Summer is nearly behind us, even if the temperatures disagree, and that can only mean one thing...football is back! In Colorado, excitement is brewing for the Broncos and their rookie QB Bo Nix, while the collegiate world is abuzz with Deion Sanders and his Buffs, despite last year’s four-win season. But if football isn't your thing, September also marks the return to school for the kids and the end of vacation season. At Enterprise Coworking, we're seeing members return to the office as their kids head back to class, and our student members are hitting the books here in our space.
As we ease into Fall, it’s hard not to notice Halloween decorations popping up already, with some treating the spooky holiday as seriously as I do football season! Much like Christmas, these decorations seem to go up earlier each year. So, where does that leave us with this edition of Café Sessions? We’ll dive into the art of settling back into routines and explore the allure of leaf peeping.
WITH SCHOOL STARTING BACK UP, WHAT’S A QUICK WAY TO GET YOUR MORNING COFFEE IN?
I love this question. Often, guests dash into a coffee shop with just a couple of minutes to spare, looking for a quick caffeine fix. The challenge is, many factors can influence how long it takes to get your drink. As we say in the coffee world, "there’s nothing express about espresso." Though the words sound similar, they’re worlds apart. Pulling a good shot of espresso takes time, and we never like to rush the process.
So, what’s the alternative to getting up 15 minutes earlier to fit in a coffee stop? I’d suggest making your own Cold Brew. It’s like meal prep for coffee—though it takes time to prepare, you can make it in large batches that’ll last all week in your fridge. Just wake up and pour! If you’re more into hot coffee, and your coffee maker has a timer, you could go old school and set it to brew your pot just as you wake up. With the rise of Nespresso and home espresso machines, it’s easier than ever to get a quick and decent cup, but I’ve always thought the Aeropress strikes the perfect balance between speed and quality.
In the U.S., we often drink coffee on the go, a far cry from its origins as a drink meant to be savored in social settings. Coffeehouses were once gathering spots for intellectuals to discuss current affairs. Nowadays, we’re always in a hurry—grabbing coffee as we dash through the day. Fewer people take the time to enjoy their coffee with a bite to eat. Think of "tea time" in England, not the hurried rush to the golf tee, but an afternoon pause that’s part of the routine. So, why not plan for an extra few minutes to enjoy your coffee? I mean, really, is 5 more minutes of sleep worth missing out on that? (Though don’t ask me after a night of tequila!)
WHAT’S THE BEST COFFEE DRINK TO TAKE WITH YOU LEAF PEEPING?
Irish. First off, if you manage to pull me off the couch during football season to check out some leaves, there’d better be some booze involved! Sure, the fall colors are nice, but Google has some fantastic photos, and football doesn’t watch itself!
But this did get me thinking—what makes leaves change color? We all know it’s the shorter days and cooler temperatures, but what’s the science behind it? Leaves have four pigments that determine their color. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that converts sunlight into energy. As daylight wanes, leaves stop producing chlorophyll, revealing the yellow (xanthophylls), orange (carotenoids), and red pigments (anthocyanins) before they finally fall off for winter.
Now that I’ve geeked out for a bit, back to coffee. As the leaves change, it’s time for Pumpkin Spice Lattés! While many coffee shops offer them year-round, there’s something special about enjoying one as Halloween season approaches. Unless you’re in a rush, I’d suggest a drink that lasts throughout your adventure—or just pack some extras. So, throw on some flannel, lace up your boots, and grab a warm, spiked—I mean, spiced—coffee to match the great outdoors!
