Autumn Drink Recipes to Warm Your Day.

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing better than warming up with a delicious seasonal drink. 

At Cafe2U, we're getting ready to launch our autumn drink range, which promises to boast cosy flavours and heart - and hand! - warming results, with flavours like spiced cinnamon, caramel and pumpkin spice to the fore!

So whether you're after a Pumpkin Spice Latte or a decadent Maple Cinnamon Macchiato, here are some of our favourite autumn drinks and how to make them!

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 200ml steamed milk

• 2 tbsp pumpkin spice syrup

• Whipped cream

• Cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:
Brew your espresso and stir in the pumpkin spice syrup. Add steamed milk and finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

2. Caramel Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 250ml fresh apple cider

• 2 tbsp caramel syrup

• Whipped cream

• Cinnamon stick

Instructions:
Heat the apple cider in a saucepan, stirring in the caramel syrup until combined. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream, adding a cinnamon stick for an extra autumnal touch.

3. Spiced Mocha Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• 200ml steamed milk

• Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

• Whipped cream

Instructions:
Mix cocoa powder with cinnamon and nutmeg in a mug, brew your espresso over the mixture, then stir in the steamed milk. Top with whipped cream for a delightful, spiced finish.

4. Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 150ml chai tea concentrate

• 150ml steamed milk

• Honey to taste

• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:
Heat the chai tea concentrate and milk together, sweeten with honey, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a soothing drink.

5. Maple Cinnamon  Macchiato

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso

• 200ml steamed milk

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:
Brew the espresso and mix in the maple syrup. Add the steamed milk, then sprinkle cinnamon on top for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Happy autumn from Cafe2U!

These autumn recipes will add warmth to your day, whether you’re enjoying them at home or grabbing a cup from your local Cafe2U van.

Each drink is designed to reflect the comforting flavours of the season, making it easy to embrace the cooler weather with a smile. Enjoy, and don’t forget to check out our mobile vans for more autumnal treats!

The Cafe2U Guide to Breakfast Bowls.

Popular wisdom has it that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, with approximately 89% of the UK enjoying it every morning, it's clear that the old adage is still true.

What has changed is what we're eating. Thanks to the rise of cafes serving healthy, vibrant breakfasts inspired by Australia and New Zealand, 'breakfast bowls' have become one of the most popular breakfast options, both outside the home and in our own kitchens and especially during the summer months.

Bursting with colour, breakfast bowls allow you to start your day with superfoods (nutrient-rich foods that benefit your health and wellbeing) such as kale, fresh fruit, berries, granola and quinoa. The idea is to deliver a meal that is tasty, healthy and quick to make. 

With summer beginning to draw to an end, here are some of our favourites for you to try at home while the sun's still shining!

Gluten free peanut butter and fruit quinoa.

This delicious breakfast quinoa makes four servings of just 290 calories each that look amazing, taste even better and will keep you energised until lunchtime.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 2 cups of water

• 1 cup of quinoa

• ¼ cup of apple juice

• 3 tablespoons reduced fat peanut butter

• 1 banana, chopped

• 1 small handful of strawberries or raspberries

• 4 teaspoons unsalted peanuts

Combine the quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, then cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat, then stir in the apple juice and peanut butter until combined. Stir in the banana.

Next, divide the mixture among four bowls and top with some of the strawberries/raspberries and peanuts. And enjoy!

Tropical Smoothie Bowl.

Bring some sunshine to your kitchen table with this sweet, tropical, vegan blend that's packed with vitamins and minerals.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 1 small mango, cut into chunks

• 200g pineapple, cut into chunks

• 2 bananas

• 2 tbsp coconut yoghurt (not coconut-flavoured yoghurt)

• 150ml coconut drinking milk

• 2 passion fruits

• handful of blueberries

• 2 tbsp coconut flakes

• mint leaves

Put the mango, pineapple, bananas, yoghurt and coconut milk in a blender, then blitz until smooth. Pour into two bowls and top with the passion fruit, blueberries, coconut flakes and mint leaves just before serving.

Vanilla-almond chia breakfast bowl.

This bowl combines seeds, nuts, fruit and oats for a fibre-packed meal that will keep you fuller for longer.

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 50g jumbo porridge oats

• 200ml unsweetened almond milk 

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp low-fat natural yoghurt

• 25g chia seeds

• 150g of blueberries

• 25g flaked almonds

• clear honey

Mix the oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, yoghurt and chia seeds in a bowl and set aside for 20 minutes or until the oats have softened. Stir through half the blueberries, divide the mixture between two bowls and top with the remaining berries, almonds and honey (to taste).

Partner your bowl with the right coffee.
Whichever breakfast bowl you decide to try, a cup of nutrient-packed coffee makes the perfect accompaniment and will help raise your energy levels further still. Find your favourite coffee at your nearest Cafe2U van here!

Afternoon Tea Week 2024.

Taking place from August 12th - 18th, Afternoon Tea Week is a typically-English celebration of the joys of getting together with friends and family for a hot drink, a bite to eat and a good old chat

Originally designed to promote afternoon tea by encouraging cafes, restaurants and hotels to offer discounts and special offers to entice as many people as possible to join in the fun, Afternoon Tea Week has since morphed into something even larger, with many people choosing to throw their own events.

So if you fancy playing host this year, what should you serve? Read on to find out!

What should I serve?

Once you've set a date and time and sent invitations to your nearest and dearest, it's time to decide what to serve.

While the beauty of being the host is that you can serve whatever you want, you probably won't want to stray too far from a traditional afternoon tea menu, so offer your guests a selection of teas for starters. English breakfast is a must-have but you should also consider Earl Grey, camomile, chai and fruit teas as well. Coffee options are certain to be well received too, while having some hot chocolate available for those with a sweet tooth won't hurt either.

Aside from remembering to stock up on milk and sugar, and ensuring your mugs/cups/fine china is all clean, the only other thing you need to worry about now is what treats to serve. Scones and Victoria sponge cake are your classic options here… so here's how to make them!

Fruit scones.

Served with jam and clotted cream, these babies go perfectly with any and all hot drinks!

Ingredients.

To make eight fruit scones, you will need:

• 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 85g butter, cut into cubes

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 175ml milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• squeeze of lemon juice

• 100g sultanas

• beaten egg to glaze

• jam and clotted cream, to serve

Begin by heating your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Next, tip the flour into a large bowl with the salt and baking powder, then mix. Add the butter, then rub in with your fingers until the mix looks like fine crumbs. Stir in the sugar.

Put the milk into a jug and heat in the microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment. Put a baking sheet in the oven.

Make a well in the dry mix, then add the liquid and sultanas and combine with a cutlery knife, then scatter some flour onto a work surface and tip the dough out. Dredge the dough and your hands with a little more flour, then fold the dough over two or three times until smoother. Pat into a round about 4cm deep.

Take a 5cm cutter and dip it into some flour. Plunge into the dough, then repeat until you have four scones. You may need to press what’s left of the dough back into a round to cut out four more.

Brush the tops with beaten egg, then carefully place onto the hot baking tray. Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Serve warm with jam, clotted cream and a hot drink!

Victoria Sponge Cake.

Delicious, traditional and easy to make, Victoria sponges are an afternoon tea staple!

Ingredients.

To make a Victoria sponge cake, you will need:

• 200g caster sugar

• 200g softened butter

• 4 eggs, beaten

• 200g self-raising flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp milk

For the filling, you will need:

• 100g butter, softened

• 140g icing sugar, sifted

• vanilla extract

• half a 340g jar good-quality strawberry jam

• icing sugar, to decorate

Heat your oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Butter two 20cm sandwich tins and line with non-stick baking paper.

In a large bowl, beat 200g caster sugar, 200g softened butter, 4 beaten eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 1 tsp baking powder and 2 tbsp milk together until you have a smooth, soft batter.

Divide the mixture between the tins, then smooth the surfaces with a spatula. Bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed, then turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.

To make the filling, beat the 100g softened butter until smooth and creamy, then gradually beat in 140g sifted icing sugar and a drop of vanilla extract. Spread the buttercream over the bottom of one of the sponges. Top it with 170g strawberry jam and sandwich the second sponge on top. Dust with a little icing sugar, then serve. 

We can help you throw a tea party to remember!

If you'd like some top quality coffee to go with your tea party bakes, contact your local Cafe2U van here and we'll deliver some straight to your door!

National Ice Cream Day: Coffee and Ice Cream Pairings To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth!

Taking place on the third Sunday of July every year, National Ice Cream Day is fast approaching… and not a moment too soon, with a spot of hot, dry weather currently forecast for the coming days.

With more appropriate seasonal weather due to arrive, we've decided to combine two of our favourite treats - coffee and ice cream - and present you with our guide on how to perfectly pair one with the other.

Let's get started!

Affogato.

A nice easy one to start. A classic summer dessert that's easy to make, affogatos are perfect for lovers of espresso and vanilla ice cream.

Simply spoon two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a bowl, then pour over a freshly brewed cup of dark-roast espresso and, err, that's it! 

Bitter, sweet, hot, cold - affogato has it all! You can even add some crunch to yours by crushing a couple of your favourite biscuits (amaretti or biscotti work a treat!) and sprinkling them on top.

Coffee milkshake.

A milkshake for adults? Sign us up!

Ingredients.

To make four coffee milkshakes, you will need:

• 85g plain chocolate, 70% or 80%

• 1 tbsp coffee granules

• 700ml milk

• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, plus extra to serve (optional)

First, roughly chop 75g of chocolate and place in a large jug with the coffee granules. Next, bring 300ml of the milk just to the boil, then pour over the chocolate and coffee mix, stirring to melt. Once melted, cool.

Tip the cooled milk into a blender with the ice cream and remaining milk. Blitz until blended, then pour into four glasses. Add an extra scoop of ice cream to each, if you like, then grate a little of the remaining chocolate on top to serve.

Creamy, rich, chocolatey and perfect for lazy summer evenings, everyone should commit this recipe to memory!

Send us your suggestions!

Those are just a couple of ways you can celebrate National Ice Cream Day - let us know how you like to incorporate ice cream into your coffee on our social channels!

Plastic Free July.

Plastic Free July is all about refusing to use single-use plastics - items made from plastic that are only used once before being thrown away.

The problem with the 'plastic waste' associated with single use plastics is that it doesn't break down, it just breaks up into smaller pieces, producing toxic chemicals that are detrimental to wildlife and the environment.

Plastic Free July also helps raise awareness of this issue and encourages people all over the world to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use.

To celebrate, we're taking a look at the plastic-free and environmentally-friendly practices we've adopted at Cafe2U.

No plastic straws!

We've replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint.

Like disposable coffee cups, plastic straws can't be reused and usually end up in landfill. By using recyclable paper straws instead, consumers can play their part in reducing the amount that literally ends up going up in smoke.

Compostable paper cups.

Available from your local Cafe2U van, our compostable cups are biodegradable, so they can be composted or recycled, reducing waste and ensuring fewer items are sent to landfill. With people in the UK drinking approximately 95 million cups of coffee every day, we need to convince consumers to move away from single use cups as soon as possible.

We also offer reusable cups… and even give them away free with certain purchases every once in a while! Contact your nearest Cafe2U van here to find out more!

Coffee grounds recycling scheme.

Periodically, we also give customers the opportunity to take our used coffee grounds away with them absolutely free.

Normally, used coffee grounds are thrown in the bin, where they end up as landfill or in an incinerator. However, neither option is good for the environment, which is why we want to let more people know that they can also be recycled, reducing harmful greenhouse gases and giving your latte a second life.

Used coffee grounds have a number of uses, including:

1. repelling insects. Simply put the used grounds in a bowl outside and burn them like incense. The grounds are very potent and will drive pests away in no time.

2. making a useful fertiliser. Sprinkling used grounds - which are packed with key nutrients - on the soil surrounding your plants will encourage them to grow quicker.

3. helping compost heaps. By adding some used grounds to your compost heap, you'll improve its structure and attract worms, which speed up the process by turning food scraps into compost.

4. eliminating smells. A handful of used coffee grounds in your fridge will absorb food odours and ensure your meals taste like they should.

5. cleaning your pans. A couple of spoonfuls of used coffee grounds are abrasive enough to clean the dirtiest of pans - just apply the grounds to a cloth and get scrubbing! Remember to check a small area of the pan first to make sure the grounds don't stain the surface.

Emission-free deliveries.

If you get your coffee delivered to your home or workplace, make sure you use a company that only uses electric vehicles - like us! 

Yep, we were the first mobile coffee company in the world to introduce a fleet of all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee vans. By changing the fleet to electric power, we estimate we'll save a whopping 12,672g of CO2 per year!

We need your help!

Supporting efforts to reduce plastic waste is easy - simply pick up a reusable or compostable cup next time you visit your local Cafe2U van and, if you could use some, take some of our used grounds away with you. You'll be helping us help the planet!

Find your nearest Cafe2U van here.

How To Make A Barbecue Coffee Rub.

The imminent arrival of summer coupled with the long evenings getting warmer can mean only one thing: it's National Barbecue Week!

Running from June 3rd - 9th, National Barbecue Week has been celebrated by hungry Brits since its inception in 1997. A lot's changed in the nation's approach to barbies in the last 24 years, with the types of foods being prepared high on that list. Burgers, sausages and kebabs will always be favourites but veggies, meat-free alternatives and unusual ingredients have all become commonplace at your average garden cook-out. 

One ingredient that continues to be overlooked, however, is coffee.

Although some may say that coffee and smoky meats aren't exactly obvious bed fellows, we beg to differ. And after you've tried our incredible Barbecue Coffee Rub recipe, we think you'll agree!

What Is A Rub?

A rub is a mixture of spices and/or herbs that is applied to meats before cooking to add flavour. Unlike marinades, which need to be left covering food for several hours, rubs season meats quickly and are easy to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu BBQs. They also add texture and help give meats those delicious, dark crusts so beloved by barbie aficionados, especially if cooked at a low heat for a long time.

Why Use Coffee?

The first thing to say is that a coffee-based rub WON'T make your food taste like an espresso. It will, however, add a deep, rich, earthy flavour that enhances the savoury flavours already at play. Because coffee is highly acidic, it will also help tenderize your meat, making it juicier and less chewy.

Barbecue Coffee Rub Recipe.

This rub can be used on any meat but works particularly well with beef. To make the rub, you will need:

• ¼ cup of freshly ground coffee

• Two tablespoons of brown sugar

• Two tablespoons of garlic powder

• Two tablespoons of onion powder

• Two tablespoons of cayenne pepper (this can be omitted if you don't like spicy food)

• Two tablespoons of paprika (normal, sweet or smoked)

• One tablespoon of ground cumin

• One tablespoon of kosher salt

In a bowl, mix the ingredients together thoroughly. If you have one, transfer the rub to a shaker to make it easier to apply. Then pat your meat dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture from its surface as possible.

If you want, you can add a binding agent - be creative here. We love smothering beef, lamb or pork in French’s mustard or even a generous helping of Worcestershire Sauce! Next, apply the rub all over the meat. If you don't have a shaker, simply rub it in with your hands. How much you want to use is a personal choice but one tablespoon per pound of meat is a good rule of thumb. If in doubt, be generous!

Although the rub can be applied just before cooking, the longer it sits on the meat, the more tender and flavourful it will become. Try to apply the rub at least an hour before cooking; if possible, do it the day before.

Put the rubbed meat on a plate, cover it with cling film or tin foil and place it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. Any leftover rub can be stored in an airtight container and left in the fridge for as long as six months.

Finally, barbecue or smoke the meat as usual but remember not to use any oil as it will spoil the crust.

What Coffee Should I Use?

Again, this really comes down to personal preference but, as a rule, dark roasts give a more robust flavour, whereas light roasts are more subtle.

If possible, use freshly ground coffee as it tenderizes the meat quicker and more effectively than beans which aren't freshly ground. Instant/pre-ground coffee granules also work well.

If you do opt for freshly ground coffee, use a medium grind. Finely ground coffee is not a good idea as it is smaller than most of the other rub ingredients, so it will coat the meat first and prevent the other flavours from coming through. Coarse ground coffee, on the other hand, is too big and won't stick efficiently to the meat.

So there you have it. When it's time to impress the guests at your next BBQ, just bring out the coffee!

At Cafe2U, we offer a wide range of quality bagged coffee beans - and our baristas will be happy to grind it for you to use - so find your nearest van here and book a delivery today.

Euro 2024 - How Do Other European Nations Like Their Coffee?

In England, the humble latte is the most popular type of coffee but there are an almost infinite number of ways the drink can be enjoyed.

Now the Euro 2024 football tournament is nearly underway, what better time to take a look at some of the ways coffee is consumed by our European neighbours?

Italy.

As the world capital of coffee, Italy knows a thing or two about drinking the black stuff. Espressos are the most popular option, with Italians typically drinking multiple cups each day.

Rich and thick, espressos are brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water through finely ground coffee beans and, in Italy, are commonly served with a slice of lemon to bring out their sweeter flavours. 

Despite increasing your metabolism, helping you burn calories faster and being delicious, professional athletes are still more likely to opt for water at half-time.

Portugal.

A refreshing twist on a classic, one of the most popular coffees in Portugal is the Mazagran, aka the original iced coffee.

Available in any Portuguese pastelaria worth its salt, Mazagran is a sweetened, cold beverage that typically consists of espresso and lemon juice. However, the lemon can be replaced with rum for coffee fans in need of an even stronger kick. Ronaldo might not approve.

Turkey.

Turkish coffee, or Türk kahvesi, is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans and is one of the most popular types of coffee in the world due to its seriously high strength.

Simmered in a special brass pot known as a cezve, Turkish coffee is rich and gets its potency from being unfiltered, resulting in a higher concentration of caffeine and a drink that should come with a warning. Not for the faint-hearted.

Spain.

Among the best looking of all coffees, Spanish cafe bombon coffees are a sweet-toothed coffee lover's dream.

Sugary and so thick you can chew them, cafe bombons are equal parts black coffee and sweetened, condensed milk, served in a glass in order to appeal to the eyes as much as the taste buds. 

By slowly adding the milk to the coffee, the milk sinks to the bottom of the glass and separates, resulting in a coffee in two distinct, irresistible layers. Classy.

Cafe2U FC.

Whichever type of coffee you prefer, we're confident you'll find something to love among our range of quality Cafe2U coffees. Find your nearest van here and place an order today!