply them when we’re buying pre-roasted beans. Every time we try a coffee, we take notes on what we liked about the flavor; with professionally roasted coffees, we learn what kinds of notes we want to get in our home roasts. Whenever a home roast falls a little flat, we take notes on what we want to be different and try it again. Similarly, if I’m not wowed by a professional roast, I take notes so that I can continue to both expand and pinpoint my own tastes. It’s a fun journey!

Within coffee circles, professionals and well-versed coffee drinkers participate in specific types of coffee tastings called coffee cuppings, but even without the guidance of an experienced barista or roaster, you can enjoy tasting coffee at home with friends. 

I personally love creating informal taste tests of all kinds as part of parties: nothing breaks the ice like a good conversation between people who are trying something new together. Coffee from Bean Box is particularly well-suited to be shared with your coffee-loving friends and family; here’s how to throw a coffee tasting party and share the craft-roasted love.

1. Prep Your Taste Test 

The fastest way to get the right coffees for your group is to browse these boxes; from the World Coffee Tour Box to a Coffee Sampler, you can try any variety of coffees. Want to up the game a bit? Try a Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box or Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box.

Once your coffee arrives, the biggest thing is organizing how you’ll serve it. If you have small coffee cups such as espresso cups, those work well, but you’ll need a way to wash them out quickly, so keep that in mind. Also, to brew quickly, consider setting up pour overs that you can start as soon as your group starts sampling the first coffee. You don’t want to have to restart a percolator or wash a French press every time your group moves to the next coffee.

2. Get a Group Together 

Get a small group of coffee lovers together—anywhere from four to eight people—for your coffee tasting. You might want to aim for a brunch-style party, since everyone may end up drinking the equivalent of more than one cup of coffee! If your coffee tasting won't include a full meal, consider making a coffee cake or other breakfast pastry to accompany the coffee tasting.

3. Compete or Converse

You can create a little coffee quiz fairly easily using the labels on each of your coffees for the taste test: note the flavors in each coffee sample on a key, then have your more competitive friends try to guess what the flavor notes are in each non-identified coffee. Afterward, compare answers and see who has the most discerning palate. You can even give them some coffee as a prize!

That being said, not every group of friends loves to compete, so instead, you might work together to decide which coffee is the smoothest or richest. Coffee lovers will enjoy the chance to try so many kinds, and coffee newbies will get information about the kinds of single-origins and roast levels that they actually like. 

4. Recommend the Best to Each Other

A great reason to pull your sample boxes from Bean Box is that many of the sample-size coffees are also available in the full-size format. Share your referral code with your friends and let them know that they can get a 12-ounce bag of their new favorite coffee. Everyone will leave the coffee tasting party with the ability to relive the fun of a taste test as they add their Bean Box favorites to their morning rotation. Enjoy!

Laura Leavitt is a passionate coffee drinker who experiments with coffee roasting at home with her husband. She's always ready to try a new brewing technique or new single-origin or blend. 

Recipe: Bean Box Coffee Float Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 cup vanilla bean ice cream 
• 1 cup Bean Box Rich & Creamy Cold Brew
• Whipped cream 
• Chocolate chips, shavings and/or syrup

 Directions:

1. Pour the cold brew over your ice cream. 
2. Top with whipped cream and chocolate in any form (chips, bits, syrup, and the like) and serve in a glass or bowl. 

Pro Tip: You can also mix this coffee float in a travel coffee mug to enjoy your treat on the go! 

1. Coffee Rubs

Believe it or not, coffee tastes really good on meat, adding a punch of flavor to everything from brisket to ribs. These are some our favorite coffee rubs for grilling. 

2. Coffee Beers

Whether you're looking for the best coffee beers to try at a local brewery or want to try making your own coffee beer at home, our resident beer and coffee expert shares all things coffee beer in this guide. 

3. Coffee Desserts

Streusel coffee cake, anyone? Coffee and dessert (especially chocolate) make the perfect pair, so why not treat your guests to one of these coffee desserts? Serve with coffee, of course or better yet, a homemade mocha. 

4. Cold Brew Cocktails 

Ever had a Cold Brew and Rum Horchata? What about a Cold Brew, Bourbon and Lemonade? These cold brew cocktails are super refreshing in the summer. Plus, they have a hint of caffeine. It doesn't get any better than that. 

5. Coffee Ice Cream 

Coffee-flavored ice cream is good and all, but you have you ever tried a coffee float? This coffee float recipe is quick and easy to make, and is perfect for a summer dessert (or dinner). 

But what if you're in the mood for both? Here’s a secret: You don’t have to pick! Whether you're looking to find a coffee beer at your local tap room or brew your own coffee stout at home, we have you covered.

Best Coffee Beers 

Coffee Stouts and Coffee Porters

The most common pairing of beans and barley is a coffee stout or coffee porter. Both of these beer styles are heavy on malt and grains, giving them complex flavor profiles that easily pair with coffee beans. Stouts and porters routinely have nutty and chocolate flavors that pair well with coffee. Some even use lactose in the brewing process. Cream and sugar, anyone?   

Coffee IPA 

Not everyone loves a dark, heavy stout. When the sun's out, it's cold brew and IPA time for a lot of us, including coffee beer enthusiasts.  A light-roasted coffee is perfect in an IPA where the fruity notes of coffee beans can pair well with a hopped-up hazy or citrus-forward beer.  

Some of our favorite coffee-flavored beers are: 

• Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout, a collaboration brewed by Elysian Brewing with beans from Stumptown Coffee Roasters 
• Bear Mug, a porter brewed by Reuben’s Brews in partnership with Kuma Coffee 
• Rogue Cold Brew IPA 

Brewing Beer with Coffee 

Homebrewing your own coffee beer is a great way to experiment with flavor profiles in both beer and coffee. In much the same way that different roasts are brought out with milk, sugar or different brew methods, adding coffee to your beer brewing can add more complexity to your brew. There are two primary ways to get a buzz into your brew:

How Much Coffee to Add to Beer 

You can simply add some espresso to your beer, either into the secondary fermenter or right before bottling. This will give the largest kick of flavor to your beer. If you're looking for a more subtle profile, adding partially ground or crushed beans in with the grains pre-boil or using a dry-hopped method allows the flavors to seep into your beer. Or for a serious jolt, try both methods on the same batch!

The type of bean you use depends largely on the style of beer you’re brewing and the flavor profile you're going for. If you want a coffee-forward stout, here's what we suggest:

Cloud City Roasting Company's El Diablo Blend 

Brew up 4 to 8 50ml shots of Cloud City's El Diablo Blend, which reminds us of a S'more in a cup and is perfect for a stout. 

Broadcast Coffee Roasters Johnson House Blend

Known as "The Toffee Coffee," Broadcast Coffee Roasters' Johnson House Blend pairs perfectly with the traditional profiles of a Baltic porter.  To make this coffee porter, add 6 ounces of crushed beans to the secondary fermenter 48 hours before bottling.

Kuma Coffee Sun Bear Iced Coffee Blend

If you're looking to brew a flavorful IPA, try making cold brew with this Sun Bear Iced Coffee Blend. Add 32 ounces just before bottling for a perfect summer pint! Bean Box Smooth & Bright Cold Brew makes an excellent pairing at this stage in the brewing process.  

No matter which method you try or which roast you use in your creation, you're sure to find that coffee and beer are best served together.  

Read on to see our Baratza Encore review—and why we believe it's one of the best burr coffee grinders, especially for beginners. You'll also find other helpful information about this conical burr grinder, from how to clean it to how much it costs. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: What Is It? 

The Baratza Encore is a burr coffee grinder, which means it pulverizes coffee beans between two burrs, typically made of ceramic or stainless steel. Burr grinders are known for their consistent grind, yielding a more balanced cup than you're likely to experience with a blade grinder (though there are plenty of great blade grinders on the market).

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How Much Does It Cost?

The Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder can be purchased at Crate and Barrel and on Amazon. Many roasters also sell the Baratza Encore with free shipping. It costs roughly $140.

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Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How to Use It 

Baratza Encore Grind Settings

Start with these grind settings, as suggested by Baratza: 

• Chemex: 20
• Espresso: 8
• AeroPress: 12
• HARIO V60: 15
• Drip Machine: 18
• French Press: 28

Your favored settings may change based on personal preference and as the burrs age and are are taken apart and put back together. Start at a predicted grind size or factory suggestion and then move one tick higher (coarser) or lower (finer) to find your optimal setting. 

Baratza Encore Directions

Step 1: Turn the Baratza Encore on using the On/Off switch.
Step 2: Turn the base of the hopper to the desired setting on the dial, located below the hopper.
Step 3: Pour your beans into the hopper and grind. 

Wondering how much coffee you need? Use our coffee calculator to figure out the best coffee-to-water ratio. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: How to Clean It

The Baratza Encore comes with a small wire brush for cleaning. Baratza recommends using the brush to clean these parts of the grinder:

• Surface of the burrs
• Between the 'teeth'
• Grind chamber 
• Discharge chute 

Alternatively, you can use cleaning pellets. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: Pros & Cons

Baratza Encore: Q & A

How can I avoid static cling when using the Baratza Encore? 

Many Baratza Encore users complain of static and the mess it creates (a result of the burrs grinding), but here's a simple hack: "Take a metal spoon with just a drop of water on it, and stir the beans really well," suggests Chris Clemens, a coffee enthusiast and travel writer. "You don't want to use too much water because your grinds will come out wet, but use just enough to dampen them. It makes a huge difference." Coffee connoisseur, James Hoffman, recommends something similar, but instead uses the handle of the spoon, putting it under water for just a second before stirring the coffee beans. 

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder: Comparisons 

Baratza Encore vs. Virtuoso 

Although the Baratza Encore and Baratza Virtuoso are quite similar, there are still a few key differences: 

• Speed: The Baratza Virtuoso grinds slightly faster than the Encore due to a difference in burr sizes. 
• Size: The Baratza Virtuoso is larger than the Baratza Encore in terms of weight and overall size, but is a bit shorter.
• Interface: The Baratza Virtuoso has a digital screen where you can see your grind settings, while grind settings are controlled via a dial on the Encore. 
• Operation: Thanks to a 40-second timer, the Baratza Virtuoso is somewhat of a hands-off device, allowing you to multi-task while you grind your beans. 
• Price: The Baratza Virtuoso is about $100 more than the Encore ($250). 

Baratza Encore vs. Capresso Infinity 

• Noise: The Capresso Infinity is much quieter than the Baratza Encore. 
• Size: The Infinity is smaller than the Baratza, making it easy to store in your kitchen cabinet or take along on vacation. 
• Settings: The Capresso Infinity has 16 settings and as such, limits your grind options. The Baratza Encore has 40, allowing more flexibility for you to find the best grind size for your preferences. 

What Is Instant Coffee? 

Instant coffee is coffee that's brewed and then freeze-dried. Typically when we think of instant coffees, brands like Folgers, Maxwell House, and Chock Full o' Nuts come to mind. But there's a new generation of instant coffees making its debut. 

The Best Instant Coffee

Next-generation instant coffees that we've tried and recommend include: 

Swift Cup Coffee

Swift Cup Coffee specializes in high-quality, ethically sourced instant coffee, partnering with a bevy of roasters throughout the U.S. (including some of our own partners, such as Bluebeard and Olympia). Out of all the instant coffees we've tried, Swift Cup Coffee tastes the best and is comparable to a freshly roasted cup of coffee. We also like Coava Coffee Roasters' instant coffees, available as an add-on with any Bean Box purchase. Our 'Brew Your Own Adventure' pack includes two Coava SO Blends, two Coava Ethiopia Meaza Blends, and a Summer S'more espresso bark from Joe Chocolate Co. 

Steeped Coffees 

Some roasters offer steeped coffee, a form of instant coffee. While steeped coffee is good, you won't get the same flavor profile as traditional instant coffee.

How to Make Instant Coffee

Making instant coffee is simple and requires just two steps: 

• Boil 10 ounces of hot water in a pot or kettle. The hotter the water, the better, as the heat allows the coffee particles to dissolve.  
• Mix the water with the contents of your instant coffee packet (or, if using a larger bag, the recommended amount of coffee) and enjoy. 

Instant Coffee vs. Ground Coffee

The easiest way to explain the difference between instant coffee and ground coffee is this: instant coffee, combined with hot water, will dissolve in your cup; ground coffee will not. Ground coffee needs to be extracted via a traditional brew method, such as a drip coffee machine. If you try to pour ground coffee into a cup with hot water, the grounds will not dissolve.

Pros & Cons of Instant Coffee 

Pros of Instant Coffee

• It's quick and easy to make.
• Instant coffee has a long shelf life. 
• It's perfect for travel, especially camping. 

Cons of Instant Coffee 

• It can be made with low-quality coffee, but that's not the case with Swift Cup Coffee and Coava Coffee Roasters. 
• As a result of low-quality coffee, it may have a flavor profile that's flat or bitter (though this isn't true for quality instant coffee).

Does Instant Coffee Have Caffeine?

You'll get roughly the same amount of caffeine in both instant and freshly roasted coffee, though instant coffee may have slightly less caffeine in it. 

Is Instant Coffee Bad for You? 

Some instant coffees may contain trace amounts of acrylamide, a proven carcinogen. This is because acrylamide is a natural byproduct of the roasting process. It occurs when sugars and an amino acid are heated during high-temperature cooking, such as frying, roasting, grilling, and baking.

"Whether or not a chemical is harmful in a consumption context involves the dose ingested," explains Andrea Paul, medical advisor at Illuminate Labs. "The dose makes the poison, and in this case, the dose is very low." 

1. Coffee and Cocoa Steak Rub

Recipe By: Bean Box

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoons ground dark roast coffee
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Rub the steak with olive oil, salt and pepper.
2. Combine the coffee, cocoa powder and cinnamon in a dish.
3. Coat steak with mixture and let marinate or cook immediately.

2. Smoked Brisket Coffee Rub

Recipe By: Shawn Hill, The Grilling Dad

Ingredients

3. Brisket Coffee Rub

Recipe By: Michael Haas, AngryBBQ.com

• 3/4 cup coarse kosher salt
• 1 cup coarse black pepper
• 1/3 cup coarse ground coffee
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chilli powder

4. Classic Coffee Rub 

Recipe By: Jessica DeMay, DishCrawl

Ingredients 

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons ground coffee 
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

Simply combine and rub on to your meat before grilling.

5. Robust Smokey Grilled Chicken Rub

Recipe By: Rebecca Pytell, Strength and Sunshine 

Ingredients 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coffee 
  
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions 

1. Combine all the spices together in a small bowl. 
2. Rub the chicken breasts evenly. Allow them to marinate in the fridge or grill right away. 
3. Cook the chicken on one side for 10 to 12 minutes, flip, then cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through.

6. Easy DIY Steak Rub

Recipe By: Rastelli's 

Ingredients 

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 teaspoon coffee 

Directions

Combine and coat meat. You can either store leftover rub in the freezer in a ziplock bag with air removed or in your cupboard in an air-tight container. You can also add Italian seasoning or any dried herb for extra flavor.  

7. Chiminea Coffee Rub

Read on to discover how you can take advantage of a coffee subscription at the office when it's time to go back. 

1. Order Your Coffee Subscription to the Office

Going back to the office after working from home (or elsewhere in the world) is exciting for some; for others, it's a challenge. Suddenly we have to worry about traffic jams and leaving our pets alone again, and we can't get away with wearing our pajamas to work. Ease the transition by ordering a coffee subscription to the office. The Bean Box Coffee Tasting Subscription is the perfect morning pick-me-up, with four 1.8-ounce bags of fresh coffee (whole bean or ground) that you can easily keep at your desk. If you prefer a 'traditional'-sized bag of coffee instead, consider our Coffee Bag Subscription. 

2. Ask About an Office Coffee Subscription 

Talk to your office manager (or whoever oversees corporate orders) about an office coffee subscription to Bean Box. You and your team will have a special treat to look forward to each morning. 

3. Order a Coffee Gift

Can't convince your manager to commit to a coffee subscription for the office? Treat them to one of our unique coffee gifts, which include the Bean Box Coffee Sampler (similar to the Coffee Tasting Subscription), World Coffee Tour Box (featured on The Today Show) or Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box. They're perfect for a birthday, holiday, National Boss's Day (October 16), and beyond. 

4. Bring Cold Brew to Work

Cold brew is especially ideal for the office since it's ready-made, with no extra preparation required! Try our Bean Box Cold Brew, available in two flavors: Rich & Creamy and Smooth & Bright. 

5. Host a Happy Hour 

Reunite with your colleagues over coffee cocktails. These cold brew cocktails are perfect for a happy hour (or several) this summer; choose a cocktail to feature and serve over a series of events!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is a Hario V60?
• Hario V60 Accessories
• How to Use a Hario V60
• The Best Coffee for a Hario V60
• How to Clean a Hario V60
• Hario V60 Comparisons

What Is a Hario V60?

Made in Japan, the Hario V60 is a coffee dripper. It operates similarly to a drip coffee machine, but doesn’t require electricity. The carafe is made of heat-resistant glass, while the funnel (the actual V60) is glass, ceramic or plastic. While the HARIO V60 requires patience and attention, it’s fairly easy to use and makes a clean cup of coffee every time.  

There are three Hario V60 sizes—01, 02 and 03—with a minimal price difference between each. Each one makes a slightly different amount of coffee:

• HARIO V60 01: 1-2 cups 
• HARIO V60 02: 1-4 cups 
• HARIO V60 03: 1-6 cups

Tip: ‘Cups’ as defined by the brand are very modest; for reference, from our experience, the V60 02 (which is considered the standard size) can comfortably make 600 ml of coffee, though you’ll get a better coffee if you make 300 to 400 ml. 

Hario V60 Accessories

While the Hario V60 is inexpensive, there’s a bit of an initial investment in using one, as it requires other gear.

• Carafe or Mug: You can buy the complementary carafe by Hario, though a standard coffee cup also works just fine. 
• V60 Paper Filters: Hario V60 paper filters are easy to find on Amazon, with generic versions available as well.
• Scale: Try one of these coffee scales for the best accuracy. 
• Gooseneck Kettle: We recommend an electric gooseneck kettle, though a stovetop gooseneck kettle is fine to use, too.
• Grinder: Purchase a burr grinder for the best results. 
• Coffee: Last, but never least, use fresh coffee and grind to table salt consistency. 

How to Use a Hario V60

1. Heat Your Water

Set your kettle to boil, or if you’re using a temperature controlled kettle, to 205°F.

2. Prepare the Filter

Fold your paper filter at the seam. Place it inside of the V60 dripper atop your carafe or mug. Rinse the filter with heated water to remove the paper smell/taste and heat the carafe. Pour out the rinse water from your carafe.

3. Measure Your Coffee

Tare your scale and add 20g (or 4 tbsp) freshly ground coffee into the filter. Give it a gentle shake to level out the grounds. Tare your scale again.

4. Calculate Your Ratio

We like to start with a 1:15 coffee-to-water ratio. This means for the 20g coffee in, we’ll use 300g (or 11oz) water. Aim for your brew to finish between 2:45 to 3:30 minutes.

5. Let Your Kettle Cool

If using boiling water, allow the kettle to sit off the stove for 30 seconds to cool.

6. Start the Brew

There will be three pours in total. This is the first. Start your timer and bloom the coffee by pouring 50g of your heated water onto the grounds, starting in the center of the coffee and working your way out. This first pour, called the “bloom”, should be about double the weight of your coffee. The goal here is to saturate all of the grounds. Let bloom for 30 seconds and enjoy the aroma! 

Tip: It's important to have a slow, controlled pour, which is why we recommend using a gooseneck kettle when making coffee with the Hario V60.

7. Pour Your Next Round of Water

Do this in the same concentric fashion and use around half of your remaining water. As the coffee drains down, repeat this for your last pour to finish up with your goal weight: 300g. 

Tip: Try not to let the coffee bed completely drain in between pours. If the coffee is draining too quickly, make your grind finer, and vice versa. 

8. Let the Coffee Finish Dripping

Then compost the filter and remove the dripper.

9. Serve

Give the carafe or cup a swirl to incorporate the coffee, and enjoy! 

The Best Coffee for a Hario V60

Coffees across the roast spectrum can shine in a Hario V60. It’s a popular brewing device from neighborhood cafes to national competition stages. We find that light to medium dark roasts shine in the Hario V60. The V60’s thin paper filter and relatively quick, three-minute extraction allow the complexity and nuances in light to medium roasts to come through. 

How to Clean a Hario V60

It’s best to hand wash the HARIO V60 with mild unscented soap and warm water. If it’s extra dirty, you can try a mix of baking soda and water to clean it. 

Hario V60 Comparisons

Hario V60 vs. Chemex

• Design: The V60 is a standalone filter that can sit on top of a coffee mug or carafe, while the Chemex is a single piece of blown glass that includes both the filter and the decanter.
• Taste: Chemex uses a particularly thick filter paper. which makes for a cleaner (albeit slower) brew with less coffee oils. The HARIO V60 also uses a paper filter, but this tends to be thinner and as such, has a quicker brew time. 
• Capacity: The Hario V60 02 size will brew at maximum 3 small cups. For larger groups, opt for a Chemex.

HARIO V60 vs. Kalita Wave 

• Design: While the V60 has a single large hole at the bottom of the brewer, the Kalita Wave has three smaller holes within a flat base. A V60 is sometimes referred to as a conical brewer, while the Wave is a flat-bottomed brewer. 
• Extraction: Due to the large single hole, the V60 tends toward a faster extraction and is less forgiving. The speed of extraction is governed exclusively by the size and consistency of the grind and the pouring technique. The Kalita Wave operates similarly to a pressurized portafilter and the three small holes make for a more even extraction. For this reason, the Kalita Wave can be a far more forgiving brewer that 'protects' you from technical mistakes if you're just entering the pour over scene.

Some of our favorite cinnamon coffees include Rainier Coffee Roaster's Colombia Cesar Serrania and the Organic Mexico El Triunfo by Batdorf and Bronson. Coupled with this streusel coffee cake, this combination is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or treat to serve your house guests. 

The Best Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 25 minutes 

Total Time: 35 minutes 

Ingredients

Streusel Coffee Cake: 

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Streusel Coffee Cake Topping:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons margarine

Directions

Step 1: Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2: Spray 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 3: Mix sugar, shortening and egg.

Step 4: Stir in milk.

Step 5: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Step 6: Make topping by melting butter in small bowl; then add the flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mix together with fork.

Step 7: Spread half of the batter in greased pan. Sprinkle half of the topping. Repeat both steps.

Step 8: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes.

Step 9: Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

But if you prefer to use a cold brew coffee maker, these are the ones we recommend.

1. County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Why We Like It:

• Simple design
• Budget-friendly
• Multi-purpose

If you own a mesh strainer and pitcher and/or large Mason jar, you already have everything you need to make cold brew at home. But the County Line Kitchen Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee Maker makes the process a bit easier thanks to its lid with handle, as well as a stainless steel filter that prevents coffee grounds from making their way into the final product. This Amazon Bestseller also gets good reviews for tea making, as well as its dishwasher-safe parts. 

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2. Toddy Cold Brew System

Why We Like It:

• Industry pick
• Simple design
• Smooth taste

Treat yourself to the Toddy Cold Brew System, an industry favorite and the preferred method for making cold brew at many coffee shops and cafes, including Starbucks. The Toddy promises a smooth and flavorful cup of cold brew courtesy of its simple filtration process. This bundle, available on Amazon, comes with the brewing system and all necessary components, plus extra filters and silicone stoppers. You can also use the Toddy Cold Brew System to make iced tea. 

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Related: 24 Best Coffee Shops & Roasters in Seattle

3. OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Why We Like It:

• Rainmaker top
• Measurement marks
• Easy to use

When it comes to the best cold brew coffee makers, many people prefer the OXO Good Grips 32 Ounce Cold Brew Coffee Maker. This cold brew coffee maker gets rave reviews for its design, which includes a rainmaker top that promotes even distribution of water and coffee grounds, as well as a glass carafe with measurement markings. Bonus: It doesn't take up much counter space or room in the fridge (though if you're looking for something a bit smaller, you may want to try the OXO Brew Compact Cold Brew Coffee Maker). The parts can also be nested inside of each other for easy storage when not in use. 

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4. Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot

Why We Like It:

• Slender spout 
• Washable filter 
• Size and color options

The Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Pot features a slender spout for slow, steady pours, as well as a washable filter. Purchase the 600- or 1,000-millileter version in brown, red, or black. 

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5. French Press

Why We Like It:

• Compact size
• Budget-friendly
• Multi-purpose

While it's not a bona fide cold brew coffee maker, a French press can be used to make cold brew (and of course, hot coffee, too). Simply add your freshly ground coffee and water to the French press, stir, and let sit overnight. Not sure how much coffee and water you need for cold brew concentrate? Use our coffee calculator to determine your optimal coffee-to-water ratio. 

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Related: How to Use a French Press 

6. Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker 

Why We Like It:

• Sleek design
• Mutli-functional 
• Can be placed on side in fridge

Look familiar? The Japanese-designed Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is similar to a French press, with the addition of a fine, cone-shaped, mesh filter that connects to the patented leak-proof lid. The lid is so airtight that you can place this pitcher on its side in your fridge if necessary! The Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker is designed for cold brew, but can also be used to make iced tea and fruit-infused water, as well as hot coffee. It is top-rack dishwasher-safe. 

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How to Make Coffee Without a Coffee Maker 

The Cowboy Coffee Method 

Cowboy coffee gets its name from—you guessed it—cowboys, who used to prepare and serve coffee over an open fire when they weren't rounding up cattle and tending to other tasks on the ranch.

Today, some people think of it as a last resort for brewing coffee; others view cowboy coffee as a lost art—one they're on a mission to preserve. This no-frills brewing method is the easiest (and probably the most storied) way to make coffee without a coffee maker. 

What You Need for Cowboy Coffee

• Pot
• Spoon 
• Water
• Ground coffee 

Directions for Cowboy Coffee 

1. Add two tablespoons of coffee grounds for every 6 to 8 ounces of water, combining in a pot on the stove or over a fire.

2. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.

3. Add two to four tablespoons of water to the pot; this will help (most of) the coffee grounds to settle on the bottom.

4. Slowly pour your coffee (to prevent sediment from flowing into your cup) and enjoy! 

How Is Barrel-Aged Coffee Made? 

Unroasted (green) coffee beans are aged in liquor barrels (in our case, liquor barrels from distilleries in Seattle). After the beans have aged in the barrels for a few weeks (or longer), they are roasted. The final product doesn't contain alcohol, but has a big, boozy flavor.

4 Best Barrel-Aged Coffees 

We've partnered with local distilleries and Seattle Strong Coffee to offer four barrel-aged coffees. Due to the size of the barrels in which the beans are aged, we can only make so much of these special-edition coffees, which means the coffee will sell out fast!

1. Colombia Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta | Aged in 2BAR Bourbon Barrel 

To make this coffee, we matched a nutty-caramel Colombian coffee with the sugary, spicy notes from 2BAR’s Northwest bourbon barrel. After aging for two weeks, the coffee beans yield booze-inspired flavors in every sip. The profile of this coffee is reminiscent of a rich, refreshing Bourbon Cola.

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2. Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural | Aged in Woodinville Whiskey Barrel

Woodinville's whiskey barrels are seasoned in open air, rain, wind, sun and even snow for two years, softening the wood's harsh tannins. The barrels are then slowly toasted and lightly charred to enrich the wood's desirable flavors for aging whiskey and in this case, coffee beans. Light, spicy notes of whiskey blend perfectly with this fruit-forward Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. 

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3. Costa Rica Dota Terrazu Santa Maria | Aged in Westland Single Malt Barrel 

This barrel-aged coffee is a nod to the classic old fashioned cocktail: a simple, sophisticated drink comprising whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus rind. We chose a high-grown Costa Rica coffee from Terrazu for a balanced profile of bright lemon zest and nutty brown sugar. Roasted to a medium profile, the lemon mellows and toastier flavors emerge, creating the perfect base for a nose of single-malt whiskey.

The barrels come from Westland Distillery, a local craft distillery that prides itself on being one of the first to make whiskey using Oregon oak. Oregon oak is a type of American oak that carries a higher concentration of tannins, resulting in a darker, smokier edge that offsets the fruity nature of the Costa Rican coffee. Bonus: This barrel-aged coffee is tasty over ice, just like a traditional old fashioned.

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4. Brazil Fazenda Santa Christina | Aged in Seaspirits Spiced Rum Barrel 

This rum-drenched roast is our own delicious version of a Piña Colada—a Beaña Colada! The barrel-aged coffee is created by aging a high-grown Brazilian coffee in spiced rum barrels from Seaspirits, a Seattle distillery. Seaspirits uses bourbon casks to age its rum, giving an extra nudge of flavor to an already spicy, buttery profile. One sip of this rum cake in a mug and you’ll find yourself waking up on island time.

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Related: 5 Best Cold Brew Cocktails

Barrel-Aged Coffee Gift Box 

Want to try all of these barrel-aged coffees or gift them to someone you love? Check out our Barrel-Aged Coffee Gift Box, which comes with all four of the barrel-aged coffees (1.8-ounce bags), plus eight artisan treats.

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Why Is Seattle Known for Coffee? 

According to an old tale, Seattle got its start in coffee when a dock worker found a mishandled bag of beans, roasted them himself, and started peddling them around town. Seattle was a frontier settlement with an active sea port, and the combination of access to bean importers and an appetite for strong coffee among Seattleites gave birth to the capitol. 

During the late 60’s and early 70’s, coffee houses began to pop up all over the city. Seattle’s cold and rainy months combined with the bohemian culture of this time period made for the perfect place to start serving the hot beverage. The Last Exit was created in 1967 in the University District as a very popular gathering spot for poets, students, and artists alike.

Some years later in 1971, three coffee connoisseurs did something that would jumpstart and forever change the coffee industry in Seattle. Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, and Zev Siegl wanted to share their love of high-quality beans. In order to do this, they pooled their money, ordered coffee in bulk from Peet’s Coffee and Tea in Berkeley, California, and opened up the nautical-themed Starbucks Coffee on Western Avenue. In 1976, these roasters moved to Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, known as the original Starbucks location.

The creation of Starbucks paved the way for coffee. But in the 1990’s, we started to see an increase in independent roasters and coffee shops in Seattle (and elsewhere in the country). Even with a Starbucks or Seattle’s Best Coffee shop on seemingly every corner, the growing coffee consumer culture has taken an increased focus on speciality coffee, which allows local roasters to thrive.

The 24 Best Coffee Shops in Seattle 

Ready to drink the best coffee in Seattle? From longstanding favorites to rising stars—many of whom are our partners—these are the best coffee roasters and shops in Seattle.

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1. Fonté | 5501 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 | 206-762-0760

A short walk from Pike Place Market, Fonté’s signature cafe is upscale, with a robust menu of single-origin roasts. If you enjoy medium-to-dark roasts, Sage Lattes, and could use a snack (that's not a protein box), this is the place to go while you're in town. 

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2. Seattle Coffee Works | 108 Pine St. Seattle, WA 98101 | 206-340-8867

Seattle Coffee Works was once home to Seattle’s first original multi-roaster cafe. Today, it's known for roasting coffee sourced directly from some of the world’s top micro lots. You’re bound to see Seattle Coffee Works’s owner Sebastian making conversation with regulars and showing off photos from his latest trip to Kenya. Try one of the lightly roasted single-origin roasts brewed your way at the pour over bar.

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3. Caffe Ladro | 801 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 

Caffe Ladro (Ladro Roasting) is an iconic Seattle coffee brand with 15-plus cafes around town. The location on Pine is a short walk from Pike Place Market, making it one of the most popular locations. They always have a lighter single origin roast on tap from a farm that Ladro owner Jack Kelly has visited on his annual pilgrimage. Ladro bakes its own pastries and always has uniquely crafted coffee drinks on the menu, such as Medici, a mocha with fresh orange zest.

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4. Monorail Espresso | 510 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101 | 206-422-0736

The coffee cart turned ‘hole in the wall’ espresso bar on Pike Street has been a Seattle phenomenon since the 1980s. Monorail Espresso has quite the cult following so be prepared to wait in line. Espresso (and dog treats) only! No drip coffee here.

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5. ETG Cafe & Bakery (Longshoremen's Daughter Roasters) | 3512 Fremont Pl N, Seattle, WA 98103 | 206-633-3685

Note: This cafe is temporarily closed as of August 2021. 

Established in the early 90's, the ETG Cafe & Bakery is one of the oldest coffee shops in Seattle. Owner Lori Mason roasts a rotating menu of single origin coffees and blends (Walk'n Boss and Bearded Lady by Longshoreman's Daughter Roasters), which have become staples for locals and Bean Box customers nationwide. Delicious pastries are baked fresh every morning.

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6. Lighthouse Roasters | 400 N 43rd St, Seattle, WA 98103 | 206-633-4775

Nestled in Fremont, Lighthouse Roasters is Seattle’s first cafe and roastery combination, known for its full-bodied dark roasts. The roasting is done in the center of the cafe on a vintage machine.

7. Milstead & Co. | 754 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103 | 206-659-4814

One of the only multi-roaster cafes in Seattle, Milstead serves up a rotating menu of lightly roasted single origin coffees roasted in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver. All of its coffees are brewed-to-order on a scale with an AeroPress. Fun Fact: Milstead & Co. was Bean Box’s first 'satellite office' as we grew from an idea to a business worthy of a bigger space.

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8. Slate Coffee Roasters | 5413 6th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 

Note: This location is temporarily closed as of August 2021. 

One of the most popular third wave coffee roasters in Seattle, Slate’s first location in Ballard is a shrine to the new coffee movement. Enjoy single-origin coffee tasting flights, deconstructed lattes, and Slate’s owners methodically brewing your coffee in a Chemex. Slate Coffee Roasters isn't just a cafe; it's an experience. 

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9. La Marzocco Cafe & Showroom | 472 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 | 206-388-3500

Note: This location is temporarily closed as of August 2021. 

La Marzocco Cafe & Showroom is a beautiful coffee institution at the base of the Seattle Space Needle. A high-end espresso machine manufacturer with equipment crafted in Italy, its cafe invites a new roaster to hold court each month. La Marzocco shares a space with the local radio station, KEXP, and a great little record store, too. 

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10. Victrola Coffee Roasters  | 310 E Pike St., Seattle, WA 98122 | 1-800-575-5282

Since 2000, Victrola has been spinning the coffee hits that fuel Seattle. Through longstanding relationships with farms and endless experimentation, Victrola refines each roast into a true masterpiece. It has four locations in Seattle, with its flagship store on Pike Street in Capitol Hill. 

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11. Caffe Vita Roasters  | 532 Broadway Ave. East Seattle WA 9810 | 206-712-2132

Caffe Vita is one of Seattle’s largest independent roasters, with several locations throughout the city (as well as two locations in New York City and one in Portland, Oregon). Its cafe and roastery on Capitol Hill is a tribute to its focus on coffee. 

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12. Espresso Vivace  | 1005 E Pike St. Seattle, WA 98122 | 206-860-2722

A blend of art and science, Espresso Vivace serves espresso only and serves it well. Vivace’s owner, David Shomer, is a local legend. He’s known as the godfather of latte art and is famous for his obsession with pulling the perfect espresso shot. You can attend his espresso training series for a crash course, or drop into Vivace to experience it yourself. 

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13. Broadcast Coffee Roasters  | 1005 E Pike St. Seattle, WA 98122 | 206-860-2722

One of Seattle’s most beautiful and modern cafes, Broadcast Coffee Roasters on Roosevelt Way is elegant and serves up owner Barry Fought’s line of lightly roasted single-origins and blends. The coffees are as bright as the open cafe space.

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14. Ghost Note | 1623 Bellevue Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 | 

Order the Lush Life (espresso, almond milk and orange blossom honey syrup) or London Smog (pine-smoked black tea, oat milk, and spiced honey) at Ghost Note, which sources its coffee from Broadcast Coffee Roasters. "Every beverage is crafted meticulously with the attention to flavors and complementary aromatics that you expect from high-end cocktail bars and mixologists, but it's coffee and tea!" says Parka Garrett, former Fulfillment Lead at Bean Box. "Its mainstay offerings are all vegan, too." 

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15. Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe | 2007 NE Ravenna Blvd., Seattle, WA 98105 | 206-517-5572

A neighborhood gem, Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe is one part coffee shop, one part Hawaiian grocery store in Ravenna. The owner is a Hawaiian native and head roaster for Seven Coffee Roasters and Keala's Hawaiian Coffee. Get your Kona coffee fix here!

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16. Herkimer Coffee  | 901 Dexter Ave. N Seattle, WA 98109  | 206-274-8242

Herkimer Coffee is a roastery and cafe combination by Seattle coffee veterans Mike Prins and Scott Richardson. Order a Herkimer Drip, cold brew, or espresso and get ready to enjoy one of the most well balanced cups you’ve ever had. "The staff is friendly, the coffee is always exceptional, the service is quick, and the local pastries are pretty tasty, too," says Maesy Hughes, Partnerships and Community Strategist at Bean Box. 

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17. Anchorhead Coffee | CenturyLink Plaza, 1600 7th Ave Ste 105, Seattle, WA 98101 

It's all about the house-made burnt honey at Anchorhead Coffee, one of the best coffee shops in Seattle. The burnt honey is featured in popular drinks such as Honey Bunches of Cold Brew (cold brew, oat milk and honey) and Shy Bear Fog (oolong tea, oat milk, and honey, a combination that Rosie Sun, Bean Box's e-Commerce Fulfillment Manager, refers to as the "chef's kiss" of Anchorhead). The staff also make a killer pour over, as well as fun seasonal drinks. Anchorhead Coffee has two locations in Seattle: Downtown and next to Pike Place Market. 

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18. General Porpoise | 1020 E. Union St. Seattle, WA 98122 | 206-900-8770

Go to General Porpoise for the espresso, stay for some of the best donuts in Seattle (made onsite), says Nicole Kendall, Customer Delight Coordinator at Bean Box. General Porpoise is a multi-roaster coffee shop, so there's always something new to try. You can find General Porpoise in Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill and Laurelhurst. 

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19. Zoka Coffee | 2200 N 56th St, Seattle, WA 98103 | 206-545-4277

Zoka Coffee does an Iced Honey Lavender Latte that's floral, sweet and rich. It pairs especially well with the outdoor seating. 

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20. Sound and Fog | 4735 40th Ave SW Seattle, WA 98116 

Andrew Maier, Customer Delight Coordinator at Bean Box, recommends the Cardamom Latte at Sound and Fog. "There's enough cardamom to remind you that it's a floral and citrusy spice and not just something you add a pinch of to other recipes." It's a tiny shop with a small, but well-curated natural wine selection and an occasional selection of Northern European roasted coffees. Sound and Fog is located in West Seattle. 

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21. Olympia Coffee Roasters | 4824 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 | 206-906-9543

The seasonal Latte with Strawberry Beret Syrup is a must at Olympia Coffee Roasters, which has two locations in Seattle (Columbia City and West Seattle). The latte features strawberries and pink peppercorns, combined with iced Rishi Peppermint tea. 

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22. Moonshot Coffee | 9622 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106 | 206-620-0315

At Moonshot, Maier likes the the Espresso and Tonic, as well as the Golden Milk. "The Espresso and Tonic is bright, citrusy, and refreshing, and the Golden Milk is the smoothest turmeric drink I’ve had in a long time," he says. You'll find Moonshot in White Center. 

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23. Boon Boona Coffee | 1223 Cherry St. C121B Seattle, WA 98122  

Boon Boona Coffee is based in Renton, Washington, but opened a Seattle outpost in April 2021. Owned by Efrem Fesaha, born in Eritrea and raised in Seattle, Boon Boona features single-origin African roasts. 

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24. Cloud City Coffee | 8801 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 | 206-527-5552

Cloud City Roasting Company has a cozy cafe where you'll find everything from a Cortado to a Sesame Latte, plus breakfast and lunch. 

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1. "We want to do a lot of stuff; we're not in great shape. We didn't get a good night's sleep. We're a little depressed. Coffee solves all these problems in one delightful little cup." - Jerry Seinfeld

2. "If it weren't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsoever." - David Letterman

3. "What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup." - Henry Rollins

4. "The most dangerous coffee game is seeing how long I can go without coffee." - Unknown

5. "I never laugh until I've had my coffee." - Clark Gable 

6. "I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now." - Louisa May Alcott

7. "I have measured out my life with coffee spoons." - T. S. Eliot

8. "Everyone should believe in something. I believe I will have another coffee." - Unknown

9. "As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?"  - Cassandra Clare 

10. “I can’t stop drinking the coffee. I stop drinking the coffee, I stop doing the standing, and the walking, and the words-putting-into-sentences doing.” - Lorelai Gilmore, Gilmore Girls

11. “I like coffee because it gives me the illusion that I might be awake. - Lewis Black 

12. “What on earth could be more luxurious than a sofa, a book, and a cup of coffee?” - Anthony Trollope

13. “To do good work one must eat well, be well housed, have one’s fling from time to time, smoke one’s pipe, and drink one’s coffee in peace.” - Vincent Van Gogh

14. "Coffee is a language in itself." - Jackie Chan

15. “To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.” - Hugh Jackman 

16. “The powers of a man’s mind are directly proportioned to the quantity of coffee he drinks.” - Sir James Mackintosh

17. “I believe humans get a lot done, not because we’re smart, but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.” - Flash Rosenberg

18. "Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it's hard to go back to sleep." - Fran Drescher 

19. "It’s amazing how the world begins to change through the eyes of a cup of coffee." - Donna A. Favors

20. "Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee." - Stephanie Piro

21. "No matter what historians claimed, BC really stood for ‘Before Coffee.’"- Cherise Sinclair

22. "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." - Dave Barry 

Most people aren’t necessarily turned off by the taste of coffee, but instead by the bitter taste of commodity coffee. The bitter taste of coffee brewed incorrectly might also deter you from drinking it, and could be the reason you find yourself adding extra cream, sugar and flavored syrups to your drink (not that there's anything wrong with that). But if you're going to add sweeteners, it should be because you enjoy them—not to fix a bad cup of coffee!

High-quality, freshly-roasted coffee presents a different flavor spectrum entirely, with little or no trace of any bitterness in the cup when brewed correctly and, surprisingly, a great range of tasting notes, from fruit to nuts to chocolate.

Here's how to start enjoying coffee, based on your preferences.

The Best Coffee for People Who Don't Like Coffee 

If You're At All a Fan of Wine

Approach coffee the same way you approach wine. Beyond the caffeine kick, there’s an entire world of flavor perceptions, and developing your palate can open up a world of new coffee experiences to your morning.

If You Like Tea

Look for a light roast coffee from Ethiopia or Kenya. These beans yield a cup that’s generally bursting with fruit and/or floral notes, and they typically have a sweet edge and smooth mouthfeel that’s akin to a robust tea.

If You Have a Sensitive Stomach

Make sure you use a filtered brewing method, and steer clear of the French Press or AeroPress. Coffee that’s made with these two brew methods yields a suspension of coffee particulate, and those particles will continue to extract caffeine in the stomach, an acid-forming process. Instead, use a brew method that uses a paper filter. Using filtered water can also help with pH balance.

If You Don't Like the Caffeine Buzz 

Decaf coffees are a great choice, but if you can, find a single-origin decaf. Although the decaffeination process flattens much of the high notes in a coffee, single-origin beans (as opposed to blends) will retain some of their unique tasting notes even after the process. It seems obvious, but you can also just drink less regular coffee; keep the experience, but lose the volume!

If You Don't Like Strong Tastes 

Steer clear of dark-roasted beans. The darker the roast, the greater the likelihood a palate that’s new to coffee will be overwhelmed. You can also vary how you brew your coffee, by either using slightly less grounds, or by grinding your coffee just a bit coarser. Either of these two approaches will lessen the degree of extraction, and make the experience more enjoyable.

If You Have a Sweet Tooth 

Be patient and wait for your coffee to cool. There’s one delightful fact about fresh coffee: as it cools, it will taste ever more sweet. In fact, when someone tells you they like their coffee piping hot, what they’re really saying is that they prefer not to fully taste the brew, since our taste buds don’t work as well with higher-temperature substances. You can also hack your perception by using the front—rather than the sides or back—of your tongue to taste the coffee. Even more interesting, by drinking your coffee from a glass instead of white ceramic, you can alter your perception so that the coffee tastes sweeter (and yes, this works very well).

Other Ways to Like Coffee

For those willing to take the tiny steps needed to experience the joys of fresh, high-quality coffee, there are also a few tips we like to share:

1. Don’t sweat the coffee gear. Even a $20 Mr. Coffee from Target will do a great job if you start with fresh beans.
2. Grind the beans yourself. Invest in a decent burr grinder, buy whole bean, and grind right before you brew. This makes all the difference in a great coffee experience.
3. Use filtered water. When you drink coffee, 99 percent of it is water, and starting with filtered water can make a real impact on the final taste, eliminating any number of unpleasant overtones.

Over the years, we’ve met many converts, and most of them report that their turning point came down to a shift in perspective, when they turned coffee from a mostly unexamined caffeine habit to a morning ritual, an occasion to tuck into a new kind of tasting experience, and to set their intentions for a great day ahead. 

1. Barrel-Aged Coffee Gift Box 

If the coffee lover in your life enjoys fine spirits AND good coffee, this is the gift for him. The Barrel-Aged Coffee Gift Box features four cocktail-inspired coffees, plus eight artisan treats including biscotti and gourmet granola. 

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2. World Coffee Tour Box

Treat your gift recipient to a coffee "trip" around the world with the World Coffee Tour Box. Recently featured on The Today Show, this is the crème de la crème of coffee gifts, with 16 1.8-ounce coffee samples (four to five cups of coffee per bag) ranging from chocolate-flavored Latin American roasts to fruit-forward African coffees. 

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3. Cold Brew

Summer is here, which means it’s time to break out the cold brew! Treat the coffee lover in your life to the all-new Bean Box Cold Brew, available in two flavors: Smooth & Bright and Rich & Creamy. Buy one or purchase as a pair. This cold brew is ready-made, no dilution or preparation required. 

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4. Bean Box Coffee Tasting Subscription 

Call if the coffee gift that keeps on giving. Our Coffee Tasting Subscription features four specialty coffees delivered each month and guaranteed fresh. 

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5. Coffee + Chocolate Gift Box

Is there any better combination? The Coffee + Chocolate Gift Box is available in two variations: Standard and Deluxe. The Standard size comes with four coffees and four artisan chocolates (sourced from the Seattle Chocolate Company) for pairing, while the Deluxe version comes with eight coffees and eight chocolates.

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6. Coffee and Tea Gift Box 

Know someone who enjoys both coffee and tea? Treat them to the Coffee and Tea Gift Box, which comes with four specialty coffees and four artisan, loose-leaf teas. (And if your gift recipient doesn't own a strainer for loose-leaf teas, be sure to include one with their gift).

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7. Good Morning Gift Box

Treat your favorite coffee lover to breakfast in bed with a Good Morning Gift Box. This themed box features four coffees (with light, medium or dark roasts—you choose) and eight breakfast goodies including biscotti, artisan granola, stroop wafels and fruit preserves. Breakfast in bed has never been easier (or more delicious). 

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8. Drip Coffee Maker

A drip coffee maker is a classic, tried-and-true gift. Gift someone with a new coffee machine such as a Mr. Coffee or Bonavita. These are our picks for the best drip coffee makers. 

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9. Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box

The Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box has four specialty coffees and four biscotti cookies, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up (or an any-time-of-the-day pick-me-up). Tip: Add a tea tasting pair to your order so your gift recipient can enjoy tea with their biscotti, too. 

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10. Bean Box Coffee Sampler

The Bean Box Coffee Sampler is a surefire way to please any coffee lover. Buy a one-, three-, six-, or 12-month subscription to this box, which features four specialty coffees with tasting notes and brewing tips. Select a variety of roasts or choose your recipient's favorite type (light, medium or dark). 

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11. Single-Brew Cups 

If you know someone who uses a Keurig or another single-cup brewing machine, treat them to some new brew cups. Our Bean Box Single Brew Cups Box comes with 15, 30 or 60 cups of artisan roasted coffee. 

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12. Tea Tasting Gift Box

If your gift recipient is strictly a tea drinker, get them the Tea Tasting Gift Box with eight loose-leaf teas. Gourmet teas include the relaxing Herbal Soother and Cozy Nights, sourced from Vashon Island Tea in Washington State.

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13. Chocolate Collection Gift Box

If you know someone whose motto is "life's short, eat dessert first," this is the ultimate coffee gift for them. The Chocolate Collection Gift Box comes with eight pieces of artisan chocolate: coffee-infused chocolate bark, handmade at Seattle’s Pike Place Market; two culinary-inspired chocolates (flavors such as Bali Sea Salt Toffee and Cayenne Veracruz Orange), two sets of seasonal truffles, and two chocolate truffle bars. Yum! 

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14. Bean Box Gift Certificate

You can't go wrong with a gift card! Gift the coffee lover in your life with a Bean Box Gift Certificate, delivered by email. You can opt for e-gift delivery on all of our coffee gifts, too.

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15. YETI Rambler 14 Ounce Mug

It’s best to drink your coffee right after it’s done brewing. But let’s be honest: that’s nearly impossible some days. That’s why the YETI Rambler 14 Ounce Mug makes a great coffee gift. Available in eight colors, it’s guaranteed to keep coffee hot (or cold, when sipping homemade iced coffee or cold brew). It’s also dishwasher safe.

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16. Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

Whether you're heading to the office or going camping for the weekend, the Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug is perfect for coffee on the go. Available in two sizes (12 or 16 ounces), this coffee mug not only promises heat retention, but also guarantees optimal coffee taste. It's super sleek, too. 

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17. AeroPress

Speaking of coffee on the go, the AeroPress is the best way to make coffee while traveling and is the perfect coffee gift to give ahead of the vacation season.

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18. Stojo Collapsible Cup 

The Stojo on the Go Coffee Cup is a pocket-size, collapsible cup that works well for all drinks, including coffee and tea. It's made from food-grade silicone and is dishwasher safe. 

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At Bean Box, we know a thing or two about coffee. These are some of our favorite—and most surprising—coffee facts.  

1. The type of cup you use makes a difference. 

According to several scientific studies, the color, shape and even the texture of our cup makes a difference in the way we taste coffee. For instance, drinking dark coffee from a white cup creates a strong contrast, making us think our coffee is stronger. Conversely, when we drink from a clear cup, many of us perceive the coffee to be lighter and sweeter. 

2. Light roast coffee has slightly more caffeine. 

Ever wondered what the actual difference between light roast and dark roast coffee is, and if dark roast is stronger than light roast? It turns out dark roast isn't any stronger than light roast; in fact, light roast often has a bit more caffeine in it! 

3. Coffee beans can actually be too fresh.  

If your coffee beans are too fresh, your coffee might taste sour. That's why most roasters let their coffee beans sit (or "settle") for a few days before using them. 

4. Using a French press might upset your stomach.  

We love using a French press—don't get us wrong. But with this brew method, it's easier for sediment to find its way into your cup and thusly into your stomach. If you're prone to stomach issues, try drip coffee or the pour over method instead. 

5. Coffee acidity doesn't mean the actual pH.

Instead, the acidity in coffee refers to its flavor profiles. 

6. Bananas have (almost) the same pH as coffee.

Speaking of pH, bananas and coffee have about the same pH; bananas have a pH between 4.50 and 5.20, while coffee's pH falls between 4.85 and 5.10. 

7. There's no such thing as espresso beans.

Some beans are formulated for espresso, but there's no such thing as an espresso bean. In fact, any coffee can be brewed as an espresso. 

8. Your grinder matters more than your brew method.

Poorly ground beans can lead to a bad cup of coffee. That's why a good grinder is just as—if not, more important—than the coffee machine you use. (Fresh coffee beans are also a must.) So which grinder should you buy? Learn the difference between blade and burr grinders and which one is right for you. 

9. Coffee has more flavonoids than wine. 

Flavanoids are antioxidant agents. And while red wine has its fair share of flavonoids and antioxidants, coffee (and dark chocolate) has more! 

10. Decaf coffee isn't caffeine-free. 

It's impossible for coffee to be completely caffeine-free, as caffeine is vital to the growth of coffee plants. Decaf coffee is usually about 97 percent caffeine-free, but never 100 percent. 

11. There's more than one type of coffee plant. 

There are many species of Coffea (coffee plants). Some don't have caffeine, and some grow in hot and wet climates. Not all of them taste good, either. 

12. Coffee has more caffeine than espresso.

Think that shot of espresso will give you a better caffeine kick than coffee? Think again! A cup of coffee has more caffeine than a shot of espresso. By volume, espresso has only about a third of the caffeine in a cup of drip coffee.

13. Coffee is grown in only two U.S. states. 

Kona coffee is grown in Hawaii, and there are also parts of California where coffee is grown. 

14. Albania has more cafes per capita than any other country. 

No, it's not the U.S.! Albania has more cafes per capita than any other country in the world. 

15. People in Scandinavia drink more coffee than anyone else. 

Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Norway and Denmark hold the top five spots for most coffee consumed by person. 

16. But Americans drink a lot of coffee, too.

The average American coffee drinker drinks just over three cups per day.

17. The average age of baristas in Italy is 48. 

18. Teddy Roosevelt is said to have consumed a gallon of coffee a day.

19. Coffee fueled historic revolutions.

The American and French revolutions were plotted in coffeehouses. 

20. Coffee is the world's second-most traded commodity. 

It's only second to oil. 

21. Cold brew is lower in acidity than hot coffee. 

Most of us won’t notice the difference, but cold brew may be ideal for coffee drinkers with sensitive stomachs.

22. The world's most expensive coffee costs up to $1,500 a pound.

It's called Black Ivory and it's made with elephant droppings. Kopi Luwak, which costs about $600 a pound, comes from a palm civet (not quite a cat, though many people call it that). 

What Is Mexican Coffee? 

If you've never had Mexican coffee, let us introduce you to this delightfully sweet and spicy treat in a cup. In Mexico, coffee is often brewed with cinnamon sticks (which give it just the right amount of spice) and sugar—specifically piloncillo, which is unrefined whole cane sugar. You can also add orange peel for garnish.

Mexican Coffee Recipe

Want to make Mexican coffee at home? It's easy! Maggie Unzueta, a first-generation Mexican-American who writes about culture and cuisine on her blog, In Mama Maggie's Kitchen, shared her go-to Mexican coffee recipe with us. 

Mexican Coffee Drinks

Of course, there are several Mexican coffee recipes, many of which include some form of alcohol. Here are a few of our favorites: 

• Food Network's Mexican Coffee: This variation uses tequila, Kahlua (or any coffee liqueur, vanilla ice cream AND cherries on top.
• Joan's Mexican Coffee (Food 52): This recipe calls for chocolate WITH almonds in it and a splash of heavy cream. 
• Everyday Dishes: Caramel and hot fudge are optional (but also a must) for this Mexican coffee cocktail.

Mexican Coffee Brands

Check out our current selection of Mexican coffee roasts: 

• Organic Mexico El Triunfo by Batdorf and Bronson
• Mexico Santa Maria Yucuhiti by Dapper and Wise Coffee Roasters
• Mexico Santa Fe Organic by Seven Coffee Roasters
• El Capitan Latin Blend by Bluebeard Coffee Roasters
• Mexico Nayarita by Velton's Coffee Roasting Company

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Best Budget Drip Coffee Maker: Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Price: $24.99

There's nothing wrong with Mr. Coffee, the tried-and-true drip coffee maker for so many of us. The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Coffee Maker is easy to use and gets the job done, making it the best budget coffee maker. Just note that it doesn't have an automatic shut-off setting. 

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Best Mid-Range Drip Coffee Maker: Bonavita BV1900TD 

Price: $199.95

If you need coffee and you need it now, the Bonavita 1900TD is for you. This drip coffee machine can make eight cups of coffee in six minutes. But you also have the option to brew slowly and mimic the pour-over method with this coffee maker's infusion mode, which pauses the water flow and allows the coffee to bloom. Other standout features include a 1500-water heater that guarantees optimal temperature (about 198 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit) and a showerhead design that promotes even saturation of coffee grounds. The stainless steel carafe makes it look good in any kitchen, and the fact that this coffee pot can be cleaned in the dishwasher makes it all the more appealing.

The Bonavita 1900TD, Bonavita 1900TS ($149.99) and Bonavita Connoisseur 1901TS ($129.99) are all certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, which means they've met rigorous requirements for brewed coffee quality to meet the Golden Cup Standard. 

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Best Premium Drip Coffee Maker: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT

Price: $309

The simple and sleek Technivorm Moccamaster can brew 10 cups of coffee in six minutes, and its thermal mug guarantees your coffee will stay hot for up to an hour after brewing. On the go? Use the included travel lid and take the pot of coffee with you. Available in Stone Grey, Polished Silver and Black, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT (along with several other models) has been certified by the Specialty Coffee Association, making it one of the best drip coffee makers on the market.  

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Bonus: Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 

Price: $350

Prefer using a drip coffee maker, but aspire to own a Chemex? Try the Chemex Ottomatic when it's back in stock. (It's currently sold out everywhere.) "At home, we use a Chemex Ottomatic, which is like an automatic drip married to a pour over," says Maryna Gray, Director of Coffee at Bean Box and a juror for the Cup of Excellence. "I love it because it feels like making a fancy pour over, but it doesn't take any more time to set up than a drip machine."

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 manages all brew variables, including contact time of water to coffee and heating water to optimal temperature. The hot plate keeps coffee warm without burning it or compromising flavor, and will stay on for 90 minutes before automatically shutting off. Bonus: It also makes iced coffee!

The Chemex Ottomatic 2.0 is available in five variations: Six Cup Classic, Eight Cup Classic, Six Cup Glass Handle, Eight Cup Glass Handle, and No Coffee Brewer (if you want to use the Chemex carafe you already own). You can also customize the rawhide on the Six and Eight Cup Classic, with eight color options available. 

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Best Dark Roast

Winner: Dark Side of the Moon by Blossom Coffee Roasters

Why We Love It: Sweet, bold notes of dark chocolate and a touch of smoky caramel brûlée, run through this satisfying cup. 

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Best Medium Roast

1. Dry Rub

Coffee can be a great dry rub for meat. Combine with any number of spices, such as paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar. 

2. Composting Pile

Old coffee grounds are a great addition to a compost pile. "The high nitrogen concentrations help speed up the decomposition process and make for a great finished compost product," says Jen Panaro of Honestly Modern. "In many cases, you can even compost the coffee filter if you're using one."

3. Plant Feed

Old coffee grounds are great feed for acid-loving flowers and plants like azaleas and camellia, so if you're a plant mom or plant dad and own them, it's better to make use of coffee grounds as fertilizer to grow bigger blooms," says Alex Perkins of All the Stuff, a product review site. Another acid-loving plant that thrives from coffee grounds? Blueberry plants!

4. Candles

Perkins also suggests using old coffee grounds for candles. "For coffee lovers who like the smell of coffee, upcycle old coffee grounds into a coffee candle. I recently made three and found this candle-making method helpful."

5. Hair Mask

"Our scalps are often forgotten, but when I started taking care of mine, the difference in my hair was incredible," says Katie Woodburn-Simmonds of Home Coffee Expert. "People would stop me to compliment how thick and shiny my hair was and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't start sooner!" 

Katie recommends either rubbing the grounds directly into your scalp or mixing with your favorite conditioner or coconut oil. "Take the time to really work the grounds into your scalp—a head massage is great self-care. Then rinse out and voila! Listen to the compliments come rolling in."

Just be cautious of the coffee grounds clogging your drain, cautions Woodburn-Simmonds. 

6. Under Eye Cream 

Coffee is good at keeping you—and making you look—awake. "Form a paste using coffee grounds and a small amount of water, and apply under the eyes," suggests Toby Dash of Five Star Skincare. Caffeine is known to improve blood flow by widening the blood vessels, so it can help reduce under-eye puffiness."

7. Soap

If you're into soap-making, Dash also suggests using old coffee grounds as the main ingredient. "Coffee acts as a natural deodorizer, so it helps combat body odor," he explains. "Using coffee soap is also a convenient way to exfoliate dirt, grime, and dead skin." 

8. Scratched Furniture Repair

Did you know you can use coffee grounds to cover up scratches and scuff marks on your furniture? "Just mix one tablespoon of your coffee grounds with one teaspoon of olive oil," says Christopher Anson, founder of Redcup Beverage Service. "Then apply the mixture with a cotton swab and wipe the area dry." Be sure to test a small area first so you don't ruin the aesthetic of your furniture.

9. Restore Faded Clothing

Anson also recommends using old coffee grounds to revitalize your faded dark clothing. Simply add some grounds and brewed coffee to your washing machine.

10. Natural Insect Repellent 

11. Remove Unwanted Smells 

"Coffee is also a natural air freshener," says Yew. "A natural property of coffee is that it absorbs residual smells around it." Put coffee grounds in your fridge, car, gym sneakers, you name it, to get rid of unwanted odors. 

12. Cleaner for Pots and Pans

"Sprinkle a handful of coffee grounds on stained pots and pans, then start scrubbing away with a scour pad or steel wool. Coffee grounds have an abrasive nature, and this will help strip away stubborn spots," explains Yew. "Once done, rinse it out and leave it to dry as usual." Just avoid using this method on non-stick pans, or you risk scrubbing off the non-stick coating, too! 

13. Nasal Palate Cleanser

"Coffee is an excellent tool to clear olfactory fatigue and reset the sense of smell," says Tonya Lawson of Simply Caffeinated. "Used coffee grounds can be a great addition to a wine and cheese tasting. Have a small bowl of coffee grounds near your cheeseboard. Your guests can smell the coffee grounds between tastes and sips to reset their senses and fully taste the flavor notes of each wine or cheese."

1. Cold Brew and Irish Whiskey

If you want to enjoy a Jameson Cold Brew cocktail, but still support your favorite specialty coffee roasters, this drink is for you. When made with our Rich & Creamy Cold Brew and a good Irish whiskey such as Washington-grown and distilled Dry Fly O'Danaghers Hibernian Whiskey, you accentuate the nuttiness of both, creating a dry after-dinner drink with strong notes of hazelnut and cocoa powder, as well as a touch of vanilla. Add a half-ounce of simple syrup to round out this cold brew cocktail. 

Ingredients 

• 3 oz. Bean Box Rich & Creamy Cold Brew
• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey 
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup (optional)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass over ice and gently stir. 

2. Cold Brew, Vodka and Tonic

The combination of Bright & Smooth Cold Brew and a premium tonic syrup or tonic water highlight the citrus notes in both, providing a bright, crisp, spritzer that's perfect for an after-work drink. This cold brew cocktail shines with quality coffee, tonic and vodka. While a citrusy gin might be good, a clean vodka lets the cold brew and tonic sing for themselves. Use a nice tonic syrup like Rose City Tonic Concentrate from Portland Soda Co. or Jack Rudy’s Tonic Syrup. 

Ingredients 

• 3 oz. Bean Box Smooth & Bright Cold Brew
• 6 oz. tonic water 
• Swatch of orange peel
• Splash of vodka

Directions

Combine ingredients over a tall glass filled with ice. Stir to combine. Express an orange peel over the top and plop in for garnish. This cold brew drink is also refreshing without vodka.

3. Cold Brew, Rum and Coke

This version of espresso and Coke utilizes the convenience of cold brew to get you a pre-chilled version without a machine. Add a splash of white rum and a squeeze of lime for a variation on a Cuba Libre, and if you want to maintain the sweetness of a soda, you can add a splash of simple syrup.

Ingredients 

• 3 oz. Bean Box Smooth & Bright Cold Brew
• 6 oz. cola of choice
• Dash of white rum 
• Dash of cardamom or citrus bitters 
• Squeeze of lime 

Directions

Combine ingredients in a tall glass over ice and stir to combine.

4. Cold Brew, Bourbon and Lemonade

It's like a spiked Arnold Palmer, but for the coffee crowd. This is about as simple as cold brew cocktails come, especially if you already have lemonade in the fridge. You can either add bourbon or tequila. 

Ingredients 

• 4 oz. Bean Box Smooth & Bright Cold Brew
• 4 oz. lemonade
• Splash of bourbon

Directions

Combine ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice. This is essentially a 1:1 ratio so if you have a bigger glass, for maximum refreshment, just make sure you fill half with lemonade and half with cold brew. The lemonade will be denser because of the sugar in it, so try floating the cold brew on top for a nice contrast when serving, and stir it up when you're ready to drink.

5. Cold Brew and Rum Horchata

The nuttiness of the Rich and Creamy Cold Brew pairs great with a lightly spiced horchata, especially when made with some toasted almonds. If you aren’t in the habit of making horchata, you can get pretty close with almond milk, simple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Adding a splash of white rum brings some warming sweetness to this caffeinated rumchata.

Ingredients

• 4 oz. Bean Box Rich & Creamy Cold Brew
• 4 oz. horchata
• Splash of white rum

Directions

Combine ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice. This is another 1:1 ratio drink so if you have a bigger glass, just make sure you fill about half with horchata and half with cold brew. 

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Let's samba over to Brazil, the largest coffee producing country in the world, and its unique take on iced coffee: the Brazilian mocha cola! Everyone's heard of adding milk to coffee, but how about... chocolate milk? AND a can of coke? If you've never had coffee prepared as a soda float, you're in for a major treat. Coffee and cola actually match pretty well together, combining a heavy, syrupy sweetness with a double-kick of caffeine (rest assured: you can always sub decaf!).

How to Make Brazilian Mocha Cola

Mix 1 cup of chilled coffee (popped in the fridge or freezer is fine) with a can of cola and 2 to 3 cups of chocolate milk. Top with ice cream or whipped cream to taste. 

1. Coffee Cup Quiche 

Quiche is a versatile breakfast (or lunch or dinner) recipe that can be customized to mom’s tastes. Whip up a classic Quiche Lorraine or try Sunny Anderson's Coffee Cup Quiche. This single-serving quiche is (mostly) made and served in a coffee cup. You add crushed crackers to the bottom of a coffee cup, mix the other ingredients in a small bowl, then dump said ingredients into the coffee cup before cooking and serving. 

2. Crepes 

Crepes are another option that can be customized to mom's tastes since you can add almost anything to them! Fruit, Nutella, peanut butter, caramel, sautéed veggies—you name it—can be added to this basic crepe recipe on Allrecipes. 

3. Coffee Cake 

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk 
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoon margarine

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9x9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Mix sugar, shortening and egg. Stir in milk. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Make topping by melting butter in small bowl and then adding the flour, cinnamon and brown sugar. Mix together with fork. Spread half of the batter in the greased pan, then sprinkle on half of the topping. Spread the remaining batter and then the remainder of the topping. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes. 

4. Egg in a Hole

You don't have to do much to win brownie points with mom on Mother's Day. Egg in a Hole is a classic, easy breakfast recipe that's guaranteed to impress her. Using the top of a shot glass or espresso glass, hollow out the center of a piece or two of bread. Add some non-stick cooking spray to a small pan and bring the stove to medium heat before adding the bread to the heated pan. Crack an egg over the hole, cook, flip to cook the other side and voila—Mother's Day breakfast is made. Add some fresh fruit and/or a mimosa, along with some artisan coffee, and serve. 

5. Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole 

If mom likes French toast, she'll love this Bananas Foster variation. This decadent Mother's Day breakfast recipe by Taste of Home is surprisingly easy to make, and you likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. It can easily be prepped the night before Mother's Day and heated just before serving. 

6. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole by Delish combines everyone's favorite breakfast ingredients—eggs, hash browns, cheese and the like—and will feed the whole family on Mother's Day. (It's also great for other holidays.) Prep everything the night before Mother's Day, then turn on the crockpot early in the morning. 

7. Breakfast Box 

Don't want to cook? Treat mom to a breakfast box. Our Good Morning Gift Box features four specialty coffees, two biscotti cookies, two Dutch stroopwafels, two gourmet granola pouches, and two jars of artisan crafted preserves. Mom might also enjoy the Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box. Customize either gift with a personal note to wish her a special day.

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1. Amaretto-Mocha Truffles

2. Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

3. Coconut Gelato Iced Coffee Affogato

4. Coffee Roasted Almond + Toasted Coconut Dark Chocolate Bark

5. Tiramisu

6. Chocolate Espresso Cheesecake

7. Coffee Caramel Tres Leches

8. Espresso Brownies

Coffee Calculator: Coffee-to-Water Ratio

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Understanding Coffee Measurements 

• There are two kinds of "cups": the measuring cup you use to make desserts, which holds eight fluid ounces of water, and the coffee cup from which you drink, which holds 6 ounces of coffee. Mugs typically hold a bit more coffee (about 8 ounces). We’ve accounted for those differences as a setting in our coffee calculator.
  

• Using a scale can help you be precise about your coffee-to-water ratio, scoops, measuring cups, and spoons work just fine. The reason coffee professionals use a scale is because coffees vary in density and weight. For example, a scoop of light roast will typically weigh more than the same scoop of dark coffee!
  

• If you want to up your coffee game, we always recommend a few simple tricks: use filtered water; buy fresh, whole bean coffee; and grind right before you brew. For reference, Bean Box single-serve bags (found in our sampler boxes) brew four to five 6-ounce cups of drip or pour over coffee, and Bean Box 12-ounce bags make 32-plus cups of coffee.
  
  
• Under the hood, the coffee grounds to water ratio is determined by the brew method, with a 16-1 (water to coffee) ratio as the standard for drip or pour over coffee. To brew stronger, use more coffee grounds or less water.

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Is Coffee Good for You?

"The health benefits of coffee are continually being uncovered," says Lisa Richards, nutritionist and author of The Candida Diet. "While some of these benefits may seem insignificant statistically, when coupled with a healthy lifestyle, they can be a health-boosting addition to a balanced diet." 

Is Black Coffee Good for You?

We know it contains very few calories, but is black coffee good for you? 

"Black coffee is fine," says Keith-Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FAND. But from a nutritional standpoint, he suggests adding milk if you enjoy your coffee that way, pointing to the benefits of calcium and vitamin D (two important vitamins that many of our diets lack). 

Is Decaf Coffee Good for You?

There's increasing evidence that decaf coffee is good for you. This study reviews the potential benefits of decaffeinated coffee and indicates there's good reason for more research on its benefits. "Non-caffeine compounds in coffee—and there are hundreds of them—are being investigated for everything from anticarcinogenic effects to prevention of kidney diseases and the reduction of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)," explains Ayoob. "And when coffee is decaffeinated, the vast majority of potentially beneficial compounds remain, which may be why many studies that also look at decaf coffee still show benefits." 

How Much Coffee Is Good for You? 

"I base my recommendations for daily coffee consumption on caffeine content," says Ayoob. "A max of 300 milligrams per day should be enough. That's about three 8-ounce cups of home-brewed coffee."

6 Health Benefits of Coffee 

1. It can boost your mood. 

We all rely on coffee for a boost in the morning (or the afternoon or evening). "This is most likely the caffeine at work," says Ayoob. Of course, the caffeine kick eventually wears off and there's risk of the infamous "crash," so he suggests enjoying your coffee with a well-balanced meal that includes protein and fat. 

2. It increases your metabolism (slightly). 

Coffee has proven to increase metabolism in multiple studies, and increased metabolism is what results in more calories burned, ultimately helping you lose weight if that's your goal. "Just don't use it as a diet aid or you may be disappointed over time," Ayoob warns. 

3. Coffee is packed with antioxidants. 

Antioxidants offer up a large range of health benefits, and have been seen as a possible prevention of diseases ranging from cancer to Parkinson's disease. "Coffee is the single largest source of antioxidants in the diets of most coffee drinkers," says Ayoob. "It's loaded with hundreds of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, with caffeine being the most well-known." 

4. It lowers the risk of diabetes. 

"Caffeine stimulates insulin production," Ayoob explains. "But consumption of decaf coffee has also been associated with a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, so there may be something more than caffeine involved here." Caffeine consumption also lowers the risk of Type 1 diabetes, though you have to drink a lot of coffee in a day. "For those who drink a significant amount of coffee—six or more cups per day—their risk of Type 1 diabetes is 22 percent lower than those who drink less coffee," says Richards. 

5. It protects your liver. 

"Coffee drinkers are known to have lower liver enzyme counts," Richards explains. "This means coffee can have a liver protective aspect and has been shown to reduce the risk of cirrhosis."

6. Coffee is a good source of fiber. 

When we think about the health benefits of coffee, fiber isn't top of mind for most of us—but it should be. "A little-known fact about coffee is that it provides 1.8 grams of fiber per serving," says Richards. "This may seem like a low number, but with a goal of 20 to 40 grams per day, this makes a cup or two of coffee a day a significant contributor when most people are getting less than 20 grams of fiber in their daily diet.”

How to Taste Coffee Like a Pro

1. Don't Worry About Brew Method

2. Use Your Nose

Taste isn't just about your tongue. The perception of flavor is the result of our body's chemosensation system, in which olfactory and gustatory (smell and taste) inputs converge. You'll automatically engage your sense of smell when you drink, but we recommend pausing to "smell the roses" at a few specific moments:

• Smell the whole beans.
• Smell again post grind.
• If you're doing a pour over, inhale the bloom (first wetting of the grounds).
• Prior to your first sip, tilt your cup over the bridge of your nose and inhale.

All of these will smell slightly different, but they'll warm up your brain to get a full set of sensations from the coffee.

3. Evaluate Each Sip

There are a few agreed-upon ways to look for what's going on in your cup of coffee. Although there are roughly double the number of taste-influencing compounds in coffee as in wine, identifying flavor doesn't require any kind of special license. 

Start with a tiny sip, followed by a more extended slurp into the mouth, aerating the coffee as it travels across the entire surface of the tongue. Take a tiny follow-up sip. Keep your eyes closed, focus on your tongue, and taste for the following: 

• Sweetness: Can you perceive specific kinds of sweet tastes, such as brown sugar, molasses, honey, or caramel?
• Acidity: Also known as "brightness," acidity brings out tastes such as citrus, blueberry, lemon, strawberry, or even flavors like watermelon and tomato. Note that acidity isn't the same as acidic, which is a measure of pH and not a question of taste.
• Body: While brew method often bears on the weight of a coffee in your mouth, different beans and roast profiles feel differently in the mouth. Does the coffee feel rich and heavy, light, watery, or smooth?
• Cleanliness: A really under-appreciated aspect of taste is what happens after you swallow. Harsh coffees can linger, often with a singular flavor (which can be acidic, bitter, or smokey), while cleaner coffees leave your palate feeling neutral. The latter is a prized aspect of great coffee, and can often be directly influenced by the roasting method.

If you can’t identify specific flavors, try to put them into taste families: chocolate/cocoa, earthy/herbal, or fruit-like. Check out the Specialty Coffee Association's Flavor Wheel for a helpful nudge in the right direction. 

In the end, taste is highly personal. But by starting to think about what you're drinking, you should get a better feel for quality and start to identify what types of coffee you love. Remember that this can change over time, just as your tastes for wine, beer and other beverages naturally change. 

4. Know the Signature of a Great Cup

When we evaluate the quality of a roast, there are a few things we look for, especially in coffees that are rare, exotic, or just plain costly.

• Is there a complex layering of flavor? Are there taste notes that play well with one another in harmony? Think about the complementary interplay between baker's chocolate and caramel, versus an earthy background with odd hints of citrus, as two counter examples.
• What's the timing of the tastes? Great coffees often have a sequence of two or three sets of flavors. A one-note coffee can be tasty, but truly great coffees, like great stories, will often have a compelling beginning, middle and end.
• The single greatest marker of a great coffee is what happens to the flavor over time, as temperature changes. Great coffees invariably get more and more interesting—and tasty—as they cool. If you lose a few degrees and start to taste bitter, you're not in a good place. In fact, people often shy away from cold coffee for two reasons, both appropriate for drinking stale or bad coffee: when a drink is super hot, our palate literally can't taste as much (this hides defects like tar, bitter, or sour tastes), and as it cools, the flavors get ever less appealing.

5. Host a Mini Tasting

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How to Make Iced Coffee at Home

What Is Flash Brew Iced Coffee?

Best Coffee for Iced Coffee 

• Use a full-bodied coffee to avoid tartness.
• For an iced coffee with a sweet, creamy, and/or chocolate flavor profile, go with a medium roast from Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, or Honduras. Think cream soda on the rocks!
• For a refreshing tea-like iced coffee with fruit notes, go with an Ethiopian or Kenyan roast. The fruit flavors will pop on ice.
• If you have a coffee scale, use it!

Best Iced Coffee Recipe

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

• One 1.8 oz. Bean Box pouch
• 2 1/3 cups (18.4 oz.) of water
• 1 1/3 (10.4 oz.) cups of ice