Alana Jay

Alana is a freelance writer by trade and a coffee enthusiast by passion. From San Francisco to London to Sydney, she traveled the world while discovering quirky cafes, making friends with baristas, and tasting excellent coffees.

group of friends drinking coffee

Test Your Knowledge: 22 Coffee Trivia Questions for the Curious Connoisseur

Do you know which bean type makes your morning brew special or who first discovered the magic of coffee? Unearth the answers with our compelling coffee trivia questions, and explore the rich tapestry of this complex drink without the unnecessary jargon. Expect to find answers to common curiosities and interesting facts that will perk up your coffee conversations. You can play this coffee quiz with your friends and family while enjoying a cup of freshly made brew. 1. What country […]

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Americano vs Cortado

Americano vs. Cortado: What’s the Difference?

When I went to a specialty coffee shop for the first time, I was confused by all the strange names on the menu. A cortado? An Americano? What on earth is the difference? Cortado and Americano are popular coffee drinks, but the similarities end here. They offer pretty different coffee experiences — but both are delicious. Read on and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the differences (and similarities) of an Americano vs. cortado. What is an

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homemade rose latte

Rose Latte Recipe: a Delicious Floral Twist to Your Morning Coffee

Roses? In coffee? That sounds crazy, but a rose latte can turn your expectations for coffee and flowers on their head. This delicious rose latte recipe is easy to put together at home, and the ingredients aren’t as fancy as you might think. What is a rose latte? A rose latte has the standard espresso and milk that an ordinary latte would have. However, while other lattes add sugar or sweetener, a rose latte requires rose syrup. Rose lattes are

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Percolator vs French press

Percolator vs. French Press: Which One Is Better?

French press and percolator are close competitors. They don’t require electricity, making them popular choices if you want a cup of joe while camping. Attention to detail will be required as you decide between percolator vs. French press, as there are several reasons why one coffee maker might meet your needs better than another. What is a percolator? A percolator is a coffee pot with a simple two-chamber design. Water goes into the bottom chamber, coffee grounds go to the

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adding stevia coffee creamer to chemex coffee

How to Make Stevia Coffee Creamer at Home: Quick & Easy Recipe

Plain coffee or tea isn’t everyone’s thing. However, most store-bought creamers aren’t healthy, especially if you are trying to minimize your consumption of sugars. Fortunately, you can easily sweeten your drinks with homemade stevia coffee creamer. This easy recipe will likely become a go-to! Why should you use a coffee creamer with stevia? The ketogenic diet, often referred to as keto, minimizes carbohydrates and allows plenty of healthy fats. It was originally invented to help people with epilepsy, but it

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Cold brew vs Americano

Cold Brew vs. Americano: Cold Coffee Comparison

It’s a blazing hot day, and you are exhausted, so it’s time to get an iced coffee! But if you don’t drink much coffee (or always go for hot drinks), you might feel lost with the options on the menu. A cold brew? An iced Americano? What’s the difference? These popular cold coffee drinks seem similar but share much less than you might think. I wrote this guide to explain the differences between cold brew vs. Americano and help you

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making sparkling americano

Sparkling Americano: a Refreshing Drink You Can Make In Seconds

The sparkling Americano might sound like just another viral Tik Tok trend. However, espresso served with sparkling water is not the latest invention. Italians have been serving sparkling water on the side of espresso for ages, so why not combine the two? What is a sparkling Americano? In Italy or high-end coffee shops worldwide, you’ll more likely find espresso served with sparkling water on the side. This portion of sparkling water, sometimes called a sidecar, is meant to cleanse your

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single vs double espresso

Single vs. Double Espresso: What’s the Difference?

I remember when I just started learning about coffee and ordered an espresso in a specialty coffee shop. Upon taking my order, the barista asked me, “Single or double shot?” That sure took me off guard. If you have been in the same confusing situation, you have no doubt wondered what the difference between a single vs. double espresso is. Perhaps you even bought a home espresso machine and aren’t sure how many shots you need to make perfect lattes

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blade coffee grinder with beans

How Long to Grind Coffee Beans

Grinding coffee at home is an essential part of the daily ritual for most caffeine lovers. And here you are, with your whole-bean coffee and electric grinder, ready to say goodbye to pre-ground coffee! But then you realize you don’t know how long to grind coffee beans. Grinding coffee beans to the right consistency is vital for the brew’s flavor. The wrong grind size only leaves a bitter or sour taste in your mouth. So let’s get to the bottom

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adding coffee to moka pot

Best Coffee For Moka Pot: 8 Options to Brew a Perfect Cup

Want to start your day with a quick, strong, and delicious cup of coffee? Then a Moka Pot is the way to go! This little coffee pot has a reputation as a handy espresso machine alternative for a good reason. However, some people don’t favor it for brewing bitter coffee. Hold your horses if you are about to chuck your Moka Pot out the window after one too many unpalatable coffee cups! The problem may be in the coffee, not

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