January is a sweet spot of a month ... and definitely one of my favourites. The air is warm and the skies are the most hopeful shade of blue. Us humans are desperately trying to clutch the holiday spirit in our fingers, although it cannot help but fall through like the sands of time. Often, this finds us on the search for moments of joy - whether it's alongside family, exploring the outdoors, or my favourite - trying a new beverage at cafes around town.
I'm not always the biggest trend-hopper when it comes to the specialty cafe scene, but my sweet tooth and my preference for non-alcoholic drinks has led me down a rabbit hole ... and boy have I found wonderland! Between myself and some fantastic Fivers across the country, we've compiled a list of recommendations that we just had to share - no gatekeeping here! They celebrate the best of our blends, single origins and limited release coffees, and we hope you enjoy.
The Mont Blanc - This is the gateway specialty beverage that is being celebrated everywhere you look, and we love the spin each venue adds onto their personal recipe. A cold brew over ice, alongside freshly whipped creme and topped with a spice or zested citrus. Personally, I wish I could order them by the bucket.
PICTURED: Citrus Infused Mont Blanc with Yuzu Creme & Orange - Bloomwood, Melbourne CBD, VIC
Classic Mont Blanc with a Dried Orange Garnish - Sanshi Patisserie, Adelaide SA
Classic Mont Blanc with a Sea Salt Creme & Orange Zest - Purple Rain Cafe, Canberra ACT
Gingerbread Mont Blanc with Ginger Syrup & Crushed Gingernuts - Henry Ms, Perth WA
The Espresso Tonic - Tried and true, it's not the first rodeo for this refreshing beverage. A fantastic balance of bitterness & acidity, this is sure to cool you down on a typical Aussie scorcher. Classic, or with a twist, it'll keep you buzzing. Typically served as an espresso over ice, alongside tonic water & citrus. Yum!
PICTURED: Classic Espresso Tonic with Yuzacha-infused Honey - Osoi, Brunswick VIC
Classic Espresso Tonic served tall with an Orange Slice - The A Team, Watsonia, VIC
Yuzu Fizz Twist with Yuzu Syrup & Soda Water - Sanshi Patisserie, Adelaide SA
Classic Espresso Tonic with Orange Tonic - Emme, Fortitude Valley, QLD
The Cold Brew - Potent and powerful, this is the perfect iced beverage to speed you through the day (whilst peaking out the window at the sunshine). It also makes the perfect base for experimentation, and while so many of our wonderful cafe partners serve the classic brew, here are some of our favourite takes on something a little different. Special mention to Dave, the owner of Yellow Bernard in Hobart for being able to keep his recipe secret and confidential for so many years. This stuff is so good that I bring a bottle back with me to the mainland everytime I visit!
PICTURED: Coconut Water Cold Brew with Coconut Cream - Emme, Fortitude Valley QLD
Yuzu Syrup Infused Cold Brew - Cheri, South Melbourne VIC
'You Really Got Me' Cold Brew with Fresh Pineapple & Malt - Purple Rain, Canberra, ACT
Fast Eddie Cold Brew Concentrate with Vanilla & Spices - Yellow Bernard, Hobart, TAS
The Wild & The Wonderful - Here's a few added extras that are the best example of creativity and fun! Where the worlds of mixology, coffee and summer combine.
PICTURED: Pistachio Iced Latte with Espresso & Pistachio Creme - Sanshi Patisserie, Adelaide SA
The Purple Rain, Cold Brew with Grape Juice & Jasmine Tea - Purple Rain, ACT
Cherry Cola Twist with Espresso, Cherry Syrup & Cola - Osoi, Brunswick VIC
I even did a little home brewing myself over the holiday season, so here's a cheeky little bonus beverage for you to enjoy.
The Zoe: La Divisa Special Release, served over Ice with Caramel Creme & Lime Zest
Your favourite natural processed coffee, either a 1:16 ratio pourover or cold brewed at 1:10 over 24 hours. Serve poured over ice into a tall glass. Soft whip some fresh cream, with a dash of caramel syrup and carefully pour over the filter so it sits on top of the brew. Zest a lime over the drink for the perfect garnish! Our La Divisa is but a distant 2024 memory but why not try the Lem Lem, an Ethiopian Natural that has notes of bergamot, lemon-lime & jasmine honeysuckle florals!
Whew, talk about spoilt for choice! Extend your summer spirit for a little while longer and head down to these venues for the best way to get caffeinated into 2025!
