Weird and Wonderful Coffee Stories

Coffee has been around for such a long time that almost everyone knows a little something about it - that it (probably) originated in Ethiopia, that it's the most traded commodity in the world apart from crude oil, that it keeps you alert and so on.

But with such a long history, you'd think everything there is to know about coffee would already be common knowledge.

Not so. The story of the world's most popular drink has more than its fair share of unusual chapters and we're going to take a look at some of them here.

People will go to great lengths to make the tastiest coffee

Typically, coffee is prepared by grinding coffee beans which then have hot water poured over them. Typically, but not always... 

One of the most expensive and sought after coffees in the world is Black Ivory Coffee from Thailand, which sells for as much as $1,100 per kilogram and $50 per cup in some establishments. But why is it so expensive? Because it's made from elephant dung, of course!

Yes, believe it or not, the coffee's incredible taste is the result of feeding coffee beans to elephants, then recovering them from the elephants' dung once they've been 'processed'. The elephants' digestive juices fermenting the berries is what gives the coffee its delicious taste and, we're not going to lie, we'd definitely try a cup. Probably best not to try this one at home though.

Fantastic filters

Until roughly 100 years ago, if you were lucky, your coffee filters were made of cloth; if you were unlucky, you made use of whatever was to hand, such as a sock. However, even if you could afford cloth filters, they had a tendency to over-brew the coffee and make it taste bitter, so a new solution was required.

Enter Melitta Benz, a German homemaker. Fed up with disappointing coffee, she took a page from her son's school book and filtered her morning brew through it. Delighted with the results, Melitta patented her invention and the paper coffee filter brewing system was born.

The Catholic church had to stop coffee being outlawed

It wasn't just alcoholic drinks that used to be prohibited - in the 16th century, coffee was banned in Europe.

The drink first reached European shores - Venice, Italy, to be precise - from Arabia. European travellers were already aware of coffee and described it as mysterious and intoxicating, which resulted in European Catholics, who were wary of the drink's perceived Muslim background, decrying it as 'the bitter invention of Satan' and having it outlawed.

Luckily, Pope Clement VIII was on hand to calm the situation down and decided to sample a cup for himself. On tasting it, he proclaimed that it was a Christian as well as a Muslim drink and that it would be a sin to let only pagans enjoy it. Following the Pope's approval, coffee began to spread across Europe and the rest, as they say, is history.

Top quality, convenient coffee

At Cafe2U, we love making coffee. And while you're welcome to sift through elephant poop to make coffee which needs to be filtered through a sock and/or risk being banned by the church, we think contacting your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista here and buying a coffee from them is much easier.

Summer Iced Coffee Recipes

When the sun comes out and the temperature soars, caffeine lovers often find themselves facing a conundrum - what should I drink when it's too hot for coffee?

The answer, of course, is iced coffee!

Cool, refreshing and delicious, iced coffee's popularity has grown steadily in recent years and the drink is now a summertime staple throughout the UK. It's also easy to make and tailor to your own tastes, so refill your ice tray and we'll explain how it's done.

Basic iced coffee

Iced coffee can either be poured hot over ice or served already chilled. If you're attempting the latter, start by making a cup of strong black coffee, then allow it to go completely cold. Pour it into a blender, add a quarter of a cup of milk, two handfuls of ice and syrup - if using - then blend until smooth and serve in a tall glass.

If you usually add sugar to your brew, remember it doesn't dissolve easily in cold liquids, so you'll need to add it to the coffee before it cools or swap it for a sugary syrup. And don't worry about it being too strong as the ice will dilute and weaken the coffee.

Coffee lemonade

If there's a drink that symbolises summer better than lemonade, we've yet to try it. Combining it with a hit of caffeine results in a refreshing drink you'll want to make every time the sun's out.

Making coffee lemonade couldn't be simpler. Just combine cold black coffee, ½ a cup of orange juice, ⅓ of a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ⅓ of a cup of honey and two handfuls of ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass half filled with more ice cubes and enjoy!

The sweet treat

When the first ingredient is ice cream, you know you're onto a winner!

Put a scoop of your favourite ice cream into a tall glass, cover it with cold black coffee, add another scoop of ice cream, then finish with a dash of sparkling water to make the whole thing fizz. 

For an even greater sugar fix, thread your favourite jelly or gummy sweets onto a toothpick and lay across the mouth of the glass.

Peanut butter iced coffee

Okay, peanut butter isn't traditionally associated with summer, but trust us, this rich, creamy recipe will quench your thirst and cool you down in no time.

To make, simply combine peanut butter, Nutella and cream in a saucepan, then heat gently while whisking until the mixture is melted and smooth. Leave it to cool in the fridge, then pour into a blender alongside the black coffee and ice and blitz until foamy. 

At Cafe2U, we love experimenting with new flavours and ingredients all year round. Find your nearest Cafe2U mobile barista for more details and be sure to ask about our summer range.

Setting Your Franchise Up For Success

The Tokyo Olympics are now well underway and, with double figures in the medals already, this is the best start for a British team in Games history - and the highest number of gold medals for Britain at this point.

With Team GB impressing from the start, we've taken a look at what we can learn from its sporting success and how it can be applied to our businesses to ensure we stay ahead of the competition.

Teamwork

If you've listened to the winning Olympians' post-event interviews, you will have noticed that almost all of them emphasise the importance of teamwork, with their coaches, trainers, nutritionists and families often receiving special praise. What you won't have heard is an athlete claiming their success was down to them and them alone.

At Cafe2U, we know that, just like athletes, our franchisees can't succeed without support, so, in addition to providing them with a support network to cheer them on, coach them and challenge them, we also provide them with a comprehensive four-week training course to ensure they have the skills necessary to hit the road as a qualified mobile coffee business owner.

From barista training to business processes training, our Franchise Development Managers are always there to help our franchisees reach the top of the coffee podium.

Confidence

Just like athletes need to believe in their own abilities, entrepreneurs must be bullish about their chances of becoming the best.

At Cafe2U, we assess potential franchisees to ensure our business is right for them, so when they start up their mobile coffee business, they can be confident that we have faith in them and will be there to cheer them on, no matter what.

In fact, we're so confident that our new franchisees will do a great job, we offer a £275 per day income guarantee during the early days of their franchise.

Passion

Why do athletes limit their calorie intakes and put their bodies through stress, pain and the risk of injury? Why are they constantly looking for ways to improve performance? Because they're passionate about what they do and they want to be the best at it.

The same is true of successful entrepreneurs. Setting up your own business is hard, stressful and demanding, and inevitably involves encountering obstacles. If you're not passionate about the thing you do, you won't be motivated to overcome those obstacles and you'll fail.

Fortunately, many people are incredibly passionate about coffee, including us. From our unique blend, which is sourced from some of the finest growing regions in the world and roasted by small batch coffee roasters, to the expertise provided by our barista trainer, passion goes into every cup of coffee you'll sell. 

Practice, evolve, improve

In addition to determination, drive and focus, practice is the most important weapon in an athlete's armour, and the same is true of Cafe2U franchisees. 

Practice enables you to learn and expand your skill set, two abilities that are vital for any successful businessperson. Cafe2U has been on the road for more than 17 years and, although we know the coffee industry like the back of our hand, we're constantly creating new avenues for growth and keeping up to date with new trends so we can ensure our franchisees have the latest equipment and are familiar with any new changes in the industry.

Our weekly newsletter also communicates new insights to our franchisees that help boost their bottom lines, whether it's news about new discounts that have been negotiated or ways to source weekend events. We believe there's no finishing line when it comes to improvement.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Cafe2U franchisee, find out more about the process here.

Euro 2020 - How do Other European Nations have 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 belated Euro 2020 football tournament is finally 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.

Finland

Finland may be something of an unknown quantity when it comes to its national football team but, in the UK, even less is known about Kaffeost, one of the country's traditional drinks.

A combination of coffee and cheese cubes - which are immersed in the liquid - Kaffeost is traditionally 'enjoyed' by groups of Finns as a welcome drink. Opinion is divided about whether the cheese should be eaten before the coffee is drunk or vice-versa but one thing Kaffeost fans agree on is that it should be drunk before the coffee becomes cold and somehow makes the whole thing taste even worse.

In the European Championship of coffees, this one is unlikely to make it out of the group stage.

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 that look and taste classier than Andrés Iniesta in a three piece suit.

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 make a booking.

Father's Day Gift Ideas with a Coffee Twist

Father's Day is almost upon us, which means it's time for children across the UK to rack their brains and try to find a suitable gift for the hardest person in their life to buy a gift for: dear old dad.

While traditional presents like books, whiskey, slippers and novelty aprons are all well and good, nothing beats giving your old man a present he genuinely didn't see coming, so why not surprise him with one of these coffee-related gifts?

Coffee Mug Warmer

Ensure the paternal coffee lover in your life never has to face a cold brew ever again with a stylish mug warmer. 

Designed to keep hot drinks hot or make cold drinks warm again, this nifty little mug warmer can be set to one of three temperatures, is suitable for various mug sizes and features an auto shut-off feature in case your dad falls asleep in front of the tv with it on. Buy one here.

Good Coffee

What better present for a coffee lover than some top notch coffee? 

Our baristas use only grade 1 beans sourced from micro lots (single plots of land on a specific farm) to guarantee the highest quality coffee and bags of these very same beans are now available to enjoy at home. Contact your nearest Cafe2U barista here and your dad will be brewing like Captain Starbucks in no time.

Coffee Bean Plant

Not only will this coffee arabica plant enable your dad to grow his own coffee beans, it will also add a dash of colour to his life.

A word of caution, though - growing coffee requires a lot of patience and it could be months before he starts to see any results. Remember, a coffee bean plant is for life, not just for elevenses.

Coffee Stencil Set

For dads with a serious coffee habit, how about a stencil set to help him wow visitors?

This stainless steel set of 16 stencils will unleash your dad's inner coffee artiste, letting him decorate his brews with cool designs guaranteed to raise a smile and make him the envy of his coffee-loving mates.

Coffee Grinder

Having your own coffee grinder is the key to making great coffee at home so treating your dad to a quality grinder is sure to get you in his good books. 

There are a wealth of options to suit every budget but we recommend this conical burr coffee grinder - easy to use and with a whopping 19 grind settings, it delivers great results, looks fantastic and doesn't cost the earth.

Prepaid Cafe2U Card

If your dad is a regular Cafe2U customer, make his next few visits free by picking him up one of our prepaid gift cards. Better still, if you pre-pay for five coffees, you'll get the sixth one free!

Get in touch with your nearest Cafe2U barista here.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, we hope you all have a great day. Our Cafe2U vans will be on the road as usual to help you celebrate if you're out and about.

Which Biscuits Go Best With Coffee?

Ben & Jerry's. Marks and Spencer. Burger and fries! Some things just go well together, bringing out the best qualities in the other and ensuring the results are greater than the sum of their parts.

Perhaps the best example of this is a hot beverage and a biscuit. When break time rolls around, is there anything more satisfying than pairing a fresh cup of coffee with a tasty biscuit? Of course not.

The question is, with so many to choose from, which biscuit goes best with a mug of coffee? To celebrate the imminent arrival of National Biscuit Day on May 29th, we've compiled a list of some of the top biscuits to enjoy with a steaming hot brew.

8. Ginger Nuts

Gingery, delicious and steadfast in the face of repeated dunking, ginger nuts are one of the UK's most beloved biscuits and rightly so. However, there's a reason ginger and coffee isn't a common combo. An acquired taste.

7. Party Rings

Yes, the colourful, crunchy biscuits that are still required by law to be served at every child's birthday party. Childish? Perhaps. Delicious with a cup of coffee, especially when the icing starts to melt? Absolutely. One for sweet-toothed coffee aficionados.

6. Rich Tea

One of the founding members of the Biscuit Premier League, Rich Tea biscuits live and die by their no-frills approach. They're a safe bet, nobody dislikes them and there's no question they go well with a coffee. Unfortunately, the game's moved on since the Rich Tea's heyday and modern fans expect something more exotic from their biscuit.

5. Maryland Cookies

If we're splitting hairs then, yes, technically this is a cookie and not a biscuit. But if it's a chocolatey treat you want with your coffee, these bad boys are hard to beat. Robust yet satisfyingly melty once dunked, these classic cookies have chunks in all the right places.

4. Biscotti

Like cookies, some purists may question biscotti's inclusion on this list. But if you can't get past the fact that they're a different shape to your common or garden biscuit, you're really missing a trick. Originating in Italy, these twice-baked, almond flavoured delights were born to be enjoyed with a fresh cup of good coffee.

3. Shortbread

Ah shortbread. Neither short nor bread-like, what these classic biscuits lack in a sensible name they more than make up for in deliciousness. Dense, sweet, buttery and among the driest biscuits on the market, eating shortbread without coffee simply isn't an option.

2. Dark Chocolate Digestives

Any variation on the classic digestive biscuit could easily have claimed second spot on this list however there's just something about the combination of rich, aromatic coffee and rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate that works so well together. Add in the crunch of the biscuit base and you've got yourself a contender for the biscuit-to-enjoy-with-a-coffee hall of fame.

1. Biscoff

When it comes to biscuits to enjoy with a coffee, nothing beats Biscoff. They're crunchy, they don't fall apart when dunked, they're small enough that you can eat several in a single sitting without feeling guilty and, most importantly, they're delicious. A combination of caramel and cinnamon - both excellent accompaniments to a cup of coffee on their own - Biscoff is biscuit royalty.

Whatever biscuit you prefer, be sure you match it with a quality coffee from Cafe2U. Find your nearest van here and make a booking.

Also, keep an eye on our social channels for our 'Best Biscuit To Have With Coffee' poll to help decide once and for all which biscuit is the best.

Things to Look Forward to After Lockdown

The government has now introduced a plan to get us out of lockdown, so we have decided to put together a list of all the coffee-related things you can enjoy each step of the way.

Outdoor Meetings and Sports - March 29th

If the return of schools goes smoothly, then we will be onto the next step of the roadmap of recovery. You can now plan to meet friends and family outdoors on March 29th - using the ‘rule of six’ or two households.

This step also includes the return of outdoor sports for adults and children. You can now participate in five-a-side football, jog with your friends, play golf and much more.

It’s important for sports to return for our physical and mental health - take a look at one of our previous blogs regarding coffee and exercise and how it can help to improve your fitness. We also recently listed out the health benefits that coffee can give you, both physically and mentally!

Retail to Open Back Up - April 12th

One of the first major steps is on 12th of April, which sees the return of retail and outdoor hospitality, with a few indoor facilities opening - we can all get our haircuts again! We can start planning to enjoy our lives a little bit more, with outdoor restaurants and pubs also taking bookings from the 12th.

Gyms will also be back open and ready for business - which is great news for fitness lovers. Make sure you grab a Cafe2U coffee before you head to the gym to maximize your workout - we are just a message away!

Indoor Activities to Return - May 17th

May 17th will see the return of indoor activities - we will be able to return to some of our favourite locations, like stadiums and restaurants.

You will be able to book indoor restaurants, visit the cinema and even see your favourite sports team live. Many of us will be returning to office life, so you’ll need to make sure you are fully caffeinated - check out our coffee benefits at work blog.

You will also be able to book one of our mobile coffee vans to bring you our award-winning menu of coffees and food to your workplace or event. Whether it’s an industrial estate, office block or a 10k run, our mobile cafés have got you covered.

No more Limits on Social Contact - June 21st

With hopefully no limits on social contact, large events, and nightclubs set to return on June 21st - the perfect time to enjoy a coffee wherever you like.

Cafe2U will be back in full capacity, serving our loyal customers across the United Kingdom - we can’t wait. We hope to see you all at a van this June enjoying a drink from our summer range.

Mother’s Day Coffee Gift Ideas

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to grab your coffee-loving mum a java-inspired gift. So we’ve put together a list of the best coffee gifts for this Mother’s Day, from reusable cups to your favourite Cafe2U coffee!

Their Very Own Ecoffee Cup

Grab a Cafe2U Ecoffee Cup for your coffee-loving, environmentally conscious mother from your local Cafe2U barista. Ecoffee’s mission is to encourage the use of reusable cups and we are proud to have teamed up with them to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to paper cups.

Espresso Martini Cocktail Kit

If you’re looking for something fun for the cocktail lover in your life, then this Espresso Martini kit from Not On The High Street is just what you need. It includes a recipe card with three cocktails, including the Espresso Martini, Cuppa Joe, and Toasted Almond.

Become your mum’s personal bartender this Mother’s Day and if you can’t be together, you can enjoy a cocktail or two over Zoom.

Ultimate Afternoon Tea Selection

Treat your mum to the ultimate afternoon tea with this wonderful hamper from Marks & Spencer - it comes with a few treats, cakes, ground coffee and a selection of tea. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your mum!

Coffees of the World Gift Set

This Whittards Coffee of the World Gift Set offers a selection of brews to fit any mood, and perfect for any coffee-loving mum. From the rich and chocolatey to the sweet and fruity there’s plenty of flavours and nations to explore.

Treat them to a Cafe2U Coffee

If you or your mum are regular Cafe2U visitors you can purchase the same delicious coffee you enjoy everyday as a gift to enjoy at home, or you could simply order their favourite coffee straight to their door using the Cafe2U app.

We have a huge selection of coffee, tea and hot chocolate available - take a look at the full menu here.

We are still on the Road

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Mother’s Day and get to spend time with your loved ones. Remember, we are still on the road, ready to serve our freshly-brewed, barista-made coffee and hot drinks all over the UK.

5 Reasons to Become a Cafe2U Franchisee

Are you looking to start your own franchise business? Then Cafe2U is perfect for you - within 4-6 weeks you could be a qualified barista and mobile coffee franchise owner, serving your first customers in your own exclusive area. 

Want to know more? Below we have listed 5 reasons why a Cafe2U franchise is the business opportunity you have been waiting for:

1. It Attracts a Loyal Customer Base

People are drawn in by your Mercedes-Benz Cafe2U van and if they like you and your coffee, these same people will become regulars, requesting your services at business parks and other areas. In other words, where there’s demand for you, gaining a loyal customer base is easy.

2. It’s Unique

There are plenty of coffee shops, but not many of them sell their coffee on the road. Cafe2U provides the best equipment to get you out on the road serving barista-quality coffee - you’ll get a Mercedes-Benz Vito van, a commercial espresso machine and on-demand grinder. Plus, with our 4 to 6 week training program you will quickly become a qualified mobile barista. Find out more here. 

3. You can Upsell

Whilst coffee is a very important part of every Cafe2U franchise, it doesn’t have to be the only thing you focus on. Capitalise on your coffee sales and you can sell pastries, sandwiches, biscuits and snacks - people will gladly buy these upsell items to complement their coffee break. Cafe2U has potential to make money beyond coffee!

4. You’re given Support and Opportunities

Cafe2U organises and hosts regular national and regional meetings for our coffee van franchisees across the UK. These meetings provide the perfect opportunity to meet, network and swap tips and tricks with your fellow mobile coffee business owners. 

As well as this, on-going support is available and designed to suit franchisee needs at different times of the franchise journey - this covers everything from phone calls, visits and operational updates.

5. It’s Relaxed

You can create your own relaxed working environment, simply serving your loyal customers, and with the new Cafe2U app customers can pre-order their drinks before you arrive; so you can make them ahead of time, helping you serve customers in a more timely manner.

You can also keep in touch with your potential customers via social media pages that Cafe2U can help set up - keeping them informed of your whereabouts and if you’ll be serving in their area today. It also gives them the chance to give you feedback and inform Cafe2U about what a good of a job you’re doing!

Those are just five reasons why becoming a Cafe2u franchisee is perfect for you - take a look at our how to become a franchisee page today! 

How Coffee can Help Improve your Fitness

As we head into 2021, many will be wanting to burn off those Christmas calories. Well there’s no need for any pre-workout or supplements, coffee can do the trick! 

Below we’ve explained some of the ways that coffee can improve your fitness, physical performance and help you recover - using the science of course!

Be sure you take a look at our alternative milks blog as well, if you’re looking for a change in diet alongside your fitness goals.

What Exactly can Coffee do to the Body?

Coffee, when consumed before exercise, can cause fat cells to be used as an energy source as opposed to glycogen. Also, drinking highly concentrated caffeine in a short black coffee without the dilution of milk will increase your metabolism, which makes you burn more calories throughout the day.  

When Should you Drink Coffee before a Workout?

Not too long after you finish that cup, is what research has shown!

If you’re looking to begin your run or home workout when your caffeine boost is at its most powerful, you’re going to want to consume that caffeine goodness around 45 minutes before you start to exercise. 

The peak concentration of caffeine in the bloodstream occurs around 45 minutes after drinking. From that point forward, your body is burning through the caffeine, lessening its effects. So if you hit the weights you’re going to be experiencing the peak of your caffeine buzz before your body has had time to process that coffee.

Make sure that you don’t exceed your 400mg of caffeine allowance during the day though, so if you are having a coffee before make sure it’s in moderation.

It can Decrease muscle Pain

Post workout pain, known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), can be very painful for the following few days after a tough workout. 

In a study to be published in the issue of The Journal of Pain, a team of University of Georgia researchers finds that moderate doses of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, cut post-workout muscle pain by up to 48 percent in a small sample of volunteers.

So next time you feel sore, get some Cafe2U coffee down you and you should be back on the mend and raring to go!

It can Help Your Performance

Caffeine can increase adrenaline levels and release fatty acids from your fat tissues. It also leads to significant improvements in physical performance.

As we previously mentioned in our health benefits of coffee blog, coffee has numerous positive effects from concentration, endurance and increasing metabolism and burning fat. 

This article from Very Well Fit summarises all the physical benefits from coffee into six solid points. 

How Cafe2U can Help

With our new 2021 drinks range, you can use us as your coffee hub - as you get back to full fitness! 

Speak to your local barista and they will be able to provide you with our full menu, they can also provide you with alternative milks if you’re looking to go dairy free this year. Let us know what changes you will be trying to make in 2021 and let us know your workout routines!

Alternative Milks Explained

As we enter 2021, you may be look for ways to become healthier and some may even be taking part in Veganuary - the 31 day challenge of going vegan. So if you’re looking for a means of getting the best of both worlds, you may want to try switching to alternative milks.

But what exactly are alternative milks and which ones are the best for you? Let’s go through each option to help you decide which one you might want to try.

Oat Milk

One of the most popular alternative milks within the coffee community, with a delicious creamy taste! Made by blending water and oats, and then straining out the liquid it’s a fantastic and naturally sweet alternative as it is low in protein and contains no saturated fat - giving you your essential vitamins and minerals.

You can see all the listed out health benefits of this vegan friendly milk ​here​.

Soya Milk

Soya milk is made by soaking and grinding soy beans. The beans are typically soaked overnight, their skins are then removed before being blended with water and strained. The remaining liquid or ‘milk’ is then heated before being cooled and stored, after which it is ready to consume - becoming soya milk!

Soya milk is rich in fibre which has a considerable effect on the BMI and good cholesterol levels - perfect for those looking to burn off those Christmas pounds! It also makes for an excellent post-workout drink, if you’re also getting back to the gym as a New Year’s resolution.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk comes from the white flesh of mature brown coconuts. The texture is similar to skimmed milk, which can be a plus when it comes making lattes. We personally think it goes perfectly with a Cafe2U hot chocolate!

Coconut milk is highly rich in fibre and is perfect for those that are lactose intolerant - as it’s lactose-free! BBC Good Food has the perfect guide to all its nutritional information and included some recipes you can incorporate coconut milk into! Take a read ​here​.

Almond Milk

Lastly, almond milk is one of the most popular nut-based milk alternatives for coffee. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. You can also make it by adding water to almond butter.

It ticks all the boxes for being healthy, low in calories and is lactose and dairy free! Usually, extra nutrients such as calcium, riboflavin, vitamin E and vitamin D are added to it to boost its nutritional content.

Cafe2U is Here to Help

If you’re looking to make these health and diet changes this 2021 then Cafe2U is here to help you!

Our vans are stacked with alternative milks and wonderful coffees! Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or just trying to make a change, our range is suitable for everyone!

Get in contact with your ​local barista​ today to find out more!

Festive Recipes: Christmas Bakes that Everyone can Make

As we get even closer to Christmas, here at Cafe2U we’ve decided to compile a list of recipes of all the best festive bakes we can find.

Our list should get you right into the Christmas spirit, plus most of these come with a Cafe2U coffee twist!

Gingerbread Latte Cake

For all the latte lovers out there, this decadent cake serves up to sixteen people! This showstopper has many different flavours, spices and of course that wonderful hint of coffee!

It’s a cake that requires a lot of effort to make, so be prepared to spend around three hours preparing and baking! If you’re feeling really creative add some decorative edible Christmas trees on top to really impress your family and friends!

You can find the full ingredients and method from Sainsbury’s. We hope you enjoy making this wonderful cake!

Espresso Martini Cake

Another delight from Sainsbury’s, the Espresso Martini Cake - it’s the perfect grown up treat to enjoy over Christmas!

It’s a chocolate sponge cake that’s then drizzled with boozy coffee syrup then layered up with indulgent espresso icing at the top! It’s another big cake that can serve a lot of people. 

Take a look at the full list of ingredients and the seven steps it takes to make this spin on the alcohol beverage. 

Coffee Chocolate Christmas Cake

A coffee and chocolate twist on the classic Christmas cake, for all of you that would prefer a much more indulgent treat! If your family and guests fancy a change, we recommend that you prepare this cake the night before - so you can enjoy this gorgeous cake together on Christmas Day.

Take a look at the lists of ingredients and the method for making this delightful cake here. 

Mince Pies

This recipe from BBC Good Food, is ideal if you don’t want to put too much effort into making them but still want a delicious treat. It’s easy to get the kids involved and there’s also no rolling required!

Take a look at what ingredients you need and the six step method to make these pies here. 

Christmas Biscuits

Here’s another example where the kids can get involved in the prep and baking. What’s more, you can cut out a range of festive shapes from the spiced orange dough and get creative decorating them with pretty coloured icing.

Take a look at the full ingredients and cooking instructions for these great Christmas treats! 

Christmas with Cafe2U

We wanted to give you a little reminder that our Christmas drinks have returned - and one of our festive beverages could be the perfect accompaniment to this baking.

This means our Christmas Classics and Winter Warmers range is back ready for you to enjoy. There are drinks such as the Gingerbread Latte, the Festive Spiced Biscuit Cappuccino and an Irish Cream Mocha - plus many more! Be sure to ask your local barista to see the full menu.

Also, if you’re struggling with gift ideas this Christmas or fancy some last minute shopping, we have the perfect coffee gift guide. Take a look at our Christmas coffee gifts blog here and see our present suggestions that are perfectly designed for coffee lovers. 

Cafe2U's Top Christmas Coffee Gifts

It’s beginning to look a latte like Christmas as the festive season is just around the corner - which means now is the time to get your gift buying done!

So why not treat the caffeine-mad significant other, family member or friend in your life to some coffee inspired gifts for Christmas 2020?

If you need a little inspiration here’s a few ideas for you:

An Ecoffee Cup

Cafe2U Ecoffee Cups are the perfect gift for a coffee lover and the environment - you can also buy them directly from your local Cafe2U barista.

Ecoffee’s mission is to encourage the use of reusable cups and here at Cafe2U we are proud to have teamed up with them to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to the normal options.

Cafe2U’s Coffee

Do you visit a Cafe2U barista regularly, or just love coffee? Well, you can purchase the same bags of coffee that we use as a gift to someone this Christmas. You can find out more about our coffee and how it’s made, from the farmers to our baristas, here.

We’ll be on the road in the build up to Christmas, so you’ll also be able to check out our new Christmas cups and all the different festive coffees we have to offer!

Coffee Guide Print

This simple infographic inspired poster details key coffees from around the world and is listed from £18.99 - available in small or medium sizes. It’s a great gift for anyone who loves a bit of art and wants to learn a little more about the coffee they drink.

We think that it looks pretty neat and you’ll be glad to know your Cafe2U barista has most of the coffees on the print available to enjoy. Order this print from Etsy today!

Coffee Christmas Hamper

This hamper features a selection of full blends, a cafetiere and chunky Belgian chocolate. For just under £20 this is the perfect gift for the coffee lover in your life and you can find out more about this box of goodies here.

Cafe2U Prepaid Card

A prepaid Cafe2U gift card is a great option as you can pre-purchase coffee on the card that can be redeemed by the recipient throughout 2021. Get in touch with your local barista to pick up a prepaid Cafe2U coffee gift card today!

These are just a few fantastic Christmas coffee gifts you can pick up this festive season. We hope you have a fantastic Christmas and make sure you double-check with your local Cafe2U barista to find out when and where they will be available during the coming weeks.

5 Common Mistakes When Brewing Coffee at Home

Millions of people brew coffee at home as part of their daily routine - especially when they can’t get to their nearest Cafe2U van.

However, it turns out a lot of us are making basic mistakes when preparing our beloved cups of the good stuff.

Here are five of the most common examples of these errors that we’ve looked to help you correct using our coffee expertise.

#1 Not Measuring your Coffee Correctly

Most of us haphazardly put a few spoonfuls of coffee in a mug, pour in our hot water and hope for the best.

Sure, it’s quick and easy, but for best results, you should measure out your coffee first.

We train each and every one of our Cafe2U baristas to weigh each coffee to one-tenth of a gram out of the grinder and time each shot to second, for a perfect coffee every time.

#2 Not having the Right Tools

Having good coffee making equipment is essential - it can be the difference between a bad coffee and a great coffee. You should also clean your coffee brewing equipment regularly to keep it in good working order.

At Cafe2U our experienced baristas have the best possible coffee making tools at their disposal - making us the best option for gourmet coffee on the road or to your door.

#3 Not Taking Enough Time

Making the perfect coffee can mean waiting the right amount of time to ensure the blend is perfectly brewed - but unfortunately a lot of us tend to rush this and end up with a weak cuppa.

Ultimately, it’s a lot easier to use our socially distanced service! So why rush, when we can bring freshly-brewed, barista-made coffee straight to your door? Find your nearest barista here.

#4 Using Stale Beans

Ideally, you want to use beans that have been roasted in the last 3 weeks - but you probably aren’t roasting your own beans at home. At Cafe2U, we only use 100% traceable, grade 1 beans from some of the best micro-lots in the world. Find out more about our beans here.

#5 Not Using the Right Cup

This might not seem like a big deal, but the cup you use can make a big difference. The shape and size of your mug or cup can intensify the flavours and aromas - and of course affect how long the coffee stays warm.

Your run of the mill comedy mug probably isn’t cutting it either. So why not pick up one of our Cafe2U reusable KeepCup cups from one of our baristas.

Becoming a Barista

If you already think you can make a decent coffee but want to take your passion to the next level, why not train to become one of our franchise baristas? To learn more about Cafe2U coffee, baristas and our great franchising opportunities, simply follow this link.

Halloween Recipes: Our Halloween Baking Ideas and Drinks

If you’re looking to frighten and delight your taste buds this Halloween, look no further than the list of easy Halloween baking ideas and Halloween-themed drinks that we have compiled.

We’ve provided a dead good collection of cakes, treats and spooky drinks. It’s a real treat from a few culinary tricks.

A Pumpkin Spice Latte

It may not be the spookiest but it’s still a Halloween spin on a classic coffee that you can make at home. Here’s what you'll need to create this warm delight:

• 2 tbsp pumpkin purée

• 1 tbsp soft brown sugar

• ¼ tsp mixed spice

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• 250ml whole or semi-skimmed milk

• 2 shots espresso coffee

• Whipped cream and cocoa, to serve (optional)

Mix the pumpkin purée, sugar, spices and milk in a microwave-proof jug. Stir and combine your ingredients. Then cover your mixture with Clingfilm, then carefully pierce the Clingfilm, to let the steam escape. Microwave on full power for 1½-2 mins, until the milk is hot.

Using an electric milk frother or whisk, whisk for 30-45 secs until the milk is really frothy. Pour the hot coffee into a mug or glass, then add the spiced pumpkin milk. Top with cream, if using, then dust with a little more mixed spice and some cocoa if you’re feeling adventurous!

You can find the full recipe here.

Halloween Cocktails

For the adults, here are some fantastic Halloween-based drinks that can really get you in the mood for the frightful festivities.

Here’s what you’ll need to make The Witch’s Heart Cocktail:

• 1 shot apple brandy or apple vodka chilled

• 1 tsp grenadine

• Shaker

• Homemade Blackberry Shimmery Liqueur

• Powdered dry ice optional Martini glass or wine glass to serve

Add about 1/2 or 1 tablespoon of powdered dry ice to the bottom of the glass. Then place your apple brandy and purple shimmery liqueur into a shaker. Add one ice cube and shake for a few seconds to chill your concoction.

Then you’re ready to strain the drink into your glass. You can top up your drink with more purple shimmery liqueur if you feel it’s necessary.

Now you can put in one tablespoon of grenadine syrup, about an inch from the surface of the drink - the grenadine should sink to the bottom, creating a "bleeding" effect.

Add about 1/2 tsp of powdered dry ice on top and serve with a stirrer to create that shimmery, smoky effect.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake

This recipe recommends that you have it as breakfast but we think it works great as a dessert. Here’s how you can put a coffee spin on your pumpkin cake, start with your ingredients:

For the Coffee Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 cup non-fat milk

For the streusel:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1 tbsp cinnamon Pinch salt

Once you’ve collected your ingredients, preheat your oven and spray a pan with nonstick cooking spray. Then Mix your two cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a large bowl.

Start whisking and combing, then you can stir in the pumpkin, vegetable oil, vanilla and milk. Pour them all into a prepared pan.

In a smaller bowl, mix the melted butter with 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir with a fork to get the mix to combine. Then you can spread it on top of the pumpkin cake layer.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, store it then covered on the counter for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month.

Spider Biscuits

Something to get the kids involved in! These spider style biscuits can be made easily and here’s what you’ll need:

• 70g butter, softened

• 50g peanut butter

• 150g golden caster sugar

• 1 medium egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 180g plain flour

• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

• 20 peanut butter cups, Rolos or Maltesers

• 100g milk chocolate, chopped Icing eyes, or make your own

Prepare the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and line two baking sheets with parchment.

Using a whisk, cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar together until they are very light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Once you’ve combined these ingredients, stir in the flour, bicarb and ¼ tsp salt.

Scoop 18-20 tbsps of the mixture onto the trays, leaving enough space between each to allow for spreading out. Make a thumbprint in the centre of the cookies.

Bake for 10-12 mins or until firm at the edges but still soft in the middle – they should harden a little as they cool. Leave to cool on the tray for a few mins before topping each biscuit with a peanut butter cup, Rolo or Malteser (or your chosen chocolate). Put your creation onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Now for the fun part, heat the chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, until it’s just liquid. Scrape into a piping bag and leave to cool for a little while. Pipe the legs onto each spider, then stick two eyes on each. Leave to set.

These will keep for three days in an airtight container. You can find the full recipe here.

Halloween Punch

If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic but also Halloween themed, then this punch is designed for you! Get making this spooky delight using these ingredients:

• 2l cherry juice

• Peel from 3 oranges , pared with a vegetable peeler

• 1 thumb-sized red chilli, pierced a few times but left whole

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 10 cloves

• 6 slices ginger

• Dracula's fangs sweets (available from sweet shops), to serve, optional

Tip the cherry juice, orange peel, chilli, cinnamon sticks, cloves and ginger into a large saucepan. Heat for 5 mins, then turn off the heat. Leave it to cool, then chill for at least 4 hrs, or up to 2 days – the longer you leave it the more intense the flavours will get. If serving it to young children, take the chilli out after a few hours.

These are just a few of the recipes you can make for this Halloween, we hope you have a fun and sensible time no matter what you get up to! Make sure you check out our new drinks menu - it’ll add that little bit extra to your Halloween!

International Coffee Day 2020

International Coffee Day is here - a day that brings together coffee lovers across the globe. It’s also a day to support the millions of farmers who provide our coffee and whose livelihoods depend on it.

This year ​International Coffee Day​ is celebrating the entire coffee ecosystem​ and the connections that coffee allows us to make around the world. Here, we’ve taken a closer look at this important event on the coffee calendar and have detailed a few fun facts about it.

Celebrating ICD internationally

At Cafe2U we have come up with some creative ways you can get involved in the international aspect of the day - like these phrases so you can order coffee all over the world:

““Puis-je avoir un café s’il-vous-plaît?” (French)”

““¿Me puede dar un café por favor?” (Spanish)”

““Kann ich bitte einen Kaffee haben?” (German)”

““Posso avere un caffè, per favore?” (Italian)”

““Posso tomar um café, por favor” (Portuguese)”

You can find more translations in this ​blog​, including phrases in Russian, Chinese and Arabic.

Who drinks the most coffee in the world?

Now that you’ve got your language skills up to scratch let’s take a look at where the most coffee is consumed around the globe: (from ​Atlas​, per capita)

1. Finland
2. Norway
3. Iceland
4. Denmark
5. Netherlands
6. Sweden
7. Switzerland
8. Belgium
9. Luxembourg
10. Canada

We certainly think the UK needs to start catching up!

How you can celebrate ICD 2020 with Cafe2U

Cafe2U delivers coffee up and down the country and if you want to enjoy this day with the perfect cup of coffee, you can book one of our mobile coffee vans to bring our award-winning menu of delectable coffees and food to your workplace or event.

Whether it’s an industrial estate, office block or a 10k run, our mobile cafés can provide everything you need to celebrate International Coffee Day.

Top Five Best Autumn Coffee Recipes

Now that summer has officially ended it’s the perfect time to share five of our best autumn coffee recipes!

From spiced classics to underrated treats, dive into this list and find your new favourite coffee drink that you can make from home as the weather gets colder and the nights draw in - just be sure to make sure you let us know how you get on!

#1 Pumpkin Spice Latte

A well-known classic and one of the most popular drinks for this time of year. Here’s the ingredients that you will need:

• 1 1/2 tbsps of sugar

• 2 tbsps of pumpkin puree

• 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 cup (4oz / 115g) brewed coffee

• 1/2 cups (4oz / 115g) milk

Once you’ve collected your ingredients, add them all to a saucepan.

Stir all of your ingredients in the pan until they simmer and then take your pan off heat and pour into a mug.

Then, decorate your drink with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkles of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. You can find the full recipe with instructions ​here​, as well as a ​video​ showing you how to do it!

#2 Homemade Iced Maple Latte

This one can be made with or without ice - it’s up to you!

Let's start with the ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk

• 1-2 cups of ice

• 1 1/2 cups of coffee or espresso, at room temperature (if you want a warm latte, you can leave your coffee warm and omit the ice)

• 2 tbsps of pure maple syrup

In a jar with a lid, pour milk and shake vigorously back and forth for a minute, until foamy. Take off the lid and microwave for 15 seconds. Fill two large glasses with ice (optional).

Pour coffee evenly between the glasses. Drizzle in maple syrup between two cups.

If you like your lattes on the sweeter side, use a more maple syrup per cup.

Using a spoon, hold back the foam and pour a little milk into each glass. Then, take spoonfuls of the foam to add on top of the latte. Stir to combine and then it’s all yours to enjoy!

You can find the full recipe ​here.

#3 Gingerbread Spiced Coffee

This is a sweet, indulgent, warming drink for those who want a change from hot chocolate.

Let’s get stuck in with the ingredients for serving six:

• 175g of black treacle

• 4 tbsps of dark brown soft sugar

• 1⁄2 a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda

• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger

• 3⁄4 of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon

• 1.5l of hot brewed coffee

• 250ml of single cream

• 100g of whipped cream

• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves

In a small bowl, mix together the black treacle, dark brown soft sugar, bicarb, ginger and cinnamon until well blended.

Cover all of this up and then refrigerate it for at least 10 minutes.

Add about 60ml of coffee to each cup, then stir in a tablespoon of the spice until dissolved.

Fill the cup to within an inch of the top with coffee. Stir in single cream to taste, then garnish with whipped cream and a light dusting of ground clove. Then you’re all set to enjoy your creation!

You can find the full recipe ​here​ with images and instructions.

#4 The Mocha

Treat yourself with a Mocha this autumn - we have found a recipe where you don’t even need a machine! Alternatively you can always order a mocha from your nearest Cafe2U van!

Here’s the ingredients to make a homemade mocha:

• 1 cup of milk

• 1 tbsp of cocoa powder

• 1 square of dark chocolate baking bar or 1 tbsp of dark chocolate chips for decoration

• 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or instant coffee

• 1 – 2 tbsp(s) of sugar

Firstly, heat your cup of milk over a pan on medium heat. Then your milk should start steaming, when this happens add your cocoa powder to the mix.

Now you can add your chocolate sprinkles or choc chips.

One of the final things to do is add your espresso powder into the mix. Once it’s all mixed pour into a mug and add some sugar!

You can find the full recipe ​here​ with pics!

#5 Red Velvet Latte

Not only is this latte appealing to the taste buds, but it’s probably the most visually appealing one on our list so far. A coffee that blends a delicious taste of vanilla and chocolate, here’s the ingredients you’ll be needing:

• 1 cup of whole milk

• 1 tbsp of sugar

• 3 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chunks

• 1/4 tsp of red food colouring

• 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup of freshly brewed coffee

Put your milk and sugar into a medium sized saucepan. Bring your mix to a simmer on medium heat, keep stirring to dissolve the sugar in.

Remove your pan from the heat. Stir in the chocolate until it melts. Then add in your food colouring, coffee and vanilla - mix altogether.

Then your creation should be ready to serve - make sure you serve it up warm as that’s when it tastes the nicest!

Those are just a few of the recipes that you can enjoy this upcoming autumn and into winter! Let us know how you get on trying to make all of these delights, send your creations in via our social media channels.

How to Get Involved in the Macmillan Biggest Coffee Morning 2020

Every year Macmillan invites people all over the UK to host a Coffee Morning in order to raise money for those living with cancer.

The official date for the 2020 World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Friday 25 September, but you can hold yours whenever and however you like – even if you’re not in the same room as your guests - with virtual parties and events now possible!

Here, we’ve explained more about how you can get involved and how Cafe2U could help make it a Coffee Morning to remember!

How do you sign up?

You can sign up on the ​Macmillan website​, when you sign up you'll get a free fundraising kit full of goodies to help you organise and prepare for your event. In the kit, you’ll receive bunting, cake decorations, recipes, stickers, a collection box and loads more to make hosting your event a breeze.

You can also sign up to host a social distanced event, a video call or take on the Coffee Morning Challenge. This will see you put your lockdown fitness to good use and support people living with cancer via a run, walk or cycle, before raising a mug to someone you love at the finish line.

Getting your event safely set up

If you are hosting your event in person be prepared to follow government guidelines and make sure you are social distancing.

If you are having your event at your workplace or somewhere similar, find the best place to host - that could be in a conference room, break room or somewhere else in your office with enough space for social distancing. If the weather is good you could also host your event outside and make the most of a coffee morning in the sun.

How Cafe2U can help you with your Coffee Morning

You can hire or book a Cafe2U mobile café to supply the drinks for your Coffee Morning, simply find the nearest driver to you and get their information on our website. We always aim to match our customers’ needs, so if you have any special requests we will try our best to deliver - find out how we can help ​here.​

The Best Iced Coffee Recipes

Our summer drinks range is back and we’ve got plenty of tasty options to keep you cool on those hot summer days.

However, for when you can’t get your Cafe2U coffee fix, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite iced coffee recipes for you to make at home and enjoy yourself.

#1 Classic cold brew

An ice cold coffee is a refreshing way to kickstart the day, and it’s really easy to make at home.

All you need is:

• 50g of ground coffee

• Ice Water

Simply put 400ml of cold water into a large jug and add the coffee grounds, but do not stir the mixture straight away. Instead cover and leave for 24 hours.

After this, gently stir the mixture and pour it through a funnel or sieve lined with coffee filter paper (or a sheet of kitchen paper) into another large jug - this concentrate will keep in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

To serve, dilute 1 part cold brew with 2 parts still or sparkling water (or to your taste) and serve with lots of ice. Find the full recipe here.

#2 Dalgona iced coffee

Dalgona coffee is the perfect indulgent drink to enjoy in the summer! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 2 tbsp. granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp. instant coffee

• 2 tbsp. cold water

• Ice, for serving

• Milk, for serving

Simply whisk the coffee, sugar and water in a bowl for approximately five mins until the mixture is thick and fluffy with stiff peaks - this is easily done using an electric whisk but can be done by hand.

Then pour the cold milk into two glasses.

Divide the coffee mixture in half and spoon evenly on top of the glasses - serve and stir thoroughly before drinking.

Check out the full recipe here.

#3 Coffee ice cubes

This one is almost too easy - use your leftover brewed coffee and you’re on to a winner, you’ll need:

• Brewed coffee

• An ice cube tray

To start, let your already brewed coffee cool to room temperature, then pour the coffee into ice cube trays and freeze - use in place of ice cubes in your favourite cold coffee beverage.

You can find the full recipe and example of how these little beauties can look here.

#4 Cinnamon and vanilla iced coffee

This one is super refreshing and perfect for people with a sweet tooth.

You need:

• 1 and a 1/2 cups ground strong coffee

• 8 cups water

• Ice

• 2 teaspoons vanilla cinnamon syrup

Add the coffee grounds and water to a large pitcher and stir - cover and let it sit at room temperature overnight for up to 12 hours. Strain mixture through a coffee filter, discard the leftover coffee grounds and store the coffee in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

Fill a large glass with ice cubes - add coffee, vanilla syrup, and milk/cream (to taste.)

Stir to combine, taste and adjust milk/cream and/or vanilla cinnamon syrup as needed.

You can find the full recipe here.

#5 Vietnamese ice coffee

This popular drink from Vietnam only requires three ingredients, water, milk and coffee (of course).

Place the coffee grounds in a heat proof container and slowly pour boiling water over the grounds in a circular motion to evenly saturate - do not stir. Line a coffee cone with a paper filter and place the cone over another heat proof container.

Slowly pour the steeped coffee through the filter, allowing all the liquid to drip through completely, discard the filter and coffee grounds and stir the condensed milk into the coffee until well blended. When you are ready to pour, serve the coffee mixture in a chilled glass or cup.

You can find the full recipe here.

We hope you enjoyed this list and have a good time making these drinks whilst the weather is nice - make sure you also share your homemade concoctions with us on our social media channels.

Our Top Five Alcohol and Coffee Beverages

With pubs back open in the UK, we thought we’d share some of our favourite alcohol and coffee combos - the best of both worlds.

Take a look at our top five alcohol and coffee beverages and their recipes below:

#1 A famous one

Possibly the most popular drink containing alcohol and coffee - The Irish Coffee.

This drink is a perfect end of dinner treat, and it’s so easy to make:

• 2 tbsp double cream

• 150ml freshly brewed black coffee

• 50ml Irish whiskey

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• Chocolate shavings

Simply fill your mug with hot water and let it sit for two minutes. Pour out the water and add 1 tsp of light brown sugar. Pour in your coffee to dissolve the sugar and add your whiskey.

Top off the coffee with cream, gently pouring it over the back of a warm spoon to form a thick layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings and enjoy. You can find the full recipe here.

#2 A french connection

You will adore the Cafe Amore - the perfect combination of amaretto and coffee. It’s so good, and so easy to make. All you need is:

• 1 oz brandy

• 1 oz amaretto

• 4 oz black coffee

• Whipped cream

• Shaved almonds

Simply combine the brandy, amaretto and coffee, top with whipped cream and add your almonds. You can find the full recipe here.

#3 A taste of the Caribbean

Don’t put the amaretto away just yet, this time we’ll add a little rum to make a classic Caribbean coffee cocktail. All you need is:

• 1 oz rum

• ½ oz amaretto

• 6 oz coffee (hot, black)

• Whipped cream

• Shaved almonds

Simply combine the rum and amaretto, add your coffee and top with whipped cream and almonds.

#4 A little chillier

For those of you after something a little more potent, the Long Island Iced Coffee is the one for you. Essentially, you’re replacing the tea in a Long Island Iced Tea with coffee and adding some cream liqueurs. All you need is:

• ½ oz Baileys

• ½ oz Kahlua

• ½ oz vodka

• ½ oz rum

• ½ oz tequila

• Cold brew or iced coffee Ice cubes

Combine all of your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with one cup of ice, shake vigorously, pour and enjoy - you don’t have to use everything listed, make your own variation if you want a little less booze. You can find the original recipe here.

#5 A classic

We’ll finish off with a classic - the espresso Martini. The perfect way to perk up your evening and an ideal after dinner drink. All you need is:

• 65ml vodka

• 75ml coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria)

• 75ml freshly brewed espresso

• Coffee beans

This should be enough for two people - put the vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Using hot espresso helps to create a creamy head on the cocktail. Mix for 30 seconds until it's chilled and top with a couple of coffee beans. Find the full recipe here.

Let us know which one you make at home on our social media channels! You can also check out our coffee menu here if you’d prefer to stick to a more traditional brew!