Whether you’re like Garfield and you can’t start your day without a cup of joe or you simply like to savor the flavor of cup of coffee while out with friends, there’s no excuse to get a cup like Gourmet Coffee Month. Here are a few ways to celebrate.
Splurge: Once a week go for the gold and order the best coffee your neighborhood shop has to offer.
Use Those Gift Cards! That’s certainly what I’ve been doing. I’ve been choosing a different variety each day and have been enjoying the ride. Tip: Order a small if it’s a flavor you haven’t tried yet. I’ve had a couple of large coffees that I didn’t enjoy so much.
Make a Coffee Playdate: Organize a day out with the girls, a coffeehouse performance (music? comedy? poetry?), or just go out alone to a coffee shop and sip a cup as you read, write, or dream.
Get Coffee Crafty: Bring home some toppings (whip cream, caramel, chocolate syrup, cinnamon…) and try making your own concoctions. See what kinds of barista art you can come up with.
Host a Coffee Tasting: If you’ve ever held a wine tasting event at your home or place of business, you know how much fun it can be. Since it’s so cold out in many places right now, why not host a coffee tasting event? Have everyone bring their favorite brew and take turns brewing it in your pot; if people are willing to bring their own percolators, all the better. You could also bake some treats for the event—either beforehand or together as an activity.
Join a Flavor of the Month Club: There are dozens to choose from. Try the Café Connection, Clubs of America, Nectar of Life, or simply search for “Coffee Month Clubs” to find your favorite.
Add a Side: If you already splurge on gourmet coffee regularly, try a muffin, cookie, or scone that you’ve never had before—or upgrade your coffee to a large.
Try Grounding Your Own: My favorite aisle at the supermarket is always the one with so many varieties of coffee beans. Though I buy mine already ground like many people, I always wonder what it would be like to grind my own coffee; the smell is simply heavenly. If there are any people out there who grind their own and want to share some tips, post them here at Latte Talk!