Every coffee lover has a special connection to their mugs. Personalized mugs are a great individual gift for your best friend or significant other. Or you can take things up a notch and get a personalized mug for each member of your family!
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
Directions
]]>
Blender
For those of you who are balling on a budget and are in no rush to go buy the latest coffee technology, this ones for you. Still want the perfect frothed milk but don't own a frother? No fret! You most likely already have the one kitchen appliance that can get the job done: a blender. That's right, just pour in your heated milk, along with any syrups or sweeteners and blend away for about 20 to 30 seconds. Viola- you now have the perfect foamy milk to pair with your favorite HiLine Espresso.
Our only complaint about the blender method is the noise factor.. sometimes a blender isn't the most desirable thing to hear early in the morning before you've had your coffee. That's why we have our next two options which are much more quite but still cost friendly.
Handheld Frother
This simple coffee gadget is an essential first step for anyone who is trying to bring their at home coffee game to the next level. Even better, these handheld frothers are typically cheap and very easy to use. They are also a great option for apartment dwellers who lack kitchen space to store appliances. Easy to clean and store, handheld frothers are able to froth hot and cold milk options to your desired level of creaminess. It also doubles as a great whisk to make the tastiest matcha drinks. The handheld frother puts you in full control and truly makes you feel like an official stay-at-home barista.
You mean to say I can sit back, relax, and let the milk froth on it's own? Say less! If you are always on the move in the morning but still want the perfect cup of coffee, this one is for you. This automatic frother has four built in settings to make any coffee drink you desire. The settings are: hot and fluffy foam, hot and dense foam, heat milk, froth cold milk. This allows you to have an endless amount of options for your at home latte and the ergonomic grip allows for a beautifully smooth pour. This frother turns off as soon as your milk is prepared to your liking. This is the ultimate coffee gadget to make the best café-quality coffees in your own home.
We can't wait to go froth up a creamy cup of coffee and we can't wait to see everyone else become their own personal baristas. Just remember, that your latte will only taste as good as the coffee that you but in it, which is why you should always choose HiLine Coffee.
]]>Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ingredients:
Directions:
Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
Ingredients:
Directions:
Toasted Coconut Latte
Ingredients:
Directions:
These easy recipes are sure to put you in the fall spirit! Whether a PSL or a Creamy Coconut dream, with one of these coffees and some fuzzy pajamas, you will be adjusting to the crispness and coziness of fall in no time.
]]>
Any drink that needs to stay cold can benefit greatly from a large, full ice cube. Most commonly known for being used in fancy cocktail drinks, these hefty cubes make the perfect companion for a cold coffee drink. Because of their large surface area, these cubes take far longer to melt, and therefore dilute your coffee much slower. For the most cinematic slow dilution you have ever seen, make your ice cubes with milk instead of water!
Like regular ice cubes, half cubes are solid with a 100 percent ice to water ratio. The biggest difference between a half cube and a regular cube is its size and its melt rate. Since these cute looking half cubes are half the size of regular cubes, they tend to melt away faster in drinks. These cubes have a moderate melt rate compared with its full cube counterpart. Half cubes are ideal for maintaining an aesthetic in drinks, or to increase the volume of ice for visual enhancement. When serving a drink with half cubes, you have to be aware of their fast melt rate so that the beverage does not over dilute! We think these cubes would pair beautifully with our HiLine Coffee Cold Brew for an evenly diluted and refreshing drink.
Nugget ice comes in a bite-sized form which makes it easy to consume for an icy snack. It is small, soft and is very absorbent. This gives nugget ice the feature of being able to absorb the flavors of the liquids around it. Due to this property, nugget ices most suitable application is in a frozen drink. If using this ice in a regular drink, it would loo gorgeous in a picture but you would have to be very mindful of the fast melting rate. All in all, nugget ice is the perfect option for a frozen coffee moment.
Keep in mind, none of these ice cubes need to be made with water either. Spice things up and make your next tray with milk or leftover coffee. Time to go make yourself the best iced (or frozen!) coffee you have ever had!
]]>This recipe takes a little time, but is great for beginners. "Add hot water to a large measuring cup or medium-sized bowl and whisk in the espresso granules until they dissolve." Combine sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until and set it in the refrigerator. "Beat the heavy cream with a hand mixer until it becomes whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Pour the ice cream into a loaf pan. Cover it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for least 6 hours, or until completely frozen." With coffee ice cream, we enjoy topping it with nuts, chocolate, and coconut!
This takes a little bit more time and preparation but the results are amazing! Using an ice cream maker slowly churns the mixture around a frozen barrel making your ice cream extra creamy. You're going to start out by steep milk with sugar, coffee beans, salt, and cream. This will be the base of your frozen treat. Next, temper your egg yolks with the milk mixture. Don't be frightened by tempering; it's much easier than you think and is a great technique that you can use in baking. Once your mixture is heated, chill and process in the ice cream maker. This recipe is sure to make you feel like a pro and is such a crowd-pleaser.
Alright, this is the fool-proof, can’t-really-screw-it-up recipe. Mix cream and sugar together in a bowl; add milk, vanilla, and coffee; freeze. It’s almost too easy not to do. Go hang by the pool or have a little R&R, and come back one hour later to beautiful homemade coffee ice cream!
]]>Giant Cubes
One of the biggest benefits from using giant ice cubes might surprise you… it’s actually surface area! One big ice cubes takes up less space than many small ice cubes. Less ice = less meltage. (And nobody likes meltage!) It’s undeniable that the look of big ice cubes is also another draw. You can make fancy looking coffee in the comfort of your own home and get those Instagram-worthy photos.
Shaved
Yes, your childhood is hitting you in the face because this is basically a coffee snow-cone. It’s too easy not to do it, so what are you waiting for? Blend up your ice, we’ve found that about 2 cups is a good amount, add to a cup, and pour your cold brew or chilled coffee over it! You can spice it up with a little milk, cinnamon, honey, whipped cream, and more!
Pearls
Alright we’re getting dainty here, people. These little ice cubes are about the size of boba, but keep your drink nice and cold. You can fill your cup to the brim or just add a few to keep your drink temperate. These cute, little pearls can be made just by using a mold and popping it into your freezer. Add to your favorite coffee and you’ve got one elegant drink.
You aren't limited to these three shapes! There are gemstone molds, skull molds, animal molds, and even molds that are the shape of your state. The options are truly endless!
]]>Coffee Affogato
Popularly referred to as simply “affogato,” is a coffee-based Italian dessert mainly consisting of two ingredients: a scoop of vanilla gelato (or ice cream) and a shot of hot espresso. So basically two of our great loves in one dessert. All you need is a shot (or two!) of espresso and pour it over a scoop of ice cream/gelato. Did you know, the word “affogato” literally translates to “drowned” in Italian, referring to the cold ice cream/gelato that is drowned by the piping hot espresso.
Iced Coffee with Baileys
It’s kind of expected at this point, but you know we couldn’t leave a little booze out of this round-up. Bailey’s sweetness is the perfect compliment to the boldness of iced coffee and it makes the perfect brunch (or breakfast) drink. Pair it with our Kona Blend and sail away to a perfect island oasis.
Ok, we know this might sound a little strange, but trust us it totally works. Coffee and tonic both have sharp flavors and are long-lasting on your pallet. They make the perfect duo! “It’s as simple as an espresso poured into a glass with tonic water and ice. The result is not only tasty — citrusy, crisp, and refreshing — but also beautiful, as the espresso sinks into the tonic water.”
Why choose between having chai tea and coffee when you could have both? “Steep your tea in 6 oz of hot water. While the tea is steeping, prepare the espresso shot or measure out cold brew concentrate. After the tea has steeped, mix in your desired amount of honey. Pour over ice. Add coffee and milk and stir to mix.”
Cardamom Cold Brew
This is a quick and easy way to add a little variety to your coffee either sprinkling it straight in or even frothing it with our milk. Cardamom is a complex flavor with zesty, citrus, and nutty notes. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re looking to mix things up without a complicated recipe or an empty wallet we’ve got you covered.
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee Popsicles
We saved this showstopper for last. These bright, fresh summer treats are exactly what you’re looking for on a hot summer day. It only requires four ingredients and assembly is a breeze. After letting your coffee steep for 12-24 hours, combine with brown sugar. “Place a few torn mint leaves into each popsicle mold and top with a few tablespoons of half and half. Freeze for 15-20 minutes, until slightly firm. Insert popsicle sticks into each mold and freeze for another 20 minutes until set.” You’ve now got the perfect coffee/dessert hybrid!
]]>
Origin
There are a few versions of coffee’s origin story. One starts in Ethiopia with a goat herder named Kaldi. “He found that a small shrub (or a cluster of shrubs, according to some legends) was the source of the excitement. Deciding to try the bright red berries for himself, Kaldi also felt the coffee cherries' energizing effects.” He believed that this fruit was sent from heaven, something we can all agree on, even though reception in the community was positive at first.
Two theories have origins in Yemen. “The Yemenite Sufi mystic Ghothul Akbar Nooruddin Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili was traveling through Ethiopia, presumably on spiritual matters. He encountered some very energetic birds that had been eating the fruit of the bunn plant (known elsewhere as the coffee plant). Weary from his journey, he decided to try these berries for himself and he found that they produced an energetic state in him as well.”
“The second coffee origin myth from Yemen claims that coffee originated in Yemen. The story is centered around Sheikh Omar, a doctor-priest and a follower of Sheik Abou'l Hasan Schadheli from Mocha, Yemen, who was exiled to a desert cave close to the mountain of Ousab. After some time of exile and on the verge of starvation, Omar found the red berries of the coffee plant and tried to eat them. One version of the story says that a bird brought him a branch bearing coffee cherries after he cried out in despair for guidance from his master, Schadheli.”
Beer for Breakfast?
Believe it or not, the breakfast beverage of choice used to be beer. Because of water contamination in the 1800s, “the English drank beer for breakfast”. To be totally honest, beer with breakfast doesn’t seem like such a bad idea, but we’re thankful coffee made its way into our hearts and on to our tables.
The New Age
With advancements in technology and the internet, the coffee industry has completely changed. We’ll start simple… how do you order your coffee? Maybe on a mobile app. In a new city and looking to find the best shop around? Check out social media! Obsessed with your local barista? See if they’re competing for a title soon. (Yes there are barista competitions and it’s everything you’ve hoped for and more.)
Coffee has become so much for than a beverage. Machinery has gone to new heights with data collection and effortless execution to have coffee shop quality at home.
We're sure that within the next few decades the coffee industry will continue to change and we can't wait to see what comes next.
]]>Pumpkin: We have to start with iconic, ever-classic pumpkin spice because it just wouldn’t be right to start anywhere else. Combining the boldness of coffee with the creaminess and heartiness of pumpkin gives an amazing drink with contrasting flavors. With a spicy aroma and savory caramel finish, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
Hazelnut: This is a classic flavor combo that never goes out of style. You’re just as likely to find hazelnut coffee in a coffee shop as you are to find it in the aisle at your supermarket! Hazelnut gives a little salty edge that pairs really well with coffee. Add a little sweetness with our Hazelnut Cupcake espresso and you’ve got a perfectly balanced drink.
Almond: Almond is a great flavor enhancer for coffee. It has buttery notes that work well with other bold flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and of course coffee. Our Swiss Mocha Almond coffee combines chocolate with full bodied nut flavor will hit that sweets craving while not undoing your diet. Not to mention, your morning cup of Joe will be completely transformed.
Vanilla: If you like a bit more of a simple flavor, you can't go wrong with vanilla. The beautiful aroma and sweet finish are reminiscent of a vanilla macaron from our favorite New York bakery. (We also fully endorse macarons being the new coffee dessert.)
Coconut: For the past year or so, we’ve imagined ourselves in our happy place: on a beach somewhere with coconut coffee. Since that isn’t happening right now, our next best option is sitting on our couch with coconut coffee. Coconut is an excellent source of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bold notes of coffee.
]]>
Improved Energy Levels: This is one of the most well-known benefits from drinking coffee. The caffeine from coffee travels into your bloodstream and then to your brain. “In the brain, caffeine blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. When this happens, the amount of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine increases, leading to enhanced firing of neurons.” We all know those people who seem “not like themselves” if they don’t have their coffee every day, right? It’s likely that their mood, reaction time, and energy are all thanks to coffee.
May Lower Risk For Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system. Its symptoms occur because of low dopamine levels in the brain. “Caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, but it may also help those with the condition better control their movements,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Because there's no cure for PD, there are other ways to lower your risk such as avoiding toxins, exercising regularly, and eating antioxidant-rich foods.
Protection Against Liver Disease: Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don’t drink coffee. Did you know that the liver has over 500 vital functions? We better keep it safe and strong! “Coffee seems to protect against liver cirrhosis in people at risk of the disease, such as those with alcohol use disorder or fatty liver disease.”
Stronger DNA: Because it’s not something that you can physically notice about someone, you might be surprised that, “... dark roast coffee decreases breakage in DNA strands, which occur naturally but can lead to cancer or tumors if not repaired by your cells.” We can strengthen our own DNA? Yes you can! Building strong DNA can help fight prevent terminal illnesses and if you're planning to reproduce, you'll pass on strong DNA and genes to your kids.
]]>Lavender Latte: For all you *fancy* coffee fans out there, this 2-part recipe requires a little extra work but it’s totally worth it. Starting with lavender syrup, steep lavender and water in a saucepan for 20 minutes. Then add sugar (to a new saucepan) and stir until the sugar dissolves. Voila! You have lavender syrup! Now for the latte, “place milk into a microwave safe jar and heat for about 30 seconds, until warm. Tightly screw lid onto jar and shake for a few seconds, until milk is foamy. Place 2 tablespoons of lavender syrup in a mug. Pour hot, strong coffee over syrup. Top with foamy milk.”
Mint Mojito Iced Coffee: This is the coffee combo that you never knew you needed. Combining the creamy texture and minty aroma perfectly contrasts the bold flavor of coffee. To make this drink extra frothy strong it’s best to use a cocktail shaker (a mason jar also works) and a muddler to really extract the mint flavor. We love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and you can take it in so many directions. Try adding chocolate, blending it for a smoothie, and of course booze.
Coffee Bloody Mary: Brunch is the most important meal of the day and we've got something to wake you up and make you feel really good. Don’t let the combination of coffee and tomato juice scare you because this recipe has some exciting secrets hidden to make this Bloody like nothing you’ve ever tried before. There’s a hint of sugar syrup to perfectly compliment the tartness from the tomato juice, the bitterness from the coffee, and the heat from the hot sauce. Vodka is optional, although highly encouraged.
Indian Cinnamon Cardamom Coffee: Even though it’s Spring, mornings can be a little cold so this warm, cozy drink is a great way to start your day. Cardamom has some great health benefits like its antioxidant and diuretic properties. "Heat a coffee pan, add water, and cinnamon stick to it. When water comes to a boil, add milk, sugar, cardamom powder and mix well." Create a coffee paste with grounds and a little bit of water and add it to the milk mixture.
]]>Breakfast Smoothie with Coffee: Don’t have time in the morning for coffee and breakfast? We’ve got you covered. It’s only 5 ingredients and all you have to do is put everything into the blender and go! Aside from adding caffeine, coffee provides a great source of antioxidants and kicks up the flavor.
Cocoa Coffee Granola & Creamy Cold Brew Bowls: If you’re struggling to figure out what you want for breakfast, look no further. We have a cross between oatmeal and cereal with your morning coffee all mixed in! This homemade granola is packed with protein and you get to pour your favorite cold brew right into the bowl. It makes a great meal-prep breakfast option if you’re on the go, too!
Mole Sauce with Coffee: Mole is a classic Mexican sauce containing spices and sweet aromatics that reduces until it turns into a thick, dense mixture. This recipe contains coffee, of course, which perfectly compliments another common ingredient which is chocolate! We love roasting veggies to accompany our mole but you can eat it with enchiladas or eggs!
Coffee Dry Rub: Okay, we know what you’re thinking. Coffee and meat? Trust us, you’ve never had meat like this and once you do, you’ll never go back. It doesn't taste like coffee and can go on different cuts of meat like brisket, ribs, steak. This rub is the perfect mixture of smokey and spicy and bright. We also love the texture that it brings. Think about the light, smooth texture of ground coffee and imagine that but warm and crisp on tender meat.
Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes: This treat tastes like the entire holiday season in one bite and we enjoy these cupcakes all year round. Enhancing chocolate with coffee isn’t new in the baking world, but we’re adding a little extra because for us you can never have too much coffee. The perfect combination of chocolate, coffee, a little peppermint hits the perfect sweet spot after dinner (or literally whenever).
]]>Well, not really. It was in the 80s in Seattle, WA.
Although lattes were invented in Italy during the early 1900s, David Schomer popularized creating latte art in 1989. Owner of Schomer’s Espresso Vivace, David has been credited with developing the rosette and heart patterns that we know and love today.
Through the chemistry of milk foam and the perfect espresso comes beautiful designs that are almost too pretty to drink. You can make milk foam in two different ways. You know that strange nozzle that’s on an espresso machine in your favorite coffee shop? That’s where you create milk foam! The hot steam creates bubbles in the milk causing it to become frothy and luscious. The other method is agitation which is similar to that of making whipped cream except it's done when the milk is cold.
There are different ways to create latte art: free pouring and etching. When free pouring, a barista is creating a design with the crema in the pitcher and moving their hands. “Etching is where you use a tool or stick to pull the crema and foam forming an image after the milk has been poured.”
Since its inception, you can walk into hundreds of different coffee shops and find countless ways to make beautiful art. We’ve seen hearts, flowers, animals, characters, and more! Adding social media to the mix expands our knowledge about latte art. You might see a cool design at a coffee shop on social media and make a pit-stop there the next time you're in that city or you just might realize that the coolest latte art is right in your neighborhood.
Each day, there are new advances in the world of latte art and would you believe it if we told you there are latte art competitions?! This ever-changing craft is keeping baristas on their toes and coffee lovers ready for more.
I guess we can end it with this: Thanks, David. We owe you BIG TIME!
]]>$15.95 HiLine Tumbler - Every coffee drinker needs a perfect, reliable, on-the-go cup and what better than a cup that reflects your personality. Our HiLine tumbler is designed to keep your coffee hot and hands cool. The sleek exterior features one of our cheeky sayings and a spill proof lid for easy sipping on the go!
$5.00 Reusable Straws - Is it just us or does iced coffee taste totally different out of a straw? There are countless varieties of reusable straws out there depending on their materials, shapes, colors, etc. and for how often we drink iced coffee, we want to do our part in helping the planet. These reusable straws are made entirely out of bamboo and come with a to-go pouch AND a brush cleaner. With 6 straws in one order, you’ll never be sipping from anything else!
$4.99 HiLine Descaling Powder - Descaling (aka cleaning) your coffee machine is necessary from time to time in order to remove hard water deposits and impurities. We recommend coffee machine descaling twice per year, or after about 300 uses. Your morning cup of Joe will be vastly improved by using a clean machine. It’ll also prevent costly repairs and a build-up of pressure to the machine itself.
$80.15 Manual Coffee Grinder - This gift is for a dedicated coffee lover who likes to be a part of the process from an early stage. Committing to grinding your own coffee beans is no joke and this grinder will create perfect, fresh grounds and make your kitchen smell like your favorite coffee shop. This is also a great gift for someone who wants to save money because busing coffee can be expensive and grinding your own beans (buy them in bulk) can save you some serious cash.
$14.99-$17.99 HiLine Coffee - We were inspired by the best third-wave coffee companies, like Blue Bottle Coffee, and we strive to deliver the freshest coffee. We roast highest quality beans, pack them into various single-serve packaging and deliver it to you directly without going through lengthy retail distribution. The result is the freshest coffee available for single-serve brewers like Keruig, Nespresso, and we also sell ground coffee packs for various machines. Our flavors range in roast levels, seasonal choices, and New York City staple locations!
$9.99 Coffee Body Scrub - Did you know that coffee can beautify your skin? Caffeine can help with stretch marks, acne, and dead skin cells, it softens the texture, helps with inflammation, and even improves blood circulation. If you can’t find it in your local store, you can make some at home! A coffee lover who’s also a self-care aficionado would love receiving this gift any day of the year.
]]>
Rose Lavender Honey Iced Lattes: We’ll say it once and we’ll say it again; if there’s coffee involved we will drink it no matter the temperature outside. This iced latte adds some spice to your everyday coffee with sophisticated flavors and makes a great contrast to the warmth that you and your honey will be feeling!
It only takes 10 minutes and requires just two steps. Start with your rose lavender simple syrup (look how fancy you are!) by heating water, honey, lavender, and rosebuds over the stove. Once it’s cooled, strain with a mesh strainer and now it’s coffee time! Fill a glass with crushed ice, simple syrup, an espresso shot, and milk on top.
White Chocolate Mocha: You only need 5 ingredients for this drink to satisfy your sweet tooth: hot coffee, white chocolate, milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat milk to steaming and whisk in your chopped chocolate. Pour hot coffee into a cup and top it with your milk mixture. The sugar and cream are an added bonus that you can forgo if you want, but if you’re looking for something a little sweeter or creamier, these will make an awesome addition.
Red Velvet Latte: Before you tackle this recipe, make sure you have the necessary ingredients because some of them might not be staples in your pantries like beet juice or cocoa powder.
Make your coffee how you normally would and while it’s brewing, add cocoa powder, vanilla, and beet juice into a mug and mix it. Once you pour the coffee into the mug, steam your milk, and add it to the mug. Finish with whipped cream and sprinkles!
Cupid Cappuccino: This is one of our favorite recipes for the holiday of love (plus there’s some booze in here, so you know it’ll make you feel warm and cozy)! In a cup, mix together chocolate syrup, creme de menthe, amaretto, and sugar. Froth your milk, either in the microwave or with a steamer, and place it into a separate cup. Pull one shot of espresso and pour it into your cup with the frothed milk. Pour in the mixed ingredients last and top off your drink with some whipped cream and sprinkles for a little flare.
]]>Aged Coffee - Coffee that is held in warehouses for several years, sometimes deliberately, sometimes inadvertently. Such aging reduces acidity and increases body.
Americano - An espresso that is cut with very hot water to fill an American-size cup.
Batch Roaster - A machine that roasts a given quantity or batch of coffee at a time.
Body - The perceived thickness, richness, or viscosity of brewed coffee. A full-bodied coffee is one with a heavy mouthfeel.
Cappuccino - An espresso drink created with one serving of espresso topped with steamed milk and froth.
Drip Method - Brewing method that allows hot water to settle through a bed of ground coffee.
Dark Roast - Coffee beans roasted to a medium-dark color and beyond; coffee oils appear on the surface of the beans and varietal flavors are muted.
Espresso - A brewing method in which hot water is forced under pressure through a compressed bed of finely ground coffee; typically less than 2 ounces of espresso is produced.
French Roast - Beans become very dark brown in color with an oily surface; acidity and varietal qualities fade; bittersweet notes dominate.
Macchiato - A serving of espresso "stained" or topped off with a small quantity of hot, frothed milk.
Mocha - Espresso combined with chocolate syrup and steamed milk.
Organic Coffee - Coffee that has been certified by a third-party agency as having been grown and processed without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or similar chemicals.
Piston Machine - An espresso machine that uses a piston operated by a lever to force brewing water at high pressure through a compacted bed of ground coffee.
Pour-Over Coffee - A method of drip coffee in which water is poured in a thin, steady, slow stream over a filter cone filled with ground coffee. One cup of coffee requires three minutes to brew.
Single-Origin Coffee - Unblended coffee from a single country, region, and crop.
Specialty Coffee - Specialty coffee is distinguished by the quality of its raw material and represents 10% of all coffee grown worldwide. Of that amount, only 1-2 percent qualify as superlative.
Terroir (tare – wahr) - From the French word "terre," meaning land, it denotes the influence of geography, geology, and climate on a coffee's unique taste qualities.
Wet-Processed/Washed Coffee -This process removes the skin and pulp from the bean while the coffee fruit is still fresh. Most of the world's coffees are processed in this manner.
]]>Although it seems like unnecessary work, your morning cup of Joe will be vastly improved by using a clean machine. It’ll also prevent costly repairs and a build-up of pressure to the machine itself. These are simply suggestions and if you have a cleaning method that works best for you or the brand suggests you use a different process, do that! Also, a general rule of thumb that applies to all of these: dispose of the coffee grounds and wait until the machine has cooled down.
French Press - Alright, if you are dedicated enough to have a French Press, it shouldn’t surprise you that it’s a commitment and you need to clean it frequently. For the ground-removal process, avoid using a metal spoon to ensure you won’t break the glass. “Add lukewarm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Then, pump the plunger up and down until the water gets foamy. Dump out the soapy water, rinse with clean water, and work the plunger again. Scrub the inside of the carafe with a sponge or bottle brush. Then, rinse again until the water runs clear. Dry out the inside with a clean paper towel, and set the French press aside.”
Pour-Over - **STAIN ALERT** Pour-over coffee makers stain really easily so we found a great way to be the ultimate stain-buster. Simply fill it with warm water and dissolve two effervescent tablets (like Alka-Seltzer) inside. Then rinse and dry. If there are stains on the outside, which is highly likely, you can easily clean it with dish soap or disinfecting wipes.
Keurig - For a simple clean that be done frequently, all you have to do is run the brew cycle a few times without inserting a K-cup. To do a deep clean every few months, they suggest doing what’s called “descaling” to remove calcium deposits that build up over time. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process and where you can buy a descaling solution.
Drip Coffee Maker - This method is really quick and easy! Brew equal parts vinegar and water and then brew just clean to water to remove any excess vinegar. That’s literally it so you really have no excuse to not do it.
]]>Elf - One of our favorite holiday classics has many great scenes the are only improved by coffee! Many people are specific about the kind of coffee they like, how they take it, where they get it from — hey, we’re coffee snobs and damn proud of it. Buddy on the other hand is not a fan of coffee. However, after he’s summoned to the mailroom at his dad’s office, he notices that people are putting alcohol into their coffee but he mistakes it for syrup. We then cut to a hammered Buddy lying on a cart of packages talking about life goals and motivation with one of the other mail clerks.
It’s not uncommon for restaurants or coffee shops to have signs that claim they have the best product. When Buddy bursts into a restaurant that claims to have the world’s best coffee, you can’t help but love how excited he is! Even if the coffee sucks, which Jovie later confirms for us, the genuine joy that Buddy brings is something that we could all benefit from having. (But not when it comes to coffee. We aren’t that flexible.)
Friends - This show starts and ends with coffee. Literally, the first scene is Rachel storming into Central Perk after leaving Barry at the altar and the last scene is the gang saying goodbye to Monica and Chandler’s apartment as they decide to have one final group coffee before they go their separate ways. The coffee house almost serves as a seventh member of this iconic ensemble being a consistent figure throughout its 10-year run. Whether we’re listening to Phoebe sing about smelly cats, seeing Ross and Rachel kiss for the first time, or learning about the valuable lessons of unagi, Central Perk gave us some memorable moments that are still relatable and funny today.
The Usual Suspects - Coffee can add a fun aspect to movies and tv shows but rarely is it a part of pivotal scenes that make the plot line all come together. The Usual Suspects climax comes when Agent Dave Kujan realizes that Verbal made up his entire story and drops his coffee mug on the floor. Verbal took tiny details from things in Kujan’s office to make his story seem more realistic such a Skokie, Illinois, some guy named Redfoot, and Kobayashi which was the brand of the coffee mug Kujan was drinking from.
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee - If we could have put together our ideal “fever dream” of a tv show, this would be it. Luckily Jerry Seinfeld already did the work! This show has such a simple structure of Jerry driving around with comedians where they drink coffee and just talk. He’s featured guests like John Mulaney, Kate McKinnon, Eddie Murphy, Judd Apatow, Margaret Cho, and even Barack Obama!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s - The best opening scene in a movie ever. There! We said it! In a movie that has absolutely nothing to do with coffee or breakfast (sorry for the spoiler alert), we couldn’t think of a more classic breakfast scene. The elegant Audrey Hepburn steps out of a taxi onto an empty New York City street to enjoy her coffee and danish while admiring beautiful jewelry. We seriously can’t think of a better way to start our day.
]]>
This treat tastes like the entire holiday season in one bite! The hint (yes, a hint because that stuff is STRONG) peppermint extract adds a POW that you won’t find in other cupcakes. Enhancing chocolate with coffee isn’t new in the baking world, but we’re adding a little extra because for us you can never have too much coffee.
Chocolate-Coffee Gingerbread Cake
You’ll never want to enjoy gingerbread any other way! There are still the classic warm holiday flavors that you love, like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger but we’re adding our favorite ingredient. Obviously coffee! An entire cup of brewed coffee will make this holiday classic into something your guests will never forget.
For anyone out there who is a nervous baker or this is your first holiday baking experience, we’ve got you covered with a dish that is delicious, easy, and impressive. It only requires a few ingredients and it comes together really quickly. We love figuring out new ways to incorporate coffee into our lives and this holiday classic can be turned into a year-round staple in your kitchen!
Salted Caramel Cappuccino Cheesecake
You will be sent on a salty/sweet flavor roller coaster when you try this cheesecake. It is decadent, luscious, and makes you feel the two most important holiday season feelings: fullness and happiness. If you want to add more toppings (because caramel and sea salt are never enough), add a scoop of your favorite coffee ice cream for an even stronger coffee presence.
This is a holiday classic turned up a notch. Just because you’re holidays might not look the same this year, doesn’t mean that the desserts can’t impress. Make this with your aunt over Zoom or make and eat it by yourself because that’s our plan. You're getting two for the price of one here because not only does the filling have coffee, but so does the outer frosting.
You know we couldn’t do a recipe roundup without including booze in some way. These make an awesome snack around the house, dessert option, or a really cool gift exchange idea. Take some of the eggnog you have lying around (we have a recipe here just in case) and combine it with white chocolate, butter, nutmeg, and instant espresso. There are only four instructions and they stay fresh in the fridge for a few weeks. We don’t anticipate them lasting that long though.
]]>
We love our coffee and find few joys in life more exciting than trying a new brewing method. Luckily for us, we have plenty of brewing options that allow us to experience the same coffees in new and unexpected ways. Here are three of our favorite ways to prepare ground coffee.
1. Drip
The gist: Drip coffee is made by an automatic coffee maker, like one of these that you most likely see (or use!) on your day-to-day.
The process:
Coffee grounds are transferred into a filter and loaded into the drip coffee machine. Fresh water is added to the machine’s reservoir. The water is heated by the machine and is dripped onto the filter full of ground coffee. Then, brewed coffee flows out and into the pot.
2. Pour over method
The gist: Pour over coffee is an original technique that uses a coffee drip where water is “poured over” ground coffee.
The process:
The pour over method relies on timed pouring intervals to get a balanced flavor extraction. After you pour a certain amount of water in a circular motion for a few seconds, the grounds will begin to rise and “bloom,” releasing the gasses and flavor inside the grounds. If you’re looking to try it out for yourself, here’s a great tutorial.
3. French press
The gist: French press requires you to pour ground coffee beans into the glass container, pour in hot water, and let it steep. Once you let it steep, you push down the plunger to separate the brewed coffee for drinking.
The process:
It’s simple. Pour the coffee grounds into the carafe, fill it with boiling water, and stir the grounds. Then, set a timer for four minutes. Once the time runs out, put the lid on the carafe, and slowly depress the plunger to press all of the grounds through the water, trapping them at the bottom. The end result? French press coffee.
And there you have it. Our three favorite brewing methods. Give one of them a try and be sure to use our incredible ground coffee!
]]>5 Things You Didn’t Know About Coffee
We drink coffee everyday, multiple times a day. We drink it, it tastes great, it gives us that extra boost we need in the morning and throughout the day. We think we know all there is to know about it, right? Well, think again. Here are 5 things you (probably) didn’t know about coffee.
1. Coffee is a fruit.
Coffee beans are technically seeds. They're the pits of the cherry-like berries found on the flowering shrubs, but we call them "beans" because of the resemblance to legumes.
2. Coffee was discovered by a goat herder.
It was said that coffee was discovered by a goat herder in Ethiopia in the 1500s. He saw his goats eating coffee cherries. Afterwards, the herder observed a change in the goat’s behavior. The goat’s got a bolt of energy and didn’t sleep at night. When the herder realized the correlation, he shared his findings with the local monks, who realized they could stay up all night and pray after consuming a drink from the coffee beans. From there, they spread the word to other Ethiopian monks and it spread across the globe.
3. Decaf doesn’t mean it’s caffeine-free.
The decaffeination process usually removes 94-98 percent of caffeine.
4. The global coffee industry earns an estimated $60 billion annually.
After oil, coffee is the world's second-most-valuable commodity exported by developing countries.
5. Two of the most expensive coffees come from an animal’s poop.
Kopi Luwak ($600/pound) and Black Ivory ($1,500/pound) are the two most expensive coffees in the world. Kopi Luwak is an Indonesian coffee that is roasted after being eaten, digested, and pooped out by a palm civet. Black Ivory is made in Thailand after an elephant has consumed the beans and they’ve been slowly digested and pooped out, producing a uniquely smooth and mellow taste.
]]>The Easiest Way To Make Cold Brew
If you’re as coffee-obsessed as us, we’re sure you’ve heard of cold brew and maybe even consumed it. But how is cold brew made? And how hard (or easy) is it to make at home?
How is cold brew made?
To sum it up, cold brew is brewed by soaking coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for a minimum of 12 hours to extra sugars, oils, and caffeine.
Cold brew is up to 60% less acidic than typical, hot-brewed coffee. This happens because coffee grounds, or more specifically the various oils, acids, and other aromatic molecules, are most easily extracted at about 195-205 degrees. When you create coffee using cold or room temperature water, fewer acid forms.
But, cold brew isn’t simply hot brew without the bitterness. Cold brew contains a completely different flavor profile that can’t be found with hot brews. Why? Because not all flavor compounds of coffee solubles are equally soluble.
A majority of the coffee solubles are still able to leach out of the grounds, even in colder water. The compounds that don’t dissolve are the ones often attributed to unfavorable flavors, resulting in a coffee that has a sweeter, floral profile.
The process of making cold brew isn’t for the faint of heart — especially if you’re in dire need of your caffeine fix. But luckily, we have a fix for you.
Discover our Gramercy Park Cold Brew.
Named after the iconic Gramercy Park in New York, this exquisite coffee is smooth, naturally sweet and designed to brew in cold water. And believe it or not, it's easy to make!
Here’s how to make it:
Drop 2 pitcher packs into a 48 fl oz (or larger) pitcher.
Add 32 fl oz of cold, filtered water to the pitcher.
Steep coffee in the fridge for 24 hours.
Gently remove the pitcher packs and add 10-16 fl oz cold, filtered water to taste.
And there you have it! You made cold brew. How do you like it?
]]>
It’s no surprise that we here at Hiline Coffee are big fans of coffee. Truth be told, we’re drinking our third cup of coffee as we speak. We’re not ones to be picky with the way we consume our coffee. Whether it’s drip, iced, espresso, or cold brew, it will always hit the spot. But let’s talk about a popular question that often arises: what’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?
What is iced coffee & how is it made?
For starters, making iced coffee is a must faster process than cold brew and it’s rather simple. Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee, letting it cool and then pouring it over ice. Oftentimes, popular coffee shops pre-cool the brewed hot coffee so it’s easily accessible for orders. Seems simple enough, right?
Well, on the other hand, cold brew is a more significantly more intensive process.
What is cold brew & how is it made?
The short answer: Cold brew is brewed by soaking coffee beans at cold or room-temperature water for a minimum of 12 hours to extra sugars, oils and caffeine.
The long answer: Cold brew is up to 60% less acidic than typical, hot-brewed coffee. This happens because coffee grounds, or more specifically the various oils, acids, and other aromatic molecules, are most easily extracted at about 195-205 degrees. When you create coffee using cold or room temperature water, less acid forms, resulting in a coffee that has a sweeter, floral profile.
In terms of caffeine, cold brew has a bit more of a kick to it, but when it comes to calories, there isn’t a difference between the two before adding any flavoring. However, cold brew’s naturally sweeter, creamier profile might make it easier for some drinkers to cut back on cream and sugar (which can increase the calories by the hundreds).
Do you have a preference?
]]>
Let’s begin with the mechanics.
Both Keurig and Nespresso are fundamentally similar in terms of machinery and outcome. In goes a coffee pod out comes hot caffeinated beverage. The Keurig is designed to brew a single cup beverages. Quite similarly, the Nespresso machine also takes part in pressurized hot water shooting through coffee grounds – for that reason alone we love it too. However, the original Nespresso was strictly a purveyor of 1.3 fluid ounces of espresso. Connoisseurs of coffee know that espresso derives from more finely-ground coffee beans than traditional coffee, resulting in a stronger flavor. This was Nespresso’s niche for a while until more was demanded and they launched a line of machines that produced a 7.8 fluid ounce cup of espresso coffee.
Though to understand the true difference between Keurig and Nespresso, we must examine the pod.
The Keurig K-cup consists of a plastic cup and an aluminum lid and every cup is nitrogen sealed to ensure optimum freshness. The Keurig pierces the top aluminum lid with its patented spray nozzle and a discharge nozzle penetrates the plastic base. A filter inside the pod contains the coffee grounds as water is pumped through.
Each Nespresso pod is made with a flat top and through a series of multiple and strategic perforations in the capsule hot water is pumped through. Each cup of Nespresso coffee features the signature crema top layer that often characterizes a true cup of espresso coffee – Um? YUM!
Given all this information it is certainly clear that both Keurig and Nespresso have their unique offerings and with our pods you can enjoy may flavors through both machines. Keurig provides a vast array of beverages and flavors and while Nespresso features the signature crema top layer that often characterizes a true cup of espresso coffee.
Whatever your preference we wish you Godspeed in your journey to caffeinated bliss!
]]>