By Tim Curry
Personally, I am a coffee purist. I drink my coffee straight and black. I do the same with my espresso. When I make the rare change to this, it is only out of curiosity. You know, “Hmmmm, I wonder what this will taste like?” or, “That might be refreshing as a hot day pick-me-up.” Other than that, it is hot and straight into the cup, where I experience the life of the coffee as it cools.
Now, here we are, spring is waiting to jump out at us, and warming days will impact how we approach our coffee ritual. So, let’s take a look at three coffee drinking ideas to help us transition through the cold of winter into the warmth of Summer.
1) March is still mighty chill,y and there is nothing like a hot cup of Joe to get the day started. Keeping your winter routine is great. A hot, warming brew to help get the day rolling is just what is needed. But, perhaps a little something different to “spice” up your cup and offer an occasional difference to your morning. It’s simple: sprinkle a touch of cinnamon into the brew basket and see what the result might be. You can try several different experiments such as nutmeg, clove, or cardamom. You can even put a pinch of black pepper into the basket. Maybe even some dried vanilla powder. Have some fun and find a new twist to your morning cup.
2) The saying goes April showers bring May flowers, well one thing is certain: coffee is a necessary part of April. 
Some fresh blooms might also be a great way to change up your coffee day. Many coffees have very distinct floral notes sometimes in the dry grounds, sometimes in the brewed cup, or maybe even both. Perhaps some rose petals or marigold petals would offer a pleasant diversion for the occasional cup, or maybe some lavender. Really, the most important thing is to make sure the pedals are edible, and the flavors match your coffee of choice.
3) In May, as spring comes to a close, we find the temperatures rising, and even though a hot, freshly brewed cup of Wood-Fire Roasted coffee is still on the morning menu, the afternoon pick-me-up is about to enter the next realm. Nitro Cold Brew, take a look at the link, ask me in the shop. This device is fabulous. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and the coffee, WOW! In all actuality, I am not a huge fan of cold brew. Try as I might, I just can’t wrap my head around it. Then I got the Nitro Cold Brew dispenser from Royal Kitchen, and that was a game-changer. Again, WOW! And think about this: mix a touch of adult beverage additive, and you have a great brunch beverage. (Just a thought) (Yes, I have experimented)
Once again, I am a coffee purist. The glory of the coffee is, in my opinion, all the experience of the cup needs. I source and roast coffees to be their best rendition of themselves. But let’s have some fun.
