Ever feel like your coffee betrays you instead of boosting you? I’ve been a coffee lover for as long as I can remember. But man caffeine has given me a rough ride sometimes. There were nights I’d toss and turn in bed, staring at the ceiling like it owed me answers, all because I had…
Ever looked at your espresso machine and thought, “What are all these parts actually doing? Yeah same here. When I first got my Barista Express, I was pumped to pull my own shots at home. But once I unboxed it and took a look at everything: the portafilter, the basket, the group head. I realized…
If you’re getting into home brewing, chances are you’ve asked yourself this: Do I really need an espresso machine, or can my pour-over setup do the job? It’s a question I hear all the time, especially from coffee lovers who already have a V60, Chemex, or French press. After all, if you’re happy with your…
Have you ever tried espresso with chocolate and orange? One of my all-time favorite flavor combos has to be dark chocolate and orange. There’s something about that bittersweet richness mixed with bright citrus that just works. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought a bar, telling myself I’d just have one piece. Only…
Ever feel like your espresso shots have a mind of their own? When I first got my Barista Express, I was convinced I had everything I needed to pull perfect shots. But let me tell you: my espresso was all over the place. Some shots were too fast, others painfully slow, and a few tasted…
Is there a better milk coffee than a cappuccino? I always thought cappuccino was the king of milk-based coffee. For years, it was my favorite. But one day, a barista friend of mine, who happens to be an expert in French coffee drinks, introduced me to something new. He handed me a cup and said,…
Can you really make a regular coffee with a Nespresso Machine? Though I can brew a solid cup of regular coffee with my OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker, I’ve lost count of how many times my friends have asked me the same question—“Can I make regular coffee with my Nespresso machine?” I guess that’s what…
Have you ever tried spiced coffee? One day, a friend and I decided to check out a small African coffee shop tucked away in the city. We had no idea what to order, so the barista suggested Café Touba. “It’s a spiced Senegalese coffee,” he said with a smile. I took one sip, and wow!…
The first time I tried an Espresso Corretto, I had no idea which liquor to use. A friend handed me a bottle of Nardini Grappa, and let’s say—it was a bold introduction. The intense heat of the spirit mixed with the rich, bitter espresso was unlike anything I had tasted before. At first, I wasn’t…
Ever pulled an espresso shot that tasted sour and bitter at the same time, with weak crema and an odd, uneven flow? If so, you’ve probably experienced espresso channeling. I know, I’ve been there too. When I first started brewing coffee with my Barista Express, I was beyond excited to make café-quality espresso at home…