If you were a coffee order, what would you be?

No-nonsense, bare bones, always dependable, and never disappointing, a simple Americano suits you to a T.

You don’t need to be dressed up in foamed milk and sweet vanilla drizzle, you’re perfectly strong brewed just the way you are!

But not to be confused with your classic pour over type coffee, an Americano is espresso and hot water, offering up the strength of the espresso without the slap in the face potency.

You can add all the creamers and sweeteners your heart desires to this staple order and you'll start your morning right, every time.

When brewing your Americano, it’s important to get the simple steps just right, so here are a few tips to make the Perfect Cup of Coffee:

1. Have a latte mug, or coffee mug ready.

Optional: preheat the mug by adding water, then boiling it in the microwave.

2. Pull a 3oz (or more if you like your drink stronger) espresso shot into a separate glass.

Though you can certainly use a big fancy espresso machine, you can also use a cute and tidy machine like the QuickSpresso to save time.

3. Pour about 3oz or so of hot water into the mug you plan to drink from.

You can use an espresso wand, or simply heat water to a boil in a kettle and then let it stand for 30 seconds to cool to the perfect temperature.

4. Pour the espresso shot into the mug.

Pour the espresso into the water (“long black”). Many suggest pouring the water into the shot, but it can break apart the espresso shot; experiment, and find out what works best for you.

5. Enjoy your Americano!

Like any espresso based drink, personalization prevails. Tweak the proportions of the ingredients — there’s only two of them (water and espresso) to make your favorite style. You can dress it up a bit with honey, sugar, or cinnamon, but most prefer it classically black.

Word to the wise:

The flavor notes of your coffee will change as the cup cools. If at first you’re not tasting what was intended, let it continue to setup. What you taste when it’s piping hot is not what you’ll taste when it’s cooled to a lukewarm temperature.

“I orchestrate my mornings to the tune of coffee.”

— Terri Guillemets

Be An At-Home Barista!

Not every day can start at your favorite local coffee shop, so it’s important to get a decent set-up at home so you don’t have to lose out on quality with your morning cup.

3 Things You Need to Make the Perfect Cup at Home

1. Invest in the right beans for your drink of choice.

Good beans paired with the right roasting method can equal an amazing cup of coffee. And while it seems like a simple task, just like a fine wine needs a highly trained vinter, you need a coffee master skilled at roasting and blending beans for the optimal flavor profile.

Think about how you actually like to drink your coffee - hot, iced, with/without creamer?

Typically, if you’re more of a coffee purist who enjoys a simple fresh, hot, black coffee then a light Arabica bean like our Ethiopian Blend would be an ideal choice.

If you generally prefer pouring your coffee over ice or enjoying it with some additional flavor add-ins, then we might recommend giving our Knockbox Espresso a shot.

The main thing to remember is that it’s all about finding what works for you, so try different things and enjoy the process! And don’t forget to invest in a quality, easy to clean grinder like the Tornado Conical Grinder, which you can find in our online shop.

2. Get the Right Equipment

Even if you’re a simple Pour-Over brewer, you’re still going to want the best apparatus for the job. You can start with a simple French Press, or a more clever vacuum brewer like our Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon.

And if you prefer something automatic and capable of brewing larger quantities, you can always go with a FreshPot Countertop Brewer or it’s fancier counterpart Express Espresso Bar.

3. Take it To-Go!

While it’s always nice to relax and enjoy your morning brew in your favorite mug, like the Rise & Grind Coffee Quart Mug, sometimes life doesn’t let you take the time.

For the days that you have to hit the ground running, java in hand, it’s always nice to have an insulated travel mug on standby to keep your morning holy juice the perfect temperature until you can take the time to savor it.

Check out our online shop for a great selection of personality filled Out-The-Door Travel Mugs.

🍵Coffee is the Best Medicine🍵

Good morning, coffee lover! I'm Melody Perkins, bean enthusiast, barista, and owner of Perks Coffee Shop & Supply. Our specialty is delivering the best cup of coffee that money can buy – and that you can make at home.

I’ve travelled all over the world looking for the best beans, the best machines, and the best baristas and have brought them all together under one roof with one purpose – to pour you the Perfect Cup.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned coffee bean growers to bring you our exclusive line of specialty roasted coffees, Perfect Cup Coffee, and have been featured in “Beanery” magazine and several episodes of the “Coffee Talk” podcast.

Get Some Brewspiration

Check out these delicious resources for the best cup!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From perfect pours to latte art and everything in between, follow @Perks&Recreation for drool worthy recipes and tasty treat suggestions.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on “Coffee Talk.” I share my passion for everything coffee, including my favorite roasts and where in the world I tasted the cup that Changed My Life.

3. Want guidance on how to make your perfect cup at home? Book a class with me. We’ll not only teach you how to perfect your favorite drink, we’ll also help you pick the tools you need for your very own home Coffee Station.

The Best Part of Waking Up

Now that you've got some insight into your very own perfect coffee recipe, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable recipe guide for the top 5 Most Popular Coffee Drinks.

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more brewing tips, and tell you about some behind the bar barista secrets to help you get the most of your morning cup of joe.

“What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup.”

– Henry Rollins

There’s no doubt about it, you’re one cool cat, and your favorite drink reflects your totally sweet side, too!

Espresso lies in wait under a smooth layer of frothed cold foam. With just a splash of milk, an Iced Cappuccino offers a balanced cup with a stronger espresso flavor and a velvety, frothy foam with a crisp, cool undercurrent.

Much like you, with your many layered personality, your sweet and delightful playful outer side hides a resilient core of strength and integrity.

Perfect for a mid-summer afternoon, when you need a quick hit of caffeine to get you through the day, an iced cap is always ready to cool your brow with beads of condensation and help you chill as your day winds down.

Here’s an easy recipe for an at-home Iced Cappuccino on those hot summer days.

• 3 ounces espresso
• 6 to 8 ice cubes
• 3 to 4 ounces whole milk
• 3 to 4 ounces milk froth, steamed and foamed

STEP 1

Using an espresso bean grinder, grind some espresso beans to make 1 tablespoon of ground coffee. Using a commercial espresso machine, put the 1 tablespoon of ground coffee into the portafilter (the cupped handle) and tamp the grounds lightly. Insert the portafilter into the machine and place your glass or cup underneath. Set the machine for a double shot and turn it on to extract the espresso, which should be a thick golden brown crema.

STEP 2

Add 6 to 8 ice cubes to a mixing glass and pour the espresso over the cubes. Stir to bring the temperature down. Using a spoon or strainer, strain the cooled espresso into a serving glass, leaving the ice behind (if desired, ice can be included or added later). Add the cold milk to the cooled espresso in the serving glass.

STEP 3

Using the steam wand of the espresso machine, steam the whole milk so that a tight, small-bubble, microfoam is created. Using a spoon, add only the tight microfoam (about 3 to 4 ounces or an amount equal to the other parts) to the milk and espresso. Serve without any garnishes so as not to mask the delightful flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy!

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?”

– Cassandra Clare

Be An At-Home Barista!

Not every day can start at your favorite local coffee shop, so it’s important to get a decent set-up at home so you don’t have to lose out on quality with your morning cup.

3 Things You Need to Make the Perfect Cup at Home

1. Invest in the right beans for your drink of choice.

Good beans paired with the right roasting method can equal an amazing cup of coffee. And while it seems like a simple task, just like a fine wine needs a highly trained vinter, you need a coffee master skilled at roasting and blending beans for the optimal flavor profile.

Think about how you actually like to drink your coffee - hot, iced, with/without creamer?

Typically, if you’re more of a coffee purist who enjoys a simple fresh, hot, black coffee then a light Arabica bean like our Ethiopian Blend would be an ideal choice.

If you generally prefer pouring your coffee over ice or enjoying it with some additional flavor add-ins, then we might recommend giving our Knockbox Espresso a shot.

The main thing to remember is that it’s all about finding what works for you, so try different things and enjoy the process! And don’t forget to invest in a quality, easy to clean grinder like the Tornado Conical Grinder, which you can find in our online shop.

2. Get the Right Equipment

Even if you’re a simple Pour-Over brewer, you’re still going to want the best apparatus for the job. You can start with a simple French Press, or a more clever vacuum brewer like our Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon.

And if you prefer something automatic and capable of brewing larger quantities, you can always go with a FreshPot Countertop Brewer or it’s fancier counterpart Express Espresso Bar.

3. Take it To-Go!

While it’s always nice to relax and enjoy your morning brew in your favorite mug, like the Rise & Grind Coffee Quart Mug, sometimes life doesn’t let you take the time.

For the days that you have to hit the ground running, java in hand, it’s always nice to have an insulated travel mug on standby to keep your morning holy juice the perfect temperature until you can take the time to savor it.

Check out our online shop for a great selection of personality filled Out-The-Door Travel Mugs.

🍵Coffee is the Best Medicine🍵

Good morning, coffee lover! I'm Melody Perkins, bean enthusiast, barista, and owner of Perks Coffee Shop & Supply. Our specialty is delivering the best cup of coffee that money can buy – and that you can make at home.

I’ve travelled all over the world looking for the best beans, the best machines, and the best baristas and have brought them all together under one roof with one purpose – to pour you the Perfect Cup.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned coffee bean growers to bring you our exclusive line of specialty roasted coffees, Perfect Cup Coffee, and have been featured in “Beanery” magazine and several episodes of the “Coffee Talk” podcast.

Get Some Brewspiration

Check out these delicious resources for the best cup!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From perfect pours to latte art and everything in between, follow @Perks&Recreation for drool worthy recipes and tasty treat suggestions.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on “Coffee Talk.” I share my passion for everything coffee, including my favorite roasts and where in the world I tasted the cup that Changed My Life.

3. Want guidance on how to make your perfect cup at home? Book a class with me. We’ll not only teach you how to perfect your favorite drink, we’ll also help you pick the tools you need for your very own home Coffee Station.

The Best Part of Waking Up

Now that you've got some insight into your very own perfect coffee recipe, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable recipe guide for the top 5 Most Popular Coffee Drinks.

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more brewing tips, and tell you about some behind the bar barista secrets to help you get the most of your morning cup of joe.

“What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup.”

– Henry Rollins

No simple coffee order called out cavalierly could ever capture the subtle nuances and discerning tastes of your personality. You’re a foodie’s coffee connoisseur and you make no bones about demanding excellence.

Not to be mistaken for high-maintenance, your detailed coffee order ensures that you’ll get the best cup, every single time.

You’re here to sip only the best of the best, and if that happens to be a half-sweet oat milk vanilla latte with coconut whip, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg, then so be it.

Because your refined palette needs more than a brutish Americano, but less than the cloying sweetness of a frappuccino.

But even the most delicately refined coffee order can get lost in translation, so here are some tips to keep it simple for the barista at your local beanery:

Know how strong you want your coffee to be.

Not every cup needs the punch of an espresso, but decaf rarely hits the high notes, so pick a brew with the caffeine requirements you need to get through the day.

Maybe an Americano base to build the rest of your profile on top of, or a cappuccino you can dress up with some blender action.

Pump it up!

Adding syrups like Vanilla or Hazelnut can sweeten up a bitter brew and allow you to really customize your concoction.

*step outside the box and add a pump of raspberry to a dark roast and experience for yourself the flavor explosion.

Take it to the top!

Some believe no coffee order is complete without a topping, whether it be coconut whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even a dash of cinnamon. The sky's the limit when it comes to putting the cherry on top, so have some fun!

“You can’t have a decent food culture without a decent coffee culture; the two things grow up together.”

– Adam Gopnik

Be An At-Home Barista!

Not every day can start at your favorite local coffee shop, so it’s important to get a decent set-up at home so you don’t have to lose out on quality with your morning cup.

3 Things You Need to Make the Perfect Cup at Home

1. Invest in the right beans for your drink of choice.

Good beans paired with the right roasting method can equal an amazing cup of coffee. And while it seems like a simple task, just like a fine wine needs a highly trained vinter, you need a coffee master skilled at roasting and blending beans for the optimal flavor profile.

Think about how you actually like to drink your coffee - hot, iced, with/without creamer?

Typically, if you’re more of a coffee purist who enjoys a simple fresh, hot, black coffee then a light Arabica bean like our Ethiopian Blend would be an ideal choice.

If you generally prefer pouring your coffee over ice or enjoying it with some additional flavor add-ins, then we might recommend giving our Knockbox Espresso a shot.

The main thing to remember is that it’s all about finding what works for you, so try different things and enjoy the process! And don’t forget to invest in a quality, easy to clean grinder like the Tornado Conical Grinder, which you can find in our online shop.

2. Get the Right Equipment

Even if you’re a simple Pour-Over brewer, you’re still going to want the best apparatus for the job. You can start with a simple French Press, or a more clever vacuum brewer like our Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon.

And if you prefer something automatic and capable of brewing larger quantities, you can always go with a FreshPot Countertop Brewer or it’s fancier counterpart Express Espresso Bar.

3. Take it To-Go!

While it’s always nice to relax and enjoy your morning brew in your favorite mug, like the Rise & Grind Coffee Quart Mug, sometimes life doesn’t let you take the time.

For the days that you have to hit the ground running, java in hand, it’s always nice to have an insulated travel mug on standby to keep your morning holy juice the perfect temperature until you can take the time to savor it.

Check out our online shop for a great selection of personality filled Out-The-Door Travel Mugs.

🍵Coffee is the Best Medicine🍵

Good morning, coffee lover! I'm Melody Perkins, bean enthusiast, barista, and owner of Perks Coffee Shop & Supply. Our specialty is delivering the best cup of coffee that money can buy – and that you can make at home.

I’ve travelled all over the world looking for the best beans, the best machines, and the best baristas and have brought them all together under one roof with one purpose – to pour you the Perfect Cup.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned coffee bean growers to bring you our exclusive line of specialty roasted coffees, Perfect Cup Coffee, and have been featured in “Beanery” magazine and several episodes of the “Coffee Talk” podcast.

Get Some Brewspiration

Check out these delicious resources for the best cup!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From perfect pours to latte art and everything in between, follow @Perks&Recreation for drool worthy recipes and tasty treat suggestions.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on “Coffee Talk.” I share my passion for everything coffee, including my favorite roasts and where in the world I tasted the cup that Changed My Life.

3. Want guidance on how to make your perfect cup at home? Book a class with me. We’ll not only teach you how to perfect your favorite drink, we’ll also help you pick the tools you need for your very own home Coffee Station.

The Best Part of Waking Up

Now that you've got some insight into your very own perfect coffee recipe, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable recipe guide for the top 5 Most Popular Coffee Drinks.

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more brewing tips, and tell you about some behind the bar barista secrets to help you get the most of your morning cup of joe.

“What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup.”

– Henry Rollins

With cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, star anise and even peppercorns, a chai latte is just as spicy as you are!

Just like a good chai latte, you’ve got a kick that is hard to beat – and even harder to deny!

Once the smooth, creamy, and surprisingly addictive chai flavor hits your palette, it will be hard to put it down!

And your friends all agree, you're the spice that they wouldn’t do without!

Not to mention, a Spiced Chai is perfect for curling up and enjoying a good book, as the spices heat you up and the sweetness soothes you into supreme coziness.

Here’s a simple, easy to follow chai latte recipe that you can make at home when you can’t swing by the coffee shop:

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 8 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 6 peppercorns
• 1 star anise
• 2cm piece ginger, sliced
• 3 black teabag (such as ceylon, assam or English breakfast)
• 500ml whole milk, or coconut milk also works well
• 1-2 tbsp brown sugar
• pinch cinnamon to serve

STEP 1

Toast the spices in a dry frying pan until they are fragrant then put them, the ginger and tea bags into a teapot or cafetière with 500ml freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 10 mins.

STEP 2

Heat the milk with the brown sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Once lightly steaming froth the top with a milk frother or whisk to create some foam.

STEP 3

Strain the tea between 4 mugs, or heatproof glasses, then pour in the milk, keeping the froth back. Stir to combine. Top each latte with a bit of the milk foam then dust with a pinch of cinnamon.

"A cup of tea is a cup of peace." – Sen Sshitsu XV

Be An At-Home Barista!

Not every day can start at your favorite local coffee shop, so it’s important to get a decent set-up at home so you don’t have to lose out on quality with your morning cup.

3 Things You Need to Make the Perfect Cup at Home

1. Invest in the right beans for your drink of choice.

Good beans paired with the right roasting method can equal an amazing cup of coffee. And while it seems like a simple task, just like a fine wine needs a highly trained vinter, you need a coffee master skilled at roasting and blending beans for the optimal flavor profile.

Think about how you actually like to drink your coffee - hot, iced, with/without creamer?

Typically, if you’re more of a coffee purist who enjoys a simple fresh, hot, black coffee then a light Arabica bean like our Ethiopian Blend would be an ideal choice.

If you generally prefer pouring your coffee over ice or enjoying it with some additional flavor add-ins, then we might recommend giving our Knockbox Espresso a shot.

The main thing to remember is that it’s all about finding what works for you, so try different things and enjoy the process! And don’t forget to invest in a quality, easy to clean grinder like the Tornado Conical Grinder, which you can find in our online shop.

2. Get the Right Equipment

Even if you’re a simple Pour-Over brewer, you’re still going to want the best apparatus for the job. You can start with a simple French Press, or a more clever vacuum brewer like our Glass Stovetop Coffee Siphon.

And if you prefer something automatic and capable of brewing larger quantities, you can always go with a FreshPot Countertop Brewer or it’s fancier counterpart Express Espresso Bar.

3. Take it To-Go!

While it’s always nice to relax and enjoy your morning brew in your favorite mug, like the Rise & Grind Coffee Quart Mug, sometimes life doesn’t let you take the time.

For the days that you have to hit the ground running, java in hand, it’s always nice to have an insulated travel mug on standby to keep your morning holy juice the perfect temperature until you can take the time to savor it.

Check out our online shop for a great selection of personality filled Out-The-Door Travel Mugs.

🍵Coffee is the Best Medicine🍵

Good morning, coffee lover! I'm Melody Perkins, bean enthusiast, barista, and owner of Perks Coffee Shop & Supply. Our specialty is delivering the best cup of coffee that money can buy – and that you can make at home.

I’ve travelled all over the world looking for the best beans, the best machines, and the best baristas and have brought them all together under one roof with one purpose – to pour you the Perfect Cup.

I've worked with some of the world’s most renowned coffee bean growers to bring you our exclusive line of specialty roasted coffees, Perfect Cup Coffee, and have been featured in “Beanery” magazine and several episodes of the “Coffee Talk” podcast.

Get Some Brewspiration

Check out these delicious resources for the best cup!

1. Follow us on Instagram. From perfect pours to latte art and everything in between, follow @Perks&Recreation for drool worthy recipes and tasty treat suggestions.

2. Listen to my Podcast interview on “Coffee Talk.” I share my passion for everything coffee, including my favorite roasts and where in the world I tasted the cup that Changed My Life.

3. Want guidance on how to make your perfect cup at home? Book a class with me. We’ll not only teach you how to perfect your favorite drink, we’ll also help you pick the tools you need for your very own home Coffee Station.

The Best Part of Waking Up

Now that you've got some insight into your very own perfect coffee recipe, check your inbox for your quiz results. You'll also get my printable recipe guide for the top 5 Most Popular Coffee Drinks.

Over the next week, I'll be sharing more brewing tips, and tell you about some behind the bar barista secrets to help you get the most of your morning cup of joe.

“What goes best with a cup of coffee? Another cup.”

– Henry Rollins