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.

woman looking at coffee cup

Why Is Oat Milk Curdling In Coffee & How to Prevent It

Oat milk is one of the best dairy milk alternatives for coffee. Oat milk taste and consistency are close to cow’s milk, and you can even froth it. But sometimes, you may notice your oat milk curdles as you add it to your hot coffee. Why does that happen? And can you still drink the brew? Read on and find out what causes oat milk curdling in coffee — and how you can stop it. Why is oat milk curdling […]

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adding ground coffee into bodum pour over

How to Make Pour-Over Coffee Without a Scale?

You have your pour-over brewer and some excellent coffee beans, and you are about to prepare your coffee. But then you realize you don’t have a scale handy.  You might be camping, visiting a friend, or maybe your coffee scale broke. How to make pour-over coffee without a scale? The good news is that you can still brew coffee if you gauge the proportion of water and coffee grounds properly. Read on to learn the measurements and the steps to

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Moka Pot vs Chemex pros and cons

Moka Pot vs. Chemex: Which Should You Buy?

Most coffee lovers want to branch out beyond the standard drip coffee maker at some point. Moka Pot and Chemex coffee makers are a great next step if you want to try a low-technology approach with a beautiful design. If you have to pick one, how do you compare Moka Pot vs. Chemex? What is a Moka Pot? A Moka Pot is sometimes referred to as a stovetop espresso maker. Although it doesn’t reach the pressure of an espresso machine,

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Roasting coffee beans in an air fryer

Can You Roast Coffee Beans In an Air Fryer?

Air fryers are becoming an increasingly common sight in kitchens. If you are looking for a device to roast coffee at home, an air fryer might be your solution. Perhaps you received green coffee beans or want to take your coffee game to another level by roasting coffee yourself. Read on to learn how to roast coffee beans in an air fryer! Why roast coffee beans at home? But why should you roast coffee beans at home with an air fryer

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Breve vs Latte

Breve vs. Latte: What Is the Difference?

You are at a coffee shop, ready to order your favorite latte, when you notice a strange name on the menu — a breve latte. Do you dare set sail into unknown waters (or coffees)? Caffè breve and caffè latte are members of the same family of milky coffee drinks. But just like any siblings or relatives, they are not identical. Despite their shared heritage, each espresso-based drink is fundamentally different. Read on to explore the differences between breve vs.

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coffee grinder gift set

Best Coffee Grinder Gift Sets for Any Occasion

Are you planning to get a caffeine-loving friend or family member a coffee grinder as a present? Great choice — every coffee lover needs a decent grinder! But do you feel a simple grinder isn’t enough to show appreciation for your loved one? Luckily, there’s a simple solution — a coffee grinder gift set! And if you don’t want to spend hours browsing the internet for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, or housewarming, this is your ultimate list. Read on to get

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coffee with frothed oat milk

How to Froth Oat Milk Without a Steam Wand: 9 Great Techniques

If you are a lactose intolerant or vegan coffee lover or prefer plant-based milk, you might wonder how to froth oat milk at home. The obvious answer would be to use a steaming wand. But what if you don’t have an espresso machine with a steaming wand? Frothed milk is one of the essential ingredients in many coffee recipes, like lattes and cappuccinos. Are you just out of luck? Fortunately, the situation isn’t hopeless! Read on to learn different ways

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woman unpacking gift in bed next to coffee cup

34 Cool Gifts For Coffee Lovers Under $20

It’s easy to buy a gift for a coffee fan — as long as it’s related to caffeine, they’ll love it. But good coffee gifts are always rather expensive, right? Not by a long shot. You can get thoughtful presents that will make a coffee drinker happy, even if you are on a budget. Here is a list of unique gifts under $20, from coffee beans to clothing, that will work for Christmas, a birthday party, or any other occasion.

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dirty coffee in a glass

What Is Dirty Coffee And How to Make It

Have you seen pictures of dirty coffee on social media and wondered how the beautiful layer of coffee floats on top of the milk? However, you will be surprised that the secret of it does not lie in adding extra ingredients. Let’s learn how to make dirty coffee at home, so you can enjoy this delicious drink whenever you want! What is dirty coffee? Dirty coffee meaning does not have to do with anything dirty. Similar to the dirty matcha

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thick espresso with golden crema

How to Make Thick Espresso: Everything You Need to Know

No wonder baristas and coffee enthusiasts consider a good shot of espresso the holy grail of coffee. It can serve as a base for the most popular coffee drinks — like latte and cappuccino — while also being a delightful caffeine booster. However, pulling perfect, thick espresso requires practice. Many home baristas struggle with making good espresso. If you often end up with a bland or bitter shot, don’t fret. Read on to learn how to perfect your espresso skills

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