Tag: micro coffee roaster

February 4th: Morning Cup

Today is the first day I’ve been back physically in the office since last week. Between a day off, snow days, and work from home days, I was at home all week. It feels good to be in the office! I feel productive in the office after multiple days working from home in a row.

On my way to work, I wanted to get coffee that sparks joy. I work Saturday, so today is like my Wednesday. I worked late last night and needed something that’ll get my brain moving too.

I choose to go with one of my favorite drinks ever: a Large Nitro Cold Brew at Kay’s Daily Grind.

This drink is not only incredible, but it also fuels me and kicks my brain into gear. I am feeling great and ready for my day ahead!

January 30th: Morning Cup

I was up pretty early this morning. Due to the pending snow on Monday, I had to travel to my allergist’s office to pick up the serum for my weekly allergy shots. The office is about an hour and a half away from my house, and they are only open until 12 pm.

On mornings like this, I tend to stop at Starbucks, but I weirdly wasn’t in the mood for a creamy and sugar coffee drink. I wanted something yummy, light, and not too sweet.

One of my favorite coffee shops in the Lehigh Valley is called The Joint. There are two locations, but I love the hole in the wall shop off of Broad Street in Bethlehem. They have pour-over coffee options, which I love. They roast their coffee and have so many options for their pour-overs.

My go-to pour over there is their Bourbon Barrel coffee. They store these unroasted beans in bourbon barrels for 30 days before roasting. This coffee is robust, full of flavor, and naturally a tad sweet.

This was such a wonderful treat for an early and long car ride on a Saturday morning.

Happy Saturday! ☕️

Top 3 Favorite Holiday Coffee Drinks

I have spent this holiday season trying new coffees! Here are my top 3 that I recommend trying before the holidays are over.

1. Irish Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks

The Irish Cream Cold Brew is a stunning take on a cold brew drink. It’s everything cozy about winter and the holidays in a cup of cold brew. I love the smoothness of cold brew so the creamy taste of the Irish Cream and the sweet cold foam really makes this drink stand out. If you’re looking for a cold holiday drink or just something not traditional, I really recommend this drink at Starbucks!

If you want to make this drink at home I found a good looking recipe here: https://bakedbree.com/copycat-irish-cream-cold-brew

2. Eggnog Latte at Frisky Goat Coffee House

This drink took me by surprise. I enjoy going to Starbucks now and then but didn’t realize they had this. I tried it at this cool local coffee shop called the Frisky Goat Coffee House in Milford, Pennsylvania. I have never loved eggnog but with the holidays underway and the new year coming up thought that it would be a neat thing to try. I was blown away by this drink! The eggnog flavor was subtle and paired very well with the espresso. I must also compliment the craftsmanship of the barista for this latte too. It was extremely well made with the perfect amount if foam for a latte.

If you are no where near the Frisky Goat Coffee House, Starbucks also has this drink. I have never tried the Starbucks version though. So until I do, it doesn’t have my stamp of approval.

If you want to make this at home, here is a recipe that looks yummy: https://www.asweetpeachef.com/eggnog-latte/

3. Peppermint Mocha Latte at Kay’s Daily Grind

The classic peppermint mocha. This is my go to holiday drink at Kay’s Daily Grind in Daleville, Pennsylvania and Starbucks. I love peppermint, chocolate, and coffee so this really is a solid go to for me. I think is captures fresh, warm, and cozy in a cup. I love the local coffee shop Kay’s Daily Grind and that is typically where I get this drink. My recommendation is to get it with have the flavoring and sweetener wherever you get it. I don’t love super sweet drinks and think it can be too powerful with full flavor. I think this drink when half sweetened is delicious yet subtle.

If you want to be cozy at home and enjoy this drink, here is a recipe: https://lifemadesweeter.com/peppermint-mocha-latte/

Even though these are my favorites this season, there a so many good coffee options out right now. I have yet to try something that tastes like gingerbread this season but I’m hoping I will soon!

Comment your favorite holiday coffee drink below! 🎄☕️

How To Find A Good Local Coffee Shop While Traveling

Ever wonder, “how the heck do I find a local coffee shop while traveling?” Have you looked for coffee that isn’t Starbucks or Dunkin while you are out and about?

This guide will help you choose a local and unique coffee shop that will fit your coffee needs!

1. Ask yourself, ” what type of coffee drink am I looking for?”

Are you looking for just a stunning cup of regular drip coffee? Are you looking for a specialty drink like a latte, cappuccino, or even matcha? Deciding if you want food during your coffee run is important too. Knowing what you want will help you sort through your options when you start searching.

2. What you are going to be looking for when you search:

  • When I look for a local coffee shop, I tend to gravitate towards shops that roast their coffee. The coffee shop’s name typically says “roasting” in it if they roast their coffee. This is just a preference of mine because I like trying micro-roasters. Most local coffee shops use unique coffee beans from smaller roasters that will still taste great.

  • Usually, when you search for a coffee shop online, there are photos, reviews, menus, websites, etc. I typically look at the pictures of the shop and the menu. I see if the shop has the kind of coffee I want and if they sell food. I like coffee shops that sell some pastries and breakfast sandwiches at most. I try to avoid shops that look like they serve full breakfast or even lunch because they probably don’t have local coffee or unique coffee. I also check the photos to see what the vibe is inside of the coffee shop. Is there a place for me to work if I plan on staying for a while? Does it look like they have a good espresso machine if I’m looking for a latte or cappuccino? I also see if they have single-origin coffee options and pour-over coffee. These are forms of drip coffees that are specialized and something I love.

3. Search “coffee” in google maps or your maps app.

This task may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s what I do. I choose a coffee shop near where I am, on the way to my next destination, or near the location I am heading. It all depends on how soon I want my coffee and how much time I have. The shorter amount of time I have to get to my next destination is to find a coffee shop close to that destination. Once I search for the coffee shops, I use the above criteria to make my decision. Also, make sure to look at the parking situation at the coffee shop if it looks like metered parking and be prepared to need quarters if you can’t pay with an app or a card.

4. Head to your coffee shop and enjoy!

Feel free to switch up the order you thought you wanted when you get there. I tend to get to a new coffee shop and find something unique and go with that drink instead. Go out of your comfort zone with your drink and pastry order….you maybe be happy you did!

Warning!

There may not be a local coffee shop in the area you are traveling in. I have had that happen many times. The only options you may have are Starbucks or Dunkin. I try to look up coffee shops ahead of time enough to see if that is the case. If it is, pick your favorite coffee shop chain and enjoy it! I tend to pick Starbucks because of their specialty drinks and different yummy pastries.