The Specialty Espresso Martini is Here, Thanks to These Small-Batch Coffee Liqueurs

The popularity of the espresso martini has fueled another burgeoning market: coffee liqueur. Today, specialty roasters and distillers are increasingly working together to push the category forward.
by Amber Gibson | February 26, 2025

How Coffee and Artist Collaborations Create Community and Boost Business

Art and coffee have long been intertwined, and collaborations between artists and cafes can attract new customers while supporting local makers.
by Amber Gibson | February 21, 2025

Behind the Headlines: Science Says Morning Is the Best Time To Drink Coffee. What Do the Pros Think?

Results from a new study show that drinking coffee in the morning can benefit cardiovascular health. But what do the pros have to say about their favorite time to drink coffee?
by Amber Gibson | February 5, 2025

Beyond the Headlines: Has Starbucks Killed the Cortado?

Starbucks recently announced it will add a cortado to its menu, but in a size that varies from established industry norms. We asked coffee shop owners to weigh in on the news—and whether it…
by Amber Gibson | January 24, 2025

Canned Coffee Was Big in 2024—Here’s How Specialty Roasters Can Profit in 2025

Canned coffee beverages already dominate grocery shelves, and the category is still growing. Here’s how specialty roasters can get in on the RTD action.
by Amber Gibson | January 15, 2025

Steeping Sweetness: Milk Brew Provides a Fun Take on Cold Coffee

You’ve heard of cold brew. But what about milk brew? A common technique in coffee shops in Japan, more shops are trying steeping ground coffee beans in milk instead of the more typical cold…
by Amber Gibson | December 20, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Is Starbucks Writing Names on Cups Again Sweet or Silly?

Starbucks’ announced they’ll return to hand-writing customers’ names on their cups. We interview shop owners and ask: is writing names on cups silly or a way to build connection with customers?
by Amber Gibson | December 11, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Starbucks Cut Back on Discounts, But Were Discounts Ever Worth It? 

Following Starbucks’ recent decision to cut back on drink promotions, we asked coffee shops if offering discounts is ever really worth it—and how they find success through thoughtful, targeted promotions.
by Amber Gibson | November 6, 2024

Behind the Headlines: Whole-Bean Coffee Sales Are Up—But Why?

New reports suggest whole-bean coffee sales are on the rise. But what’s fueling that growth? We ask roasters what they think.
by Amber Gibson | October 30, 2024

Just Add Water: The Potential and Possibility of Coffee Concentrates

Coffee concentrates offer more than a convenient way to make coffee on the go. Innovators across the industry are using concentrates to reach new customers and enter new markets.
by Amber Gibson | February 7, 2024