I want to let you in on a secret.
Actually, come to think of it, it’s no secret at all. Costa Coffee are launching coffee masterclasses across the nation… this week.
When I got an invite through for an exclusive peek at the Costa Coffee masterclass I might have squealed in excitement? Coffee, coffee, coffee?! I’m there in a heartbeat.
After all, this is definitely one for the coffee lovers, who light up with that first sip in the morning. Admittedly, I’m a little bit – OK – a lot addicted to coffee. From my weekly Sunday Coffee posts, through to my morning ‘oh my god – must have a cuppa now’ habits, I surround myself daily with coffee beans and caffeine.
You would think that after all of these years and my great love for coffee that I might have a little bit of finesse and expertise in the matter of actually making a cup of coffee. Or knowing the farming process before the coffee ends up in my hands.
But I don’t.
That’s surprising isn’t it? Think about the last time you actually knew exactly where your drinks were coming from. We generally live in a society of the grab and go, but never really knowing or understanding what you’re consuming. Your cup of coffee? Any clue on its journey to you? Probably not.
I’m thrilled to say, now I do. (Humble brag, you guys)
So, let me take you on a coffee adventure I’ll certainly never forget.
We met along the iconic Great Marlborough Street at Costa Coffee. As the trading day began to wind down, we all greedily anticipated what was about to happen. So it began and our coffee lovin’ crew were greeted by the Costa Coffee team.
First things first, they are incredibly passionate people. The level of detail and the enthusiasm for what they’re speaking about is refreshing. Mike, who I’m going to refer to as the official Costa Coffee MC, couldn’t have been more welcoming while introducing us to his team. The Costa team are so proud of the company that they work for. From how they source their beans and support local farmers (they are part of the Rainforest Alliance, which helps farmers, and all of their products, tea included are 100% supplied from these certified alliances across the globe).
But let’s get into the coffee making!
Their Costa Coffee, Costa Barista of the Year, the brilliant Matyas was ready to teach us how to make the perfect flat white. Normally, a strict black coffee drinker, I was eager to learn more about coffee and the actual differences between all of the orders.
We dove right into it. Matyas showed us how to use the machines to make the coffees. While I once viewed these as far too elaborate for me to handle, I soon learned that yes, I too, have what it takes to be a barista (mind you, not a very good one!).
He showed us the perfect flat white and truly, it’s all about the coffee art.
Beautiful right? Looks easy huh?
IT’S NOT. IT’S LITERALLY THE HARDEST THING EVER. The man is a coffee art genius.
I somehow scored the first cup poured.
As I chatted with Rebecca, we decided that yes, we too could achieve coffee gold status. How hard could it be?
THE HARDEST.
Seriously, in the mornings when you’re visiting Costa Coffee for your fix, ask these guys to show off their coffee art skills. Or their pins, because these are earned badges in the coffee world.
Finally, it was my turn. I got behind the counter to put my mad skills to the test. You start off by filling up the milk to be steamed into a mirror (my unofficial descriptors). It’s not a long process and after the milk has been heated up, then you set it down to focus on making the coffee. Three heaps of the coffee grounds fill up the scoop and then voila! Stick it in the machine, twist the handle, flip a switch.
Basically this is them showing me that I’ve put the handle in incorrectly and coffee was about to fly out at all of us. Casual. Luckily, the guys were there to help me out in my coffee making struggles.
Because these facial expressions indicate utter perplexity and then sheer pity from Matyas, whose flat white coffees always look epic, and he just knew that I’m about to do this totally wrong.
I fully lived up to the facial expressions.
In essence, the flat white is all about the pour. The cup with espresso is held at 45 degrees and then you tilt the cup and swoop the milk up and down until you’ve created a beautiful masterpiece.
The end result…?
I could not have done any worse with coffee art.
But the good news is? It still tastes like an amazing flat white made by a pro! So regardless of how it ended up looking, we’re all winners.
I’m pretty proud of my cup of coffee.
After making coffees, we caught up with the Costa Coffee crew about the brand, how they source their products, and the entire collection process.
Did you know that their farmers use selective picking for their coffee beans? Yep! There are three types of methods. 1) Strip picking, where you take full branches. 2) Mechanical, where they have a machine to shake down the bushes and lastly, 3) Selective, handpicked.
Only the ripe ‘cherries’ (they are actually called this, I’m not just supremely clever at nicknames) are picked for consumption. That saves farmers money from shaking down whole branches and bushes, and allows their crops to continue to grow, without waste.
They also only grow two types of beans: Arabica and Robusta that come from the Bean Belt, just on either side of the equator. Like I said before this is all 100% Rainforest Alliance coffee. You can learn more about the entire Costa Coffee Experience here.
So I’ve had my turn at becoming a barista and it’s safe to say I think the only art I’ll be sticking with is my writing. But if you too love love love coffee and want your chance at becoming a skilled barista (hint – the perfect time to finally learn how to use that old espresso machine that you bought) and to share your love for all things Costa Coffee… sign up here. The masterclasses are taking place across the United Kingdom.
The Costa Coffee masterclasses will be hosted by their top baristas at local stores on 21st September from 7-8pm, and they’re completely free (PS. You don’t have to be a Costa Club member to attend). During the masterclass you’ll have the chance to learn about all things coffee and how the baristas pour the perfect florette. You’ll even have the chance to taste and get behind the counter yourself to make some of your favourites.
Here’s looking at you and your soon to be mad coffee skills!
A big thank you to Costa Coffee for hosting and letting me go totally rogue in their shop. I’ll definitely be back.
Kelly xox
**This post has been a collaboration between myself and Costa Coffee, but all views, opinions and coffee addictions are my own.