As anyone remotely interested in coffee will know, there are more sizes, styles, and blends of coffee than you can shake your cup at. Coffee types are pretty distinctive with their name, like espresso, macchiato, americano, etc. Depending on the strength and milkiness required can be configured pretty much as you like it. You can start with the basics and buy instant coffee, which only requires to be mixed with hot water, all the way up to a professional-standard espresso machine for those who like their coffee just so. If you’re starting from scratch, I.e. with a bag of coffee beans, you’ll need something called a burr grinder with which to produce smooth ground coffee. This gives you the flexibility to choose virtually any coffee you want, grown in a variety of locations around the world, but requires greater investment in your equipment. 

Making coffee at home is one thing, but having it made for you by a professional barista with the best equipment and well-sourced ingredients is another. Most of us will have a local coffee shop down our high streets that seems to hit the spot, maybe with a cookie or slice of cake on the side, and service stations make a passable trade on coffee too. More frequently these days, you’ll see various pop-up shops dedicated to coffee making, either from a cart on the sidewalk or a temporary store. These are often great places to find delicious quality beverages from people in the industry or those with a passion for more boutique styles and flavors. A step further would be to attend an event like coffee festivals, which occasionally pop up now and again. Here you’ll find like-minded individuals trying out coffees from around the world – you never know, you might find a new favorite! 

Of course, our love of hot beverages can also be an excuse to meet new people, some of which may become good friends. At your local coffee shop, you may find leaflets advertising friendship groups for those who perhaps live alone and need somewhere to socialize with others, or for people who simply like filling spare time over a cup of coffee. You may decide to host coffee mornings of your own, inviting friends around to your home for a catch up and to share coffee-making techniques or new flavors. This also presents an opportunity for fundraising. Many charities rely on donations from people who run bake sales, stalls at a craft fair or indeed coffee mornings to raise money for those in need. It doesn’t have to be complicated, simply ask for a donation of a couple of bucks and you’ll know you’re making a difference at the same time as enjoying a drink.