Welcome back to another Café Session, where we mix a little coffee knowledge with a lot of seasonal flavor. December has officially settled in, and so has the cold—those below-30 mornings hit hard, and we’ve even had a dusting of snow to make everything feel a little more festive (though we’re still waiting for that first full-blown storm). Thanksgiving leftovers are officially gone, holiday lights are twinkling across Denver, and the annual December scramble has begun—presents to buy, plans to make, and a calendar that somehow filled up overnight. ‘Tis the season of good cheer, mild panic, and coffee-fueled productivity.
This month, we’re talking all about holiday coffee survival: what’s the best way to bring great coffee on the go when traveling for the holidays, and how can you upgrade your at-home coffee setup without breaking the bank? Whether you’re hosting guests or just trying to stay caffeinated through the chaos, I’ve got some ideas to help keep your coffee game strong all month long. So grab a mug, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in—because even in the holiday madness, there’s always time for a great cup of coffee.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO BRING GOOD COFFEE ON-THE-GO (ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING FOR THE HOLIDAYS)?
Ah yes, the holiday travel season—the time of year when packing coffee becomes almost as important as packing socks. When I first saw this question, my mind immediately went to traveling with coffee beans. Whenever I visit family or friends, I like to bring along a few pounds of local Denver coffee so they can stock their shelves with something special. But let me tell you, TSA and coffee grounds are not exactly best friends.
I can’t count how many times my bag has been flagged, opened, and swabbed by airport security because of coffee. It’s such a regular occurrence that I’ve even ended up gifting bags of beans to strangers in line when I didn’t have time to wait for the extra screening. These days, I’ve learned my lesson—I take the coffee out of my luggage ahead of time to make security smoother. So, consider that your first pro tip for holiday travel: keep your coffee separate and visible if you’re bringing beans through the airport.
Now, if you’re talking about bringing brewed coffee on the go—say, to contribute to a holiday potluck or family brunch—there are a few solid options. You’ve probably seen those “Java to Go” cardboard containers from local cafés. They’re great for large gatherings and will keep coffee hot for about three hours, thanks to the insulated bag inside. Just keep in mind that as the coffee sits, so does the heat—so they’re best for short-term travel.
For something more personal and long-lasting, nothing beats an insulated thermos or a high-quality travel tumbler. These things are game changers. Some can keep your coffee hot all day—literally. I’ve left mine in the car for hours in cold weather and come back to find it still piping hot. They also make excellent on-the-road companions if you’re driving long distances or hopping between family gatherings.
So whether you’re packing beans for the relatives, brewing for the road, or just trying to keep your caffeine levels steady between airports, the key is insulation and preparation. Keep your coffee separate at security, use reliable travel gear, and you’ll have great coffee wherever the holidays take you.
WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO UPGRADE MY AT-HOME COFFEE SETUP AND BREW GREAT COFFEE FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS – WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE?
This may seem like the opposite of what you’d expect, but my honest answer is: go old school and get more hands-on. A lot of the nicer at-home coffee machines run hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars. And yes, you get what you pay for. (My parents had a wedding-gift coffee maker that lasted over 30 years… they truly don’t make them like they used to.)
But if you’re trying to elevate your coffee game for yourself and make great coffee for guests during the holidays—without dropping half your gift budget on an espresso machine—the best thing you can do is learn to master a single, well-crafted cup of coffee.
My personal favorite? A proper French Press.
They’re simple, reliable, and you can get a good one for around $30–$40. When brewed correctly, a French Press gives you a rich, full-bodied cup with tons of flavor. Just make sure you’re using a very coarse grind—otherwise you’ll end up with gritty coffee. If you need a refresher (or want to master it before the in-laws arrive), check out our guide:
How to Make the Perfect French Press
Another fantastic option—one we actually serve at Rise—is a pour-over using a Chemex.
The filters can be a little pricey, but the final cup is incredibly clean, bright, and flavorful. It’s an impressive brew method for guests, too: simple, elegant, and the beaker itself looks like something straight out of a holiday coffee commercial.
If you want something a little cheaper but just as effective, go for a Hario V60 dripper.
It uses less expensive filters, takes up almost no counter space, and sits right on top of your mug. No extra decanter needed. You’ll get a cup similar in quality to a Chemex but with a much smaller investment.
Bottom line: You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to brew great coffee at home—especially during the holidays. A solid grinder, a French Press or pour-over setup, and a little practice will elevate your coffee dramatically. And when holiday guests come over, you’ll look like a pro without spending a fortune.
