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.

wooden antique grinder

How to Date an Antique Coffee Grinder

Score! While rummaging through your grandmother’s attic or a thrift store’s shelves, you’ve come across a vintage coffee grinder. Admiring the woodwork and cast iron components, you might wish you knew exactly how old the grinder is. But how can you tell, especially when the manufacturer’s date stamp has worn off? As long as you know what to look for, the old coffee grinder details can tell you much about its origin, history, and value. Read on to learn how […]

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best espresso machine under 2000

Choosing the Best Espresso Machine Under $2000

Great espresso doesn’t always come cheap. Although there are inexpensive ways to make good coffee, sometimes nothing but the real thing will do. If you are a true coffee lover, setting up the home espresso bar of your dreams may be worth the investment. Here is your guide to the best espresso machines under 2000 dollars. Best espresso machines under $2000 reviewed These best espresso machines under $2000 offer various features and capabilities. It is essential to compare the machines’

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cold brew vs espresso

Cold Brew vs. Espresso: Key Differences Explained

It’s easy to see why coffee enthusiasts often order an espresso or cold brew. Both coffee drinks have rich flavor and taste great straight or with milk. But if you are starting to explore the coffee world, you might wonder what the difference between cold brew and espresso is. Is cold brew the same espresso poured over ice? Do they taste similar? And do they have the same amount of caffeine? Find the answers to these questions as you read

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gift for barista

19 Great Gifts For Baristas to Elevate Their Coffee Game

Baristas live, breathe, and of course, drink coffee. But how can you pick the best gifts for baristas who know so much about this drink? This list features awesome presents for the special barista in your life, whether they are your partner, close friend, or your favorite staff member at your go-to coffee shop. Any of these coffee gifts will surely bring a smile to their face! Electric grinder attachment Does your favorite barista own a manual Hario burr grinder?

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dirty matcha latte on the table with woman sitting in the background

How to Make Dirty Matcha Latte at Home

A dirty matcha latte is a drink that looks and tastes like spring. Powdered matcha green tea has an earthy flavor. The vibrant green color contrasted against the dark brown of espresso calls to mind grass sprouting from the soil. If you love matcha and coffee but have never had them together, you may be surprised that mixing these ingredients yields a delicious result. Read on for a dirty matcha latte recipe and tips on making this refreshing drink at

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French press vs Keurig

French Press vs. Keurig: the Ultimate Face-Off

If you love coffee, you’ll probably want to venture beyond the predictable drip coffee and try other brewing methods at some point. French press coffee makers and Keurig machines are two options that give you better-tasting coffee without requiring barista-level skills. However, the two have key differences. So let’s compare the French press vs. Keurig to determine the best for you. How does a French press work? A French press is a good example of immersion brewing, where coffee grounds

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coffee beans spilling out of espresso cup

How Many Espresso Beans In a Shot Of Espresso

Whether your coffee scale at home broke, you are trying to make a brew with the new office espresso machine, or you want to kickstart your day at a rented vacation home, you need your caffeine fix fast. But how can you measure how much coffee you need for your espresso shot? Luckily, you can approximate the amount of coffee by counting espresso beans. It’s not an accurate method, but it can let you enjoy an espresso shot and avoid

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charging nitro cold brew coffee maker

Best Nitro Cold Brew Coffee Makers Reviewed: 2024 Edition

Nitro cold brew coffee is a special treat available at many coffee shops. It comes from a tap and looks like foamy stout beer. The velvety texture of nitro cold brew can compensate for those trying to avoid milk in their coffee. Depending on how you prepare nitro coffee, it may also be sweet without added sugar calories. Furthermore, nitro coffee has less acidity than regular coffee, so some people find it easier to digest. Buying nitro cold brew coffee

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cortado vs cappuccino

Cortado vs. Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?

Cortado and cappuccino are among the world’s most popular coffee drinks. But if you are new to the world of coffee or generally prefer your coffee straight, you might wonder what the differences are. After all, they are made with whole milk and a double shot of espresso. Doesn’t that make them more or less the same thing? The two drinks might have similar ingredients but provide distinct coffee experiences in many ways. Let’s compare cortado vs. cappuccino to determine

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man covering his eyes with two espresso cups

Does Espresso Wake You Up? Separating Facts from Fiction

You didn’t sleep well last night, and a long, hard day awaits you. What can you do to make it through? If you are a coffee lover, you start your morning with a double shot of espresso coffee! Whether made at home or purchased at your favorite coffee shop, people rely on espresso’s reputation as a legendary eye-opener with high caffeine content. But is that really true? Does espresso wake you up any better than other caffeinated beverages? And is

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