Espresso Some Love for Valentine's Day 2023 with these Coffee Gifts

When most people think of Valentine's Day, the first things that come to mind are traditional gifts like flowers, chocolates and champagne.

While these are all perfectly adequate ideas, let's be honest - there's not much to excite coffee aficionados. So, if your other half is as fond of coffee as we are, what should you get them to show your love this year? How about one of these Valentine's Day coffee gifts?

Handmade coasters

Coffee lovers need coasters so why not push the boat out this Valentine's Day and get your partner some stylish and colourful ones they won't find on the highstreet? 

The ultimate coffee table accessory, these Mexico-inspired coasters will keep your furniture ring-free and brighten up any living area in which they're used. And, because they're hand-woven rather than wooden or plastic like most coasters, they're a guaranteed conversation piece for when guests come to visit.

Coffee body scrub

Coffee isn't only for drinking - it can also be used as part of an effective skin care routine!

Celebrated for their ability to leave your skin feeling nourished and moisturised, coffee scrubs even help combat breakouts, scars, stretch marks and cellulite.

This one from Frank Body, the world's leading coffee-based skincare company, is 100% natural and vegan, combining coffee, vitamin E and specially selected oils to leave skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

Once your coffee-loving other half tries it once, they'll never go back.

Classic cafetiere

One of the most widely used and best coffee filter machines in the world, cafetieres are a kitchen staple for many people and a brilliant gift for any coffee drinker who doesn't already own one.

Perfect for those that enjoy a full bodied coffee, cafetieres are easy to use - simply add freshly-boiled water and coffee grounds to the jug, leave for a few minutes, plunge the mesh filter down to the bottom of the beaker, then pour the brew straight into your mug. 

There are plenty to choose from in shops and online but a couple of our favourites are this 34oz glass and stainless steel French press from Bodum and this large capacity, double-wall insulated beauty from Coffee Gator.

Coffee necklace

Why not show your loved one how you feel about them with this charming coffee-themed necklace?

Made from sterling silver, this sweet piece of jewellery is eye-catching yet subtle, with a heart cutout that's impossible not to fall in love with. It even comes with a velvet storage bag and presentation gift box!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, why not pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards? When you prepay for five, they'll get the sixth completely free and it'll mocha their day!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here to find out more.

Happy Valentine's Day 2023 from everyone at Cafe2U!

We're happy whenever romance is in the air, so we hope everyone has a great time for Valentine's Day 2023. Our mobile coffee vans will be on the road as usual and you can get in touch with your nearest barista here if you'd like a quality brew delivered straight to your sweetheart's door!

Valentine's Day Coffee Gift Ideas

Regardless of your relationship status, you're probably aware that Valentine's Day takes place on Monday, February 14th. If you're in a relationship and you've only just realised that Valentine's Day is just around the corner then a) you're welcome and b) don't panic - we've got some gift ideas that your significant other is sure to appreciate. Assuming they're a coffee connoisseur, that is! And if they're not, maybe it's time to reassess your life choices…

So read on to find out which coffee-related presents we're recommending this Valentine's Day.

Milk frother

For many people, the best coffees come topped with a glorious, thick, bubbly layer of foam. However, making coffee shop-quality foam at home is almost impossible without a good quality frother.

The good news is that a wide variety of them are available for home use these days and our favourite is Italian coffee company Lavazza's milkEasy frother. Not only does it produce fantastic results across its three settings, the milkEasy is also spacious without taking up much room on your kitchen side, quiet as a mouse and a doddle to clean. Brewtiful.

Coffee storage container

If your partner is a coffee lover, they'll almost certainly have a favourite coffee bean they like to keep a steady supply of in their kitchen. But getting hold of quality coffee counts for nothing if it isn't stored correctly, so why not pick them up a stylish storage container to help them keep their precious beans fresh by keeping them away from moisture, air, heat and light?

This stainless steel container from Coffee Gator is an excellent bit of kit, with a CO2 valve for freshness, a measuring scoop and, best of all, a date tracker to ensure the beans never go bad. It looks the business too and will have your other half wondering where it's bean all their life.

Something to read with their lunchtime brew

Having a coffee with friends is one of life's great delights but so too is enjoying one all by yourself, with nothing for company but peace, quiet, a couple of biscuits and a good book.

But if your significant other loves a good page-turner, finding a new one you're confident they'll enjoy can be a minefield. So what do you do? Get them a book about coffee, of course!

While there are literally hundreds to choose from, we had a great time reading Brian Williams' The Philosophy of Coffee. The brains behind the popular 'Brian's Coffee Spot' blog, this bright and breezy book takes a look at the culture and history of coffee in an accessible and entertaining way - perfect for a lazy afternoon on the couch. You can order a copy here.

Ceramic coffee cups

Something about fancy mugs just makes coffee taste better so what better way to say 'you mocha me so happy' this Valentine's Day than with a set of ceramic coffee cups?

These 320ml stacking mugs from Japanese company Kinto come in a range of colours, are the ideal combination of style and substance and are guaranteed to brighten up any coffee table. We're getting thirsty just looking at them!

A prepaid Cafe2U card

If your partner is a Cafe2U customer, you can pick up the tab for their next few visits with one of our gift cards; pay for five and they'll get the sixth completely free! Words cannot espresso how much they'll appreciate it.

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We love a bit of romance at Cafe2U, so we hope everyone has a great time on Valentine's Day. Our mobile baristas will be out and about all day as usual so get in touch if you need a cup of the black stuff delivering to your door.

Valentine’s Day Coffee Recipes

It’s Valentine's Day and here at Cafe2U we know that there’s nothing that says I love you more than a great cup of coffee. So we’ve created a list of special Valentine’s Day coffee recipes that will surely woo over your significant other - take a look below! 

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mocha

In the true spirit of Valentine’s Day we have found a drink based on an iconic Valentine’s treat – chocolate covered strawberries syrup added to a wonderful mocha! Here’s what you’ll need to make this one, it relatively simple:

• 2 tbsp chocolate sauce

• 1 tbsp strawberry syrup

• 1 cup of milk

• 2 shots espresso, or 4 oz strong brewed coffee

Once you have gathered your ingredients, add 1 tbsp of strawberry syrup to your cup of milk. Stir to combine, then froth the milk. 

In a heat resistant glass, add in 2 tbsp of the chocolate, and brew 2 shots espresso or 4 oz strong brewed coffee over the chocolate sauce. 

Stir to mix any remaining unmelted chocolate sauce with the espresso. Add the milk and strawberry mixture, and then top this beauty with your strawberry milk froth.

Then you should be ready to enjoy your creation! Take a full look at the recipe here. 

Red Velvet Latte

This coffee drink is the perfect indulgent treat for the end of a romantic evening. One of the most tasty coffees here’s what you will need:

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 3oz semi-sweet chocolate chunks

• 1/4 tsp red food colouring

• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup fresh brewed coffee

Then all you have to do is combine your ingredients! Bring your milk and sugar to simmer on medium heat and stir in your sugar to dissolve it. 

Remove it then from the heat, then stir in chocolate until it has melted. 

Once your chocolate has melted in, add your food colouring, coffee and your vanilla extract - then you’re all set to serve it warm! 

Take a look at the full recipe from here. 

Caramel Coffee

Another ideal treat for those with a sweet tooth. This coffee is what it says on the tin, this gorgeous drink is the perfect post-Valentine dinner treat, combining two of our favourites: coffee and caramel. Here’s all you’ll need to get started:

• Milk

• Caramel Sauce 

• Brown Sugar

• Coffee

• Whipped Cream

Begin by brewing a cup of coffee, while the coffee is brewing, heat some milk, caramel sauce and a touch of brown sugar in a small saucepan on the hob, until it’s steaming.

Then all you have to do is combine the coffee and the warmed milk in mugs and top with whipped cream and more sauce. 

Find the full recipe here with links to places that can help as well. 

Black Forest Latte

Combining more sweet flavours, cherry and chocolate! This is a classic drink that you can now make at home. For those that have already tasted the strawberry chocolate fused mocha will love this one! 

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• One double shot of espresso

• About 6 ounces of steamed milk

• 1oz Stirling Black Cherry syrup

• 1oz Stirling German Chocolate syrup

• Whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings (to garnish)

• Cherries

To make this you first must brew a double shot of espresso and steam your milk. Pour the brewed espresso into your glass. 

Add your ounce of Black Cherry syrup and then add the ounce of delicious chocolate syrup. 

Then all you need to do is add the steamed milk. 

Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and cherries - to make it look fantastic! 

You can find the full recipe here. 

Let Cafe2U Treat You this Valentine’s Day

If you don’t fancy making any of these or don’t have the time, let Cafe2U treat you. We have great choices for coffees with our new menu. 

With vans up and down the country find the nearest one to you today and celebrate the day with Cafe2U!