There’s something poetic about the first sip of coffee. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a ritual, a moment of grounding in an otherwise chaotic day. Whether it’s the earthy aroma that greets you in the morning or the velvety warmth of a latte on a rainy afternoon, coffee is a personal and universal experience.
Memory, Flavor, and Experimentation
My love affair with coffee began earlier than most might expect. I trace it back to when I was just three years old. My first vivid memory of coffee stems from watching my mom introduce my younger brothers to its rich aroma and flavor. Those early days also meant accompanying my dad on trips to purchase ground peaberry coffee, its name a curious mystery to my young mind. Later, I discovered that “peaberry” wasn’t a variety but a unique coffee bean shape. The brewing process was simple yet magical—simmering the coffee grounds in boiling water, then adding boiled milk and sugar to create a velvety concoction.
Years later, a colleague introduced me to Starbucks. Armed with a free coffee card, he generously shared the indulgence. One sip, and I was hooked. The allure of premium coffee had me dreaming of recreating that same taste at home. My first attempts with Keurig cups were lackluster; they couldn’t capture the richness I craved. Barista machines, unfortunately, were out of reach.
But then I stumbled upon the Aeropress—a compact device that promised versatility, from American-style coffee to cold brew and espresso. Its simple mechanics—using pressure to extract flavor—resonated with me. It became a trusty companion, stationed at my office for years.
My fascination with coffee gadgets didn’t stop there. I spotted a Nespresso machine in the office kitchen during a client engagement. Curious, I tried it and was immediately impressed by the quality. When a Vertuo Plus appeared at Costco, I couldn’t resist. While the pods were expensive, I found a workaround with reusable stainless steel capsules. Filling them with my favorite Colombian, Italian Roast, or Espresso Dark Roast beans brought me joy, even if the process required a careful touch.
When time is short, I turn to instant coffee. My go-to choices are Bru and Nescafé Gold Blend, but Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee is a reliable companion for travel, especially to exotic destinations. Each method and occasion brought a new experience: a French press in a luxurious Indian hotel delivering unmatched smoothness or a Moka pot in a Roman Airbnb that brewed a robust and aromatic coffee after a bit of trial and error. Southern India, too, introduced me to filter coffee, an artful brew made with a mix of coffee and chicory. Waiting for the decoction drip through the Indian filter machine felt like witnessing tradition.
The Art of Milk Frothing
For me, coffee isn’t complete without frothy, hot milk. My preferences shift—cappuccino, Latte, Flat White, or South Indian Filter Coffee—depending on the day and the beans. In southern India, milk is frothed distinctively: hot coffee is poured in a graceful arc between cups to create frothy bubbles on top. Known as “meter coffee,” this technique blends the milk and decoction to perfection.
Inspired by Starbucks’ creamy lattes, I searched for a milk frother to replicate the experience. Battery-operated frothers worked well enough during my travels but didn’t last. A Breville milk frother seemed promising but fell short on heat and convenience. Eventually, I discovered corded frothers offered better consistency, albeit at high RPMs that could spill milk everywhere. My solution? A lamp dimmer socket! By controlling the frother’s speed, I achieved the perfect foam, which now required a bit of skill with both hands.
Coffee Beyond the Cup
But coffee isn’t just about how you take it. It’s about where you drink it and with whom. A bustling café in Paris, a quiet nook at home, a meeting with friends, or a solitary moment of peace. Coffee is as much about the experience as it is about the flavor.
The steam rising from the mug on a cold morning, the clink of a spoon stirring sugar, the hum of conversation in a local coffee shop. It’s the book you can’t put down, the laptop you’re glued to, or the sunrise you watch through the window.
So, how do you take your coffee? More importantly, what does it mean to you? Whatever your answer, know that your coffee is unique, like your story. Let it be bold, sweet, nuanced, or straightforward, but always yours.
Here’s to the moments that begin with a cup.
