From first dates to late-night study sessions, coffee is a universal beverage. To those who love its energy and warmth, it is undeniable that a quality cup can be nothing short of extraordinary.
There are many different species of coffee, but Arabica and Robusta are the most widely grown. Robusta, grown in lower altitudes, is what you find in most mass-produced coffee blends. Arabica is used by specialty coffee producers; grown at higher elevations, it produces the best coffee beans for roasting. While Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee, beans are grown in many warm climates around the world.
Coffee goes through a long process before making it to your cup. First, ripe coffee cherries are harvested, an often labor-intensive process since many coffee trees are grown on steep hills. The best cherries are harvested by hand. There are two main processes used once they are harvested. The dry process lays ripe cherries in the sun before they rest for two months. Then, the beans are hulled to remove the outside layer of skin before being bagged. The washed process incorporates the use of water.
Once the coffee is purchased from a farmer, it’s roasted to produce its dominant flavor profile, from light to dark. The coffee is then ground to be brewed. To make your cup extra tasty, try one of the following coffee cocktails.
mexican carajillo
A popular Mexican drink that is simple and delicious; a personal favorite of mine to drink after dinner
1 shot of espresso
2 oz. Licor 43
Ice
Rocks glass
Fill rocks glass with ice. Pour Licor 43 in glass, and when ready to drink, add a shot of espresso and stir.
irish coffee
The perfect drink to warm you up this winter
4 oz. freshly brewed coffee
1 T brown sugar
1.5 oz. Jameson (or Irish whiskey of your choosing)
Fresh whipped cream
Cinnamon
Pour sugar into an Irish coffee glass, add coffee and stir. Pour in whiskey, and stir. Top with fresh whipped cream and lightly garnish with cinnamon.
Justin Wolf is sommelier at The Four Seasons Hotel-St. Louis.
