Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through the year, month by month, with a coffee recipe tailored for each. This coffee calendar will not only celebrate the seasons but also highlight how coffee, much like fashion, has its own seasonal trends.
January: New Year, New Brew
Vanilla Almond New Year Latte
January is a time for new beginnings and resolutions. The Vanilla Almond New Year Latte, with its comforting and refreshing flavors, symbolizes a fresh start. Start the year with a cozy yet refreshing latte, using Blue Bottle’s single-origin espresso to cut through the winter chill. A dash of vanilla extract and almond milk brings a sweet, nutty warmth to your morning ritual. It’s a gentle nod to the new beginnings January symbolizes.
February: Love in a Cup
Chocolate Raspberry Mocha
February, the month of love and Valentine’s Day, calls for something decadent. Chocolate symbolizes indulgence and passion, while raspberry adds a tart sweetness, reflecting the complexities of love. Combine Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate with a robust Starbucks Sumatra coffee. Top with whipped cream and a raspberry drizzle to celebrate love, or the lack thereof, with a decadent touch.
March: Spring Awakening Espresso
Mint Irish Espresso
March brings St. Patrick’s Day, and the Mint Irish Espresso is a nod to this celebration. As green starts reclaiming the landscape, blend a shot of Stumptown Hair Bender Espresso with frothed milk, a hint of mint syrup, and a splash of Irish cream. It’s a nod to St. Patrick’s Day and the fresh breath of March. The mint represents the green of Ireland, while the addition of Irish cream pays homage to the country’s famed beverage.
April: Rainy Day Remedy
Cinnamon Honey Latte
As spring showers begin, April’s latte brings warmth and comfort. Cinnamon represents warmth, and honey adds natural sweetness, symbolizing the blossoming of nature. Intelligentsia’s House Blend for its balanced and sweet profile, adding a comforting layer to those rainy afternoons. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon make this a soothing spring treat.
May: Floral Bloom Latte
Lavender Honey Iced Latte
May’s flowers inspire this floral-themed coffee. A cold brew using Counter Culture’s Big Trouble offers a caramel sweetness cooled with ice, lavender syrup, and a touch of honey for sweetness, perfect for enjoying the bloom of spring. Lavender symbolizes the bloom of spring, while honey brings sweetness to the longer days.
June: Summer Solstice Cold Brew
Coconut Water Cold Brew
June, marking the beginning of summer, calls for a refreshing and hydrating beverage. Welcome summer with a refreshing twist on cold brew using La Colombe’s Corsica Blend steeped overnight. Mix with coconut water instead of milk for a hydrating, tropical twist that beats the heat and celebrates the longest days of the year.
July: Independence Day Special
Berry Vanilla Iced Coffee
A tribute to Independence Day with its red, white, and blue theme; July calls for a patriotic coffee – blend a Dunkin’ Original Blend iced coffee with vanilla syrup, then top with whipped cream and fresh blueberries and strawberries. It’s a fireworks display in a cup. Berries add a fresh, summery touch, and vanilla brings a comforting sweetness to celebrate the holiday.
August: The Ultimate Summer Cooler
Peach Cream Cold Brew
As summer peaks, infuse your cold brew, made with Caribou Coffee’s medium roast, with fresh peach nectar and top with a splash of cream. It’s a sweet, creamy homage to summer’s lush bounty.
September: Autumn Prelude Espresso
Maple Cinnamon Espresso
With the first whisper of autumn, blend a shot of Illy’s Classico Espresso with steamed milk, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon. This espresso drink bridges the transition from summer to fall with every sip.
October: Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
Pumpkin Spice Latte
No list is complete without October’s reigning champion, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Brew a strong cup with Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend, adding in homemade pumpkin spice syrup and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.
November: Grateful Gatherings Brew
Caramel Apple Coffee
November, a time of gratitude, is perfectly celebrated with a Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Caramel Vanilla Cream coffee, mixed with apple syrup, and garnished with a caramel drizzle. It’s a warm hug during the season of thankfulness.
December: Holiday Spirit Espresso
Gingerbread Latte
December’s festive spirit is captured in a gingerbread latte. Use a spicy, full-bodied espresso like Lavazza’s Super Crema and add gingerbread syrup to steamed milk. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg for a drink that’s as festive as the season itself.
Through each month, these recipes not only celebrate the changing seasons but also highlight how coffee can be a canvas for creativity and cultural reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned home barista or a curious novice, there’s joy to be found in the ritual of brewing and the delight of tasting. Here’s to a year of exploration, one cup at a time!
