There is little as soothing in life as your first sip of morning coffee. And although I admit, it doesn’t matter what cup that beautiful steaming coffee comes in, I’m all for aesthetics. When it comes to everyday rituals, I love beautiful details that elevate the ordinary. On that note, check a few of my coffee-minded coffee mugs and equipment, rounded up below to mark the occasion of International Coffee Day.
Tip: For fellow coffee fans in need of a new coffeemaker, check out the Breville Precision Brewer. My husband and I purchased it earlier this year and it is truly a game-changer. It brews at a super-high temperature (the ideal apparently for optimum coffee blooming and brewing), and the result is a superlative cup of joe. The thermal carafe also keeps your coffee piping hot – without any fear of stale or burnt flavours – for ages. Highly recommend this one. It’s pricy, I know, but if you prioritize your coffee moments, consider it.
The Evening Coffee
Coffee of course isn’t just a morning thing. Tiramisu, a brilliant affogato, which is simply espresso poured over your favourite scoop of ice cream: both are tiny wonders in a food-lover’s world.
Recently I also tried an Espresso Martini. I know; I’m late to the table with that one, but I made it other day as was feeling a little draggy and it was getting too dark in the day too early – plus it was cocktail hour on a Hump Day. It was velvety and rich and delicious if I do say so myself. Here’s the recipe below, if you want to give it a whirl. It makes an excellent dessert cocktail too.
Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe
This cocktail is often made with vodka but when Googling I discovered that the original version was made with rum, so I went that route. And I had a bottle of Kracken Spiced Rum in my bar which was amazing for this sipper and seemed, in retrospect, a better choice to harmonize with the rum. Although most recipes call for a little simple syrup, I think you could skip it. The coffee liqueur adds more than enough sweetness here, but then I’m not a fan of the super-sweet. If you are, proceed with cocktailing according to your taste.
Ingredients:
2 oz spiced dark rum
1/2 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz espresso, cooled to room temperature
1/2 oz simple syrup
Coffee beans for garnish
Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients except coffee beans. Shake until well chilled and your shaker is frosty; pour into chilled martini glass or coupe. Garnish with 2-3 coffee beans.
The Best Coffee to Brew at Home
I’m always on the lookout for the best dark and delicious coffee to brew at home. Assuming there are others out there who share this mission, so sharing that my first choice for my home cup is Starbucks Italian Roast. I find a lot of dark roasts can be bitter, but this one is anything but. Round and full with deep-roasted flavour: It’s really outstanding. Am inviting comments below for any other must-try coffees.
More Coffee, With Love
And if you’re looking for a great gift for a fellow coffee lover, take note. I recently spied a couple of terrific coffee cookbooks at my local Indigo. There’s The Coffee Cookbook by Anette Moldvaer as well The Curious Barista’s Guide to Coffee. Team one of them with a favourite pound of coffee, a mug or two and you have a perfect present that honours your loved one’s passion and also pays tribute to those many long chats you’ve shared over caffeine.
